Epoxy Resin / Epoxy gel-coat
measuring Tip
For best results weigh out the required amount of resin,
divide this by 100, then multiply
by the Hardener ratio found on Hardener container (weight) to give you
Hardener quantity. Then mix well. Always use the correct Hardener for Epoxy
Resin as most of the Hardeners are not interchangeable
unlike Polyester Resin.
This resin is very low
viscosity, which makes an ideal resin for use with lightweight glass cloth on
model aircraft wings and fuselage. With its long pot life of 45 minutes, this
gives you plenty of working time. The resin curing process should be left at
temperature 20°C or above for 24-36 hours.
Usually 2 coats are
applied, one to wet out the glass cloth and another to fill the weave of the
glass fibre cloth.
This produces a smooth, tough and highly durable surface. This surface will accept all paints such as high build filler primer, Humbrol enamels, cellulose, acrylic, and two pack synthetics
This resin system is generally used for making cowls, spinners, wheel spats and small items in a mould. It is also good for using for repairs to moulded fuselages and good for joining wings together where a longer working time is needed rather than using five-minute epoxy resin. Also it is good for bonding wood, foam, most metals etc.
The resin has a 12-hour cure time with a pot life of 15 minutes (medium viscosity).
With the 12 hour cure time, the mixing pot can become very warm so we recommend measuring the correct ratio of hardener but once mixed put into a tray to spread out the heat build up. Also only mix up small batches of resin and hardener.
These resins produces thin walled laminates with good rigidity.
All our epoxy resins will not attack foams white, pink or blue.
HELPFUL TIPS
WORKING ENVIROMENT
The curing time and final strength of the epoxy resin can depend on the prevailing temperature and humidity.
For best results the resin should be well mixed with the correct amount of hardener (see containers) and allowed to cure in a dry atmosphere with temperature between 20° and 30° C.
During winter time the mixing vessel can be warmed gently using a hair dryer and this will lower the viscosity and permit easier application.
DO NOT allow the temperature to fall below 20° C since curing may become permanently inhibited.
The resin can sometimes form crystals in the container, this is not a problem just warm the container of resin gently with a hair dryer to dissolve the crystals.
MIXING THE RESIN
When mixing the epoxy resins with their respective hardener take care to measure the volumes or weight accurately and always wear protective gloves. We recommend vinyl gloves.
When using the various additives (micro balloons, thixotropic agent, kevlar pulp, micro fibres etc), spoon the required amount of additive into a mixing pot and mix the epoxy resin with the correct ratio of hardener away from the additive and stir well, add small amount of the activated resin into the additive until the required viscosity is reached. This way small batches of filler / putty is achieved.
RUBBING DOWN WITH WET & DRY PAPER
Best results are achieved by using this paper wet. Add a few drops of washing-up liquid to a bowl of water and rinse the paper frequently to avoid clogging.