There is no way around it. The protective layer on the hull of your boat has to be in absolutely mind condition. The coolest part is that you can use this very same substance also to glue things together and fill problematic leaky areas in your vessel too. Yep, you guessed it, we are talking about using the best marine epoxy.
The only problem with all of the above is purchasing the proper product. You don’t want to get scammed, and this is why you can trust our reviews of marine epoxy that our team has put together. After thorough research, we can safely say that we will show you which units are going to be the most suitable ones for the challenges of boat maintenance.
Read away and don’t miss the guide after the reviews, which will tell you how to mix and use the epoxy as well.
Best Marine Epoxy Comparison Chart
| PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 | Epoxy Resin Coating by Pro Marine Supplies |
| View On Amazon |
 | TotalBoat Epoxy Resin |
| View On Amazon |
 | Epoxy Resin by Incredible Solutions |
| View On Amazon |
 | West System Epoxy Resin |
| View On Amazon |
 | J-B Weld 8272 MarineWeld Epoxy |
| View On Amazon |
 | Loctite 1919324 Marine Epoxy |
| View On Amazon |
 | MARINEGUARD 8000 by Clearcast 7000 |
| View On Amazon |
The Best Marine Epoxy Reviews (New List 2021)
See the list below, check the outlines, and weigh-in the pros & cons of each epoxy described below. Our team hasn’t arranged them in any special order.
1. Epoxy Resin Coating by Pro Marine Supplies
This is one of the largest kits on our list. Pro Marine Supplies offers this 2-gallon set, which consists of 1-gallon epoxy and 1-gallon hardener tubes. The mixing ratio is 1:1, and you have about 30 to 40 minutes of work time. Using some protective gear, like gloves, is recommended while working with the resin and hardener. A good thing is that there’s barely any odor when you mix the two liquids.
You can rely on this epoxy to maintain its glossy clear finish with a very slight amber tint. It will not yellow over time as this product has some, but not a 100% protection against UV rays.
With this much amount of the product, you can cover about 40 sq. ft. or about 20 sq. ft. per gallon. That is if you use the recommended 1,8-inch thickness. You can use the mixture for various applications, even more than other products from the list. This marine epoxy doesn’t damage items like photos, cork, bamboo, canvases, or puzzles. The most important thing when working with this element is to follow the instructions, work as quickly as you can, and keep the recommended temperature.
Pros
- This product complies with FDA regulations.
- You can color this epoxy with powder pigment.
- Blush and UV resistant formula.
- It doesn’t scratch easily.
- The cured product is water-resistant.
Cons
- Pumps aren’t included in the package.
2. TotalBoat Epoxy Resin
Here we have a product from a company called TotalBoat, and the name itself tells that this resin is made for marine boats. It is 100% waterproof marine epoxy and is an ideal choice for fixing and coating a boat. Unlike some other products on our list, you cannot use this one as an adhesive. This 1-gallon kit includes half and half gallons of resin and hardener, both of which are made in the USA.
When fully cured, the result is a crystal clear, smooth, and glossy finish. You should keep in mind that air bubbles may form while the liquid is setting. Use a hot air gun to get rid of them. Keep the heat from the gun about six inches away from the surface.
In case you want to or need to apply a second coat of the mixture, you have to wait between 4 to 8 hours. The advised thickness is about 1,8 inches, which should be enough to cover a surface of 12 sq. ft. per gallon. Respectively, if you need two layers of the epoxy, this kit will be enough for 6 sq. ft.
Pros
- It’s a self-leveling product.
- This epoxy is resistant to stains, yellowing, and scratches.
- Also this is heat resistant and doesn’t blush.
- It is a BPA-free and low VOC formula.
Cons
- This kit doesn’t include pumps.
3. Epoxy Resin by Incredible Solutions
Here come a half and half gallons of epoxy resin and a curing agent from Incredible Solutions. The proper mixing ratio is 1:1, which is enough to cover up to 12 sq. ft. with 1,8 inches layer. You should know that this product is for coating and not to use as an adhesive or casting.
