Gluvit catalyst alternative

[tcampbell011]

So I used gluvit on my boat and needed it to dry quicker so I added more catalyst than it called for. That all worked fine and dandy. Now I have about 1/4th a can of resin left with no hardener. I was planning on just trashing it but I thought id see if there's something that would work as a catalyst for cheap. Any ideas??

Thanks!

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Gluvit catalyst alternative

Gluvit is and epoxy product. I would think that an epoxy catalyst should do the trick

 

[tcampbell011]

Re: Gluvit catalyst alternative

And that's something I should be able to find at any hardware store?

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Gluvit catalyst alternative

Ratios on resin and hardener shouldn't be adjusted when using epoxy, the end product can have significantly different physical properties than it should, rarely in a good way.

There are also different formulations for the hardener, it's not a one size fits all type thing. Gluvit picks the hardener to give the cured resin it's desired characteristics, not using the correct hardener may result in a poor cure, or no cure at all.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Gluvit catalyst alternative

Nope. Nothing can be substituted unless you call Marine Tex 215-855-8450 products and ask. You might be able to purchase some catalyst separately.

I am not aware of any over the counter stuff. If you have a 1/4 of the can ....that is allot since the stuff is sold by weight and not volume. Your original can was not full.

 

[tcampbell011]

Re: Gluvit catalyst alternative

okay. I meant about a 4th of what was in there. Its probably 1/16th of the whole can.

I've used gluvit before and mixed correctly, it took about 4 days to dry in 80 degree weather. I need the boat this weekend so I changed the ratio and it cured in about 24hrs. Both cures look the same and feel the same to the touch. Are there any tell tale signs if it cured incorrectly?

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Gluvit catalyst alternative

Faster cure times typically mean a more brittle product that will be less flexible and not bond as well. If they could make it cure in 24hrs and have the same physical and bonding properties they probably would. I don't know what they say the cure time is on the can though.