cure between layers?
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Fiberglass, Fabrication, and Interiors
Forum Discription: Fiberglass Kick Panels, Subwoofer Enclosures, Plexiglas, Fabrics, Materials, Finishes, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=77953
Printed Date: May 03, 2024 at 6:40 PM
Topic: cure between layers?
Posted By: primal impulse
Subject: cure between layers?
Date Posted: May 17, 2006 at 9:49 PM
when you first coat the fleece...or whatever material you use with resin, do you have to wait for it to cure before you start laying the mat/resin? also, do you have to let each layer of mat/resin cure before adding more? if so, how long? ------------- Hustle, Loyalty, Respect
Replies:
Posted By: Velocity Motors
Date Posted: May 17, 2006 at 10:26 PM
Yes you have to let the first layer set before you proceed with layering it with matting otherwise the shape may warp on you & yes you have to let each layer dry to ensure that each layer dries properly. I've heard on the forums where some member's layers do not dry properly and if you don't allow dry time then you could run into a mess.
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Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA
Posted By: primal impulse
Date Posted: May 17, 2006 at 10:32 PM
ok how long do i have to let the layers dry b4 putting on others?
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Hustle, Loyalty, Respect
Posted By: Custom_Jim
Date Posted: May 19, 2006 at 1:26 AM
primal impulse wrote:
ok how long do i have to let the layers dry b4 putting on others?
It depends on the mixing ratio of the catalyst to resin. If you mix it up hot (too much catalyst to resin) then the working and curing time is sped up however this can cause problems. The opposite can happen when a lower ratio is used (too little catalyst to resin). It will greatly slow down or extend the curing time or not cure at all. Normally I mix mine a tad hot in cooler weather and use less catalyst in hotter weather. You will find out that fiberglassing is a chemical reaction and creates heat. You first mix it up and put it on and it's nice and cool or at room temperature. Wait a while and it heats up. Wait a while longer and the temperature will go back to your room temperature. That is when you should add the next layer. If you add another layer to a heated layer it will kick faster and now both could work against each other and create warping/cracking issues. Like anything else the more you do the better you will get (or at least you should get better). You learn by doing. Jim ------------- 1968 Chevy II Nova Garage Find 2012
1973 Nova Custom
1974 Spirit of America Nova
1973 Nova Pro-Street
Posted By: torquehead
Date Posted: May 19, 2006 at 11:37 PM
I ditto Jim and Jeff. I let the first layer fully harden and cure. When this first layer has kicked off heat and fully returned to room temperature, I scuff it with 80 grit completely. I lay the second layer. Right after this layer gets near room temp, I lay the next layer, and the next layer, and the next.....like Jim explains. However, I have noted that when its about 80°F and humidity is higher than 65ish you can start additional layers a little after heat is kicked off, which in this case has decreased overall process time. But you gotta mix correct and work FAST. Take advantage of it if you can. Uh, again, I ditto JIM...... "Like anything else the more you do the better you will get (or at least you should get better). You learn by doing. JD
Posted By: tackbradley
Date Posted: May 21, 2006 at 12:51 AM
hey JD, do you do what Jeff said and do the first coat with just resin, let that cure and then start with the mat? i was told it was ok to add mat before the first coat of resin fully cures and that i can add 3 layers in one session. but of coarse i'll take what you guys say over some random dude. :-)
thanks again guys, great stuff here!!!
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~Jason
(516) Drum Co.
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