Best Marine Epoxy

‍The Top 10 Best Marine Epoxy

Mastering the selection of the right epoxy resin for your material is essential to keep your boat’s hull in good shape. It is important to learn practical tips on applying the various marine epoxy effectively for successful repair or building of your boat.

By taking the time to research product information you can avoid wasting money on useless products and find the perfect match for your needs. Each epoxy has its pros and cons to help you better understand the differences. Below are the best options available for boat owners wanting to make a difference for their boat.

Better Boat

Better Boat’s marine grade epoxy resin is a must-have epoxy resin kit enhances boat appearance and provides long-lasting protection. This makes it ideal for any boat owner that want to customize their boats or countertops and everything in between. The marine epoxy delivers a high-gloss finish for various projects such as lamination and encapsulation.

The kit comes with a coverage chart guide for perfect resin thickness and it sets quickly in under 15 minutes. This makes it great for time-sensitive projects or for those that are able to move at a fast pace. With excellent heat and UV resistance it withstands extreme temperatures up to 248 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pros

Excellent for wooden boat projects
Made in USA and can be used for various applications
Includes chart guide to mix properly

Cons

Cannot use with oil-based stains

J-B Weld

J-B Weld 8272 is a best-selling marine grade epoxy that is a highly flexible and durable adhesive. It can be used for just about everything. This is suitable for various boat applications as well as the following:

Aluminum
Fiberglass
Metal
Plastic
Wood surfaces

J-B Weld 8272 simplifies boat and marine DIY projects with its long-lasting formula. It can cure in under six hours and give you an opportunity to inspect other areas of the vessel. It finally cures somewhere between 15 to 24 hours and you can sand or even drill it effortlessly.

Its impressive bonding capability brings great relief for those that are in dire need of a good marine epoxy. Be sure to mix it in a 1:1 ratio for optimal bonding and protection for your project.

The dark grey finish makes it easier to apply marine-grade epoxy paint so you can see exactly where you are applying it. This two-part cold weld epoxy formula is proven to rejuvenate boats and withstand harsh weather conditions on multiple surfaces.

Pros

Can hold up to tough weather conditions
Can be used on multiple surfaces
Suitable for a marine grade epoxy

Cons

Has a long wait time to fully cure

Pro Marine Epoxy

Pro Marine's clear table top epoxy resin kit is a versatile and stunning finish that is perfect for marine or even artwork use. It is very user-friendly with a 1:1 ratio formula that ensures easy measurement and mixing for beginners.

Boaters highly praise this brand's clear gloss resin components for their bubble-free finish that makes it ideal for high-quality projects on various surfaces. It leaves a vibrant coating on various surfaces including aluminum and stainless steel and even reclaimed or restored items. It is also made in the USA for those that want to support products made here.

Pros

Made in the USA and is VOC free
Works best when applied to wood surfaces but has other uses
Crystal clear finish and repels water

Cons

Has a 72 hour wait time to fully cure

TotalBoat Epoxy Resin

TotalBoat offers a marine grade epoxy that serves multiple purposes and happens to be convenient for a glossy finish. This versatile epoxy is ideal for various projects and is perfect for both professional tasks and DIY projects that want a fast curing marine epoxy.

This marine epoxy is user-friendly and the curing process is transparent to seamlessly blend with the fixed material. Two key drawbacks are that it may scratch easily once cured and is sensitive to temperature. For optimal results you should avoid mixing it in cold room temperatures.

Pros

Showcases a glossy finish
Can be used for a variety of projects
Cures fast and applies clear

Cons

Prone to scratches after curing

PC-Products Epoxy Adhesive Paste

PC-Products makes a wonderful epoxy adhesive paste that works well under pressure in extreme temperatures. It can be used for a variety of applications and desires while giving you a heavy duty marine epoxy that can get the job done.

It can give you an opportunity to fix small leaks or cracks and fill patches or holes. It also stands up well to corrosive substances and cures within 48 hours at a minimum.

Pros

Can be applied to multiple surfaces
Heavy duty marine grade epoxy resin that fights off corrosive substances
Works for any situation outdoors or indoors

Cons

Takes a while to prepare and you need to wait up to 48 hours to cure

Loctite

Loctite marine epoxy is great for various applications such has sealing drive shafts or reconstructing exit points. It is fast-drying and does not break once it has cured so you only should have to use it one time for your projects.

It has proven to be a reliable epoxy among model boat builders and effectively fixes water pipe leaks even underwater. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing and use promptly due to its rapid drying and hardening.

Pros

Does not crack after curing
Is great a repelling water and most types of solvents
Just need to use it once

Cons

Need to read how to properly mix first

West System Epoxy

West System epoxy resin is an excellent choice as your go-to marine epoxy resin. It excels in bonding and protection but also has a transparent and low-viscosity liquid form that ensures strong and reliable curing.

