What is polyester resin and what can you use it for? In this article we explain the basics of working with polyester resin. At Polyestershoppen you will find all the materials you need to start your polyester project. Our specialists are also ready to advise you and help you get started with your project. So feel free to contact us!
Polyester is usually combined with fibreglass, to obtain a strong, impact-resistant and rigid product. Examples of polyester products include boats, ponds, swimming pools, car bumpers, gutters, works of art, scooter covers, waterproof coverings and much more.
Combining polyester resin with glass fibre is called laminating. The resulting plastic is called a laminate, named after the different layers of fibreglass it is made up of.
Polyester is ideal for products where freedom of shape is paramount. Polyester with glass fibre is always laminated against a mould (temporary or otherwise). This temporary mould can be made of any material and can also become part of the construction. Examples of moulds are: polyester moulds, moulds made of wood, foam or plaster, stretched T-shirt fabric or chicken wire. You can make products in a mould, but also clad objects. In short, if you need something to laminate the polyester against, it can be made with polyester.
Polyester products can be finished in various ways. Against a smooth mould, gelcoat can be used, an approximately 0.3 mm thick thoroughly coloured layer based on polyester. This layer takes on the surface texture of the mould. A mirror-smooth finish is usually aimed for. For filling small holes and a tight finish, please use polyester putty. This product has a fast cure and is easy to sand.
| Application | Features | |
| RESION Polyester laminating resin |
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| RESION Polyester casting resin |
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| RESION Vinylester resin |
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| RESION Polyester topcoat |
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| RESION Polyester gelcoat |
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| RESION moulding gelcoat |
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| RESION moulding resin |
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| RESION abrasive gelcoat |
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| Polyester putty |
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| Polyester fibreglass putty |
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On the other side of the polyester product, or if an object is coated, a polyester topcoat can be used. This layer is also a ca. 0.3 mm thick through and through coloured layer, but the surface structure depends mainly on the application technique (brush, roller or even spray) and will always be silky gloss and have some structure. It is possible to sand and/or polish this topcoat finish completely smooth.
There are several applications for polyester. For some applications, we have written a manual:
With polyester resin, we usually use a glass mat. This is a mat made of fibres about 5 cm long that are criss-crossed. These glass fibres are held together by an adhesive that dissolves in polyester resin. By spreading polyester resin on the mat, the mat will become flexible and take the underlying shape. So once the resin cures, we have a product that gets its strength from the glass fibre and stays in its shape because of the resin.
| Application | Features | |
| Fibreglass chopped strand mat 225gr/m2 |
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| Fibreglass chopped strand mat 300gr/m2 |
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| Fibreglass chopped strand mat 450gr/m2 |
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| Glass fleece 30gr/m2 |
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| Woven roving 300gr/m2 |
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| Woven roving 600gr/m2 |
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| Spherecore 2 mm |
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| Spherecore 3 mm |
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| Spherecore 4 mm |
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Never prepare more polyester resin than you can process in 10 minutes. Approximately 2% hardener is added to polyester resin.
The chart below shows how much hardener you need for polyester laminating resin.
| Hardener | |||
| 12-17 ℃ | 18-23 ℃ | 23-30 ℃ | |
| Resin: | 2.5% | 2% | 1.5% |
| 100 grams | 2.5 ml | 2 ml | 1.5 ml |
| 250 grams | 6.25 ml | 5 ml | 3.75 ml |
| 500 grams | 12.5 ml | 10 ml | 7.5 ml |
| 1000 grams | 25 ml | 20 ml | 15 ml |
The chart below shows how much hardener you need for polyester laminating resin.
| MEKP | Potlife | Full cure | |
| Thickness 1 cm | 1% | 25 min. | 10 hours |
| 1.5% | 22 min. | 3 hours | |
| 2% | 20 min. | 2.5 hours | |
| Thickness 3 cm | 0.4% | 40 min. | 2 hours |
| 0.7% | 27 min. | 1.5 hours | |
| 1% | 25 min. | 45 min. | |
| Thickness 6 cm | 0.3% | 48 min. | 45 min. |
| 0.35% | 43 min. | 30 min. | |
| 0.4% | 40 min. | 30 min. |
Lamination is the technique/process of manufacturing a material in multiple layers (so that the composite material achieves improved strength) using a reinforcing material such as glass mat and polyester laminating resin. The reinforcing material is "wetted" with the polyester resin by using a brush or roller.
Commonly used auxiliary materials when laminating:
After laminating, the laminate may be a bit rough. To finish the laminate and increase its weather resistance, you can coat it with a polyester topcoat. Lightly sand the laminate with 60-grit sandpaper to prepare it for the topcoat.
In the video above, Kees shows how to finish polyester with polyester topcoat. After curing, your product is protected from the weather and has the colour you want.
Buy your polyester repair kit at Polyestershoppen.com. Our set is fully equipped with all the tools needed to carry out various repairs. Everything in one set! Easily repair holes, cracks and fractures in polyester items. Besides a small repair kit, we also have a polyester repair kit for the somewhat larger projects. Here, for example, we have laminating kit.
Styrene fumes from polyester is harmful to health and the environment. Ventilate the area you will be working in well and preferably wear a half mask, especially in a small space. Also make sure to avoid skin contact with polyester resin and hardener by wearing suitable gloves, such as latex gloves, nitrile gloves or household gloves.
Other commonly used protective materials:
As you have read in the article above, working with polyester is not enormously difficult. On this page, we have explained as best we can how polyester is processed, what the possibilities are and what to look out for during processing. There are many possibilities when working with polyester. Whether you make swimming pools, shower cabins, car parts, furniture or works of art, polyester can be used almost everywhere. The possibilities are virtually endless. After reading this article, do you still have questions or need advice for your project? Feel free to contact our specialists! They are happy to help you.
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