West System 207-SA Special Clear Hardener

I primarily do wood working but have recently started wrapping some of the pieces of my projects in carbon fiber. I reached out to West directly to find out which product is best for what I am doing. 207 was it (combined with 105 resin). It mixes very easily, goes on smooth, flows well, and permeates the fabric without any issue at all. I was a little surprised at the pot time since it's far longer than i am used to. But that makes it even better when doing things like laminating composites since it gives you more time for adjustments. I really like it and I will continue using it for the foreseeable future.

You mix this with 105 resin, apply it to wood ( I suggest two or three coats) that will be up against the weather, and it will give a good protective coat that should last for years. For UV protection, put on two coats of spar varnish. I suggest Captain's Flagship. West System has quality products and excellent customer support. I am currently using it for mahogany garage door skins.

I am impressed with it. I tried a few sample pieces of wood before using it on a real project so that I could get a good feel for working with it. This stuff is very clear and does not yellow in a short period of time. However, it is not UV resistant. Make sure you mix it with the 105 resin at an ambient air temperature of about 70+ degrees Fahrenheit to help prevent air bubbles from forming. It is OK if a few bubbles form since you can use a heat gun or torch to pull them out after you poor it on the surface. Heat gun is preferable. While it may be hard after 24 hours of applying it, it actually does not become fully hard until about 7 days later. It levels out very well. The final thickness ends up being about 1/16 to 3/32 of an inch. However, you can also spread it to a very thin layer with a squeegee if you want to use it as a base/sealer coat for finishing furniture. It fills in the wood grain pours nicely. I found it to work even better if you rub on a thin coat of polyurethane prior to applying the epoxy. This helps to prevent air bubbles from forming due to tiny air pockets in the wood. It does easily soak into end grain; so about two coats of polyurethane will be needed on the end grain to slow the absorption rate. The pumps they offer ( Mini Pump Kit for 301 and 305 in Quart, Gallon, 5 Gallon sizes ) are a great help to meter out the correct quantity of chemicals. However, the pumps do not necessarily work correctly at each pump action. Some of the pumping action will suck in air on the up stroke and prevent the pump from correctly metering the next output on the down stroke. Therefore, be attentive when using the pumps. The West System 207 hardener and 105 resin mix at a ratio of 3:1 For most projects, I used this kind of mixing cup ( 1/2 Pint Disposable Mixing Cups 100/Box ) since smaller cups can be too small, and I don't need large cups very often. This 207 hardener will not sick to these cups when fully hardened in them. Customer service at West System is excellent. I got a live person who referred me to a very knowledgeable representative in their office.

I used this for a rustic oak floor project, injecting epoxy into nail holes, work holes, cracks and loose knots. First time using this system and couldn't have been happier with the ease of use (especially with the measured pumps!) and results. I did some black epoxy (chalk line powder) and some clear (hence the 207). In fact I even did some larger holes with a layer of black, filled over with clear for an interesting look.

I hate to leave a bad review but the hardener i purchased was no good... when I opened the can the hardener was dark brown. I've tried to use it four different times and the epoxy resin would never cure. The resin would stay sticky for days... I ended up using another can I purchased locally and the resin cured, so obviously the hardener was no good. Be aware of bad hardeners!

I use West Systems epoxy on small aircraft, usually the regular slow 206/fast 205 hardeners that have yellow tints (which I don't love aesthetically but they are good so I deal with it). This is actually crystal clear when hard, and I've begun substituting it anywhere I would usually use the slow 206.

The product is great. It’s exactly what it says it is. The problem is the can was only half full. I thought maybe it was just me, but I saw another review that said their can was only half full. Really disappointed. It’s almost like someone used half and then returned it to Amazon and they just shipped it out to the next person. I really like the product but I’m not sure I can trust Amazon anymore. I really needed it to finish my project so I didn’t return it but I think I’ll try to find a local supplier. Even if it’s more expensive at least I’ll know I'm actually getting what I purchase.

good for boat wood working

Took a long time to get but it works

The product arrived quikly and works as advertised

Kayak

Was smaller then expected….

Very easy to use with the pump system, rt. measure every time.