Thinning Polyester Resin

[geo7]

What do you use to thin resin? I want to coat the edge of the plywood deck.
Does this affect curing time?
Do you thin first then add catylst?

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Thinning Polyester Resin

Thinning resin or gel coat with styrene or acetone will reduce the physical properties of it. Tyipically you can add 3 to 5% and not notice a big difference, but as more is added the the resin can become brittle, plus less water and UV resistant, not properties you want in a resin or gel coat.

 

[geo7]

Re: Thinning Polyester Resin

Thanks for the quick reply.
Will resin soak into the edge of plywood enough without thinning it?

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Thinning Polyester Resin

Yes it will soak in enough. Rot prevention has more to do with encapsulation than penetration, wet wood rots whether you get good penetration or not.

 

[geo7]

Re: Thinning Polyester Resin

Thanks, I will not thin it.
It is a new deck 3/4" plywood. I will be putting mat on both sides and coating the edges with resin.