Ark Composites 2:1 Epoxy Hardener Fast

Ark Composites 2:1 Epoxy Hardener Fast is the quickest-curing hardener for Ark Composites 2:1 Epoxy Resin. Mixed 2 parts resin to 1 part hardener, it gives 8–10 minutes of pot life and 15–20 minutes of working time at 22 °C (71 °F), is sandable in 6–8 hours and reaches full cure in 2–7 days. Choose Fast when you want the shortest wait to sanding and recoating, and mix only what you can use within its pot life.

Features

• Fastest ARK hardener: sandable in 6–8 hours at 22 °C (71 °F)
• Full cure in 2–7 days at 22 °C (71 °F)
• Same 2:1 by volume (100:43 by weight) ratio as ARK Medium and Slow
• Cures ARK Epoxy Resin water clear with no blush
• Works with fillers such as ARKTHIX, colloidal silica and micro balloons

Recommended Uses

• Small repairs and jobs where you want the shortest wait to sanding
• Gluing and filling with thickened epoxy
• Coating and fiberglass work in small batches you can use within the pot life

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 Fast (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