A story and then some pointers
The first time I worked w/ polyester resin my father and I were working on the Family's cabincruiser ... we figured we needed a gallon to redo the cabintop ... it came in (4)qt cans w/ (4)tubes of Hardner ... seemed easy enough (1)gt resin to (1) tube hardner ... we mixed the hardner into the qt can of resin ... (2) minutes later the can started to "smoke" ... a minute later the qt can was too hot to touch ... a minute after that we had jelly ... a minute after that we had a "SOLID" can of resin ... we scratched our heads and said ... "maybe we should ask some questions" ... we laugh about today ...
1) Buy the "mixing pumps", it takes all the quess work out of the mixing the epoxy. Stir/mix it well before applying
2) Get some shallow pans ... for epoxy I find the plastic "microwave diner trays" work best ... get several. The shallow pans do not allow the heat in the reaction to build up
3) On very hot days "chill" the epoxy and pans in refrigerator before starting Note: Do not allow wife/girlfriend to see pans/epoxy in refrigerator ... you will be in trouble!!! Mine did not see the humor in it!!!
4) Mix small batchs ... usually (4) pumps is all I can apply at a time before it starts to "kick". Rotate pans and discard brushs as required. If you are using a roller to apply then you can mix a larger batch ... for larger batches I use a "icebath" to extend the "working time".
5) After the final cloth application and sanding I will apply one more coat to resin w/ NO thickeners and the sand carefully so as not to expose any cloth fibers.
Do not forget to use disposable gloves ... you can by boxes at a "medical supply" cheaper then at the "marine supply".
I'm afraid someday I will pay the price for all the baths I took in solvent, acetone ...MEK ...
Hope this will help get you started
HarryMurphey
TheMightyHobie18/P19MX
PS: NO BONDO!!!
