Solarez Resin tips please

[Paul Smith]

Does anyone know if you can get a glass finish after sanding the resin? Also if you plan to insert objects into the resin do you pour a layer and let it set, insert object and cover with resin? How do you prevent sir bubbles in deal gaps?

 

Thanks in advance!

[ucoulddoit]

Paul

 

The company Trylon used to provide written guidance about embedding items in resin and other related topics. I looked at their website but there is nothing to download, but maybe they can send something out if you contact them by e-mail. From memory, you need to build the resin up in layers, but don't let each layer fully set before adding the next. Try to catch it at the stage where it has just 'gelled', i.e. a bit rubbery. Re the bubbles, my recollection is that you need to let the resin stand in the mixing pot for a while so that the bubbles caused by mixing rise to the top before pouring it.

 

It's possible to finish resin to a really smooth/glassy surface if you use progressively finer wet and dry abrasive paper then finish with a burnishing cream. T-cut which is sold to remove fine scratches from paint on car bodywork might even work.

 

Andrew

[gibbon]

Hi Paul. I used to use solarez for on the road surf board repairs. It does the job for a while but tends to turn brittle and chip off. Never found it set properly unless you use it on a very warm and sunny day in England either. Proper fibre glass is far better

[Paul Smith]

Thanks for the info but I won't be using it on surf boards, I ain't got the time to surf! I've seen videos of if used as a finish. Do you think it could be used as a protective finish on a table or bench?

[gibbon]

No. I recon it will be to brittle

[agrimog]

use a good quality polyester resin and let it cure overnight, jobs a good un

[Paul Smith]

use a good quality polyester resin and let it cure overnight, jobs a good un

 

So not solarez then?

[Lyn Ed]

not sure about solarez but ive used loads of clear resin to mount things in stick handles, fishing flies etc, i build up around the item to be filled with plastecine and do it in one pour, whan its hard i take the excess off with a powerfile then finer and finer sand paper until im down to 1500 wet and dry, and then T cut, comes up like glass.

[Woodworks]

It might be worth having a look at this old thread. http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/woodcraft-forum/44088-7ft-long-floating-balls.html