Resin Additives

During composite lamination, a catalyst or hardener is required to activate the resin used in creating your finished part. In this case, a resin additive is a necessary element in the lamination process. Otherwise, fabricators use resin additives for the unique characteristics they bring to the lamination process (like an open-air cure for example) or to a finished part (like added luster).

Styrene Thinner, also known as styrene solvent or styrene reducer, is a type of solvent used to thin or reduce the viscosity of styrene-based resins and coatings. Styrene is a common additive for polyester resins, and the addition of a styrene thinner can provide several benefits including viscosity reduction for ease of spraying, improved penetration, and a faster cure time.

Styrene Wax can be added to non-waxed polyester resin and gel coat to prevent the prolonged tackiness associated with thin sections of polyesters in your composite as well as providing surface smoothness, acting as a release agent, helping control the thixotropic properties of polyester resin and gel coat, control the flow and sag characteristics of the resin or gel coat, improved workability and UV resistance.

Examine your application to determine if a resin additive is right for your project.