An instructions manual is included in the package. The steps are straightforward, so even if you’re a beginner, you should have no problems working with this product.
What’s essential when you begin work with this marine epoxy is how you mix it and the room temperature. Follow the directions carefully, and you shouldn’t have a problem and keep about 80 degrees in the room. The mixture is quite thick and can be difficult to spread and make a thin layer. However, when you’re done, you will have a beautiful crystal clear and glossy finish.
Pros
- UV protection helps prevent yellowing over time.
- Self-leveling product.
- No VOCs in the formula, and that means there’s only almost no odor.
- You can mix it with acrylic paint or alcohol-based inks to give it a color of your liking.
Cons
- The working time after mixing the two parts is too short, only 20 min.
- Mixing is tiring because of the thickness of the epoxy and hardener.
4. West System Epoxy Resin
The epoxy resin from West System is a pale yellow liquid with low viscosity. It is one of the priciest on our list in terms of the amount to price ratio. This product is only 32 fl. oz. and the hardener is 7 fl. oz.
With this product, you can achieve a natural-looking finish of your boat or a piece of furniture. You can use this resin for filling, bonding, and coating of various materials. What makes it suitable for different uses are the proportions at which you mix the two substances.
There’s a slight solvent smell when mixed, but it disappears when fully cured. For a full cure for the 205 hardener, about 8 hours at 70 degrees can be enough. Overall this is a high-quality and versatile epoxy resin, plus it hardens quickly.
Pros
- Pumps are included in the package.
- When cured, the epoxy doesn’t shrink.
- Moisture resistant.
- If sealed well, the shelf life can be over two years.
Cons
- The color changes from clear to yellow-brownish over time.
5. J-B Weld 8272 MarineWeld Epoxy
Here is a product suitable for DIYers or people who are using epoxy for the first time. Keep in mind that you’ll find it easy to work with the mixture, but it’s a very powerful one.
There are thorough instructions on the back of the box that must be followed strictly. Thus, you will have a strong and long-lasting bond.
This product is mainly used in repairs and as an adhesive. You can apply it on a variety of materials, some of which are metal, wood, fiberglass, and aluminum. However, do not use it as an adhesive for food-grade materials.
Bear in mind that this isn’t a colorless epoxy. The color is dark grey when you mix it and after it cures. The time needed for a complete cure is between 15 and 24 hours.
Pros
- This product can withstand temperatures of up to 550 degrees.
- After it cures completely, you can sand, drill, and file the paste.
- You can use it for sealing cracks and gluing pipes.
- This epoxy’s tensile strength is 5020 PSI.
Cons
- You must have protective gloves and goggles when you use this product.
- It’s difficult to remove the mixture from your skin after it dries.
6. Loctite 1919324 Marine Epoxy
Our next product is from the well-known brand Loctite. It’s 0.85 fl. oz. syringe, which makes the application of the adhesive quite manageable by a non-experienced person. Like most epoxies, this product also requires about 24 hours to cure complete. After that, you can drill or sand it per your needs.
A good thing about this Loctite marine epoxy is that it doesn’t shrink after it sets. Furthermore, this product has a tensile strength of 3000 PSI, and you can use it as an adhesive for a vast range of materials. Some of the materials you can use it on are PVC, galvanized pipes, ceramics, and, of course, metal, wood, and fiberglass.
The syringe gives away equal parts of the resin and the hardener, so you have the right mixing proportions. That makes it comfortable to use for sealing small cracks. Also, it is convenient for fixing tiny details on a variety of boats or specific parts.
Pros
- Quick set time – only two hours.
- The paste is applicable and cures underwater.
- After it cures, you can sand and paint over it.
- This marine epoxy is resistant to most common solvents and water.
Cons
- This shouldn’t be used for food-grade materials or aquariums.
7. MARINEGUARD 8000 by Clearcast 7000
You can use this marine epoxy from Clearcast to cover up to 300 sq. ft. depending on how you apply the product. The volume of the item is 1.5 gallons. It is a 100% solid resin material and is clear like glass.
