Catalyst guide
How much catalyst to use and how to mix into the resins and topcoats.
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Other questions and topics relating to catalyst
Mixing the catalyst
How long do I mix the catalyst for in the resin and topcoat?
Catalyst and Resin
Why do you sell catalyst separate from the resin and topcoat?
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How easy is it for a novice to install a GRP roofing system?
The resin is curing too fast
The resin system is curing too fast in the bucket before it can be applied to the roof.
Measuring catalyst
Catalyst is an integral part of the whole GRP roofing process and adding the right amount to the Fibrelast system is crucial. Too much catalyst and the product will start curing before you've had a chance to apply it to the roof, not enough and it won't activate the resin system, which means you'll have to scrape it all back and start again.
4% Catalyst
Cold day
From 6°C to 12°C
3% Catalyst
Overcast
From 13°C to 20°C
2% Catalyst
Warm day
From 21°C to 28°C
1% Catalyst
Hot day
From 29°C to 35°C
Adding the catalyst
Both base resin and finishing topcoat require a catalyst to cure and once added will start to cure in the bucket. Make sure everything's ready to go and always mix in small batches of around 5 litres or 1 to 2 litres for detailed areas or bandaging.
Open a can of the resin or topcoat and give it a good stir before you start to use, some of the additives in the base could have settled in transit or storage so you will need to make sure everything is thoroughly mixed in. After stirring pour the product into a 5-litre bucket.
Measure out the desired amount of catalyst with a special measuring bottle or syringe. Pour it into the bucket with the resin and mix it in really well with a square-ended flat stirring stick or paddle. 5kgs of base or finish will need to be mixed for at least 1 minute to ensure there are no un-catalysed parts in the bucket.
Curing Times
The weather and temperature play a large part in how long it takes for the resin system to cure. When calculating cure times make sure you take into account the temperature of the deck and resin system along with the ambient air temperature.
How the materials have been stored and how long they've been kept will also affect curing times. The standard shelf life for these resin products is between 2-6 months so don't buy stock you know you're not going to need and use the resins and catalysts as soon as possible to ensure optimum performance.
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