Yay!!!!!!

drewmitch44

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Joined
Jun 26, 2005
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1,749
This pic should tell it all!!!!! So a question or 2. 1. how do i measure that im puting in 1% MEKP? I usually was doing about yay much. I was mixing in small amounts about 2 cups at a time. I have been told that i will get a longer working time with this stuff so im not sure what is the best method of mixing. With the waxed stuff i have been useing i have been mixing it in a McDonalds cup (one of the plastic ones) that i cut down about half way. I was pouring the resin in there and then adding about 7-10 dropps of MEKP. I was getting about 12-15 min. working time that way. The cup that im talking about was about 2 cups maybee a little more. Whats the best way to mix this stuff so that way i know that im doing it rite and consistantly. That way if its getting warm out one day i know that i will just add a little less hardner. Basically what im asking is what is everyone else useing to pour their resin into and mix hardner into. I see a couple of you guys use coffee cans and things like that. How is that working out for you? I have seen cups at lowes that look like i could use those. They have a bunch of measurements on the sides of em. What do you guys think? Im going to add a pic of what i got with the hardner. Its a small cup with measurements on it. Thanks!!
 

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drewmitch44

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 26, 2005
Messages
1,749
Re: Yay!!!!!!

Just want to bump it up as i just added the pics and the whole description. Any help would be apreciated. Im just curiout as to how you all are mixing and what are you mixing in and how you are measuring the hardner. Thanks again!
 

Robj

Lieutenant
Joined
Mar 22, 2007
Messages
1,441
Re: Yay!!!!!!

I like to think in litres for resin. Up north here we use both the metric system and the imperial system, and then throw in US gals. It gets quite confusing, but don't really remember the ounces and quart stuff anymore. Actually I think 1 quart is 946 ml or 0.946 litres.

For 1 litre (1000 ml) I used about 8 to 9 ml's of hardener. 1% MEKP is by weight, not volume so the above nos will work. If it was hot outside, over 75 F, then I cut back the hardener to about 7ml's, while if it is cooler use 9. This gave plenty of working time. I am going way back to my school days when we did learn a bit about fibreglassing, and I remember the instructor saying if you add too much hardener not only does it kick too fast, but it is also more brittle. The numbers I gave you should work just fine. If you do not have a measuring device, use an old soup can, just look how many ml's were originally in the can and use that as your measuring device.

Have a great day,

Rob.
 

fixb52s

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 14, 2004
Messages
463
Re: Yay!!!!!!

Go get those cheap 1 qt. containers that have the measurment numbers on it. Harbor Freight, Lowes or any paint store will have them. You can reuse them too. Hardened resin will peel away from the sides.​

For poly, it is 1/8 oz of MEKP for one 1/2 quart, and 1/4 oz for one quart. That is the general mix for a 72 degree temp. A little less MEKP will slow the kick some. You might have to experiment a little. A little less MEKP is better than a little too much, because as Robj said, it if kicks too soon, it will be more brittle.​

For cooler temps, a little more will be fine. I was having fun with it at first. I has a few pots gel too quick, and a few that took a lot of time to kick, but did eventually.​

Stir it up good to ensure you have a good mix. I went to Lowes and got a bunch of paint sticks for this, and they worked great. I would put the resin in the cup, then add the MEKP to that. Don't forget to get a bunch of cheap brushes because you will replace them after each use. Harbor Freight has a great selection of $.79 brushes in different sizes. You could put the brush into a container of Acetone to try to save it before the resin kicks, but this Acetone will get into any future mixes, so it is better to just throw it away.​
 

Robj

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Mar 22, 2007
Messages
1,441
Re: Yay!!!!!!

Another thing that I did when I was fibreglassing was get some small pieces of plywood and cut them into strips for stir sticks. Make 40 or so and you should have enough for your project.

Have a great day,

Rob.
 

lmannyr

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 5, 2007
Messages
815
Re: Yay!!!!!!

For containers, I go to my recycle bin and find a suitable piece. Cut it to the depth needed. Use the 1 oz measuring cup ( shown in your picture ) and fill with water. I'll mark the container every 5 ounces with a permanent marker. Dump the water, dry it well. Save your money for something else. My recycle bin is ALWAYS full.

I use 8-10 drops of MEKP for every ounce of poly resin. Lower number for warmer times and higher for cooler times.

By the way, hopefully you have more resin for that big bottle of MEKP. 1 ounce MEKP is enough for 1 gallon of poly resin.

HAVE FUN!!!
 

Coors

Captain
Joined
Dec 8, 2006
Messages
3,367
Re: Yay!!!!!!

MAS slow or medium epoxy; then you never have this problem.

Used poly, and epoxy is a nicer world.
 

lmannyr

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 5, 2007
Messages
815
Re: Yay!!!!!!

MAS slow or medium epoxy; then you never have this problem.

Used poly, and epoxy is a nicer world.

...also more expensive. I use epoxy where water intrusion is absolutely unacceptable (ex. below water line).
 
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