Ark Composites 2:1 Epoxy Hardener Slow

Ark Composites 2:1 Epoxy Hardener Slow gives Ark Composites 2:1 Epoxy Resin the longest working time of the three ARK hardeners. Mixed 2 parts resin to 1 part hardener, it gives 15–20 minutes of pot life and 30–60 minutes of working time at 22 °C (71 °F), is sandable in 15–24 hours and reaches full cure in 2–7 days. It is the hardener to use for clear casting up to 1 in (25 mm) thick per pour, and for larger coating and laminating jobs.

Features

• Longest ARK working time: 30–60 minutes at 22 °C (71 °F)
• Required for casting up to 1 in (25 mm) thick per pour
• Sandable in 15–24 hours; full cure in 2–7 days at 22 °C (71 °F)
• Same 2:1 by volume (100:43 by weight) ratio as ARK Fast and Medium
• Clear, no-blush, low-viscosity system; no blush wash needed unless working in freezing rain

Recommended Uses

• Clear casting and pigmented pours up to 1 in (25 mm) per pour
• Larger coating, waterproofing and fiberglassing jobs that need more working time
• Laminating fiberglass, carbon and Kevlar
• Gluing, filling and fairing with fillers

How to Use

• Prep: surfaces must be clean, dry and free of oil, wax and paint. Wipe with acetone and a clean cotton cloth, and sand cured epoxy, fiberglass, metal and plastics. Do not use Varsol or petroleum-based solvents.
• Measure: 2 parts ARK Epoxy Resin to 1 part ARK Hardener with graduated containers. Don’t guess: too much or too little hardener will prevent a proper cure.
• Mix: mix thoroughly, scraping the sides and bottom of the container, then add fillers if desired. Pour into a paint tray or other flat container to extend the working time, and mix only what you can use within the pot life.
• Apply: spread with a solvent-resistant brush, roller or squeegee.
• Recoat: apply the next coat as soon as the previous one is tacky, between 2 and 6 hours depending on the hardener and temperature. After 8 hours, or once the epoxy has cured hard, sand with 80-grit paper before applying more epoxy or other coatings.
• Finish: let the epoxy reach full cure before painting or varnishing (2–7 days at 22 °C / 71 °F, all hardeners). Two-part polyurethane paint works best over epoxy; cured epoxy will chalk in sunlight if left unprotected by varnish or paint.

Specifications

Hardener Selection & Cure Times

At 22 °C / 71 °F

At 12 °C / 54 °F

All three hardeners mix with ARK Epoxy Resin at 2:1 by volume (100:50) and 100:43 by weight. Pot life, gel and sanding times vary with temperature, mixed volume, time in the mixing container and laminate thickness: they roughly double for every 8 °C (about 14 °F) drop in temperature and halve for every 8 °C rise.

Safety and storage: ARK Epoxy Resin (Part A) is labelled WARNING: harmful if swallowed; causes skin irritation and serious eye irritation; may cause an allergic skin reaction. ARK Hardener Slow (Part B) is labelled DANGER: causes severe skin burns and eye damage; may be corrosive to metals; may cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled; may cause an allergic skin reaction; may cause damage to organs (lungs, kidneys) through prolonged or repeated exposure. Vapours and mists are corrosive to the respiratory tract. Wear chemical-resistant (nitrile) gloves, chemical splash goggles (no contact lenses) and long sleeves, and work in a well-ventilated area; do not breathe vapours or mists, and use an approved respirator if ventilation is inadequate. Clean epoxy off skin with soap and water, never solvents. Store at room temperature in the original, tightly closed containers, upright and off concrete floors; keep hardeners locked up and away from metals; do not freeze. For safety information, refer to the Safety Data Sheet below.

For more info on ARK Resin Application refer to the TDS sheet below.

Data Sheets