Making Resin

[Dec]

Ok, so I was going to try and do some of my own repairs on an old busted up board for practice, but it's very difficul to buy resin here so is there anyway I can make my own?

This is probably a question for RoyS' and kitesurfer.

Thanks for the help, Dec

[kitesurfer]

That is a tricky one. What sort of repairs are they? Major or small ding repairs? This isn't something i've ever looked into but i would imagine there are plenty of things in the local hardware store that would do for small ding repairs. Something to waterproof the ding with then car body filler would fix alot. Have you tried asking the question on swaylocks? They know the answer for sure.

KS

[Dec]

I don't know much about resin types..only how to apply it

Umm, from my friends I think it's just a crack resin stuff. Usually you buy it with hardener and a resin mix.

As for sways, I don't have an account so it would be difficult.

[kitesurfer]

I'll quiz them for you and see what they say dude.

[Dec]

Thanks man. I owe you one!

Give us a reply when you've got a few.

Thanks

[drowningbitbybit]

I saw a fibreglass resin stuff in a car shop over here once - it seemed to be exactly the same stuff, but a bit rougher. Seeing as it needs sanding afterwards anyway, that wouldnt matter.


(DBBB will accept no responsibility for the use of car bodywork filler as a surfboard repair technique. Use at your own risk)

[tube man]

get on ebay mate they post all over the wotrld and is a very good price i use the stuff on there and its exelent.
dave

[dougirwin13]

If you get hold of some resin you are a little unsure of there's a few things you can do.

You can use resin and catalyst (MEKP - Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide) from any hardware store. but it might be a bit short on wax (more below). You can also use the glass cloth from there if you get desperate, but it's a bit on the thick/heavy side. Plenty of places you can buy supplies over the internet. Also check you local yellowpages/whitepages and ask any surfshop that makes boards or does board repairs!

First and obvious one is to do some tests on something else. But you always do that, don't you :)

Second, cover it with cling wrap staright after you put it on... Use some tape to hold it in place. And make sure no air gets to it. Keeping the air out is important to the resin+MEKP reaction. If it's the worng kind of resin (i.e., short on wax) it won't set up properly (the wax forms an air barrier). The plastic also helps smooth the surface, reducing the need for sanding, and a bit of attention to detail makes it cosmetically better.

Learnt that one from Sways... It's a good un.

[kitesurfer]

Dec, have you tried any of your local boat yards? There's a good possibility they'll have resin and hardner?
Dougirwin, what's the deal with keeping the air out? I've not heard that one before. Is it something for non standard resins? I've used bog standard glassing resin that's used on boats before with no hassles or need for keeping the air out although on the hotcoat i did have wax in styrene to add.

KS

[xswind]

KS

The cling film does a simular job to wax in Styrine as polyester resin does not fully cure in the air, the cling film keeps the air out so the cured resin should not be as sticky.

You know this, we have talked about it many times recently.

Regard
XS

[kitesurfer]

Phaaaaaarp! Was that you xs???

[dougirwin13]

Hey kitey,

Yep - what our flatulant friend said :)

Hotcoat, sanding, etc is fine. But if it's an unknown resin the glad wrap keeps the air out (the wax's job). Nicer finish too :) Picked it up form something "doc" on Swalylocks posted (I think).

-doug

[Dec]

Wahey. At the boat yard my friend gave me a kilo of resin and some hardener

Only problem now is how am I going to use this? Ok so apply small amount of resin, then fiberglass string/cloth stuff..then more resin.

Next sand it down?

[dougirwin13]

Assuming it's not a deep gash or whatever (i.e., surface ding/crack/etc).
* Clean the surrounding area.
* Clean any loose material out of the area.
* Clean the area *again*. Use a wax remover (acetone in a pinch, but careful!).
* Tape 1/2" square around the area.
* Tape your glass cloth over the area.
* Put on your disposable latex gloves.
* Mix up your resin and MEKP in a disposable cup. Be careful of the proportions. Better to have a little more than you need than to come up short.
* Use your spatula/stick to smooth the resin over the area, as evenly as possible.
* Get your razor/carpet knife/whatever ready.
* When the resin is starting to jell trim the excess clothe.
* Quickly smooth your cling-wrap over the top and tape down.
* Let it set.

Once it's done take off the tape, etc and examine. You may need to sand down somewhat and trim a bit more now. Taping off the area helps here.

Once you are happy it's time for the final cosmetic coat.
* Tape 1/2" square around the area.
* Put on your disposable latex gloves.
* Mix up your resin and MEKP in a disposable cup. Won't need too much this time..
* Use your spatula/stick to smooth the resin over the area, as evenly as possible.
* Quickly smooth your cling-wrap over the top and tape down before it sets.
* You can tape paper or whatever over the cling wrap to further smooth things if you want.
* Let it set.

Some final fine sanding may be required now.

If it's a deep gash or similar you'll probably want to fill the hole first.

And for cosmetic reasons you might find it necessary to mix pigment with some of you resin (like the final coat).

Plenty more tips on http://www.swaylocks.com/forum/ - just search!

-doug

[kitesurfer]

I think that about sums it up and if you want a few more ideas there's some to be found here.
http://www.swaylocks.com/forum/gforum.c ... 28;#275028

KS

[Dec]

Thanks everyone (especially wonder goo Kitey!)

Yea, I did scab some resin and stuff for about 20p!

Thanks for the effort!