[rome]

i'm currently glassing a cowl using resin with mekp hardiner, the problem is ; its been a week and it's still wet and tacky what did do wrong.
i made another mixture this time with lot of hardiner hours later no sign of setting, pls help


thanks

rome


p.s.
i followed the the 1% formula but did not work.

[canadianf1pilot]

you need to follow the formula 100%....maybe that's the problem...

are the resin and hardened compatibal? the same brand? sounds like the resin and hardener you are using are not reacting with each other.
My advice, get some new resin/hardener.

Are you usiny epoxy resin or polyester?

Bill

[aceplant00]

I think the mix of resin to hardenr was wrong. Should be either 2:1 3:1 or 4:1 resin to hardener dependent on setup speed. This is just what I quickly pulled from the net.

[rome]

i'm using a polyester resin and got them from a fiberglass place, the resin container says 1% of harderner, per resin, put i bit more to speed ip the curing , at one point almost 30% and this time it did not evn show of setting. do you think too much of hardener will do this?

thanks

[marcham]

if 1% is recommended then a bit more would be 2%, not 30%. Your ratios must be exact. Also, it must be mixed thoroughly.

That's why I love working with the West System epoxy & their pumps, it's always right the first time.

[Vulcan1]

What is the base material made of? Sometimes what you are covering the resin will not set up on.
John

[moo]

Is it old chemistry perhaps? on the shelf too long?

Polyester resin hates oxygen, and won't cure properly in oxygen unless you use finishing resin (contains wax) or vacuum forming.

Try covering it with plastic wrap?

[moo]

Originally Posted by rome

i'm using a polyester resin and got them from a fiberglass place

Smithcraft?

they will help if you bought it there or not, Queensway/Islington area

[Cross Check]

Hi All,

ALWAYS mix up a test batch. Whether it is DollarStore 5-Minute Epoxy or 45 gallon drums of the most expensive resins money can buy.
-one, you know the stuff is good.
-two, you get to know the working time for the temperature you are working in.

I was really good with the stuff...until I became allergic to it.
(after 20yrs of up to my elbows in all kinds of resins)
READ the ventilation hazzards, and skin contact risks.
Mixing proper hardener/resin ratios is the easiest part...

Controlling the temperature, with enough ventilation is the hard part.

Take care,
Have fun,
Dave'crosscheck'Fallowfield
Maac 6437
Unabashed Combat Team

P.S rome, go back to the place you got the resin and tell them to give you some 'fresh' stuff...

[rome]

thanks guys i think i got it, the 1% mixture must be followed closely a bit too much could maybe nulify the chemical reaction, i did do a test batch with just a bit of harderner and it worked but your right i will ask the supplier resin od hardener clould be and old batch.


thanks..rome