Description
WoodCast 30 Resin is an optically clear commercial grade casting and encapsulation two-part epoxy system. It has an excellent high-gloss wood coating/casting features which are ideal for river table casting, wood laminating, and epoxy artwork. Its high performance highlights good mechanical and excellent self-levelling properties. This product is not moisture sensitive and can be utilized in humid environments.
Application method
- Brush
- Roller/Squeegee
- Pour/casting
Note
A Propane burner can be used to pop bubbles that appear on the surface.
Processing
Preheat the epoxy to 25°C – 27°C before mixing, this will reduce the viscosity and make pouring easier. WoodCast 30 Resin can also be used to make River Tables and can also be mixed with a variety of materials for different visual effects such as wood chips, Aluminium Powder, Marble Powder, Stone Chips, Pebbles, Iron Filing, Copper, Bronze or Brass Powders, Cast Magic Powders.
WoodCast 30 resin can also be pigmented. After preparing the mix, mix thoroughly for at least 2 to 3 minutes and apply using your preferred method.
Important
Do not exceed 10mm thickness per application, allow to cool before mixing & adding additional layers. It is advisable to do tests with fillers and pigments before committing to a job.
Safety & Handling
Epoxy Resins & Hardeners are chemicals. Normal Health and safety precautions apply when handling these products.
Ensure
- Adequate ventilation
- Use of gloves and safety glasses
- Use of barrier creams
- Use of a skin friendly hand cleaner
Never Use any solvents to clean your hands.
Always
- Measure Accurately (Preferably on a scale)
- Mix parts A & B thoroughly (Use flat paddle and mix for a minimum of 2 minutes)
- Allow Adequate time to fully cure before using
Avoid
- Applying on Oily or Contaminated Surfaces
- Apply to damp or wet surfaces
- Working in a Cold Environment below 18 °C
Storage and stability
The shelf life is 24 months in a dry place and in original unopened containers at room temperatures between 18 – 25°C.
What is the best way to sand/polish WoodCast 30 Clear Epoxy to a high gloss finish when making a tabletop?
There is a reasonable amount of work required, therefore we have developed a 5 step sanding and polishing process that gives good results:
Step 1:
Planing or Routing wood/epoxy to achieve Oat surface –(This step is not always required as the casting may be very Oat and smooth ) What to take off the top? a) We advise a minimal cut of 1mm or less. Be careful; if you cut too thick, the epoxy will grab the planing knives and throw the piece. A thicker cut can also generate excessive heat that will affect the surface Bnish. Or b) With a router sled remove 1mm or less per pass.
Step 2:
Drum sanding – can even out the top or both sides of the piece, depending on the machine. Feeds should be medium with grits of less than 120. Finer grit paper of 220 or higher should be used at slower speeds. Sanded depth will vary, but 0.5 to 1mm per pass should be the maximum. Be careful to make sure sandpaper is clean and free of material as the epoxy can leave a residue on the paper and gouge the material on the next pass.
Step 3:
Random Orbit Sanding a) use a step up dry sanding method beginning at 80 open grit and proceeding in Bner open grit paper increments; 100, 120, 180, 240, 320, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200, 1500. b) wet sand using foam backed sanding pads at medium speed at 2000 grit. Clean all residue between sanding steps. c) Wet Sand at low rpm using 4000 grit foam backed sanding pads, using plenty of water at all times.
Material should be clear and slightly hazed. Do not over work or overheat .
Step 4:
Polishing – use a variable speed, 2000 rpm polisher. High quality plastic polishes are formulated to be used at specific speeds. We recommend Mirka Polarshine 10 medium-coarse compound. (Or alternative) At each step, taking time to polish and keep pads lubricated with Mirka compound. a) Using a lamb’s wool polishing pad, buff at 2000 rpm until surface imperfections disappear, b) using a 2000 grit foam polishing pad, buff at 1800 rpm and c) using a 3000 grit foam polishing pad, buff at 1600 rpm.
Step 5:
Finishing – apply Mirka Polarshine-UF3 (or alternative) using a clean, new 3000 grit foam applicator pad at 1500 rpm, buff to a brilliant finish.
Important: Follow safety precautions on the technical bulletin when mixing and pouring WoodCast30.
When machining, sanding or polishing fully cured epoxy, wear a NIOSH approved respirator, protective eye-wear and clothing to minimise skin contact. Results may vary depending on how closely directions are followed, quality of equipment and aptitude/experience of artisan. In all cases, AMT Composites is not responsible for the outcome due to the above variables. If results are in question, we recommend testing on a small test epoxy casting before scaling up to a large project.
