How much epoxy at once?

[lw395]

I always line up a few extra jobs if I have any epoxy left over.

As far as catalyst for polyester is concerned I would never use a measure because the amount of catalyst you require depends on:

• The amount of resin you are planning to use. and
• The ambient temperature. You might need 25ml in early morning when it is cool but only 15 ml later in the day when it is warm. I just use judgement.

How much to use?
We usually express this in terms of percentage ie:1% catalyst to resin = 10ml of catalyst to 1kg of resin. A rule of thumb for polyester laminating resin is between 1% and 2% i.e. 1% for summer (to give maximum wetting time) and 2% for winter (Fiberglassresinsales)

If you don't do it often, your guess of 1% can be miles out. It only takes one job to stay sticky and suddenly measuring 1 or 1.5% seems a good idea. If you do it all the time, you probably know what 1% looks like.

 

[coopec]

If you don't do it often, your guess of 1% can be miles out. It only takes one job to stay sticky and suddenly measuring 1 or 1.5% seems a good idea. If you do it all the time, you probably know what 1% looks like.

Yes, of course you are right.

I know how full my 2L container is and I can feel the ambient temperature so I mix an appropriate amount. (Occasionally I get it a bit wrong and I have to speed up to get the job done before it goes "off")

 

[lw395]

I'm going to be mixing silly little amounts of gel coat to do the scratches on my 'beach boat' Laser, when I can make space in the shed.