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High 70F, Low 60F: Can I use slow hardener?

Submitted by Eastport Sailor - Wed, September 24 » 7:24 PM

The temp here this week & next should be highs of around 70, lows around 55-60. The boat will be outside in a tent. Can I use slow hardener? (I already have slow hardener and I'm reluctant to spend more money on fast hardener if I can avoid it).

2 replies:

RE: High 70F, Low 60F: Can I use slow hardener?

» Submitted by m.c. - Wed, September 24 » 9:30 PM

I've been wondering the same thing as my outdoor project keeps on going, well beyond the scheduled 4th of July launch.

Fortunately, the MAS FAQ's give some guidance--

http://www.masepoxies.com/public/index.cfm?fuseaction=articles.view&id=2240&publicationtype=Epoxy-School

check out #5, "MAS Epoxies Cure Schedules". You'll see that the 60s is still doable, although the curing time elongates.

RE: High 70F, Low 60F: Can I use slow hardener?

» Submitted by Laszlo - Thu, September 25 » 6:52 AM

Apply the epoxy while the temps are in the 70's and you'll be fine. As mc says, the lower temperatures will slow the cure time, but if you put a heat lamp in the tent overnight that'll keep the temperatures high enough so that you should be able to work the next day.