Rich's Rules!

I'll do my best to offer helpful tips, advice, do's and dont's and anything else I can think of to help you get the job done!

This Weeks Rule

Catalyst Notes

When taking on a Fibreglass Project there are a number of important rules to follow when deciding how much catalyst to add;

  1. Never use less than 1% or more than 4%.
  2. NEVER underestimate the effect of the temperature – Resins will not cure at or below freezing and will always cure quicker in direct sun light.
  3. When using Topcoat late in the day, add more catalyst to allow for the lack of sunlight.
  4. In Winter use Winter Catalyst, in Summer use Standard Catalyst.
  5. Remember: Any catalysed resin left in a bucket will generate heat as it is curing, so it should be kept well away from other stored materials. Water can be poured over the resin to suppress the heat gain.
  6. Always mix the catalyst into the resin thoroughly before using the resin (a couple of minutes for a 5-litre bucket.) Failure to do this can result in ‘streaking’ on the laminate. Where streaks of uncured resin will remain visible and ultimately lead to failure in the laminate.

CATALYST USAGE CHART

Deck/ Resin Temp

29-35 Degree

21-28 Degree

13-20 Degree

5-12 Degree

Percentage Catalyst

1% Catalyst

2% Catalyst

3% Catalyst

4% Catalyst

Table of Percentage in Millilitres, Per Weight of Resin Used

Amount of Resin

Catalyst Usage

1 kg

10ml

20ml

30ml

40ml

2kg

20ml

40ml

60ml

80ml

3kg

30ml

60ml

90ml

120ml

4kg

40ml

80ml

120ml

160ml

5kg

50ml

100ml

150ml

200ml

6kg

60ml

120ml

180ml

240ml

7kg

70ml

140ml

210ml

280ml

8kg

80ml

160ml

240ml

320ml

9kg

90ml

180ml

270ml

360ml

10kg

100ml

200ml

300ml

400ml

If you are not too sure, or have further questions then get in touch on 01268696094 or email us on support@cybglassfibre.co.uk