Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

Frekote 700-NC

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Topic10353.aspx

By Hanaldo - 3/19/2014 9:00:36 AM

Hey everyone,

First of all, I know this isn't an EC product, but I am in Australia and would literally have to mortgage my house to get hold of Easylease here.

I have recently purchased a gallon of Frekote 700-NC, making the switch from wax and PVA. As this is my first use, I am a little bit nervous about it. I have put a lot of time and money into the tools I am using it on, so I don't want to lose them. Now my issue is that I have followed the application instructions to the letter, but I am not sure if the stuff is working. I applied the first 2 coats by wiping it on with a cloth, and then leaving it to dry for half an hour. It was only when I went to buff out the streaks and couldn't do it that I did a bit of a search and found that I should be wiping it off again as soon as I see it start to evaporate. So I did another 6 coats using this method.

I then let it cure over night, which is much more than the instructions say I should but I wanted to be sure all the solvents were gone. However when I tried the 'tape test' as shown in this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw4V-CxdXAk

The tape stuck to it as it normally would. It was possibly a little easier to pull off again, but that could just be the polished surface of my mould. It certainly didn't work the way it does in the video. This has me a little unsettled because my supplier said that when he uses the stuff, not even the vacuum bagging tape will stick to the surface. It certainly sticks to the surface of mine... Any ideas? Will I still get a release?

The mould is made of Airtech Infusioncoat epoxy gelcoat, and was sanded up to 2000 grit and then polished to a mirror shine. The Frekote had never been opened before.

Thanks for any help,
Martin.
By Hanaldo - 10/5/2014 7:35:34 AM

Just be careful if it's been sitting around for awhile. It's very hygroscopic, and moisture kills it. So test it is still working after you apply it by using some masking tape or hot melt glue. If it's working then it will come off extremely easily. If you have a highly polished mould, you'll probably find that the tape won't even stick in the first place, it will just curl up on itself.