resin question

[travish]

bought general purpose (polyester) resin from local auto parts store. directions said 1:1 (ex 1/2 resin can 1/2 tube of catalist) I mixed it 1/4 can to 1/4 tube and it never got warm in the mixing cup. waited about 5-7 minutes still no noticable temp diference. outside Temp is mid 70's here. I added 1/8 tube of hardner and with in 3- 4 mins started to gel.

Question should I mix it as directed even though it never felt warm?

 

[travish]

Re: resin question

I think I just answered my own question I went outside and checked the resin. it is very hard and to hot to hold now

Thanks

 

[ondarvr]

Re: resin question

Most resins have a gel time in the 15 to 20 minute range, so 5-7 minutes isn't long enough for it to do anything.

 

[travish]

Re: resin question

do you think the resin was bad or because i over mixed it?

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: resin question

Improperly mixed.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: resin question

do you think the resin was bad or because i over mixed it?

Not sure what you're asking.

 

[rickryder]

Re: resin question

That auto store resin most likely has wax in it.....you will have to grind the surface again if you need to lay up more glass....

http://www.uscomposites.com/ has unwaxed and you add the wax for final layer. I'm using the 435 poly.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: resin question

do you think the resin was bad or because i over mixed it?

I think the resin was fine..the mix was fine..you just didnt wait long enough .

Those little mek tubes ( should be about 5" long ) for a gallon kit are 40cc .. you mixed 1/4 tube ( 10cc ) for 1 qt of resin. You mixed right..

YD.

 

[travish]

Re: resin question

Yea YD, It set up fine.

I checked before I bought the resin It did not contain wax. I have gel coat that has the wax.

Thanks for all the help. this is a great site

Travis

 

[jonesg]

Re: resin question

General purpose polyester resin always contains wax.

Unwaxed resin is usually labeled "laminating resin",
the only unwaxed resin I've seen in a retail hardware store was "Boatyard resin".

If it cured dry to touch its waxed, unwaxed remains slightly sticky but will dry after a while.

 

[travish]

Re: resin question

the directions on the can said to cover with release paper, and to remove the release paper after 30 min of curing. So I assume it had no wax

Travis

 

[rickryder]

Re: resin question

Sounds right... can you let us know what brand and where ya got it....I can't seem to find unwaxed around me. Thanks Travis

 

[travish]

Re: resin question

My father-in-law owns a NAPA Store. So I got it really cheap .

The part # for a quart is 765-1285 (kit with cloth in it is 765-1281). He has it in gallons also but i wanted to experiment before i did a big project. He keeps 1 can of each in stock and a small amount of cloth and CSM, but I had him order me a quart so hopefully i got a fresh can.

I bought gel coat at a local (20 miles away) boat supply store.

Travis