Fibreglass Resin FAQs

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Mix Ratios, Hardener Use & Application Tips

Whether you’re working on a flat roofing system or tackling a DIY repair project, using fibreglass resin correctly is essential for achieving a strong, long-lasting finish. At Tricel Composites, we supply high-quality fibreglass materials across Ireland—and we’re here to answer your most frequently asked questions.

What is the Mix Ratio for Tricel Resin?

Tricel recommends a 2% catalyst (hardener) ratio for all polyester resins. This applies to both:

  • Flexible Roofing Resin
  • Lloyd’s Approved Resin

 

Example:

1 litre of resin = 20ml of catalyst

Maintaining this ratio ensures proper curing and optimal performance.

Can You Put Too Much Hardener in Fibreglass Resin?

Yes. Adding too much hardener can cause:

  • Rapid curing (reduced working time)
  • Excessive heat build-up
  • Cracking or brittleness in the finish

For best results, always stick to the recommended 2% ratio, unless adjusting slightly for extreme temperature conditions.

How Much Catalyst Do You Add to One Litre of Resin?

For every 1 litre of resin, add:

20ml of catalyst

Tricel conveniently supplies catalyst with standard resin pack sizes to make measuring easy.

What Happens If You Don’t Add Enough Hardener?

Under-catalysing can prevent the resin from curing properly, leading to:

  • A sticky or tacky surface
  • Reduced durability
  • Weak structural performance

In many cases, improperly cured resin will need to be removed and reapplied.

What Does Fibreglass Resin Not Stick To?

Fibreglass resin struggles to adhere to:

  • Oily or greasy surfaces
  • Waxy or contaminated materials
  • Certain plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene

 

Best practice:
Always ensure the surface is:

  • Clean
  • Dry
  • Lightly abraded

Can You Use Fibreglass Resin Without Fibreglass Cloth?

Yes—but with limitations.

Using resin alone is suitable for:

  • Sealing
  • Coating surfaces

However, without Chopped Strand Mat (CSM) or fibreglass cloth, the material will lack structural strength.

 

For repairs or load-bearing applications, always use reinforcement.

Do You Need to Sand Between Layers?

It depends on timing:

  • If the previous layer is still tacky:
    → No sanding required

  • If fully cured:
    → Light sanding is recommended to ensure proper adhesion

Skipping this step can lead to delamination between layers.

How Long Does Fibreglass Resin Take to Cure?

Curing time varies based on temperature and catalyst ratio, but typically:

  • Initial cure: A few hours
  • Full cure: Up to 24 hours

Always allow full curing before:

  • Applying a topcoat
  • Exposing the surface to load or stress

Need Help With Your Project?

Whether you’re a contractor or DIY enthusiast, Tricel’s technical team is here to help with:

  • Product recommendations
  • Application advice
  • Troubleshooting
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