Subject: Cold Weather Product Application
Date: Fri, 14 Dec 2001

I am currently refitting a 1982 37C Silverton. Part of which includes balsa core deck repairs and replacement along with filling voids, cavities and cracks on the solid fiberglass bottom. I had already purchased several brands of epoxy and polyester resins to do the repairs. But due to events beyond my control I was unable to complete the repairs during the warmer weather. The polyester resin product must be applied above 60 degrees. The epoxy product list 41 degrees as the coldest to apply. I did an internet search and found your website and found that your products will cure down to 28 degrees. Since I would love to complete the project over this winter I would like to know more about the application of your products in colder weather. Any special precautions and preparations? Any lost in adhesion or strength? Must the temperature be above 28 degrees during the entire cure process? Looking forward to your response and anxious to hear if this is the answer to my problem. Thanks.

Wendell C.

You are correct that most of our products (Tropical Hardwood Epoxy Adhesive and CPES Warm Weather Formula being the exception) will cure down to 28°F (-2°C). The process just gets slower at the lower temperatures. Other than that, there are no additional qualifications. The temperature can dip below 28°F (-2°C) as long as it is getting above freezing during the day. If the temperature stays below freezing for an extended period, say several days, the epoxy curing process can be permanently stopped. At this point, there is no way to finish the cure. The epoxy would have to be removed, and fresh epoxy applied.

A full cure is a full cure and the strength remains the same regardless of the application temperature.

Products should be near room temperature when they are mixed, and then applied immediately. This avoids the work of having to mix resins that are thickened by low temperatures, and it guarantees a good spreadability. It also would be a good idea to heat bonding surface temperatures with a heat lamp before application to enhance spreadability, although this isn't absolutely necessary.

If you have more questions, feel free to come on back.

Doc