| GUIDELINES FOR MIXING AND APPLYING 307, 307-M AND 307 FR-LITE SCULPTURING PUTTIES
GENERAL
307, 307-M and 307 FR-LITE sculpturing putties are specially formulated epoxies that are unique not only in their cured properties, but their working and application qualities as well. All 3 formulas represent a spectrum of product consistencies - from "peanut butter" to a thick "soft-serve ice-cream" that allow the user to create surfaces and textures unmatched by any other sculpturing medium. Water is the ideal release and smoothening agent when working with these products and our "Thickening Agent" allows for additional adjustment of the consistency as needed.
MIXING
307, 307-M and 307 FR-LITE sculpturing putties designed to be mixed at a ratio of equal amounts of Part A and Part B or 1:1 by volume. Measuring out equal amounts of the components when mixing is important to achieving consistent qualities of the products including workability, set times and cured physical properties. Mixing of the epoxies can be accomplished simply by mixing the epoxy with a stick or trowel on a piece of cardboard or pallet until streak free and uniform in color Mixing equipment such as drill mixers and even Hobart type mixers have been used for mixing larger batches of epoxy. However the material is mixed, it is a good practice during mixing to repeatedly scrape off
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the mixing tool and the surfaces of the mixing board or pail to insure all material is thoroughly mixed.
THICKENING
The consistency of the 307 products can be easily thickened as needed by simply adding our special thickening agent during the mixing process. Even the 307 "peanut butter" consistency can be blended into a stiff sculpting clay with the thickener. Other thickeners and fillers such as sand, saw dust, stone, etc. can be blended into the mixed material to produce unique finished qualities. Small amounts of water can be used to thin out the product and Polygem can custom blend the consistency for special orders
COLORING
Colorants and pigments should be added during the final minutes of the mixing process. Universal colorants, epoxy and polyester pigments and concrete stain powders are ideal for producing desired base colors of the mixed material. Water based colorants are not recommended.
CURING
The properly mixed epoxy is designed to achieve a full cure in 24 hours at room temperature. Cooler temperatures will retard the set and cure of the product and warmer temperatures will accelerate the set and cure. Utilizing a heat gun can accelerate the curing process and oven curing of the product at 100°F - 140°F will post cure the epoxy as quickly as 30 minutes. Do not overheat or burn the epoxy.
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MOLDING, SHAPING AND TEXTURING
The mixed epoxy can be applied to properly prepared silicone, latex, urethane and other mold surfaces. Texturing pads are ideal for stamping and texturing the uncured epoxy to produce tree bark and rock-like finishes. Water and dry pigments are ideal as a releasing agent when utilizing pads for texturing the uncured epoxy.
BONDING
The 307 series of epoxies are excellent adhesives for bonding many types of materials including fiberglass, concrete, wood and metal. Properly prepare the surface by sanding, grinding or sandblasting prior to the application of the epoxy. These epoxies are not recommended for bonding to glass and most plastic surfaces.
PAINTING AND FINISHING
The cured epoxy can be finished with most paints and stains. Lightly sanding the cured epoxy will enhance the bonding of the finish. Silicone or oil-based release agents must be completely removed prior to finishing. Sandblasting is recommended for preparing the cured epoxy surface prior to applying coatings, additional layers of epoxy or other polymers and adhesives.
HANDLING
Review the product MSDS sheets and follow the safety guidelines prior to handling any epoxy product. For additional assistance concerning the use of the 307 epoxies, contact the Potygem technical service department at (630) 231-5600
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