directions for pol yester hardener polyester resin/gelcoat is catalyzed with mekp (methyl ethyl ketone peroxide). the ratio is approximately one ounce of hardener per gallon of resin. use the following ratios for smaller amounts. amount of resin or gelcoa t hardener amount 1 ounce 10 drops 1 pint (16oz) 1/8 ounce 1 quart (32oz) 1/4 ounce
How much hardener should you add to polyester casting resin?
The amount of hardener you add to polyester casting resin is dependent on the depth of the final casting. It seems counterintuitive, but the thinner the casting, the more hardener is needed for curing to occur. This is because thin layers are unlikely to generate enough heat to cure.
Can you mix polyester resin with heat?
Do not mix the resin near a heat source or under direct heat. Doing so will cause a chemical reaction. Mix the polyester resin with a catalyst named methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) to begin curing. Depending on the amount of resin needed, pour the appropriate ratios of polyester resin and MEKP into a heavy-duty plastic tub or bucket.
How do you mix polyester resin with MEKP?
Mixing resin Mix the polyester resin with a catalyst named methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) to begin curing. Depending on the amount of resin needed, pour the appropriate ratios of polyester resin and MEKP into a heavy-duty plastic tub or bucket. The standard ratio is 1 oz. of MEKP to 1 gallon of polyester resin.
How long does it take to mix polyester casting resin?
The pot time is shorter than many epoxies, generally 10 minutes or less. Epoxy resins have a pot time of 20 or more. Polyester casting resin does not mix in a 1:1 or 2:1 formula but instead requires drops of hardener per ounce of resin. If you’re struggling to thoroughly mix epoxy resin, you won’t succeed mixing polyester casting resin.
What is the ratio of resin to hardener?
Dispense the proper proportion of resin & hardener: 1 pump stroke of resin + 1 pump stroke of hardener results in the proper mix ratio when using calibrated pumps. Careful measuring of resin and hardener and thoroughly mixing epoxy are essential for a proper cure.
How much catalyst do you need for polyester resin?
A rule of thumb for polyester laminating resin is between 1% and 2% i.e. 1% for summer (to give maximum wetting time) and 2% for winter. For polyester Gelcoats used in a moulding situation, we recommend from 2% to 2.5%catalyst.
How many drops of hardener do you put in resin?
A 2 oz. tube of liquid hardener (MEK Peroxide) is sufficient to harden the entire contents of a gallon container. Add 14 drops of liquid hardener per 1 oz. of Fiberglass Resin (or for ¼ can of Fiberglass Resin, use ¼ tube of liquid hardener).
Does polyester resin need hardener?
It has a quick cure and adds dimensional stability. Polyester resin requires MEKP hardener. Needed Supplies (this will vary depending on your project): MEKP (methyl ethyl ketone peroxide) is required.
How do you mix polyester resin with hardener?
1:052:12How to Mix Polyester Resin - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou want to mix this for about 2 minutes at medium speed if you do it at high speed you're going toMoreYou want to mix this for about 2 minutes at medium speed if you do it at high speed you're going to get bubbles it is a mix that. For two minutes at medium speed.
How many drops MEKP to polyester resin?
What is the mix ratio for MEKP catalyst when using TotalBoat Polyester Laminating Resin? TotalBoat Polyester Laminating Resin requires the adding of MEKP catalyst at the ratio of 7-8 drops of MEKP per one ounce of resin at 77°F (1.
How long does polyester resin take to harden?
These are usually polyurethane resins that can cure within minutes to an hour or two. Quick-curing resins are better suited for those already skilled in resin. i.e. I don't recommend these resins for beginners. Polyester resins are generally touchable in about 12 hours.
How do you measure resin and hardener?
0:072:22How to measure and mix epoxy resin - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd crafting projects start by gathering a couple of graduated mixing cups. These are essential forMoreAnd crafting projects start by gathering a couple of graduated mixing cups. These are essential for making sure you get accurate measurements on your resin and hardener.
Is polyester resin the same as fiberglass resin?
Fiberglass is a type of glass mat and is obtainable in various structures. Polyester resin is used to saturate the mat or cloth, it then becomes polyester fiberglass resin. Epoxy resin can also be used in this way, but over time polyester resin has somehow gained the title of fiberglass resin.
