Resin FAQ's

Generally speaking, for Polyester Resins, the mixing ratio is 2% i.e. 20ml for every 1kg of Resin in working conditions at room temperature. For the Water Clear Casting Polyester Resin, this drops to 1.5% or 15ml for every... Read more

This depends on the temperature of your working conditions and how much catalyst has been incorporated into the mix. Warmer temperatures will reduce your curing time and colder temperatures will increase the length of cure. 

Likewise, adding extra catalyst will speed up the curing process - often necessary for colder temperatures and reducing catalyst will reduce curing - again often necessary during warmer temperatures.

We would recommend mixing no more than 1.5 - 2kg... Read more

We would recommend a clear epoxy resin for this purpose as the epoxy has less shrinkage than the polyester version.

There are a couple of different options and finishes that you can opt for when skinning a kayak like this. First of all, you could use a layer of 450g fibreglass matting and Lloyd's approved resin. Once cured you could then apply a standard polyester topcoat. All of these materials are included with our Read more

The second layer can be applied while the first layer is still wet. Not only will you complete your project a lot faster but you will use a lot less resin too!

The shelf life of Catalyst is approximately 6 months. It is important that the catalyst is stored in its original packaging in a cool, dry location away from sunlight. As Catalyst is an extremely flammable chemical, it is important to refer to MSDS and TDS sheets before use.

Unfortunately, Polyester Resin cannot be used on Polystyrene as it will eat into it! An Epoxy Resin would be better suited for this application.

None of our Polyester Resins / Topcoats on FibreGlassDirect require a wax additive to harden. Catalyst is the only thing required and this is supplied with all Resins.

We recommend that up to 10mm of Clear Resin should be poured at any one time before pouring the next layer. If doing multiple pours of clear casting resin, great care should be taken in regards to the heat that is generated with each pour. Before each pour, it is best to ensure the first pour has cooled (and is cool to the touch) before adding the next batch of resin.

Yes, all Resins, Topcoats and Gelcoats sold by FibreGlassDirect are supplied with sufficient catalyst. 

We would recommend priming the lead with a G4 Damp Seal first. G4 should be thinly applied with a brush or roller and allowed to tack before applying the resin and chopped strand matting. 

When it first comes it is fully sealed so you snap off the top. The outside is threaded so if you flip the cap you will see the threads are on the opposite side. The cap will screw back on then to re-seal. 

Our Low-Cost General Purpose Resin is a re-blended resin which is suitable for non-critical DIY repairs (such as downpipe repairs etc.) Lloyds Approved Resin is a higher quality Polyester Resin which has been tested and approved by the Lloyds Register. It can be used for potable water storage projects, marine, pond and boat repairs. It is also WRAS Approved. Both are polyester resins.

For most resins, add 2% by weight, i.e. 1kg of resin requires 20g of Catalyst (based on room temperature). Alternatively, use our Materials Quantity Calculator For Clear Casting Resin the catalyst addition is 1%.  

For colder conditions, more catalyst may need to be mixed into the resin to ensure a cure. In the winter months, our Roofing Kits will increase from 2% catalyst addition to 3%. Likewise, in warmer climates, less catalyst may... Read more