Always wear eye protection when mixing resin and catalyst. Catalyst
can cause blindness! -even after it is mixed with the resin.
2.
Resin should be in15°C (60°F) – 32°C (75°F) temperature
range when mixed - do not leave it in the hot sun or cold areas prior to
use.
3. Refer to the resin container or to the more detailed chart below to
determine how much catalyst is required for the batch size you wish to
catalyze.
4. Air temperature and resin temperature greatly influence resin pot life,
gel time and cure time. Make adjustments to air temperature as noted on the
resin container.
5. Pour the desired
amount of resin into the mixing bucket. Select the catalyst-measuring unit
of your choice -(drops per oz., -cc/ MI, -fl. oz., teaspoons, or
tablespoons).
6. Drops (for small batches only) may be
dispensed directly into resin. One oz. Calibrated plastic measuring cups are
very handy for measuring the other units of measure. Pour the catalyst into
the center of the resin mass.
7. Stir the resin thoroughly with a clean
mixing stick, but avoid whipping air into the resin. Scrape the sides of
the container to assure a complete mix.
Mix from the bottom up.
8. Catalyzed resin in a mix bucket will always
gel quicker than the same resin spread out in a coating or lamination. The
larger the batch is, the faster it will gel in the mix bucket. Never return
catalyzed resin to the original container.
Some good advice! Since a number of
variables can affect resin pot life, it is always a good idea to pre-test
the gel time. Catalyze a small quantity of resin (2-4 oz.) and apply 25% of
it on a piece of scrap material. Check the gel time of the portion in the
cup and in a spread out portion. This will provide you with a good
approximation of how much working time you will have when you apply the
first batch of resin to your project. Expect a somewhat shorter pot life
with the larger batch. When making gel time adjustments never use less than
1/2% or more than 2% catalyst. Do not attempt to apply resins at
temperatures below 10°C (50°F) or above 32°C (90°F).
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