To optimise the processing of A1, additives are available, which can extend or shorten the processing time, or thicken or dilute A1.
A1 Retarder can be used to extend the processing time. Add a maximum of 1% of A1 Retarder to the total weight. As a rule of thumb, you could add 0,3% A1 Retarder to the total A1 weight of the mixed A1 for 20 minutes extra processing time.
We suggest to add the A1 Retarder to the A1 Liquid before adding the A1 Powder.
A1 Accelerator can be used to shorten the processing time. Always add the A1 Accelerator to the A1 Liquid. A1 Accelerator can also be used to correct any delaying effects of some pigments and fillers.
Add a maximum of 1% of A1 Accelerator to the total weight.
A1 Thix A is an additive to thicken the product into a gel. This thixotropy agent is used to make gelcoats and to manufacture vertical or overhanging parts. Add the A1 Thix A to the created A1 until the desired thickness (viscosity) is reached. The maximum percentage A1 Thix A you can add is 2% to the total weight. Adding more eliminates the effect again.
A1 Thix B is an additive to thicken the product into a gel. Add A1 Thix B drop by drop to the A1 mixture until the correct thickness is reached.
Due to the reduced water resistance of A1 when using A1 Thix B, we recommend not to use this product if the object is exposed to an outdoor environment.
A1 Diluent lowers the viscosity of A1. This can be used to cast complicated products. A1 Diluent can also be used to use more fillers. A1 Diluent may affect the processing time.
Use a maximum of 5% A1 Diluent relative to the total weight.
A1 ATP Powder is a volume thickener. This allows the A1 to be thickened to filler thickness. This thickened A1 can be used to finish an object and apply a smooth surface. We recommend using A1 ATP Powder exclusively for indoor applications.
Top layer A1
When working in the mould, the 1st layer (called top layer) of A1 is important, as this is ultimately the visible layer. By using the A1 Thix A you can turn the A1 into a beautiful pasta. Because of the thickening, the A1 stays in place, even when working in a mould with vertical parts. To ensure this top layer has enough thickness we suggest the following working method:
- Mix the A1 Liquid with the A1 Powder until a smooth mixture is obtained.
- Add to the A1, mixture if desired, pigment in the right colour and/or other materials such as dried sand or metal powders.
- Add A1 Thix A until the desired thickness (viscosity) is reached. The maximum percentage of A1 Thix A you can add is 2%. Adding more will eliminate the effect.
- Apply the A1 top layer to the mould with a brush, for example. Keep a layer thickness of at least 1 mm.
- After gelling of the top layer (normally between 20 – 30 minutes) we advise to continue working the next A1 (glass fiber reinforced) within 1 hour to keep the adhesion optimal.
To ensure this top layer has enough thickness we suggest the following working method:
- Mix the A1 Liquid with the A1 Powder until a smooth mixture is obtained.
- Add to the A1, mixture if desired, pigment in the right colour and/or other materials such as dried sand or metal powders.
- Add A1 Thix A until the desired thickness (viscosity) is reached. The maximum percentage of A1 Thix A you can add is 2%. Adding more will eliminate the effect.
- Apply the A1 top layer to the mould with a brush, for example. Keep a layer thickness of at least 1 mm.
- After gelling of the top layer (normally between 20 – 30 minutes) we advise to continue working the next A1 (glass fiber reinforced) within 1 hour to keep the adhesion optimal.
Create your own wall filler with A1 ATP Powder
You can make your own wall hole filler by adding A1 ATP Powder to the A1. First mix the A1 Liquid and the A1 Powder together. Then add A1 ATP Powder as needed to get a firm paste. As an indication you can add about 30-40% of ATP Powder to total weight of the A1. With the help of a putty knife, holes can be easily sealed.
Adding A1 Retarder
The standard processing time of A1 is between 20 and 25 minutes. If desired, it is possible to extend this processing time. We recommend a processing time of max. 1 hour.
As a rule of thumb, you could add 0,3% A1 Retarder to the total A1 weight of the mixed A1 for 20 minutes extra processing time. This is 3 gram per kg A1 for 20 minutes extra processing time. This time also depends on the A1 Powder and can deviate. That is why we advise you to perform a small test beforehand.
We recommend that the A1 Retarder is first added to the A1 Liquid before it is mixed with A1 Powder.
