Can I use pigment labelled for use with epoxy (West System) with polyester resin, specifically, the kind I purchased at this link? I'm gelcoating and found that I need a lot more white pigment in the polyester that I thought to get the color white. Many thanks
Pigment: Is it all the same?
- Thread starter Rich L
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When I need pigment for coloring resin
I go to my friendly neighborhood Sherwin-Williams store and ask them to sell me a quantity. If it is a small amount they generally give it to me. These are universal colorants, compatable with all types of coatings.
I go to my friendly neighborhood Sherwin-Williams store and ask them to sell me a quantity. If it is a small amount they generally give it to me. These are universal colorants, compatable with all types of coatings.
Color Match Now But Will Not Match Later
If you are matching to you existing color of gelcoat no problem. The real issue occurs after 2 seasons in the sun. The UV rays will cause your work to change. The patches or touchups you did will eventually show due to the work of the sun. Your old gelcoat has already been affected by the sun. Small spots will show so work on a larger area so it is less noticable.
If you are matching to you existing color of gelcoat no problem. The real issue occurs after 2 seasons in the sun. The UV rays will cause your work to change. The patches or touchups you did will eventually show due to the work of the sun. Your old gelcoat has already been affected by the sun. Small spots will show so work on a larger area so it is less noticable.
Thanks
Pigment is pigment - I like that. Except I used a pigment labeled for epoxy and it appears to have caused the polyester not to fully cure tack free as the label promises. It's a pain trying to sand it as it gums up rather than sands into a powder. After I get it removed, I'll try a more generic pigment...
Pigment is pigment - I like that. Except I used a pigment labeled for epoxy and it appears to have caused the polyester not to fully cure tack free as the label promises. It's a pain trying to sand it as it gums up rather than sands into a powder. After I get it removed, I'll try a more generic pigment...
Rich, The pigment provides the color
but the vehicle that carries the pigment determines its compatability with the resin or paint system you are using. The quantity involved should be small enough to not alter the qualities of the system. This is why the colorants used by paint stores is called universal colorant. It will blend equally with latex or alkyd paint or with the more sophisticated two part systems.
but the vehicle that carries the pigment determines its compatability with the resin or paint system you are using. The quantity involved should be small enough to not alter the qualities of the system. This is why the colorants used by paint stores is called universal colorant. It will blend equally with latex or alkyd paint or with the more sophisticated two part systems.
You would want a titanium dioxide dispersion...
in a compatable resin to epoxy or polyester gelcoat. Unless you have a ball mill, or a cowles mill, I would not try mixing dry pigment yourself. Typical dispersions are also known as universal colorants. I would contact the technical people at West System (also known as Gougeon Bros.) for direction on what universal colorants are available for your resin system...good luck!
in a compatable resin to epoxy or polyester gelcoat. Unless you have a ball mill, or a cowles mill, I would not try mixing dry pigment yourself. Typical dispersions are also known as universal colorants. I would contact the technical people at West System (also known as Gougeon Bros.) for direction on what universal colorants are available for your resin system...good luck!
Make life simple!!! go to the paint
store get some universal colorant in white and whatever tint you want. Mix up a 1 ounce batch color it to please yourself and spread it out, and see how it works. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain, like experience.
store get some universal colorant in white and whatever tint you want. Mix up a 1 ounce batch color it to please yourself and spread it out, and see how it works. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain, like experience.
Universal colorant
I got some paste universal colorant which the directions said would work for either polyester or epoxy and it worked fine. Found it in a sporting goods store. Probably paid too much ($4 for 2 oz), but it worked, so maybe not. Thanks for the ideas, guys.
I got some paste universal colorant which the directions said would work for either polyester or epoxy and it worked fine. Found it in a sporting goods store. Probably paid too much ($4 for 2 oz), but it worked, so maybe not. Thanks for the ideas, guys.
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