Castropox Clear Cast Epoxy Resin

Castropox Clear Cast is a clear epoxy system for very high-gloss coatings and finishes in indoor applications. It is formulated for surfaces requiring a high-quality finish, including floors, countertops and art pieces.

The system creates a sense of depth while providing long-lasting protection to the coated surface. Its consistency allows single-coat finishes with a thickness of up to 3 mm.

The new formulation contains no CMR substances and has a VOC content of 0%. The resin component contains 21% biobased carbon and the mixed system 13%.

IMPORTANT: this new formulation replaces the previous version. The resins and hardeners from the two formulations are independent systems and are not interchangeable.

Surface preparation

Before applying Castropox Clear Cast, the surface must be properly sanded, cleaned and degreased.

On wood and other porous materials, it is recommended to work while temperatures are decreasing to prevent air from being released from the substrate and becoming trapped during curing.

To reduce air release and entrapment on porous materials, a coat of Resolcoat 1010 + 1014 water-based epoxy primer should be applied beforehand.

Mixing ratio

• Mixing ratio by weight: 2:1.
• Mixing ratio by volume: 2:1.

The mixing ratio must be followed accurately. It must not be changed, as an incorrect ratio would result in lower mechanical properties.

Both components must be thoroughly mixed until a completely homogeneous mixture is obtained.

Application

It is recommended to use the products at a temperature between 18 and 25 °C to facilitate mixing and application.

Lower temperatures will increase the viscosity and gel time. The resin will not crystallise at low temperatures. Higher temperatures will reduce the viscosity and shorten the pot life of the mixture.

Castropox Clear Cast should preferably be applied using a squeegee or brush. Average consumption is 1.1 kg/m² for each millimetre of thickness.

To optimise the coating, it is recommended to prepare between 400 and 500 g/m² of mixture for a single coat.

First apply a thin coat of approximately 100 g/m² with a brush to wet the surface and prevent microbubbles from remaining trapped on the substrate.

Immediately afterwards, apply the remaining mixture with a brush, cross-brushing to spread the resin film evenly. Do not work the film for too long, so that the product can level itself.

For applications requiring a longer working time, the VLE A/B system is recommended.

Physical characteristics

• Clear Cast A: opalescent liquid.
• Clear Cast B: slightly yellow to colourless transparent liquid.
• A/B mixture: colourless opalescent liquid.

Density was determined according to ISO 1675, with a tolerance of ±0.05. Viscosity was determined according to ISO 12058, with a tolerance of ±15%.

Reactivity

• Gel time on 70 ml at 23 °C, at a height of 4 cm: 1 h 40 min.
• Time to exothermic peak on 70 ml at 23 °C: 1 h 07 min.
• Temperature at the exothermic peak: 57.9 °C.
• Gel time on a 1 mm film at 23 °C: 3 h 55 min.

The values above correspond to tests carried out under the stated conditions.

Curing and post-curing

• 24 h at 23 °C: Shore hardness 82 A / 40 D.
• 48 h at 23 °C: Shore hardness 62 D.
• 7 days at 23 °C: Shore hardness 69 D.
• 16 h at 60 °C: Shore hardness 76 D, Tg of 39 °C and maximum Tg of 45 °C.

To obtain the maximum thermomechanical properties, the recommended curing cycle must be followed. Depending on the size of the part and the performance of the oven, shorter cycles may be sufficient to obtain fully cured parts.

Transport and storage

Keep containers sealed and protected from heat and cold, preferably between 10 and 30 °C in a well-ventilated area. Check the expiry date shown on the label.

Packaging

Castropox Clear Cast (1 kg Resin + 0.5 kg Hardener)

Castropox Clear Cast (5 kg Resin + 2.5 kg Hardener)

Castropox Clear Cast (30 kg Resin + 15 kg Hardener)