[Paddlewise] epoxy problems

I am building a stitch and glue boat these days.  I have gotten to the
point where I am fiberglassing the hull.  The epoxy (West Systems) is
not behaving the way I remember it during the warmer months.  It is much
more viscous when I'm mixing it.  It gets really white.  I thought that
since the temperature is less, the pot time would be noticeably longer.
It is not.  Furthermore, it doesn't take long before it starts turning
my boat milky white with each stroke of my foam brush.  Does anybody
know what is causing this?  Is there a better epoxy system to be using?

Also, I'm seeing an oily film on the epoxied surface 24 hours after it
has set up.  I am assuming this is the dreaded "amine blush".  I have
not seen this phenomenon before. I used a scratch pad and water to get
it off.  That seemed to work.  Some kit companies say you don't have to
sand between coats if you don't wait longer than 2 or 3 days.  Is this
accepted practice?  Does it apply in all temperature and humidity
conditions?

Does West Systems have a web site?



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