low temperature resin curing
10-14-2009, 08:36 PM
#1
low temperature resin curing
i will finally get around to starting my fiberglass enclosure soon. the only issue is that the temperature has really fallen lately and as i will be doing all the work in the garage i'm concerned about how well the resin will cure. will low temps just slow the resin curing procedure or can it actually degrade the strength of the cured resin? i have time but don't want a weak enclosure.
10-14-2009, 09:50 PM
#2
i recently did some fiberglassing myself with the average temperate being around 8-10 celcius. curing took MUCH longer than usual. I used a pair of outdoor flood lights and positioned them around the a-pillar i was glass to aid with curing time. I did 3 coats of resin and the strength seems the same as if it was a hot summer day.
10-14-2009, 09:52 PM
#3
50 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 223
something to keep in mind is that resin is exothermic, meaning that it creates heat as it cures. The heat aids in the curing process. This means that the temperature of your working environment will affect the curing time of the resin. This also means that you can use heat (or cold) to control the curing time.
It will still cure in colder temperatures. It'll just take longer.
avoid ridiculously cold temperatures tho because I have had some issues with curing at such temperatures.At really low temperatures it is possible to not cure %100.
you should be good till about -15 or -20 tho.... good luck and let me know if you have anymore questions.
I just start up the heaters and let the garage warm up for a few hours before working during the winter months.
It will still cure in colder temperatures. It'll just take longer.
avoid ridiculously cold temperatures tho because I have had some issues with curing at such temperatures.At really low temperatures it is possible to not cure %100.
you should be good till about -15 or -20 tho.... good luck and let me know if you have anymore questions.
I just start up the heaters and let the garage warm up for a few hours before working during the winter months.
Last edited by mustaine4prez; 10-14-2009 at 09:56 PM.
10-14-2009, 10:01 PM
#4
Here it goes...
Take your resin and place it in the microwave, heat it up for 15-20 secs. Just until it is fairly warm THEN add the harder. Mix well, and let it sit for 2 mins. Then use it.
Mixing it this way - will assure a complete chemical reaction between the resin and hardner. This vastly cuts down on the curing time, and is not effected by the colder tempertures because the chemical reaction has already taken place BEFORE being applied.
Take your resin and place it in the microwave, heat it up for 15-20 secs. Just until it is fairly warm THEN add the harder. Mix well, and let it sit for 2 mins. Then use it.
Mixing it this way - will assure a complete chemical reaction between the resin and hardner. This vastly cuts down on the curing time, and is not effected by the colder tempertures because the chemical reaction has already taken place BEFORE being applied.
10-14-2009, 10:44 PM
#6
50 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 223
And if you plan on heating it up in the microwave, obviously don't be using the microwave for food anymore.
adding more hardener is the way to go.
p.s.
dont be calling anyone noobs on here. its a forum. meant for people to ask questions and learn from others. going around calling people noobs is just ignorant.
10-14-2009, 11:27 PM
#7
who you calling a noob?
And if you plan on heating it up in the microwave, obviously don't be using the microwave for food anymore.
adding more hardener is the way to go.
p.s.
dont be calling anyone noobs on here. its a forum. meant for people to ask questions and learn from others. going around calling people noobs is just ignorant.
And if you plan on heating it up in the microwave, obviously don't be using the microwave for food anymore.
adding more hardener is the way to go.
p.s.
dont be calling anyone noobs on here. its a forum. meant for people to ask questions and learn from others. going around calling people noobs is just ignorant.
10-15-2009, 06:18 AM
#10
who you calling a noob?
And if you plan on heating it up in the microwave, obviously don't be using the microwave for food anymore.
adding more hardener is the way to go.
p.s.
dont be calling anyone noobs on here. its a forum. meant for people to ask questions and learn from others. going around calling people noobs is just ignorant.
And if you plan on heating it up in the microwave, obviously don't be using the microwave for food anymore.
adding more hardener is the way to go.
p.s.
dont be calling anyone noobs on here. its a forum. meant for people to ask questions and learn from others. going around calling people noobs is just ignorant.
i'm actually fine with putting down 1 layer per week. the box is for a summer car and it won't be running all winter in any case. i should have another 2 months left before it get down below -10. if the curing smell isn't too bad i could try moving the box into the basement for curing as well.
thanks to everyone who gave me helpful advice
