Poly Resin

[JasonB]

How forgiving is poly resin? I just mixed my first batch to coat my new stringers with (no cloth, just coating them before I put them in the hull for some extra waterproofing. I mixed the resin a bit "cold" so I would have plenty time to work with it. Unfortunately, I think I under-did the hardnet. The ambient temp is about 70 and I mixed it about 2/3 to 3/4 strength. Will it still set?

 

[12Footer]

Re: Poly Resin

It should over time. 1/2 or more of normal hardener will be a full sure,over time.<br />If you had a non-sticky way of covering it,like spraying parafin over it, it would cure-out tack-free in about 12 hours. Heat will help,but oxygen will hinder.

 

[JasonB]

Re: Poly Resin

Thanks 12footer. I brused it less than three hours ago an dit seems to be more gooey now. It's cooling off and humid outside, so cure time may just be longer. I'll check in the morning. I almost wonder if I may not have mixed the hardener in as well as I should have.

 

[imported_Paul_H]

Re: Poly Resin

A good way to mix polyester resin is to use a paint stirrer mounted in an electric or cordless drill. The spinning stirrer does a good job of thoroughly mixing the resin. My preference when working with resin is to do it when the temps are cool, but use a normal amount of catalyst. Once everything is layed up, I hit it with a halogen lamp to speed the cure.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Poly Resin

I have been mixing at a little less than full strength, a bit more than 2/3rds (5 mils per quart)in temps that are in the 60s and 70s, and everything is rock hard by morning. I want the resin to saturate into the wood, but not so much that it dries out the layup. It has worked out well so far. I am working in the shade, the sun will make it kick out a lot faster.