RESION vs. West System Epoxy | What is the best choice?

Are you looking for high-quality epoxy resin for your boat or DIY project? Then you will quickly encounter two names: West System and RESION. West System is an American brand that has been well-known for decades. RESION is an innovative Dutch brand exclusively available at Polyestershoppen. RESION delivers the same great performance as West System, but for a fraction of the price.

In this article, we compare both brands fairly and clearly explain the complete RESION system, so you can make the smartest choice for your project.

What is West System epoxy?

West System was founded in 1969 by the Gougeon brothers in the United States. Their 105 System, a single base resin combined with a hardener of choice, became the standard in the marine industry and professional composite construction. The brand is known for mechanical strength, unmatched moisture resistance, and a rock-solid reputation among boatbuilders and professionals worldwide.

The drawback? West System is an expensive American import brand. You pay not only for the epoxy resin itself, but also for import costs, distribution channels, and premium brand image.

What is RESION epoxy?

For more than 15 years, RESION has been Polyestershoppen's private label, growing into a highly reliable epoxy brand. RESION stands for epoxy resin formulated to be safe, smart, and conscious.

• Completely solvent-free
  RESION epoxy contains no solvents. That might sound technical, but you notice the difference immediately: less strain on your skin and respiratory tract, and a safer working environment whether you work in a garage, workshop, or outdoors.
  
  
• No GHS08 health labels
  Many traditional epoxy resins carry, or must now carry due to new European legislation, GHS08 warning labels. These pictograms indicate potential long-term health risks from repeated contact. RESION epoxy contains no ingredients that pose these potential risks. Want to read more about this? Read more here!
  
  
• Produced in Europe, packaged in the Netherlands
  We have worked with trusted European suppliers for years, testing new resins in our own testing facility and filling products ourselves in our Dutch production department. No long supply chains, no unknown intermediaries. We know our product from raw material to packaging. That means fast delivery, consistent quality, and the certainty that you always receive the exact same product.

RESION vs. West System

As you can see in the comparison table below, there are many similarities between RESION and West System. Both brands perform exceptionally well. However, if you are looking for a broader product range featuring specialized glass fabrics or UV-resistant epoxy resin for art and casting projects such as tables, Polyestershoppen's RESION is the place to be. Everything is available here under one roof.

The RESION system explained

Just like West System, RESION operates modularly: you combine a single base resin with a hardener of your choice. This lets you tailor working time and cure speed precisely to your project and environment.

1. Universal epoxy resin (for laminating, bonding, and boat repairs)

The core foundation is the EP101 base resin, paired with three hardeners. This system is virtually identical to West System's 105 system.

• EP113 FAST
  The most popular hardener in the RESION system. Fast curing and ideal if you want to work quickly.
  
  
• EP115 SLOW
  Hardener offering extended working time. Great for large-scale projects!
  
  
• EP111 WINTER
  Special hardener for low temperatures (from 4°C upwards). Ideal for boat maintenance in early spring or late autumn.

2. Epoxy casting resin (for river tables, furniture, and art)

RESION's Epoxy CAST series offers the right UV-resistant solution for every pour depth:

• CAST25
  Our economical casting resin for pours up to 25 mm. This epoxy resin contains no built-in UV stabilizers and is intended for small projects where yellowing is not a concern.
  
  
• UV CAST25
  RESION's best-selling epoxy casting resin! Superior UV resistance for crystal-clear epoxy castings. You can pour up to 25 mm in a single layer.
  
  
• UV CAST75
  The premier epoxy resin for deep pours up to 75 mm in one go. Makes this resin perfectly suited for creating epoxy river tables or live-edge slab tables.

3. Epoxy coating (high-gloss epoxy coating)

• UV Clear Coat
  A scratch-resistant, high-gloss, and UV-stable clear topcoat to protect and finish your project.

4. Fillers (epoxy additives)

• Stewathix
  Stewathix is a universal thickening agent developed specifically for thickening epoxy and polyester resins. You can compare Stewathix to West System 406 Colloidal Silica, but with one major advantage: it produces no dust! This keeps your workspace clean without unwanted dust clouds.
  
  
• Cotton fibers
  With Cotton fibers (comparable to West System 403 Microfibers), you can easily create an adhesive paste for wood bonding. The fibers absorb resin but release it under pressure, achieving excellent bonding surface adhesion.
  
  
• Red microballoons
  Easily formulate an epoxy fairing compound by mixing red microballoons into your epoxy resin. This filler is comparable to West System 407 Low-Density Filler.

5. Reinforcement materials (fiberglass, carbon, and aramid)

• Woven fiberglass
  Woven fiberglass is the most widely used reinforcement material for epoxy. Use it to reinforce structural parts, carry out repairs, or build up laminates. Polyestershoppen supplies fiberglass in various fabric weights as well as long or short tape rolls, ensuring you always have the right cloth for your application.
  
  
• Carbon fabric
  Carbon fiber is stronger and stiffer than fiberglass at a lower weight. Ideal for applications where weight and structural rigidity are paramount, such as aerospace, motorsport, and high-performance boatbuilding.
  
  
• Aramid fabric
  Aramid (also known as Kevlar) provides high toughness and impact resistance. The right choice when your structure needs to withstand heavy blows or impacts, such as canoes and kayaks.

Starting a new project? Choose RESION!

Choose RESION if you are looking for the absolute best price-to-quality ratio. For DIYers, professionals, and anyone buying smart, RESION is the logical choice. You get the same strength and ease of use as West System for a fraction of the cost, while working safely in compliance with current regulations.

The epoxy market has moved rapidly in recent years. Technological developments and European legislation keep the landscape highly dynamic. Polyestershoppen's specialists closely monitor these developments and test new epoxy resins in our own testing facility for functionality, UV resistance, and user-friendliness. This allows us to adapt swiftly so you are guaranteed a safe, top-quality product.

Need personal advice?

Have questions about epoxy or need tailored advice for your project? Our specialists know our products inside out. Unsure about the right hardener, filler, or how much epoxy resin you need? Feel free to contact us! We are happy to help with expert, no-obligation advice.