Hardener viscosities

[jbo_c]

Are the mixed viscosities any different depending on which hardener you use? Being in the Deep South, I’ve only ever used slow(specifically MarinEpoxy). However, hoping to work a little further into cool weather this year so will likely need some faster epoxy for the temps.

Between hardener speed and temperature, will cloth be any slower to wet out or require heavier coverage to fully wet out?

I have noticed that in cool temps my epoxy with slow hardener is distinctly more viscous.

Thanks.

Jbo

[Reid]

Jbo,

I have never noticed any difference in viscosity between the hardener speeds. Keep in mind, a nice benefit to the slow cure hardener is that it will not blush. We are located in FL so I very rarely use anything but slow, even in the winter months. I really don't recommend going to Medium unless your working temps are routinely below 65 degrees. My goal is always to get the most work time I can get, within reason.

-Reid

[OrangeQuest]

I am along the gulf coast and have used fast, med and slow hardeners with the only difference in the viscosity is temp. I would not recommend doing epoxy work when the temps will not stay above 60 degrees overnight.

When making the switch from slow to fast, test how fast it kicks before using it, keeping it stirred helps gain a few more minutes. I did small batches even when doing large areas like the sides or hull bottom so that I had time to work the glass and epoxy.

[Fuzz]

Dang, if it had to be over 60f at night to do epoxy work I would get maybe 3-4 days a year

[jbo_c]

I’ve used it(slow) as long as it hit 65 or so during the day. But it does seem to be a good bit more viscous when it’s cooler.

I’m hoping to have the cabin “dried in” before it gets routinely below 60 for the day, so I can have a little heat in there to make sure it fully cures in reasonable time.

Sounds like I can probably stick with slow.

Thanks.

Jbo

[OrangeQuest]

Dang, if it had to be over 60f at night to do epoxy work I would get maybe 3-4 days a year

Nice part about being down here near the gulf coast, dropping below 60F is a very cold winter night!

[pee wee]

I've never used Silver Tip, is it basically the same viscosity as the MarinEpoxy? I heard it was a good laminating resin.

[Fuzz]

I've never used Silver Tip, is it basically the same viscosity as the MarinEpoxy? I heard it was a good laminating resin.

I have used both a bunch and do not see a whole lot of difference in them.