Bonda resin directions 14 drops per ounce, gels in less than 5 min.

[bzajdek]

The directions state 14 drops of MEK per ounce of resin, this sets or gels way to quickly. I am working with 12 batches maximum and using 2.5 quart containers and temps in 50 degrees. What is the minimum amount to mix this at to get a longer working time. I know lower temps increase working time but any lower and it will be approaching freezing temps. I thought I remember reading in another post a .013 ratio by volume is the lowest one should try to go. Thanks for any help.

 

[proshadetree]

Re: Bonda resin directions 14 drops per ounce, gels in less than 5 min.

I add a small amount of acetone to slow mine down.I like napa resin better than bondo.Its thinner to start with.You can also back off to about 10 drops per ounce.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Bonda resin directions 14 drops per ounce, gels in less than 5 min.

Skip the drop method of measuring and go to %. Use about 1% and mix it well. Get some small containers calibrated in CC's, this will make it very easy to measure the resin and catalyst.

The big problem with retail resins is the all too common short gel time they have, a longer gel time would make it much easier for most people to use them.

 

[Oilguy]

Re: Bondo resin directions 14 drops per ounce, gels in less than 5 min.

Re: Bondo resin directions 14 drops per ounce, gels in less than 5 min.

The directions state 14 drops of MEK per ounce of resin, this sets or gels way to quickly. I am working with 12 batches maximum and using 2.5 quart containers and temps in 50 degrees. What is the minimum amount to mix this at to get a longer working time. I know lower temps increase working time but any lower and it will be approaching freezing temps. I thought I remember reading in another post a .013 ratio by volume is the lowest one should try to go. Thanks for any help.

I have the same problem.. I reduced the drops to half and added a little acetone... This gives me about 20 minutes of good working time before it begins to thicken up.

I have been using smaller amounts also... Usually 8 oz at a time.
It is a little more work but it seems to keep me moving and reduce the cleanup time.

OG

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Bonda resin directions 14 drops per ounce, gels in less than 5 min.

Adding acetone and reducing catalyst levels can help to slow the cure, but it can also reduce the physical properties of the resin, so its not recommended by the manufactures of the products.

1% on catalyst is safe, but much lower and it can get iffy. Small amounts of acetone (less than 5%) may not have any noticeable negative affects, but adding more can.

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: Bonda resin directions 14 drops per ounce, gels in less than 5 min.

If you're using a standard eye dropper - 20 drops = 1 ml. That might be a little easier to measure.

 

[marquette]

Re: Bonda resin directions 14 drops per ounce, gels in less than 5 min.

i go the the local farm supply and by cheap syringes to use to measure my MEK. much more accurate than the drop method. depending on how fast you are mixing batches you may get 2 or 3 from a syringe before it starts to deteriate.

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: Bonda resin directions 14 drops per ounce, gels in less than 5 min.

i go the the local farm supply and by cheap syringes to use to measure my MEK. much more accurate than the drop method. depending on how fast you are mixing batches you may get 2 or 3 from a syringe before it starts to deteriate.

The syringes from a farm supply store are an excellent idea. What do you mean when you say it starts to deteriorate? Does it have a specific effective life when exposed to air? The reason I ask is because I've been buying my resin and hardner from a local boat repair shop. I bring my own containers and they fill them up from a 55 gallon drum and jug of resin that are hooked up to the chop gun. I keep the catalyst in a plastic container. Should this be tightly sealed?