West System is expanding its range to include Wood Red, a repair system for damaged timber. According to the manufacturer, the two-component, highly fluid epoxy resin penetrates deep into rotten areas and strengthens weakened wood fibres from within. The system contains no solvents and therefore does not shrink during curing. According to West System, the resin remains flexible enough to accommodate natural movement of the timber without cracking.
Use on a boat
The process begins with the removal of paint, varnish and loose material. The wood must then be allowed to dry thoroughly, ideally to a moisture content of less than 12 per cent; a hairdryer can speed up the drying process. The mixed epoxy resin is applied with a brush or spread generously over the surface. If the wood absorbs the resin completely, it is advisable to apply another coat. At 22 degrees Celsius, the working time is 30 to 40 minutes.
Curing and further processing
After 24 hours, the treated surface can be sanded. Depending on the thickness of the coat, a top coat can be applied after as little as three to twelve hours. Before painting, varnishing or sealing, the so-called ‘amine bloom’ must be removed; this forms on the surface during curing and can be washed off with water and a sponge. The surface is then sanded and cleaned.
Expansion using fillers
The Wood Rot System can be used in combination with West System fillers. The 407 Low-Density Fairing Filler and the 405 Filleting Blend Adhesive Filler are particularly suitable for wood repairs. These fillers thicken the epoxy resin, enabling the filling of cavities or the restoration of missing sections of wood; the thickened mixture can be used like a filler.
Three sizes available
The Small Kit (690-36) contains 240 millilitres of resin and 120 millilitres of hardener in plastic bottles, two pairs of gloves, a set of instructions and two shaker bottles; it costs 35.69 euros. The Medium Kit (690-1.5L) comprises one litre of resin and 500 millilitres of hardener in metal containers, plus two pairs of gloves, a mixing cup, two plastic stirring sticks, a laminating brush, two shaker bottles and a set of instructions; this set costs 85.85 euros. The Large Kit (690-6L) contains four litres of resin and two litres of hardener in metal canisters, two pairs of gloves, a mixing cup, a wooden stirring stick, a laminating brush and instructions. The price for this size has not yet been finalised.
West System’s Wood Rot is available from von der Linden GmbH and at well-stocked boat suppliers.
Jan-Ole Puls
Editor Test & Technology
