Oakfield Clear ResinNext is a two part polyaspartic casting and coating system. For people used to the shortcomings of epoxy, ResinNext is a truly revolutionary product.
ResinNext is not epoxy, but is formulated on more modern polyurea technology. ResinNext has the following advantages over epoxies:
- ResinNext never goes yellow, regardless of UV exposure.
- It can be used in a wider range of temperatures and humidity levels without any problems. While epoxy will suffer from amine blush in high humidity environments, ResinNext is unaffected by this problem.
- Epoxies are very strong alkalines in terms of pH level – about as strong as household bleach. This is a major problem for people casting delicate items such as flowers. ResinNext is close to pH neutral, and is much gentler on delicate items such as flowers.
- ResinNext has superior wetting properties to epoxies, making it easier to apply top coats. While epoxies are sometimes prone to fish-eyes, voids, or an “orange peel” finish, ResinNext top coats achieve a high gloss, glass like finish every time.
- ResinNext is more resistant to scratches and abrasion than epoxies.
- ResinNext uses no bisphenols of any kind at any stage of its manufacture – there is absolutely zero trace of BPA in ResinNext. Unlike epoxies, ResinNext is safe for use on surfaces designed for food contact.
- ResinNext is less affected by runaway exotherm. While epoxy heats up significantly as volume increases, ResinNext does not. Rather, increased volumes of ResinNext will take longer to cure.
This guide is aimed at experienced epoxy users to help them get the best out of this product.
Preparation
Unlike epoxy, ResinNext can be used in high humidity (up to 95%) without any problems. Higher humidity will reduce working time and cure time.
Also unlike epoxy, ResinNext can be used in high temperatures without any problems. Higher temperatures will reduce working time and cure time.
ResinNext can be poured up to 50mm deep in one go (max 2L total volume). When applying a top coat the recommended coating thickness is between 1 and 2 mm. A coating of this thickness will cure in around 3 hours. Deeper pours take longer to cure – for example, a 20 mm deep cast will cure in approximately 5-6 hours. Unlike epoxy, uncontrolled exotherm is much less of a concern.
When applying a top coat, the substrate should be sanded finely to achieve the clearest results. We recommend between 320 – 600 grit.
Clean the substrate and/or mould well with isopropyl alcohol. Allow time for the residue to evaporate.
Always use nitrile gloves and a mask when working with uncured ResinNext.
Mixing and Pouring
Mix equal parts Part A and Part B by weight in a clean, new mixing container. Digital scales are essential, and ensure it measures in grams.
Mix well. Stir by hand with a wooden stirring stick for at least 2 minutes, or until all visible streaks have disappeared from the mixture. The Part B has a tendency to stick to the sides and bottom of the mixing cup, so ensure you periodically scrape down the sides and the bottom of the container to ensure it is mixed properly. At this stage the mixture should appear water-clear with some bubbles.
Use a vacuum chamber to de-gas the mixture. Leave the mixture in the vacuum chamber at full vacuum for a few minutes, or until bubbles stop escaping. Using a vacuum chamber is essential for a bubble free pour. ResinNext is much less forgiving than epoxy in terms of bubble release.
Note that use of silicone mixing containers or stirring sticks will cause problems when de-gassing. Silicone will emit gas when placed in the vacuum chamber and will introduce more bubbles into the mixture. We strongly recommend using plastic mixing cups.
Once degassed, pour immediately.
Use a blow torch on the lowest possible setting to pop out any remaining bubbles. You may need to do several dozen passes with the blow torch to remove all bubbles. Any trapped bubbles are very unlikely to be released on their own and must be torched out. Note that any trapped bubbles will increase in size during cure – therefore it is essential to remove all bubbles, even ones that initially appear tiny.
Curing
The chemical reaction that cures ResinNext will kick off roughly 20 minutes after mixing. This working time varies – higher temperatures, higher humidity and smaller volumes will decrease the working time. After the chemical reaction has kicked off the mixture will gradually start to thicken. Unlike epoxy, ResinNext has a dual-cure system: it cures partly by a chemical catalyst and partly by absorbing moisture in the air. Because of this, the resin will develop a “skin” on the surface where it is in contact with air. It may feel hard when tapped with a fingernail, but the resin underneath may still be soft.
ResinNext is similar to epoxy, or concrete, in the sense that it doesn’t achieve “full” cure for several days. However, it can be handled or machined in a shorter period that we refer to as “cure time”. Cure time is dependent on
- temperature – higher temps reduce cure time;
- humidity – higher humidity reduces cure time;
- volume – smaller volume reduces cure time;
Some examples, as a rough guide, at 20 degrees C and 65% humidity:
- a 2 mm top coat will cure in 3 hours;
- a 20 mm cast will cure in 5 hours;