What is stronger epoxy or polyester resin?
Polyester is an adequate adhesive but not as good as epoxy. As a general rule, the tensile strength of a polyester bond will be around 20 percent weaker than the same bond made with epoxy. That makes epoxy resin usually the best choice for fiberglass repair work.
How thick can you pour polyester resin?
0:070:42How Thick Can I Pour Artresin? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can go as thick as you like keep in mind that the cure time is based on that 1/8 inch layer. SoMoreYou can go as thick as you like keep in mind that the cure time is based on that 1/8 inch layer. So if you do pour a thicker it may take longer to cure.
What do you do if polyester resin doesn't Harden?
Try moving your piece to a warmer spot: if it doesn't dry, re-pour with a fresh coat of resin. Soft, sticky spots: If you have sticky spots on an otherwise perfectly cured surface, you may have scraped out unmixed resin or hardener from the sides of your mixing container when you poured.
How many drops of catalyst do I need for resin?
a. Fibreglass Resin: for 100ml of resin (cold day) use 2.5 to 3ml catalyst; and for 100ml resin (hot day) use 1.5 to 2ml catalyst. 3. Use a measuring cup for the amount of catalyst needed or if using the dropper bottle 1ml = 50 drops.
How many drops of catalyst is 1 oz of resin?
MEKP Catalyst Quantity ChartCatalyst ConcentrationResin Quantity 30 drops = 1 cc2 ozoz1/2 %9 drops2.5 cc3/4 %14 drops4 cc1 %18 drops5 cc2 more rows
What is the ratio of catalyst to gelcoat?
MEKP Catalyst for Gel Coat and Resin Used as the hardener (activator) in Gel Coats and Resins. 1 Oz is recommended for 1 Quart of Gel Coat or Resin. 2 Oz is recommended for 1 Gallon of Gel Coat or Resin.
How do you mix resin and catalyst?
Generally speaking, for Polyester Resins, the mixing ratio is 2% i.e. 20ml for every 1kg of Resin in working conditions at room temperature. For the Water Clear Casting Polyester Resin, this drops to 1.5% or 15ml for every 1kg.
How much hardener do you need to mix polyester resin?
To make things even harder, polyester casting resin does not mix in a 1:1 or 2:1 formula but instead requires drops of hardener per ounce of resin. If you are struggling to get a good mix with larger volumes of hardener mixed into the resin, you are not going to be successful only mixing in a drop or two of hardener into the resin.
How long does polyester resin last?
The shelf life on polyester casting resin is no more than 6 months. While many epoxies will work for years if properly stored (although the hardener may start to yellow ), six months is generally the longest you can expect polyester casting resin to stay in usable condition.
What resin should I use for casting?
For beginners, I recommend starting with epoxy resin. They are easier to work with and can also get you great resin casting results.
What to use to seal a sanded surface?
You will either need to sand off this surface or seal it with a layer of resin gloss sealer spray to cover the stickiness.
Why do you need to add more hardener to a casting?
It seems counterintuitive, but the thinner the casting, the more hardener is needed. This is because thin layers are unlikely to generate enough heat to cure so it needs extra hardener.
Can you buff polyester resin?
Polyester resin castings cure very hard. They cure hard enough that you can use a buffing wheel and compound to polish polyester resin castings. That means you do not have to recoat with another layer of resin or a gloss spray to get a shiny surface. A few seconds on a buffing wheel is all it takes to get a bright, shiny finish. That being said, however, if a polyester casting is dropped on a hard surface, it is likely to break.
Can you use polyester resin for beginners?
Polyester casting resin is not something I recommend for beginners. Before you give it a try, get good with epoxy resin first. To help you with that, I wrote the instantly readable book, Resin Fundamentals . It takes you from confused to confident with resin in only an afternoon!
Why does oxygen not harden polyester?
If you don’t add enough hardener, the outer layer may not ever harden, because oxygen diffusing into the surface prevents the growing polyester chains from reaching a length at which they become solid.
Why is polyester resin always tacky?
