Welcome to your guide for using our Vinyl Ester High Strength Structural Putty. This manual is designed to help you achieve professional-grade results with ease. Whether you're making repairs, bonding components, or working on a new project, this putty provides the strength and reliability you need.

Features of Structural Bonding Putty:

Discover what makes our Vinyl Ester Putty the top choice for demanding applications.

• Superior Adhesion: Creates powerful, lasting bonds on a variety of surfaces.
• Exceptional Crack Resistance: Formulated to withstand stress and impact.
• Great for Below Waterline Application: Offers excellent performance in marine environments and submerged conditions.
• Excellent Tensile and Flexural Strength: Provides robust structural integrity for your most critical projects.
• Very Low Shrinkage: Cures with minimal shrinkage, ensuring a stable and precise finish.
• Workable Gel Time: With a gel time of 45-60 minutes at 77°F (25°C), you have ample time to apply and tool the putty before it sets.

Uses for Structural Bonding Putty:

-Filling gaps, cracks and holes in areas that do not experience significant flex or expansion

-Bonding fiberglass, uncoated metal, core material and wood surfaces. Great for critical applications such as hull to deck, stringers to hull, bonding bulkheads, plus more. 

-Filleting

-Radius Forming

Needed Supplies

Before you begin, make sure you have the following items ready:

Vinyl Ester Structural Bonding Putty

MEKP (Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide) catalyst

Plastic Spreader or putty knife

Plastic Mixing cups

Stir Sticks

Acetone or another cleaning solvent

Safety Gear including gloves, mask and eye goggles

Application:

Prepare Your Workspace

-Your workspace and the putty should be at a temperature between 70°F and 85°F (21°C and 29°C) for the best results.

-Make sure the work area is well ventilated and wear proper safety clothing including gloves and a face mask.

-Ensure the surface you're applying the putty to is clean, dry, and free of any dust, grease, or old paint. Sand the area to create a rough texture, which helps the putty adhere better.

-Wipe the sanded surface with acetone or another suitable solvent to remove any remaining contaminants.

Measure and Mix the Putty

-Scoop the desired amount of putty into a clean mixing cup.

-Add MEKP based on how much putty was used. MEKP catalyst is needed for the putty to cure.  It should be added around 1-2% based on the volume of the resin at temperatures around 77°F. Too much or too little MEKP catalyst will cause an improper cure. Cure time and pot life will vary depending on percentage of MEKP added and the temperature of the room. If 1% MEKP is added, there will be a longer pot life and it will cure slower than if 1.5% or 2% MEKP is added. Same goes for temperature. Lower temperatures result in slower pot life/cure time than if working in higher temperatures.

Apply the Putty

-Using your spreader or putty knife, apply the mixed putty to the prepared surface. Work the putty into the repair area, ensuring there are no air pockets.

-Smooth the surface to the desired shape and contour. You have a pot life (working time) of about 45-60 minutes, depending on the temperature and amount of MEKP used.

Finishing and Curing

-To get a hard, non-sticky surface, you can apply a layer of PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol) Mold Release, a waxed gel coat, or peel ply over the putty once it starts to set.

-Uncured vinyl ester resin can be removed from tools and equipment with acetone.

-Once the putty has fully cured, it will be hard and ready for sanding to create a perfectly smooth finish.

Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Finish

• Catalyst is Key: Too much or too little MEKP will result in an improper cure. Stick to the 1-2% ratio for best results.
• Temperature Matters: Warmer temperatures will speed up the curing time, while cooler temperatures will slow it down. Adjust your MEKP percentage accordingly (use slightly less in high heat, slightly more in cool temps, but stay within the 1-2% range).
• Mix in Small Batches: Only mix as much putty as you can apply within the pot life to avoid waste.
• Practice Makes Perfect: If you're new to using two-part putties, consider doing a small test mix on a piece of scrap material first.

Available Sizes:

Quart, Gallon, call for additional sizes

Handling and Storage:

Closed containers should be stored in a cool, dry place.  It should be stored at temperatures below 75°F and away from sunlight and heat sources. If stored properly, putty should stay good for 6 months.

Get Started on Your Project!

You're now ready to tackle your project with confidence. With its superior strength and versatility, our Vinyl Ester High Strength Structural Putty is the reliable choice for repairs that last. Go ahead and create something strong and durable.