by RMDJBD » Mon Jun 22, 2009 9:25 pm
Hank
There are 3 solutions to the Epoxy problem and you can mix and match them.
1) You can get West 207 hardener which is for high temp and high humidity.
2) You can put the West resin and hardener in the fridge to lower the base temp to 40-50 degrees which will give you longer mixing and working time. The chemical reaction time does not start till about 60 deg's, one draw back the mix is quite stiff so it will be a little harder to mix and to get the right thickness when the mix finally gets to room temp.
3) After mixing of base,hardener and thickening agent, pour the mix out on to a glass or formica sheet to spread the mass out. Epoxy will set faster in large mass quantities than thin mass quanities.
I prefit the deck to the hull at least 3 times before the final set.
I make sure I have all the tools (mixing cups, stir sticks, syringes,paper towels, acetone) and epoxy lined up in order of use, and lay the sand sausages in order. It normally takes me 12-15 minutes mix, thicken and apply the deck, once the deck is on you can then put the sand sausages on, clean the seam and walk away.
I normally install the deck the last thing in the evening so it will have the whole night to set and you won't be every hour checking to see if it is hard, also in the evening the ambient temp is lower.
If you are totally confused now give me a call and I will walk you through the process.
Bob Dudinsky
R.M.D.MARINE