The surface (top several molecular layers) of a polyester cure is always tacky because air is an inhibitor of polyester polymerization. Had you added “air dry”, a paraffin in styrene solution to the resin, you would not have experienced the tackiness. Both polyester and epoxy do not stand up well to UV.
What is the catalyst for polyester resin?
That having been said, the most common catalyst for polyester resin is Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide, so check the contents of what you have for MEK-P.
Is polyester resin the same as epoxy?
First off, polyester resin and epoxy are two completely different resins.
Is hardener faster or slower?
It’s not an exact science, but generally, the more hardener you use, the quicker it sets, the less, slower.
Is a hardener a water borne product?
Actually, they may just be wrong. It is not a water borne product. What hardens it is a chemical change caused by the catalyst/hardener.
Can lacquer thinner be used on plastic?
be careful with lacquer thinner around plastic finishes. It can mar them unrepairably.
How long does it take for polyester resin to harden?
The resin mix will be usable for approximately 15 to 20 minutes before it will begin to harden. Apply the polyester resin to your project before this time elapses.
Why use polyester resin?
Because of its easy application and durability, polyester resin is also applied to patch cracks and holes that need to remain watertight. Polyester resin comes in a wide range of colors and finishes to customize any project. These resins are available at many home improvement stores and online retailers. The following steps will explain how ...
How to make a mekp from polyester resin?
Use a long wooden stirrer to gently stir together the polyester resin and the MEKP. Resin often floats to the top, so it is sometimes necessary to stir from the bottom of the container to fully mix the products. Continue to slowly stir the mixture until it reaches the consistency of toothpaste.
What is MEKP resin?
Things You'll Need. Polyester resin. Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEK P) Wooden stirrer. Mixing container. Polyester resin. Polyester resin is most commonly used in the manufacturing of boats, surfboards, kayaks and other nautical vessels. Because of its easy application and durability, polyester resin is also applied to patch cracks and holes ...
Can you mix polyester resin in a garage?
Set up the polyester resin mixing supplies in a well-ventilated area. An open garage or an outdoor work area is advised. Do not mix the resin near a heat source or under direct heat. Doing so will cause a chemical reaction.
Does polyester resin come in wax?
Some polyester resin manufacturers will include a color and wax mix with the resin purchase .
Can you add wax to polyester resin?
Add the appropriate amount of color mix to the polyester resin if a color is desired. A wax powder may also be added to give a polished look to the resin once it is applied. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to determine the correct quantities of color or wax to be mixed.
What is polyester resin?from ehow.com
Things You'll Need. Polyester resin is needed to act as a finish/paste when applying fiberglass sheets. There are multiple components that need to be mixed together to make the fiberglass resin, especially if you want it colored or polished.
How long does it take for fiberglass resin to harden?from doityourself.com
It is also important that you mix fiberglass resin in small batches of about 16 ounces. Once it has been mixed, the resin can harden in as little as 20 minutes.
How many ounces of resin is in a small batch?from doityourself.com
If you are following the small batch rule, then this would translate to 1/8 of an ounce to each 16 ounces of polyester resin. Insert the stirring stick into the container, and slowly stir the components in the container. Make sure you are reaching the bottom of the container.
Can you use fiberglass resin on a bumper?from doityourself.com
You can use fiberglass resin has many applications, from repairing fiberglass bumpers to creating Halloween costumes. You can also use fiberglass resin to finish and bond fiberglass sheets together.
Can you add wax to fiberglass resin?from doityourself.com
Before the fiberglass resin sets, you can add in color paste. Consult the bottle to determine the shade you want the fiberglass resin to be after it sets. If you want the fiberglass resin to have a polished finish, then add wax powder to the fiberglass resin according to the instructions. Basics. Materials.
Can you add ketone peroxide to polyester resin?from doityourself.com
Make sure the container is free of moisture or dust. Now you can add the Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide to the polyester resin. This is the catalyst that interacts with the polyester resin. Typically you will add an ounce of the catalyst to every gallon of polyester resin.
Can you make fiberglass resin in small batches?from doityourself.com
Examine the project for which you need fiberglass resin. It is better to make more than you think you will need, but you still need to make it in small batches. It is a good idea to make it just prior to using it because it will harden quickly; once that happens, you will not be able to use the mixture.
