Traditional 5:1 Marine Epoxy Resin Kits

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• How can I use this marine epoxy to build boats, repair hulls, and bond bulkheads?

  From laying up a new hull to bringing an old wooden boat back to life, TotalBoat Traditional 5:1 Marine Epoxy helps you tackle repairs and builds with confidence. Use this resin for wooden kayak and boat construction, fiberglass hull and deck repairs, bonding bulkheads or berth frames, and wetting out reinforcement fabrics for laminating. Mix with compatible fillers to create thickened adhesives, filleting compounds, or fairing mixtures. A great solution for projects above or below the waterline when applied to properly prepared, dry surfaces.
• What comes in a this epoxy kit?

  Full kits include resin, your choice of Fast or Slow Hardener, calibrated mixing pumps, wooden stir sticks, a flexible spreader, mixing cups, and disposable gloves. The gallon-size resin-and-hardener-only option is intended for restocking and does not include pumps or mixing supplies. Fiberglass cloth and fillers are sold separately.
• Is TotalBoat Traditional 5:1 Epoxy compatible with other epoxy systems?

  Yes, TotalBoat 5:1 Epoxy can be used interchangeably with other traditional 5:1 marine epoxy systems. Important: Do not use TotalBoat pumps with other brands. Be sure to mix by volume only.
• Should I choose Fast or Slow Hardener?

  Choose Fast Hardener for cooler conditions or a shorter working window, and Slow Hardener when warmer temperatures or larger applications call for more working time. The minimum application temperature is 40°F for Fast and 60°F for Slow. Keep in mind that temperature and the amount of epoxy mixed affect working and curing times.
• Why aren't hardener bottles full to the top?

  We use a hardener bottle sized to fit our calibrated mixing pump, so there is intentionally extra space above the liquid. This is especially noticeable in Size A kits. Each kit includes the correct amount of hardener for the supplied resin.
• How much epoxy do I need for my project?

  The amount depends on your project’s surface area, fiberglass fabric weight, number of layers, and whether you’re coating, laminating, or bonding. Use our Fiberglass Resin Coverage Calculator to estimate resin and hardener requirements for fiberglass work. Compare that estimate with the mixed volume listed for your selected kit.
• Is this compatible with fillers and thickeners?

  Yes. Add compatible fillers to the mixed resin and hardener to create the consistency and properties your project needs. Silica adds thickness and sag resistance, milled glass fibers support structural bonding, and microballoons create a lightweight fairing compound that is easier to sand. Choose the filler for the application rather than treating all thickened mixtures as interchangeable.
• Does the resin dry clear, and can it be left exposed to sunlight?

  Traditional 5:1 Marine Epoxy cures with an amber tint and is not intended for clear-coat applications. For sunlight exposure, protect the cured epoxy with a suitable UV-resistant varnish, paint, varnish, or other UV-blocking finishes. Consider High Performance 2:1 Epoxy when a clearer finish is important.
• Can I paint or apply gelcoat over once cured?

  Traditional 5:1 Marine Epoxy can be painted or varnished after sufficient curing and proper surface preparation. Wait at least 5–7 days of curing under normal conditions, followed by the required preparation before overcoating. Gelcoat requires an approved epoxy primer between the cured epoxy and gelcoat; do not apply it directly to the epoxy. Follow the current technical instructions for each coating in the system.
• What's the working time and cure time for each hardener speed?

  At 75°F, pot life is approximately 12 minutes for Fast Hardener and 20 minutes for Slow Hardener, measured with a 150 g mixed batch. Epoxy spread immediately into a thin film remains workable longer than epoxy left in a mixing cup. Both systems require 1–4 days for light use and 3–5 days for full cure under high loads at 75°F. Cooler temperatures extend curing time, so distinguish a firm surface from a repair ready for service.
• Do I need to wash or sand cured resin between coats?

  Traditional 5:1 Marine Epoxy forms amine blush, a surface residue produced during curing. Before recoating fully cured epoxy, wash with warm water and mild soap, rinse, dry completely, and then sand as directed. Earlier recoating may be possible while the previous layer remains tacky; follow the TDS for the appropriate preparation.
• How do I properly store TotalBoat epoxy?

  Store at 60-90°F in a dry place. After use, tightly reseal all containers. Store products on a raised surface off the floor during cold weather and avoid storing near outside walls or doors. Properly stored, this epoxy has no specific shelf life.