The differences between epoxy and polyester are important to know if you are considering working with these materials. In this article, we will discuss the main properties and applications of both materials. That way, you will know exactly which material is most suitable for your project and you will be able to get started with peace of mind.
Do you have any questions about epoxy or polyester? If so, feel free to contact our expert support team!
Epoxy and polyester are both synthetic resins, meaning they are composed of synthetic materials. Both epoxy and polyester consist of two components: a base (component A) and a hardener (component B). When you mix the two components together, a chemical reaction occurs that releases heat. This forms a hard, strong and durable compound. Synthetic resins such as epoxy and polyester are popular in (boat) building, industry and among do-it-yourselfers because of their versatility, strength and durability. Although they may look very similar at first glance, there are some important differences between epoxy and polyester.
Epoxy is a very strong and durable material known for its excellent adhesion to almost all substrates. It is resistant to chemicals and water and boasts high mechanical resistance. Thanks to its UV stabiliser, epoxy is also suitable for outdoor applications. Moreover, epoxy is highly dimensionally stable, meaning it does not shrink during curing. This makes it ideal for repairing cracks and holes, coating floors and bonding different materials. Epoxy is also popular with hobbyists for making jewellery, coasters, artwork and repairing objects.
Polyester is a cheaper alternative to epoxy and is often used for larger projects where cost is an important consideration. It is often used to make glass fibre reinforced plastic (GRP) objects, such as boats, car parts and swimming pools. Polyester resin is also suitable for making moulds and casting objects.
Now that you know what epoxy and polyester are, it is time to discuss the main differences between these two materials. Here, we will look at the adhesion, UV resistance, waterproofing, chemical resistance, shrinkage, processing (smell) and price of both materials.
As you can see, both materials have advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, the choice between epoxy and polyester often depends on your specific project and needs. It is important to carefully consider which properties are most important for your application. We would be happy to help you make this choice. Please feel free to contact our specialists.
The differences between epoxy and polyester are mainly in the properties of the materials, such as adhesion, chemical resistance, UV resistance, shrinkage and cost. Epoxy is a stronger and more durable material better suited to applications where good adhesion, watertightness and chemical resistance are important. Polyester is a cheaper and more flexible material suitable for larger projects and applications where cost is an important consideration. By comparing the properties and applications of both materials, you can make the right choice for your project.
We have once again listed the properties of epoxy and polyester for you:
Epoxy properties | Polyester properties |
Adhesion to many materials | Frequent pre-treatment required |
UV-resistant by adding stabilisers | High UV resistance |
Waterproof | Not waterproof |
High chemical resistance | Less resistant to chemicals |
Odourless (solvent-free) | Strong odour |
Hardly shrinks | Can shrink up to approx. 5% |
More expensive | Cheaper |
Do you still have questions about epoxy or polyester after reading this article? Then feel free to contact our expert supportteam. We are more than happy to offer free, non-obligation advice!
Do you have a specific question? Call one of our specialists for free advice +3185 0220090