How to use Acrylic One.

Weighing and mixing

Acrylic One must be carefully weighed and mixed. The mixing ratio of Acrylic One is 2 parts powder mixed with 1 part resin. Fill the beaker or bucket with the required amount of resin. Use the stainless steel High Shear Mixer to create a swirl. Then add the correct amount of powder into the swirl. Continue mixing until a smooth mixture is achieved without lumps and continue to mix for an additional 30 seconds approx. Ensure that none of the material sticks to the bottom and sides and that everything is included in the mixture. Maintain a maximum number speed of 750 rpm when mixing with the High Shear Mixer.

Processing Time

The standard processing time after mixing is 20 minutes. When a shorter or longer processing time is required, this can be achieved by adding additives.

Curing Time

Acrylic One is a water based product. Residual moisture must evaporate before obtaining the final result. The time needed for curing depends on external factors, such as the dimension of the object, the temperature and humidity. When the object has been laminated or cast in a mould, it can be removed from the mould as soon as it is strong enough to cope with the forces present. The product will achieve the optimum strength outside of the mould.

Cleaning

Hands and skin can be washed using soap and water. Clean the equipment with water directly after use. We suggest that the brushes and equipment are cleaned in a bucket of water instead of in a wash basin, as the hardening process continues under water.

Laminating in a mould

When laminating in a mould, one can apply a gel coat first. As soon as the gel coat has set (after 20 minutes), the object can be laminated immediately (within one hour for best result) to ensure that an optimum adhesion between the gel coat and the laminate is achieved.

Apply some Acrylic One in the mould and spread it equally over the surface.
Then apply an Acrylic One triaxial fibre, which has been cut to size.
Then apply Acrylic One again and work it into the triaxial fibre.
Another layer of triaxial fibre can then be applied, the process is repeated this way.

Apply at least two layers of fibres, depending on the desired thickness and strength. Each layer of triaxial fibre results in a thickness of approximately 1 mm. Should the product require additional thickness, this can be achieved in the following ways:

By applying a layer of sandwich material (followed by 1 or more layers of triaxial fibre).
By applying a layer of Acrylic One mixed with nylon fibres and/or Poraver (check for suitability for outdoor applications). Also followed by one or more layers of triaxial fibre.

Laminating around an object

Objects, for example made of modelling foam, can be coated with Acrylic One.

First apply the Acrylic One onto the foam.
Followed by triaxial fibre. Work the Acrylic One in the triaxial fibre.
Apply a next layer of Acrylic One and work this in the triaxial fibre.
Apply at least two layers of triaxial fibre in this way. Each layer of triaxial fibre has a thickness of approximately 1 mm.
Apply a layer of Acrylic One gel coat, based on Thix A or a mixture of Acrylic One and ATP powder, to achieve a smooth finish.

When the Acrylic One is just about dry, the surface can be smoothened by using a wet sponge. After the object has fully cured, it can be sanded with sanding paper.

Additives

There are additives available for the enhancement of the Acrylic One process, for shortening or lengthening the processing time or for dilution or thickening of Acrylic One.

Acrylic One retarder be used to lengthen the processing time. The retarder must always be added to the AcrylicOne resin. Add a maximum of 2% retarder in proportion to the total weight.
Acrylic One accelerator be used to shorten the processing time. Always add the accelerator to the Acrylic One resin. Add a maximum of 1% in proportion to the total weight. The accelerator can also be used to correct any retarding effects of some pigments and fillers.
Acrylic One Thix A an additive to thicken the product and to give it a gel texture. This thixotropy agent is applied to produce gel coats and vertical or suspended parts. By adding 2% in proportion to the total weight the maximum achievable thickness is achieved.
Acrylic One Thix B an additive to thicken the product. While stirring trickle Thix B into the Acrylic One mixture untill the required thickness has been achieved. We recommend that you do not use this product if the object is expected to be exposed to water.
Acrylic One dilute reduces the viscosity of Acrylic One.It can be used to cast complicated products or to enable the use of more than one filler. Acrylic One dilute can affect the processing time. Never use more than 5% Acrylic One dilute in proportion to the total weight.

Acrylic One Sealer

is a water based coating to protect the product against moisture and to give the product a weather resistant quality. TNO testing has shown that Acrylic One, if applied correctly with a sealer, can last for approximately 30 years (We can supply you with the TNO report on request).

Always add 20% water to Acrylic One sealer before use.
Acrylic One sealer can be applied in one or more layers to improve the protective qualities.
The surface must be free of wax, oil, dirt and dust.
Apply the sealer with a brush, roller or with a spray.
After applying each layer of still wet sealer needs to be rubbed with a soft cloth.
A second layer can be applied after 45 minutes, depending on the temperature and humidity.

The advantages are: 1 component, free of solvents, water based, quick drying, easy to apply, good UV-resistance, excellent adhesion, dirt resistant and water resistant.

Data:
- Minimum processing temperature: 10 °C
- Average use: 8-10 m2 per litre
- Shelf life: 1 year in closed packaging
- Storage: frost-free and protected against direct sunlight

Fillers

Acrylic One can be filled with various materials, such as pigments, sand and stone, organic fillers and lightweight fillers. This means the look of Acrylic One can be adjusted to the wishes and requirements of the user. A number of fillers affect the weather resistance.

Acrylic One can be coloured by using pigments. The pigments are added into the resin before mixing. The maximum quantity of pigment is 2% of the total weight.

There are various metal powders available which can be added to Acrylic One to achieve a metal effect. When you would like to achieve a rusted effect, use the iron power.

Add an equal amount of iron powder as the amount of powder used to produce Acrylic One.
When the applied layer has dried, it needs to be sanded using a wet scourer pad or sanding paper.
The surface can now be treated with hydrochloric acid, ammonia or any other agent of your choice. This accelerates the rusting process.

The same process can be used with bronze of copper

ATP powder is a volume thickener. It enables the Acrylic One to be thickened to achieve a putty thickness. This putty can be used to make the surface smooth and add the finish to the object. ATP powder can only be used for indoor applications.

Sand and quartz mixed in with Acrylic One results in a scratch resistant and hard top layer. A granito or granite look can be achieved by using different colors and sizes of quartz. If that is the look you are looking for, you need to sand the top layer after it has set to bring the stone to the surface and achieve a bigger contrast.
Poraver is a very light weight filler. This product is used to make light weight fillings in objects for instance when solid casting would be too heavy.