How to find the right Catalysts AI guide
Written by an AI model from its trained knowledge.
What the AI looks for in Catalysts
- Match the resin system
- MEKP for polyester and vinyl ester resins; BPO cream for body fillers; tin catalysts for condensation-cure silicones; platinum systems for addition-cure silicones Catalysts are not interchangeable across chemistries.
- Dosage
- Polyester resins typically take MEKP at around 1–2 percent by weight, adjusted for temperature per the resin data sheet Too little catalyst leaves tacky resin; too much causes overheating, cracking and short pot life.
- Epoxy is different
- Epoxy uses a matched hardener at a fixed ratio, not a catalyst; buy the hardener specified for that resin Changing an epoxy ratio ruins the cure.
- Shelf life and storage
- Keep cool and away from light, and replace on the maker's schedule Peroxides degrade and become hazardous with heat.
Brands that matter
- TotalBoat: Marine polyester and vinyl ester resins with matched MEKP.
- Bondo: Fillers and fiberglass resin with included hardeners.
- Evercoat: Body filler and fiberglass systems.
- Smooth-On: Silicone and urethane casting systems with specified curatives.
What to avoid
- Mixing MEKP directly with accelerators such as cobalt, which can react violently
- Mixing tin and platinum silicone systems
- Guessing catalyst ratios without the resin data sheet
Questions
Can I use MEKP to harden epoxy?
No. Epoxy needs its own hardener at the specified ratio.