How to Spray Polyester Resin
Polyester resin is used in the fiberglass industry for a variety of different applications like pipes and tanks. Polyester resin is a thick, purplish liquid that comes in 50-gallon drums for industrial use. This resin requires a catalyst in order to harden, which is usually methyl ethyl ketone peroxide. For large applications that require a large amount of resin, a resin gun is used. Resin guns are sprayed basically like paint guns, and they internally mix the catalyst into the resin so the resin is catalyzed when it comes out of the tip of the gun. They also have an acetone container that is connected to the tip of the gun for easy cleaning between uses.
Things You'll Need
- Air compressor
- Air hose
- 50-gallon drum mixer
- Polyester resin
- Heavy-duty dolly
- Catalyst
- Acetone
- 5-gallon bucket
Instructions
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1
Remove the lid from the 50-gallon resin drum and connect the drum mixer to the drum. Plug in an air compressor and connect an air hose to the drum mixer. Let the resin mix for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the mixer and clean it off with acetone.
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2
Place the drum of resin onto the resin gun using a heavy-duty dolly, and insert the resin wand into the resin.
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3
Fill the catalyst container with methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (catalyst), and also fill the acetone container. Acetone is very important; it keeps the tip of the gun from clogging with hardened resin between uses.
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4
Plug the resin gun into the air hose and spray the resin into a 5-gallon bucket continuously until you see the catalyst begin to mix with the resin. When the catalyst begins coming out, it's safe to begin spraying the piece.
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Tips & Warnings
Protect your skin from the catalyst; it will leave chemical burns.
