I have a small batch of UV cure resin which has thickened up from sitting a while. It still kicks just fine but I was wondering what the best way of thinning it down so it flows at a normal rate. I was thinking of adding more styrene monomer to it but someone mentioned I could use acetone? Any help would be appreciated… it’s not a huge amount, but I didn’t want to just throw it out in case I could save it. cheers
Styrene is the way to go. Acetone, used as a thinner, is believed to make the resin more brittle, when set. Either way, you will not need to add much to your resin.
As Bill said. Takes very little to do it. UV will settle over time. When I have a gallon or five setting around for awhile I will occasionally shake it or making sure the lid is tight; turn it upside/down. As The UV powder settles and resin is used off the top the bottom gets thicker and more difficult to use for laminations, Hotcoats and more critical work. Generally I would save the thickened resin for ding repair. Lowel
also you can try warming the resin up a little bit before use. Not shure what the climate is where you are but, im up in the PNW and I use a radiant space heater in my glassing space to keep the temp up, and while im getting ready to start working I just sety my gallon of resin on the heater to warm it up before use.
Gibeau-- where are you in the PNW?? I’m in PC. Do I know you. Be careful with the heater and Poly. Lowel
McDing I’m up in Olympia. Not sure what PC is… pacific city OR?
But the heater is a radiant oil heater, it doesn’t get very hot, and there is no exposed heating element. I only warm up the resin before I work with it, never after I add cat, or other additives. And only when the space is under 60° which is about half the year or more.
What are the issues I should be careful for?
Oh and as far as knowing each other… there is a small chance we may have met at some point? I really suck with names, so if we have met, I apologize for not recalling. Maybe if I knew where PC is I would be able to narrow it down.
Matthew
No way, I’m in Shelton…
Thanks everyone for the replies… I will stick with the styrene idea I think. cheers
Yes Pacific City, Oregon. No I don’t think I know you… Just stating the obvious. No open flame. Lowel
to heat resin i used to place the resin bucket in a bowl of boiled water left it in there for a few minutes and it would thin up quite nicely.
Yeah for sure. No open flame! PC is cool though. I like that area. I’ve yet to catch a decent day of surf when I’ve been down. Usually way too stormy for my tastes. But that’s just bad luck I suppose.