steveharrmr23

do i need to use the hardner with the resin or can i just use it with out the harder and get the samething

fav6052

yes you need to use hardener. otherwise it wouldnt harden. the hardener mixed with the resin causes a chemical reaction that makes it hard. its usually mixed 100:1 or for the amount of resin you use you need 1% hardener. i just eye it up. it doesnt hurt to use a little more. it will just harden up faster. just remember that you dont have a ton of time to work with it so mix up what you think you can use in 15 minutes.

steveharrmr23

aight thx i just ran out of it so i was hopeing i could do with out

precisionsc54

no it is a catalyst to start the chemical chain reaction. You must use the recommended amount or it will become brittle as well

Eyger

^exactly.

First of all, the usual amount is something more like 2% MEKP, and secondly, if you do add too much hardener, it will be more susceptible to cracking, it looks flexibility. Just follow the instructions on the resin can. most of the time, it comes with hardened anyways.

fav6052

Ah I mixed up my percentages. Gelcoat uses the same cataylst as fiberglass resin and that takes 1%. My bad. I've always eyeballed it since I usually mix up the same amount each time so I've learned what works and what doesn't. I also use legit cups with amounts on them along with one of those tiny cups you get with cough medicine. I've honestly never had a problem using too much or too little catalyst and I've make a lot of stuff with fiberglass. My most recent project being replica mugen side skirts for the prelude.

I order all of my supplies from uscomposites and right on their website it says it doesn't hurt to put too much catalyst depended on the temperature you are working in.

precisionsc54

ok well just pour all you want in then. It will be brittle if u use to much hardener. It causes the resin to harden at an expanded rate and heat up to much. Causing the resulting piece to be brittle. But dont take my word for it. I only used to build fiberglass sub boxes for a living

fav6052

Oh I'm not saying you're wrong. I completely agree, I have plenty of experience with fiberglass making sub enclosures, kick panels, custom body kit pieces and carbon fiber parts. I never said dump any amount of mekp you want. But being a little off won't make it brittle. I've mixed enough resin to know whaþ works and I don't measure anymore and I've yet to have something crack or have any issues because I eyeball how much mekp to use.

I do however make sure I mix epoxy resin properly. But that is a whole differnt story. I have pumps for that.

Anyways, yes you need the "hardener" to make the resin set up. Since that's what this thread is about.

precisionsc54

ya your right a little off wont hurt anything. But excessive amounts make a major diff. Ive had things start smoking they got so hot while curing

fav6052

haha ive done that on purpose. the cup i was mixing in actually started to get really flimsy haha.

btw, where the hell is springville, pa? im curious to see some of your work or maybe join forces if you are close by. i have a ton of projects going on this summer and need help. i just dont want to be bothered teaching anyone.

precisionsc54

haha im right by scranton. dont think thats close to ya though

fav6052

nah, thats a good 2.5hrs away.