Vinyl Ester Laminating Resin creates lightweight parts that are tough, have increased strength, increased fatigue life, high impact strength, high temperature capabilities and good corrosion resistance. It is thixotropic and has good mechanical strength. It is more affordable than epoxy resin and easy to use. It has a fast wet out and quick cure. Vinyl ester laminating resin requires MEKP hardener.

Popular Uses

-Gas tanks

-Boat hulls

-Pools (under gel coat layer)

-As an adhesive

-Where higher strength, better elongation and more corrosion resistance is needed.

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

• MEKP (methyl ethyl ketone peroxide) is required
• Brushes/rollers/spreader or squeegee
• 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. Vinyl ester laminating resin gives 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. The surface may need to be roughed up before applying resin.

-Use a graduated mixing cup to measure the resin

-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

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

-It is best to work in smaller batches

-Gel time will vary from around 10-20 minutes depending on how much MEKP hardener was added and the room temperature

-Continue adding layers if needed. On the final layer, add surface seal for a hard tack free cure. (If adding a gel coat after, this is not necessary. Use a waxed gel coat for the final layer.)

-Cure at room temperature

Handling and Storage

Closed resin and MEKP containers 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.

Important Notes

-Vinyl Ester Laminating Resin has a shelf life of around 3 months.  Use soon after purchasing.

-Vinyl Ester resin cures with a surface tack which helps multiple layers to adhere to each other without sanding. A surface seal/wax can be added to the last layer to create a hard tack free finish.

-Vinyl Ester resin will yellow fairly quickly. Use under a colored gel coat if color will be an issue.

-Do not add too much MEKP.  If too much hardener is added, the finished product can be prone to fractures or resin will become rubbery in the mixing cup.

-If you do not add enough MEKP, your laminate may never cure.

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