Whether you're working on a boat, pool, storage tank, or car, this kit is designed to provide professional-grade results with ease.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from understanding each component to applying it like a pro. Let's get started on making your project strong, durable, and built to last.
What's in Your Kit?
Vinyl Ester Resin: This is the heart of your kit. It's known for its superior corrosion resistance, high impact strength, and excellent adhesion. It cures with a tacky finish, which is perfect for applying multiple layers without sanding in between.
1708 Knit Biaxial Fiberglass (3 yards): This isn't your average cloth. It's stitched, not woven, which means no crimping and maximum directional strength. It wets out fast and adds serious durability, making it a favorite in the boat-building industry.
1.5 oz Chopped Strand Mat (3 yards): Made of short fiberglass strands, this mat is perfect for building up thickness quickly and conforming to tight curves and corners. It’s easy to tear or cut to size, making it incredibly versatile.
MEKP Catalyst (2 oz): This is the hardener for the vinyl ester resin. Adding it to the resin initiates the curing process, turning the liquid into a solid, durable surface.
Getting Started: Setup and Preparation
A great result starts with great preparation. Follow these steps before you begin mixing.
Mixing/measuring cups and stir sticks
Brushes, rollers, or a spreader
Acetone and rags for cleanup
Safety Gear: Chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses/goggles, and a respirator or mask are essential. Vinyl ester resin produces strong fumes.
Ventilation is key! Work in a well-ventilated area, like an open garage or outdoors.
The ideal working temperature for the resin, your workspace, and the surface you're applying it to is between 70-85°F (21-29°C).
Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and free of any contaminants like oil or grease.
For best adhesion, rough up the surface with sandpaper before you begin.
How to Use Your Repair Kit: Step-by-Step
Follow this process for a strong, professional-quality lamination.
Pre-cut the 1708 knit fiberglass and the chopped strand mat to fit the dimensions of your repair. If you need to layer pieces, plan for a slight overlap to ensure continuous strength.
Using a graduated mixing cup, pour the desired amount of Vinyl Ester Resin. It's best to work in smaller batches to avoid the resin curing before you're done.
Add the MEKP catalyst. We recommend a ratio between 1.25% and 1.75% of catalyst to resin by volume.
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More catalyst = shorter working time (faster cure).
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Less catalyst = longer working time (slower cure).
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Example: For 100ml of resin, you'd use 1.25ml to 1.75ml of MEKP.
Mix thoroughly with a stir stick for at least one full minute, scraping the sides and bottom of the cup.
Immediately after mixing, apply a thin, even coat of the resin mixture to your prepared surface.
Place your first layer of fiberglass (usually the chopped strand mat for conforming to curves) onto the wet resin.
Apply more resin on top of the fiberglass. Use a roller or spreader to work the resin into the fabric until it is fully saturated (it will look translucent). Roll out any air bubbles for a solid laminate.
Continue adding layers of fiberglass (like the 1708 knit cloth) and resin as needed for your desired thickness and strength.
Because you're using a laminating resin, you do not need to sand between layers as long as you apply the next coat within 24-48 hours. The tacky surface helps the layers bond together.
Allow the final piece to cure at room temperature. Gel time will be around 10-20 minutes, but a full cure will take longer.
Important: The final layer will cure with a surface tack. If this is your final surface, you will need to add a surface seal (wax additive) to the last coat of resin for a hard, tack-free finish. If you plan to apply a gelcoat on top, this is not necessary.
Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting
Here are some common questions and tips to ensure the best results.
Why is my cured resin sticky?
Vinyl Ester laminating resin is designed to cure with a surface tack. This is a feature, not a bug! It allows multiple layers to bond chemically without sanding. For a hard, non-tacky final surface, add a wax additive to your final coat of resin or apply a waxed gelcoat over the top.
My resin turned yellow!
This is normal. Vinyl ester resin will yellow over time, especially with UV exposure. If cosmetics are important, we recommend applying a pigmented gelcoat or paint over the repair.
Too much MEKP: Adding too much catalyst can cause the resin to get hot, become rubbery, and cure with fractures. Stick to the recommended 1-2% ratio.
Not enough MEKP: Too little catalyst, or working in temperatures that are too cold, can prevent the resin from ever curing properly. Always measure carefully!
How long can I store the resin?
Vinyl Ester Resin has a shelf life of approximately 3 months. For best results, use your kit soon after purchasing.
Start Your Project with Confidence!
You now have the knowledge to tackle your fiberglass project like an expert. By following these steps and preparing properly, you can create durable, high-strength repairs and parts that last. So, gear up, get mixing, and experience the difference quality materials can make.
Dallin Leach