The epoxy has low viscosity and is similar to motor oil. After curing, you can sand or machine it. If you see air bubbles forming on the surface, you can use a hot air gun to get rid of them. Working with this liquid is quite effortless – it spreads evenly and covers the area well.
When applied, this product is colorless. It takes about 24 hours to cure fully. The standard thickness of the layer is about 1,2 inches, but it will cure if it’s more. At first, there’s a slight unpleasant smell, which is normal, and it goes away as soon as the material cures.
Pros
- This product can be used on vinyl plank flooring.
- Two pumps are included in the package.
- It is safe to use on delicate surfaces, like surfboards.
- The epoxy can be used on its own as waterproofer.
- You can use this in a pool.
Cons
- No UV protection.
- Only one year shelf life.
- It turns yellow over time.
8. PC-Products PC-11 Epoxy Adhesive Paste
This is a PC-Products’ epoxy adhesive paste. The package includes two cans – parts A and B. Using a paste is more convenient for non-flat surfaces. The combined weight of the two is 1,2 pounds. What is more, the temperature range of this epoxy endures is from -20 to +200 degrees.
The color specified on the description is off-white. However, that’s not entirely true. Part A is white, and part B is green-blue. When mixed, the color is more of a blueish or grey, depending on the proportions you use.
This paste requires about 24 hours to harden completely, after that you can sand or drill it. You can use this product as an adhesive for different materials, such as metal and fiberglass.
Because it is in paste form, you may find it a bit difficult to mix and apply. Also, the paste gives you less time to work. You have to be quick, even though the work time is specified 30-40 minutes at 70 degrees.
Pros
- Two years of shelf life.
- It’s made in the USA.
- UV light-resistant.
- This product is salt and fresh water-resistant.
Cons
- The cans aren’t full but only about 80%-85%.
What is Marine Epoxy?
If you are looking for an extraordinary secret as to why we call it “marine epoxy,” you are in for a disappointment. There isn’t such a thing as marine-grade epoxy because the basic properties of every epoxy render it perfect for any marine neds you may have.
This substance will give the necessary hardness of your boat and its hull and will help in waterproofing the whole vessel. The explanation is as simple as that.
The Short Version of How Marine Epoxy Works
Staying true to the title of this section, we will just say that to get epoxy, you need to have two substances:
- Resin
- Hardliner
By mixing the two, you get an exceptionally robust product, which is considered by many to be the most durable adhesive on Earth. Not only that, you can use it to attach wood to metal, for example, but you can also use it for surfaces facing winds, sun, water, etc. You see now why epoxy is the “go-to” substance when it comes to boat construction and maintenance.
Speaking of boat maintenance, you might want to check our other posts related to boat maintenance and detailing because our crew has worked tirelessly to bring you the most up-to-date information in that field.
So Why is Epoxy so Beneficial to Boats?
By now, you can probably guess what the main benefits of epoxy in the marine business are, but we will summarize just to make it condensed and clear to understand.
- This super adhesive called marine epoxy has a universal application, and we love it. The main advantage is that material doesn’t matter. You may have a wood boat or an aluminum one. This is all fine – epoxy will still be applicable.
This isn’t the case when you want to paint your boat, for instance. If you own an aluminum boat, you need to look for specific types of paint. Thankfully, we’ve done all the research for you and have put together a set of unique reviews of the most reliable paints for aluminum boats. By reading our other articles, you will quickly find out that many of the marine tools and supplies can be used on certain surfaces only. That’s not the case with epoxy. It can stick to anything.
- It will help you prevent leaking. Now granted, we have also created a guide on getting the most excellent sealers for aluminum boats, but it won’t cover anything related to boats made out of plastic or wood. Additionally, regular sealers aren’t designed to help you plug punctures. Epoxy, on the other hand, if applied correctly, can even help you fix damages and not only loose rivets and keels.
