Composite Materials Surface Finish B

Identification

Chemical Family

Polyesters,

Unsaturated Polyester (UPE),

Orthophthalics

Categories

Markets → Paints & Coatings → Applications → Building & Construction → Decorative Paints

Markets → Building & Construction → Applications → Decorative Materials & Finishes → Decorative Paints, Coatings & Stains

Technologies → Composite Materials → Product Families → Surface Finishes → Gelcoats & Topcoats

Applications

Application Method

Brush,

Roller

Applications & Uses

Application Guidelines

• Composite Materials Surface Finish B is designed for application by brush or roller to the back of GRP laminates in order to protect the fibers from water attack and to provide an attractive finish. Coverage is affected greatly by the evenness of the laminate.
• Measures taken to achieve a smooth finish, such as sanding or the use of surface tissue, will reduce the amount Composite Materials Surface Finish B required to cover the surface. In normal use, the application of should be controlled to 0.5-0.6 mm wet film thickness. As a guide, approximately 600-800 g/m2 of topcoat mixture will give the required thickness when evenly applied.

Applications

Composite Materials Surface Finish B is designed for application to the back of GRP moldings, as a decorative, protective coating for the laminate. It will resist mild chemical attack from cleaning agents, etc, but it is not designed for use on the inner surfaces of vessels holding water. For such an application, Crystic Topcoat 507PA is recommended.

Formulation Guidelines

Composite Materials Surface Finish B should be allowed to attain workshop temperature (18ºC-20°C) before use. Stir well by hand, or with a low shear mixer to avoid aeration, and then allow to stand to regain thixotropy. Composite Materials Surface Finish B requires only the addition of catalyst to start the curing reaction. The recommended catalyst is Andonox® KP9. This should be added at 1-3% into the Flowcoat. In hot weather, the pot life can be so short even with 1% Andonox® KP9 catalyst that it is difficult to avoid the material gelling in the pot. Do not use less than 1% Andonox® KP9 catalyst. Rather use Norox® MEKP-925H. The catalyst should be thoroughly incorporated into the Flowcoat, with a low shear mechanical stirrer where possible.

Features

Materials Features

Chemical Resistant,

Excellent Scuff Resistance

Functions

Composite Materials Functions

Surface Finish

Function

Surface Finishes

Packaging & Availability

Packaging Type

Totes (IBC)

Packaging

Composite Materials Surface Finish B is supplied in 25Kg and 225Kg containers.

Processing Methods

Composites Processing Methods

Hand Lay-up

Properties

Pot Life

The temperature, and the amount of Catalyst M or O affect the geltime, and hence the pot life of Composite Materials Surface Finish B. The below table shows geltime in minutes of Composite Materials Surface Finish B at varying temperatures.

Catalyst Type		Andonox® KP9			Norox® MEKP-925H
Catalyst Addition		1%	2%	3%	1%	2%	3%
Temperature		Geltime In Minutes
	15ºC	Combination not recommended.	16	14	Combination not recommended.	Combination not recommended.	Combination not recommended.
	25ºC	10	8	Combination not recommended.	19	9	7
	35ºC	5	4	Combination not recommended.	8	5	4

The topcoat, molding and workshop should all be at or above 15°C before curing is carried out. Scott Bader (Pty) Ltd. will not be liable for problems caused by use at lower temperatures than recommended.

N.B. Peroxide catalysts are highly reactive and may decompose with explosive violence, or cause fires, if they come into contact with flammable materials, metals or accelerators. For this reason they must never be stored in metal containers
or be mixed directly with accelerators. 

Storage & Handling

Storage

Composite Materials Surface Finish B should be stored in the dark in suitable, closed containers. It is recommended that the storage temperature should be less than 20ºC where practical, but should not exceed 30ºC. Ideally, containers should be opened only immediately prior to use. Where they have to be stored outside, it is recommended that drums be kept in a horizontal position to avoid the possible ingress of water. Wherever possible, containers should be stored under cover.

Technical Details & Test Data

Additives

The addition of fillers to Composite Materials Surface Finish B can adversely affect the water and scuff resistance of the cured topcoat. It may be pigmented to a range of shades using Crystic Pigment Pastes. Should white topcoat be required, Crystic Topcoat 407PA White is recommended.