TotalBoat FlexEpox Flexible Epoxy Adhesive
- Flexible 2-part epoxy adhesive
- Extra tolerant to dynamic stresses from contraction, expansion, vibration, and shock
- Tenaciously bonds to a wide variety of substrates
- Extended working time
- Can be used above or below the waterline
TotalBoat FlexEpox is a tough, flexible epoxy adhesive that adheres aggressively to fiberglass, metal, plastic, and wood. It creates permanent, structural bonds that absorb stresses and tolerate flexing better than traditional 2-part epoxy resins.
Product Information
Cleaner / Surface Preparation
Acetone or denatured alcohol.
Cleanup
Use denatured alcohol or acetone. Once cured, remove mechanically.
Thinner / Reducer
Do not thin FlexEpox.
Mold Release Agents
Mold release paste wax or aerosol mold release agents.
Primer
No primers are necessary. Etching with TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Etch Wash is recommended on bare aluminum substrates, and TotalBoat Rust Primer is recommended for ferrous steel applications.
Applications
- Bonding and structural adhesive applications
- Bonding dissimilar materials
- Bonds where dynamic stresses are present
- Adhesive for difficult-to-bond substrates
Safety & PPE
Always use proper protective equipment, gloves, and eye protection in accordance with the Safety Data Sheet when handling or applying TotalBoat FlexEpox.
Exothermic Reaction: The cure of FlexEpox generates heat and can reach 200°F or higher in large masses. Apply in thin films when possible.
Surface Preparation
All surfaces must be clean, dry, and free of dust, oil, wax, and contaminants. Use only clean cotton rags for solvent wipes — synthetic rags can leave residue.
Fiberglass
- Remove any amine blush with warm water and mild soap.
- Dry completely, then remove wax using a dewaxing solvent.
- Abrade with 80-grit or coarser sandpaper and remove residue.
- Wipe with acetone or denatured alcohol before bonding.
Epoxy
- Remove blush with warm water and soap, then dry thoroughly.
- Abrade surface with 80-grit or coarser sandpaper, then clean with solvent wipes.
Wood
- Wipe with acetone or denatured alcohol to remove contamination.
- Sand bonding surfaces with 80-grit paper, remove dust, and wipe again with solvent.
Metals
- Steel / Iron: Sand to bright metal and clean with solvent. Apply TotalBoat Rust Primer for best results.
- Stainless Steel: Sand with 80-grit sandpaper and solvent-wipe; dry before use.
- Aluminum: Sand or etch with TotalBoat Aluminum Boat Etch Wash.
- Lead: Clean and sand small sections at a time; bond immediately before oxidation occurs.
Other Substrates
- Stone & Masonry: Must be completely dry before application.
- Glass: Wipe clean with denatured alcohol.
- Plastic: Abrade or heat-treat as directed; avoid acetone on acrylics.
- LDPE, HDPE, Polyethylene, Polypropylene: FlexEpox will not bond to these materials.
Applications
Bonding
Provides durable, flexible, and strong bonds for a wide variety of materials above or below the waterline. Use minimal clamping pressure to avoid squeezing epoxy out of the joint. For porous materials, add TotalBoat Silica Thickener to prevent absorption.
Filleting
For perpendicular joints, apply thickened FlexEpox to a peanut butter consistency along the seam. Smooth with a rounded tool for uniform fillets and added rigidity.
Gap Filling
Use thickened epoxy for gaps up to 1/2". For larger voids, build in layers, letting each cure to tacky or sanding between coats.
Adding Fillers & Thickeners
- Silica: Adds sag resistance; prevents absorption into porous substrates.
- Milled glass fibers: Strengthens structural bonds.
- Microballoons: Improves sanding and reduces weight.
- Wood flour: Adds color and sag resistance.
Dispensing & Mixing
- Dispense only when all materials are ≥40°F. Ideal relative humidity is ≤90% for the first 24 hrs.
- Warm resin and hardener to 75–90°F in cool conditions for easier mixing.
- Mix Ratio: 1:1 by volume or 1.2:1 by weight.
- Mix thoroughly for several minutes, scraping sides and bottom of cup.
- Add thickeners or fillers after complete mixing.
- Apply immediately after mixing to maximize working time.
Curing & Clamping
- Working Time: ~75 min @ 72°F (thin film)
- Clamp Time: 3–4 hrs @ 72°F minimum
- Light-Duty Use: 7–10 hrs
- Heavy-Duty Use: 24 hrs
- Full Cure: 5–7 days
Do not over-clamp — maintain a thin adhesive layer between bonded surfaces.
Overcoating / Topcoating
- Recoating with FlexEpox: Apply after full cure; wash with warm water and soap, dry, and sand 80-grit.
- Hot Coating: Apply while the previous layer is tacky; no sanding required.
- Other epoxies or primers: Wait ≥48 hrs; sand 80-grit before recoating.
- Paints, varnishes, or clear coats: Allow 5–7 days cure; wash, dry, and sand 180–220 grit before coating.
Product Storage & Crystallization
- Store 60–90°F in a dry location, sealed tightly.
- Avoid storing on floors or near windows and doors exposed to cold.
- If crystallized, warm the sealed container in a 125–150°F water bath until clear, approximately 30–90 minutes.
Application Data
| Application / Type | Adhesive, bonding |
|---|---|
| Components | Two — Resin (Part A), Hardener (Part B) |
| Film Thickness | Thin film; up to 1/2" with thickeners |
| Application Temp / RH | ≥40°F; ≤90% RH |
| Working Time | ~75 min @ 72°F (thin film) |
| Gel Time | ~40 min @ 72°F (100 g mass) |
| Clamp Time | 3–4 hrs @ 72°F minimum |
| Light-Duty Cure | 7–10 hrs @ 77°F |
| Heavy-Duty Cure | 24 hrs @ 77°F |
| Full Cure | 5–7 days |
| Mix Ratio (by Volume) | 1A:1B |
| Mix Ratio (by Weight) | 1.2A:1B |
| Resin Viscosity | 9,500 cP |
| Hardener Viscosity | 22,800 cP |
| Mixed Viscosity | 14,100 cP |
| Resin Density | 1.17 g/cm³ |
| Hardener Density | 0.97 g/cm³ |
| Units | 8 oz Kit, 32 oz Kit |
| Shelf Life | ≥1 year with proper storage |
Physical Data
| Resin Color | Clear |
|---|---|
| Hardener Color | Caramel/Amber |
| Cured Color / Finish | Buff/Caramel |
| UV Stable | No |
| Cured Density | 1.11 g/cm³ |
| Volumetric Shrinkage | 3.50% |
| Volumetric Yield | 24.8 in³/lb |
| Tensile Strength | 5,610 psi |
| Tensile Modulus | 178,000 psi |
| Tensile Elongation | 25.1% |
| HDT (Room Temp Cure) | 134°F |
| HDT (Post Cure) | 189°F |
| Compressive Strength | 6,800 psi |
| Flexural Strength | 9,050 psi |
| Flexural Modulus | 193,000 psi |
| Onset of Tg | 195°F |
| Ultimate Tg | 213°F |
| Hardness | 77 Shore D |
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