TOPCOAT 2-1: the scratch-resistant epoxy resin for clear coatings – and much more
TOPCOAT 2-1 is a synthetic resin consisting of two components: resin and hardener.
After mixing the two components, you get a crystal-clear and extremely hard coating. It not only offers you protection against scratches, but also against yellowing. TOPCOAT 2-1 contains very good UV protection: absorbers and HALS (Hindered Amine Light Stabilisers).
Possible applications of TOPCOAT 2-1 synthetic resin
TOPCOAT 2-1 is perfect for sealing surfaces. How does it work? Simply coat your artwork or another surface such as tables or counters with a layer of TOPCOAT 2-1 – and you’re done.
You can also use TOPCOAT 2-1 for other artistic applications. Of course, it can be quickly dyed to your desired colours using suitable colourants. We know artists, who use it to mould the most amazing coasters. Trays can be designed just as easily.
Special features of the TOPCOAT 2-1 resin
TOPCOAT 2-1 has a low viscosity and is therefore very fluid. This makes coating with this synthetic resin easy. This epoxy resin also allows you to work almost bubble-free.
Important: The resin is purple in liquid form due to the UV protection it contains. However, it hardens to a clear colour, we promise you that.
MECHANICAL & PHYSICAL PROPERTIES:
approx. values
Viscosity @ 25°C ~1500mPa.s
Mixing Ratio (weight or volume) 2 : 1
Colour Transparent
Reactivity on 1,500g @ 25°C ~40
Shore hardness after 7 days, 23°C ISO 868 Shore D1 84
Flexural modulus ISO 178 MPa 2800
Pot Life @ 25°C (150g mixed mass) ~40 mins
Film Touch Dry 6-7 hours
Full Cure 7 Days
Instructions
HOW TO USE IT:
Mixing
TopCoat 2-1 is mixed at a 2 parts resin to 1 part hardener by volume or weight. The mixing ratio must be accurately followed. It is not possible to change the ratio as this would result in lower mechanical properties and the resin not curing properly. Mix by hand. Regularly scrape the sides, base, and corners of the mixing vessel to ensure full homogeneity. Mix until it is a uniform colour & consistency (usually 3-4 mins).
The resin component has a purplish colour in the bottle, this is the strong UV inhibitor and will not be visible in a thin layer.
Application
Apply by hand pouring or brush/roller. The resin can be tinted any colour with the addition of polymer pigments available in solid and translucent colours.
Eli-Chem’s resi-TINT Acrylic Inks and resi-TINT MAX range are ideal.
LEVEL: Ensure your piece is perfectly flat and level, otherwise the resin will run to the lowest point and pool in the centre, leaving too little resin at the corners. On large canvas paintings / pictures you should tighten the canvas as much as possible or place a board underneath to support it uniformly.
BUBBLES: Any bubbles created by hand mixing can be easily popped by using a sharp object or by passing warm air over the surface of the resin with a blowtorch or hot air dryer on slow speed settings. Do not hold closer than 30cm to your artwork otherwise you risk creating ripples and dimples in the resin finish. If you use alcohol inks DO NOT use a flame to remove the bubbles, as alcohol is flammable.
DUST: You will need to protect the piece from dust accumulation for at least 12-24 hours. You can do this by using a raised cover or box to cover the piece.