It is moisture resistant and cures effectively over a wide temperature range. Its unique transparent hardener mixture creates a natural-looking finish and eliminates solvent odors that make it a safe alternative to other resins. It does come at a higher price compared to other marine epoxy resin brands.

Pros

Cures in a variety of temperatures
Is clear and has low viscosity
Very durable and moisture resistant

Cons

Higher price than other marine epoxy resin brands.

Brampton

Brampton marine epoxy allows you to effortlessly repair boat damages and is a favorite among marine epoxy brands. It provides a strong bonding to ensures reliable results and it is waterproof and weather-resistant.

Brampton marine epoxy resin and hardener quickly sets in roughly 15 minutes and fully hardens in 30 minutes. It can also cure underwater allowing you to easily seal boat holes or gaps and provide a watertight seal.

Pros

Hardens fast and is quite durable
Can be used on underwater applications
Offers an excellent seal

Cons

You have to move quickly before it sets in

ClearCast Marine Epoxy

ClearCast showcases an epoxy resin that has proven to stand out for its exceptional performance and user-friendliness. It has a fast and rigid curing process and an ability to combat a variety of outside forces and be waterproof.

You can use it in plenty of settings and gives you versatility. It is affordable which makes it a great purchase. The major drawback from most users is that it does not offer a clear coating.

Pros

Cures rather quickly
Meant for marine use but can be applied to many other situations
Safe for indoors

Cons

Pumps are not great and it is not a clear marine epoxy

Incredible Solutions

Incredible Solutions created a great marine epoxy that is perfect for coating. Do not worry if you do not know how much to mix or apply since it comes with instructions and care information.

The mix can be a bit thick and is easiest to work with once it is at room temperature. It leaves a crystal clear finish once it has cured and offers excellent UV protection for your boat.

Pros

UV protection to help with yellowing
Easy to apply once mixed at room temp
There are not any VOC which makes it safe for indoor use

Cons

Only a 20 minute window to work after mixing

What to Know Before Buying Marine Epoxy

Before buying marine epoxies you will need to consider important factors that cater to certain types of uses. Marine epoxies can come as a thick paste or liquid. The resin you choose with the filler powder is needed to thicken or you can buy thick paste with hardener.

If you are using it to make boat repairs you should check to make sure the epoxy product has marine resins and hardeners. Understanding what a marine epoxy is meant to do can help you achieve your project goals.

Durability

A good marine epoxy should be able to hold up to any elements that you decide to put it through for a long period of time. This means various weather or abrasions that might affect the layer epoxy adhesive over the course of years.

Flexible

Marine epoxy should be flexible if it is being applied to things that have constant movement or stretching. Marine epoxy that has polyester-resin or polyurethane-resin are best geared toward projects that are going to handle tough conditions.

Toughness

The perfect marine epoxy needs to stand up to different elements and be UV resistant or become an airtight and watertight seal. In boat building you definitely need to have marine epoxy that is strong enough to handle the job.

Different Types of Marine Epoxy

There are variations of marine epoxy and they should all be studied before purchasing. Each one will cater to certain situations.

The type of project you are working on might need a specific marine epoxy. Make sure to read user reviews before purchasing any of these to have the best idea on application. Below you can see the different types and how they might work in your situation.

Polyurethane Resin Epoxies

These are a liquid and can be used as a marine epoxy. They are used in a variety of different applications and are convenient making them often easy to find.

Marine Epoxy

Marine epoxies are what you want for your boat since they are great for being constantly in the water. They are commonly used in boat building and boat repair. They also last longer and are UV resistant to help fight off yellowing from the sun’s harsh rays.

Polyester Resin

Polyester resin are composed of synthetic compounds that are great to repel water and other forms or solvents. They are excellent for plastic and can be used underwater.

Casting Resin

Casting resin is a lot thinner than other marine epoxy resins. These are perfect for small spaces or filling cracks but need a lot more time to finish curing.

Epoxy Marine Paint

Marine epoxy paints are best used to make the outside of a boat more appealing. You get the same benefits with water and weather resistance and they work well with primers. Marine epoxy paint is easy to apply.

Coating Resin

Coating resin is a lot thicker and can be used for a variety of situations. They can fill small or large gaps and are a lot easier to mix.

The Benefits and Drawbacks to Marine Epoxy

With anything you buy it is wise to consider the pros and cons of a product in order to get the best bang for your buck. In most situations the pros will outweigh the cons for a good marine epoxy.

The good thing is that marine epoxy can be used in so many situations depending on your intended use. The biggest drawback for most will likely be price so it is best to consider your budget beforehand.