Curing a New Epoxy Board

[12ockSteady]

Came across this on YouTube talking about the differences between PolyStyrene (EPS) and Polyurethane (PU) boards. At 3:36, Bill Stewart talks about leaving a brand new PU board out in the sun, deck up to cure/cook. Was wondering if anyone has done this and how the board turned out?

[oldmansurfer]

I used to let my boards sit for a few days before using but not in the sun. PU boards are usually made with polyester resin and the glassing is done with a cold mix meaning not much catalyst added so the result is a more flexible glass coat which results in more pressure dings but less shatters. It will harden up a bit with time before it is used. Not sure about the sun thing but if I was in a hurry would try that. LOL. There was a recent thread about just this. You could actually make a PU board with epoxy resin but there isn't much advantage to it so they don't usually. Can't make an EPS board with polyester resin though.

[waikikikichan]

That's the worst when customer call everyday to see if their custom board is ready.
Customer - "There's suppose to be a swell tomorrow and I really want to go use it".
I'm like - "no you shouldn't".

Especially Poly/PU, if it's still "gassing" and you can smell the resin, you need to let it cure. I order my boards and let it sit for At least a few weeks.

You don't need to cure molded epoxy boards, just in case you were wondering.

[oldmansurfer]

In your post you mention curing an epoxy board and I don't think they need to be cured for long because they are not made with a cold set of resin. Epoxy resin doesn't do well if you don't have the right amounts of part A and part B. So Most likely a day or two after it's made should be good.

[XiloRider]

I'm doing this right now with my new poly board! Watched the same vid. It's not super hot out, but the board seems to be "simmering" at least. This is my first "real"/poly surfboard, so not sure what I'll be able to report.

[12ockSteady]

right on, hope it works well