- Epoxy improves the overall sturdiness of your boat. Many people add a layer of epoxy over their coat of paint just to achieve an extra hardness of the hull. This isn’t necessary, and many high-end boats will come with such a layer, but it never hurts to have it. If you purchase a wooden boat, it will likely come with a layer of epoxy straight from the factory. For metal boats, a coat of paint is typically enough, but we aren’t going to tell you that epoxy is useless. You’ll be surprised that dents in the hull may occur even if you do not bump your vessel anywhere.
- It enhances waterproofing. A boat has to survive the water it’s used in. Sometimes this current can be quite rough or strong. You want to make sure that water is pushed away from the surface of your vessel, and epoxy helps you achieve just that.
- Applying it isn’t very hard. Because the substance is very flexible, you will have no problems using it on the surface you wish. In some cases, you need to be quick because some epoxies will cure quickly.
- Hard to reach spots are no longer hard to reach. Some adhesives will not be able to make it inside cracks or under rivet heads. That’s not the case here. When your epoxy is still in liquid form and with improved viscosity, it will make its way everywhere. Once you can tuck it in where you want it, just let it dry out and enjoy the effects.
Blushing vs. non- Blushing Epoxy
In all honesty, we aren’t sure why this is still even a debate. We will tell you right away that we think that the no blush epoxy is the way to go. Before we can tell you why we should get something out of the way. We need to clarify what is amine blush.
In simple words, once your epoxy interacts with oxygen for too long, some waxing will appear on the surface. We aren’t going to dabble too much in the chemical reasons for that, but what you need to know is that this film will appear on the already cured surface of the epoxy layer because it interacts with the air.
This reaction occurs only to blushing epoxy. It’s nothing worrisome. You can just wipe it away and be done with it. The problems it creates, though, can have some consequences in case you forget to wipe it away. This film will prevent your second coat of epoxy from curing, and that’s a problem.
You can’t just wipe it out using a damp cloth. No, you will have to get lacquer thinner. Another useful substance is acetone, and many homes have it lying around.
Blushing epoxy slows you down a little bit because you will have to wait for the first layer to cure fully before you commence with applying the second coat. You can’t get smart here and put the second layer before the first one cures because the blush will still appear between the two layers and destroy the effectiveness of the epoxy.
Well, with a no-blush epoxy, you get none of that. The only downside of the no blush epoxy is its price. But you should be ready to spend a little bit more to save yourself the troubles.
How to Use (apply) Marine Epoxy?
There are no big secrets related to applying epoxy, as the process is similar to the application boat sealers and paints. Still, we will give you a few steps to follow:
- Prepare the surface. Sand and roughen the area that you are going to be covering. The sandpaper is your best friend here.
- Power-wash the area if needed. If we are talking about a small crack, just wipe the debris and dust with a damp cloth. Apply some detergent if necessary.
- If you don’t want to wait for the area to dry out, you can use a heat gun or even a blowtorch. Note that the blowtorch shouldn’t be used if your boat is made out of wood.
- Read the instructions on the boxes of your resin and hardener. Mix them according to these instructions, and once you are happy with the texture of the mixture, you are ready to apply.
- If you are attaching two pieces, make sure you have them lined up or stacked correctly. Then, use a small brush to apply the epoxy and adjust the objects the way you want.
- Now you enter the pot life stage. During that time, the epoxy is still pretty flexible. This allows you to make final adjustments to what you are gluing. You need to be careful not to be too aggressive with the movement because you may have to re-do the whole thing all over again.
- Allow for the epoxy to cure and apply a second layer if needed. This is typically something you want to do when covering the whole hull of a boat with epoxy. If you are just sealing rivets, you will likely be just fine with just one coat of epoxy.
Wrap Up
This will be it from us when it comes to getting the best marine epoxy. This is just another one of our articles on boat maintenance and equipment, and we encourage you to go check out some of our other work too.
Until then, keep coming back to our reviews of marine epoxy above until you are sure you want to go with a specific product. Let us know if we missed anything or if anything was particularly helpful to you. Thanks for reading!