Just sharing some experience - this is probably obvious to anyone who has been doing this for a while...

On sunny days (we do a get a few in the UK) - post curing in direct sunlight or wrapped in black plastic can get parts up to 60 degC - if you are really lucky it starts off cooler and warms up as you get the full heat of the sun later in the day.

Then for the rest of the time or when leaving parts outside isn't so convenient I picked up a 2nd hand double electric blanket with 3 heat settings.  Arrange it as insulation, the mould & part, electric blanket, more insulation (I used old duvets covers/rugs).  With the blanket on max heat setting and doubled over I was getting the part to 65degC and of course temperature was even across the part, temp changes were gradual and its something like 50w so much cheaper to run than halogen lights.
I've post-cured a couple of small-ish parts this way and it seems to work well.
Next will be a bonnet so I'll see what temp we can achieve with the blanket in single layer (with plenty of insulation).


Stuart

I use a electric blanket as well.

I used it laid on top of the laminate in the mould and the surface temperature got to 40 degrees no problem with no insulation whatsoever. Id imagine using one top and bottom and a superking size duvet wrapped round and it would get 60 degrees after a few hours.

You need to be careful though.  Buy good quality blankets with safety cut outs to reduce risk of fire and also regularly check it.

Agreed on frequent checking - I use a heat temperature gun which is an ideal way to accurately check temps of the heating element in the blanket and the part itself.

Might be an idea to use a breaker socket, like you would with an electric lawn mower.

Can you send a link of what kind of electric blanket you are using...it's getting cold!
Thanks!

id like to try post curing my skateboards but ive heard about the resin going soft during the process. im worried about surface sag and the laminates (wood and glass)loosing their pressed shape, that after all, is held in shape, by the resin. are my fears well founded or should i just give it a go.

I bought a Morphy Richards electric blanket with 4 heat settings from Tesco - it was £14 for a double bed size one, output is up to 75w.
Its in the garage gently warming the latest part

I cannot believe this works! I may have to break down and get this...



If Brute Force Isn''''t working your not using enough...