FAQ, PROCESSING TIPS AND IDEAS
TIPS TO HELP PRODUCE A PERFECT DEEP POUR EPOXY RIVER TABLE!
1. MIX RATIO 1:33
Mix at the correct mix ratio. Use an Accurate Scales to do this. Scales are available at AMT Composites
Please read the datasheet carefully to get the correct mix ratio. We strongly recommend you mix by weight as it is the most accurate method.
2. MIXING
Mix the two parts together very well. Stir with a flat paddle stick for a minimum of 3 minutes, scraping resin from the sides and bottom of the containers into the mix. Then transfer the mix to another container, mix again and then pour.
3. DEPTH PER POUR
Choose the appropriate system to match the depth you require. The chemical reaction that occurs, generates heat. Large volumes of resin can generate excessive heat, which can lead to an exothermic reaction, and cause the resin to discolour, crack and warp!
4. CALCULATING HOW MUCH TO USE
To calculate the volume of resin required, measure the length, breadth and depth and convert to liters.
a. A table 2met x 900mm x 50mm deep is:
200cm x 90cm x 5cm = 90000cm3 90000/1000 = 90Lts.
The Specific gravity of the material is 1.1.
So 90Lts x 1.1 = 99Kg is total amount of Resin and Hardener required.
b. To calculate the separate amount of resin and hardener required, divide the total Kilograms by the mix ratio (ie 1.33 for the 100:33 mix ratio system or 1.25 for the 100:25 mix ratio system) and that will give you the amount of resin required
Example:
99/1.33 = 74.44Kg Resin (Mix Ratio is 100:33) 74.44 x 33% = 24.56Kg Hardener
Total weight = 99Kg Mixed Total
c. For tables with wood and live edges it is sometimes difficult to calculate the exact amount of resin required because of the irregular shape of the wood.
To do this see the example illustrated below:
Length x Average Breadth x Height
Average breadth is the sum of the measurement divided by number of stations
e.g. 10,5cm + 13.6cm + 11,4cm + 19,4cm + 20,2cm + 14,6cm + 11.8cm + 8,3cm = 109.8/8 = 16,3cm
K R I S T A L™️ is a water clear, UV stabilised, 2-part epoxy resin casting system used to create river tables, countertop coatings, resin art, encapsulation, electrical potting, 3d floor art coating and many other casting related applications.
Processing Recommendations:
Materials should be stored and used at an ambient room temperature of 23°C with relative humidity below 85%. Warmer
temperatures will reduce pot life and may also influence the casting thickness. If Temperatures are warmer than 25°C, reduce
maximum casting thickness by 50% or as appropriately required to avoid excessive exothermic reactions.
Safety & Handling:
Epoxy resins and hardeners are chemicals and the below safety precautions should be practiced when using these materials.
Work in an environment with adequate ventilation and avoid breathing fumes (a NIOSH approved respirator is
recommended)
Use protective Nitrile gloves to avoid skin contact
Barrier creams can also be used to minimise skin contact
If accidental skin contact occurs, use soap and water or hand cleaner to wash hands (never use solvents)
Always:
Measure out part A – resin and part B hardener as indicated using an accurate digital gram scale
Mix resin and hardener together thoroughly for 3 – 5 minutes using a flat paddle mixer, also scraping the sides and bottom
of the container several times. Pour mixed material into a clean container and mix for another 60 seconds before casting.
(this is a “mix pour mix” technique that ensures that part A & B on the sides and bottom of the container are properly
blended so that there are no tacky spots or streaking in the cured casting)
Allow adequate time to fully cure before sanding, polishing, and using.
Wear appropriate safety gear and dust mask when sanding and polishing cured resin
Avoid:
Applying onto oily or contaminated surfaces
Applying onto damp or wet surfaces
Whipping and beating material while mixing, this will introduce additional unnecessary air bubbles
Working with and curing resins in temperatures below 18°C
Applying a Release Agent:
Ease Release 200, 205 or Ram Wax can be used to effectively release cured epoxy castings to prevent adhesion on non-porous
surfaces like metal, glass, melamine, or acrylic sheeting.
Adding Colour:
KRISTAL epoxy casting resin can be coloured by using Epoxy Pigments, So-Strong Pigments or UVO pigments and some amazing
effects can be achieved by using metallic & pearlescent powders or phosphorescent glow in the dark powders like Glow Worm.
Important:
Epoxy resin systems are exothermic, meaning that heat is generated when resin & hardener are mixed and begin to cross link. Larger volumes will create more heat and if mixed and cast in larger volumes than indicted, can generate enough heat to melt plastic
mixing cups, burn skin or even ignite combustible materials. Please take care and reduce casting thickness when working in
environments warmer than 25°C. If a batch of material begins to get excessively hot from the exothermic reaction, move to an open-air environment and be careful not to breathe fumes. Please note that even though these materials are UV stabilised to promote “anti-yellowing”, ambering or yellowing will occur if continually exposed to harsh UV environments.
Pouring:
When pouring, it is recommended to pour to the lowest point and allow material to seek its level. Pouring in a uniform manner will
help to reduce air bubble entrapment. Do not exceed recommended casting thickness. If pouring in stages, allow previous layer to cure and return to room temperature before pouring the next layer. A propane torch can be used to dissipate surface air bubbles. (Move the torch / open flame over the surface of the resin, keep the torch moving so not to burn the surface.)
**Pot Life & Curing Time:
Epoxy casting resins are mass-sensitive, larger volumes of material will generate higher temperatures through the exothermic
reaction which will reduce pot life & cure time. Thinner castings will generate less heat and will take longer to cure. Ambient room
temperature will also play a significant role in the pot life & cure time. Typical cure time at 23°deg C may take 24 to 72 hours.
Temperatures below 18°C may cause cure inhibition.
Removing Epoxy:
Uncured epoxy can be removed by scraping as much material as possible from the surface using a paint scraper, acetone or isopropyl alcohol can be used to remove the residue that is left.
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