FAQs
Can I use Aerialite epoxy for EPS and polyurethane foam?
Aerialite epoxy is compatible with both EPS and polyurethane blanks.
Can you hot coat with polyester resin?
Hot coating with polyester resin is not recommended because the results can be unpredictable. The bond between epoxy and polyester is purely mechanical and chipping polyester hot coats is a common occurrence without sufficient prep of the epoxy lamination.
Can you gloss with polyester gloss resin?
Glossing with polyester resin is less problematic than hot coating because the gloss layer is usually much thinner. Surface preparation is essentially to ensure maximum mechanical bond. Thoroughly sand the epoxy hot coat with no finer than 100 grit before glossing.
Can I use regular tints/pigments for polyester resin in Aerialite epoxy?
Most common surfboard pigments/tints are compatible with Aerialite epoxy although they will cause some loss in physical properties. Usage should be less than 5% by weight to ensure the least effect on physical properties. A small test batch with any pigment is highly recommended to ensure that there is no inhibition of cure.
What is the normal flip time for laminations? How long does a board take to fully cure?
Cure times are very temperature dependent. At temperatures of 75° to 85° F, flip times are in the 1½ to 2½ hour range and full cure will occur over the next 3 to 5 days.
Do I need to post cure?
Aerialite epoxy is designed to fully cure at normal room temperature, but a post cure of 110° to 130° F will increase some physical properties (primarily HDT).
Do you need to sand the lamination before you hot coat?
Hot coats applied within the first 24 hours of lamination will not require sanding of the lamination. If more time has passed, the lamination should be lightly sanded with special attention paid to any shiny areas in the lamination.
Do you need any additives to improve sanding?
Aerialite epoxy has excellent sanding properties without any additional additives. Most difficulties with sanding occur when the epoxy has not cured sufficiently. If the epoxy is clogging the sandpaper, allow more time to cure before continuing sanding.
Can I warm the resin to make it thinner in cold weather?
We recommend that only the resin side be warmed in cold weather. Immersion of the resin container in a bucket of hot water (less than 100° F) is the preferred method. Use caution that the resin is not contaminated with water. Using a microwave oven to heat the resin is not encouraged and the hardener should never be placed in a microwave.