Heating Up

[Eric Roach]

How much working time do you get with the Xylene-thinned Raka?

With the lower cost associated with a 75/25 mixture, it seems it might be feasible to mix a larger amount and use a container for soaking (or partially soaking) a batch of plugs rather than pouring back and forth over one plug at a time.

[ed morini]

The setting time is around 40 hrs. in a well ventilated area. The kick temperatures are the same as for uncut mixtures, repeat coats must be done within product windows unless using a no blush epoxy. Regular epoxy takes 3-5 coats for waterproofing thinned will never make it. Heating and thinning epoxy will alter strength values... not an issue here.
Note: Coast Guard standard for waterproof glue is boiling glued sections for 1 hour (last time I checked) resoucinal is still king. Most off the shelf epoxies fail at a lower temp.

[adson]

Ed, are you saying that you give your plugs multiple coats ?

[ed morini]

Not of the sealer. Not always on the finish. If I really wanted to waterproof the plug, then multiple coats would have to be applied and if I cared about the longevity of the plug I would top coat with the clearest finish available.I was wondering if anyone has tried using a vacuum press to really set the sealer? Later this winter I think I might give it a try... just to see what happens. I was talking with Bruce this afternoon and he suggested a paint pressure pot to help in the sealing process.