CSM sheds and is clumping up during layup

[JASinIL2006]

Initially I was trying to figure out the percentages of MEKP to use as well. And my first mixture was so weak with the amount of MEPK I used that it literally took three days to cure. So after a few more experiments, I bought a bottle to use for getting the mixtures perfect every time. Now I mix to the metric system and it goes easily and perfect cure times as well. Here is a picture of that MEKP measuring bottle...

If you buy one of these measuring bottles and use the metric measurement system, you can get the perfect amount of MEKP to use instantly and no more wondering... For instant, if you want to mix up 700ml of poly resin, you squeeze the bottle 'til it fills to 7ml mark and pour it in the poly resin mixing container then stir/mix. You will then have a 1% mixture ready to use. Can't get any more easier then that. :thumb:

Those measuring bottles are money well spent. MEKP is nasty stuff, and those bottles make it easy to measure the right amount without spilling it, getting it on your gloves, etc.

 

[Quantumn]

I use the same thing, and actually, they are very cheap when you consider they prevent you from wasting resin with a bad mix. http://www.uscomposites.net/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=BODI-MM032

 

[Woodonglass]

I'm a C.O.B. When I was at the Dr. He had me "P" in a cup like this...http://myhomemedsupplies.com/non-ste...ne-cups-1.html
I asked him where he got those. He told me at the medical supply store. I asked him how much? He said CHEAP. I asked if he had some to spare. He have me a couple dozen. They're reusable. I think I'm still using the same one after 4 years.

OOPS!!!! nope I remember I used a couple more for measuring the hardener for my Paint too!!!:facepalm: I better watch it or I'm gunna run out in a few decades. I found out that you can buy em for $2.00 for 100

 

[gm280]

I'm a C.O.B. When I was at the Dr. He had me "P" in a cup like this...http://myhomemedsupplies.com/non-ste...ne-cups-1.html
I asked him where he got those. He told me at the medical supply store. I asked him how much? He said CHEAP. I asked if he had some to spare. He have me a couple dozen. They're reusable. I think I'm still using the same one after 4 years.

OOPS!!!! nope I remember I used a couple more for measuring the hardener for my Paint too!!!:facepalm: I better watch it or I'm gunna run out in a few decades. I found out that you can buy em for $2.00 for 100

WOG, I actually received some of those little metering cups when I received my poly order from U S Composite as well. But after using the same one for some time, It was getting harder for me (old eyes I guess) to be able to see the little marked on the cup and there would be some of that oily MEKP remaining in the cup after dumping. So I ended up cleaning the cup out every time and that was a pain. So I bought the measuring bottle and took a black sharpies and marked the raised areas in black. Now I can see it from nearly cross the shop and simply put the top back on it after using. So no more cleaning it out or getting any MEKP on my hands... :thumb: The measuring bottle is very cheap. I think less the ten dollars delivered and it will hold probably16oz if you want to put that much in it. But whatever works for each other IS the way to go...

 

[sphelps]

I use the same ones Woody uses . You would be surprised at the things you find when your tearing millwork out of hospitals for remodel ..
I do need my reading glasses on to see the marks though ..
Btw , I said I would NEVER use the metric system .:yuck:.. But I do use it glassing .. At 1% it don't get any easier..
But at work it's feet and inches and I will not compromise .. :nono:

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Hiya guys..kinda late to the party ( been with my boys all week ).

Chief..sounds like you might have had some bad mat. Got wet or something. You mentioned that there were some 'White spots' so it could have been wet at some point.

I never have any problem with brushing or rolling mat. As long as your not jamming the brush too hard you should have been ok. Sure sure..some mat tends to pull off, but not severe enough to warrant frustration. Dabbing is used for corners and spot wetting..but you can and should be able to lightly take brush strokes at it when moving resin around. But the roller nap is still the way to go for larger layups as already mentioned above.

A few points though. First..you may not want to use a power mixer when mixing resin. It will shorten your pot life ( sometimes dramatically ). Mixing a quart for 2 minutes is even a bit extreme. A few 20-30 seconds should be enough. This kinda goes with 'warming it up' scenario. Warming it up to thin it out will result in a reduced pot life as well. You could do it..but you better be prepared to work fast!

The bubble roller your talking about is for rolling out bubbles After a few layers have been wet out. The thing wont do you any good working with only One layer of mat..and is not meant for resin coating.

That MEK bottle is the bomb! A few things like storing mek and proper and fast measuring have already been said. But..here are a few more that might help you out. You might consider drilling a small 1/8" hole in the top. Right around the neck area. See..when the thing warms up a tad..the MEK will push up through the spout and into the cup..sometimes filling it completely. Then the next time you take a grab at it you have hardener slung all over you. Also..after a few mixes you wont really need to read those little numbers on the cup. You will be able to eyeball for the next quart etc. You could take a magic marker and mark where you would squirt for a quart. Need two quarts?..fill it twice to the mark etc.

Lastly..I suggest that you still use the mat even if your using 1708. I know I know...1708 has .8oz mat backing. I think thats enough for stacking them..but not for the primary layup. IMO..putting down the 1.5 oz mat first..then the 1708 mat side up works the best. It rolls out better and leaves a nice mat surface for you to scuff for your next lam..or to start prepping for topcoats/gelcoats.

Anyways..good to hear things are picking up for you..rock on man!