Surface seal is a tack-free wax additive for no-wax polyester resins and gel coats. It gives a tack-free cure on the final coat. As the resin or gel coat is curing, the surfacing agent rises to the surface and inhibits the air from contacting the surface of the curing resin, creating a hard, tack-free cure. Waxed resin must be sanded for secondary bonding applications.

When to Use

Surface seal is added to the final coat of resin/gel coat to create a tack-free finish. Instead of having both waxed and unwaxed resins/gel coats on hand, you can add the surface seal to the unwaxed resin/gel coat.

Needed Supplies (this will vary depending on your project):

• Polyester resin or vinyl ester resin or unwaxed gel coat
• MEKP (methyl ethyl ketone peroxide) is required for the resin
• Surface Seal
• Brushes/rollers/sprayer
• Safety clothing- gloves, mask, eye protection
• Mixing/ measuring cups
• Stir sticks or paint paddle
• Cleaning supplies- rags, acetone etc.

Preparation

-Work in a well-ventilated area. Polyester, vinyl ester and gelcoats give off strong fumes

-Wear proper safety clothing including gloves and a face mask

-Make sure the resin, room and the surface you are working on are heated up to room temperature.  The ideal temperature to work in is between 70-85 degrees.

Application

-Make sure the surface is clean and free from contaminates before getting started.

-Use a graduated mixing cup to measure the resin

-Add Surface Seal to the resin. 4 ounces of surface seal wax is needed per gallon of resin.

-Mix well

-MEKP can be used between 1% and 2% by volume of resin but we recommend 1.25% to 1.75% depending on how long of a pot life and working time is desired. The more MEKP that is used, the shorter the pot life/ working time will be. The less MEKP that is used, the more pot life/ working time there will be. You can find our MEKP catalyst quantity chart HERE.

-Mix resin and hardener thoroughly for at least one minute.

-Apply immediately to fiberglass or surface. This waxed resin is recommended for the final coat only. If you need to add subsequent layers, you will need to sand between layers.

-Depending on your project, you can use brushes, fiberglass rollers, spreaders, squeegees or gel coat spray gun to apply the resin/ gel coat.

-It is best to work in smaller batches

-Cure at room temperature

Handling and Storage

Surface seal should be stored in a cool, dry place. It should be stored at temperatures below 75°F and away from heat sources, sunlight and flames.

***Always try out a small test batch first.  Working with resin is more of an art than a science***