thixotropy enhancer

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#1

okay, either i got this wrong, or its almost impossible to get a non porous surface with vacuum bagging (epoxy and carbon).

and trying to cover up those holes by clear coating a finished product just adds more problems.

so, we have to use a surface …thingy. I dont wanna use polyester gelcoat on my carbon+epoxy products, and epoxy resin is too runny to brush a coat to use as a surface, so i bought from germany a thixotropy enhancer (liquid) which can be added to any epoxy or polyester resin to make it thicker, even thick as a pulp. Do you guys think it will work?

i would try it but the product hasnt arrived yet :cool:

#2

It’s actually easy to get a good smooth finish with wet layup bagging in my opinion. Plenty of excess resin to creat a void-free surface. Just need the right materials and techniques.

#3

in a wet layup, i’ve got the trick… just pour a lot of resin in the center of the laminate, and spread it towards the edges thus not trapping any air and have a really resin rich outer layer (even like that though, having a seemingly perfect surface, when it comes to clear coating,you may have pores that the clearcoat doesnt like to get in to, and makes them stand out!)… so i guess a surface layer is needed…

#4

I have exactly the same problem, aga!
I bought a thicker epoxy but this problem remains. And clearcoating makes the problem even worse leaving large potholes over the pores, making it seem like the moon… :smiley:
Please inform us as soon as you use this product.

#5

Primer and paint the parts. Problem solved!

#6

Why not lay the whole lot up with a Polyester system?

#7

because polyester has his own problems. first of all, doesnt bond as well to carbon as epoxy does. second, its not as strong. Third, it’s not as clear in color, as epoxy which is almost totally transparent. fourth, polyester stinks! (i dont really care about the last one, but my neighbors do)

#8

But the main point, polyester is crap!

Granted some blends have specific uses they’re good for, there are generally better resins available for the job. Really the only reason to use polyester is to make CHEAP parts.

#9

exactly. and since im making these for MY car… :wink: