How to Use Resinpal 1715 Polyester Resin – Step-by-Step Video Tutorial
In this video, we show you how to correctly process Resinpal 1715 polyester resin – from preparation and mixing with MEKP hardener through to the finished fiberglass laminate. This tutorial is ideal for boat building, automotive repairs, ponds, pools, and beginners working with fiberglass composites.
Contents of this page
Technical Data – Resinpal 1715
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Resin type | Polyester resin (reduced styrene) |
| Curing type | Tack-free (air-drying) |
| Hardener | MEKP (included in delivery) |
| Hardener ratio | 1.5 – 2% MEKP |
| Processing temperature | from 18 °C |
| Working time (pot life) | approx. 25 – 30 minutes |
| Curing time | approx. 24 hours |
| Can be colored | Yes – with polyester color pastes |
| Laminating method | Wet-on-wet (hand lay-up) |
| Resin per m² (300 g/m² mat) | approx. 0.8 – 1.0 kg |
| Resin per m² (450 g/m² mat) | approx. 1.0 – 1.2 kg |
| Container sizes | 1 kg / 5 kg / 10 kg / 20 kg / 50 kg |
| Item number | 2101 |
Step-by-Step Processing Instructions
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1
Prepare the substrate
The surface to be treated must be clean, dry, and free from grease. Sand old coatings or damaged areas roughly (approx. 80 grit) and remove all dust completely. For boat or automotive repairs, remove rust and bevel the edges.
-
2
Cut the fiberglass mat
Cut the fiberglass mat (300 g/m² or 450 g/m²) to the desired size. For multi-layer builds, prepare all layers in advance. Allow the layers to overlap slightly (approx. 3–5 cm) for a stronger bond.
-
3
Weigh the resin and add hardener
Weigh the required amount of resin into a mixing cup. Add MEKP hardener at a ratio of 1.5 – 2% (for example, 15–20 g hardener per 1,000 g resin). The integrated indicator system shows how evenly the hardener has been distributed.
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4
Mix thoroughly
Mix the resin and hardener thoroughly with a stirring stick for at least 2–3 minutes, including along the sides and bottom of the cup. Incomplete mixing can lead to sticky spots.
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5
Apply the first resin layer
Apply the mixed resin thinly and evenly to the prepared surface using a brush or laminating roller. This first layer acts as a bonding layer for the fiberglass mat.
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6
Lay in and saturate the fiberglass mat
Place the pre-cut fiberglass mat onto the still-wet resin layer and fully saturate it with resin. Make sure no air bubbles are trapped. Use a bubble-buster roller to work out any bubbles.
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7
Build up additional layers wet-on-wet
For thicker laminates, add further layers of fiberglass mat directly using the wet-on-wet method while the previous layer has not yet cured. Fully saturate each layer with resin.
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8
Allow to cure
Allow the finished laminate to cure at a minimum temperature of 18 °C for approx. 24 hours. Do not cover it – air exposure is important for tack-free curing.
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9
Post-processing
Sand the cured laminate if required, starting with 120 grit. Then apply topcoat or gelcoat if a smooth surface finish is desired.
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10
Clean tools
Clean brushes, rollers, and mixing cups with acetone or styrene cleaner before the resin cures. Once cured, the resin is no longer soluble.
Professional Processing Tips
Never process the resin below 15 °C. Ideal conditions are 20–25 °C.
Only mix as much resin as you can process in approx. 20 minutes.
Even color distribution after mixing indicates that the hardener has been properly incorporated.
Polyester color pastes can be stirred in before adding the hardener.
Safety Instructions
H226 – Flammable liquid and vapor. Keep away from ignition sources.
H315 – Causes skin irritation. In case of contact: Wash with soap and water.
H319 – Causes serious eye irritation. Wear eye protection.
Protective equipment: Wear chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile), safety goggles, and respiratory protection (FFP2) if ventilation is poor.
Common Mistakes – and How to Avoid Them
- Too little hardener: The laminate will not cure completely. Always weigh accurately.
- Too much hardener: The pot life becomes extremely short. Never use more than 2% MEKP.
- Poor mixing: Leads to uncured areas. Stir for at least 2–3 minutes.
- Temperature too low: Below 18 °C, the resin will not cure reliably.
- Air bubbles not removed: They reduce strength. Always finish with a bubble-buster roller.
- Wet or greasy surface: The resin will not adhere. Degrease the surface with acetone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What applications is Resinpal 1715 suitable for?
Resinpal 1715 is suitable for boat building, automotive repairs, pond and pool waterproofing, fiberglass laminates, as well as model making and mold making.
How much resin do I need per square meter of fiberglass mat?
For 1 m² of 300 g/m² fiberglass mat, approx. 0.8–1.0 kg of Resinpal 1715 is required. For a 450 g/m² mat, approx. 1.0–1.2 kg is required.
Does Resinpal 1715 cure tack-free?
Yes, Resinpal 1715 cures completely tack-free and can be sanded or painted directly.
What does reduced styrene mean?
Reducing the styrene content allows the resin to be shipped by post to private customers. The technical properties remain comparable.
How long is the working time?
With 1.5% MEKP hardener at approx. 20–23 °C, the pot life is approx. 25–30 minutes.
Can I color the resin?
Yes. Polyester color pastes are stirred in before adding the hardener. Do not use epoxy color pastes.
Is MEKP hardener included in delivery?
Yes, when purchasing Resinpal 1715, MEKP hardener is always included in the correct ratio.
From what temperature can I process Resinpal 1715?
The minimum processing temperature is 18 °C. Ideal conditions are 20–25 °C.
Can I use Resinpal 1715 for pond repairs?
Yes. After complete curing (at least 7 days before water contact), the material is water-resistant.
How do I clean tools after processing?
Brushes and rollers must be cleaned with acetone or polyester cleaner before the resin cures.
Order Resinpal 1715 Polyester Resin Now
Available in 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg, 20 kg, and 50 kg – including MEKP hardener. Free shipping from 49 €.
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