What You'll Need

• Polyester resin
• Fumed silica (a fine powder additive)
• MEK-P (Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide) as a curing agent
• Mixing stick or low-speed drill with a mixing attachment
• Protective gloves and mask
• Measuring tools (like a measuring cup or scale)

Steps

1. Get Ready: Make sure your resin is at room temperature. This makes it easier to mix.

2. Stir the Resin: Before adding anything, give your resin a good stir.

3. Add Fumed Silica: Slowly sprinkle fumed silica into the resin while stirring. Imagine you're adding flour to dough – you don't want lumps! A little goes a long way; you'll usually need only a small amount (about a teaspoon for a cup of resin, but check your product guidelines).

4. Mix Well: Keep stirring until everything looks even. No rush – a slow and steady mix is best.

5. Time for MEK-P: Now, add your curing agent (MEK-P) following the instructions on the bottle. Usually, it's a small amount, like a few drops.

6. Final Stir: Give everything one last good mix.

7. Ready to Use: Now your resin is ready to use! Remember, it will start to harden, so use it quickly.

Mixing Fumed Silica with Epoxy Resin

What You'll Need

• Epoxy resin and hardener
• Fumed silica
• Mixing stick or low-speed drill with a mixing attachment
• Protective gloves and mask
• Measuring tools

Steps

1. Warm-Up Resin: Let your epoxy resin and hardener sit at room temperature.

2. Mix Resin and Hardener: Follow the instructions on your epoxy resin for mixing it with the hardener. It's usually a 1:1 ratio.

3. Add Fumed Silica: Gradually add fumed silica to the mixture. Start with a little, like a teaspoon, and add more if needed.

4. Stir Slowly: Mix everything together slowly and evenly until it looks consistent.

5. Check Consistency: The mixture should be a bit thicker but still easy to work with.

6. Apply Soon: Epoxy resin can harden quickly, so use your mixture soon after it's ready.

General Tips

• Safety First: Always wear gloves and a mask, especially when handling MEK-P and fumed silica.
• No Rush: Take your time with mixing to avoid air bubbles and unevenness.
• Clean Workspace: Work in a well-ventilated area and keep your workspace tidy.
• Storage: Store any leftover materials in a cool, dry place.