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Re: Epoxy resin cure time?

PostPosted: Tue Oct 23, 2018 4:39 am
by SMHolmans
Thanks for all the suggestions … I will test the mix ratio today. That could very well be the culprit if the pumps aren't dispensing accurately.

Re: Epoxy resin cure time?

PostPosted: Tue Oct 23, 2018 9:50 am
by ddemasie
Here is a 'cheat' I used with the MAS epoxy when the weather was turning colder - Since the colder temps slowed down the entire epoxy hardening process, and I got both slow and fast hardener with the kit from CLC- when I was doing work in the late fall or early spring, I'd use about a 75/25 mix of slow and fast hardener.

For example, if I was mixing a batch of 20 of the measured pumps of resin, I'd use 15 measured pumps of slow hardener, and 5 of the fast. That got the epoxy going a bit hotter than using all slow hardener, but didn't make it too hot/fast. I backed down on the amount of slow hardener as the temp rose.

I got used to using 'feel' and observation to monitor my mix time. When first starting stirring, the entire batch is very thick, and at first I could see the difference in viscosity between the resin (thicker) and the hardener (thinner) in the cup. As I mixed, I could see the 2 blending better, and the entire batch took on a little bit of a 'cloudy' look as I stirred vigorously as the resin and hardener first began mixing together in the cup. I would continue stirring until the entre batch started 'loosening up' (getting more viscous) and I could see the cloudiness disappear.

I also used the feeling of the heat beginning to build for the batch of epoxy rising as I cupped my mixing bowl in the palm of my hand (I used red solo cups to mix in)

When I had a consistent thinness of the batch, and the cloudiness was gone, I'd stir for a few more seconds and the get started working with it. The entire process took more time in the colder temp, and a lot less time in the heat of summer.

Winter time it took sometimes 2 or 2.5 minutes, summer sometimes as short as 30 to 40 seconds.

Re: Epoxy resin cure time?

PostPosted: Tue Oct 23, 2018 9:58 am
by ddemasie
Quick correction -

"I backed down on the amount of slow hardener as the temp rose' should read ' I backed down on the amount of fast hardener as the temp rose'

Re: Epoxy resin cure time?

PostPosted: Sat Nov 03, 2018 8:05 pm
by JonLee
Any luck on this?

Re: Epoxy resin cure time?

PostPosted: Tue Nov 13, 2018 2:39 pm
by SMHolmans
I think I was just being impatient. At this time of year in the UK it seems that it takes three whole days for epoxy to cure completely. I will just have to plan my activities accordingly!