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A1 academy

A1 academy

Additives

A1 Retarder: Add a maximum of 1% A1 Retarder to the total weight.

1.0 A1 Retarder

Can be used to extend the processing time. Add a maximum of 1% A1 Retarder to the total weight. As a rule of thumb, adding 0.3% A1 Retarder to the total weight of the mixed A1 gives about 20 minutes of extra processing time.

We suggest adding A1 Retarder to the A1 Liquid before adding the A1 Powder.

A1 Accelerator: Add a maximum of 1% A1 Accelerator to the total weight.

2.0 A1 Accelerator

Can be used to shorten the processing time. Always add A1 Accelerator to the A1 Liquid. A1 Accelerator can also be used to counteract the delaying effect of some pigments and fillers.

Add a maximum of 1% A1 Accelerator to the total weight.

A1 Diluent: Add a maximum of 5% A1 Diluent relative to the total weight.

3.0 A1 Diluent

Lowers the viscosity of A1. This makes it useful for casting complex products. A1 Diluent also allows you to add more fillers. A1 Diluent may affect the processing time.

Use a maximum of 5% A1 Diluent relative to the total weight.

4.0 Adding A1 Retarder

The standard processing time of A1 is between 20 and 25 minutes. If needed, this processing time can be extended. We recommend a processing time of max. 1 hour.

As a rule of thumb, adding 0.3% A1 Retarder to the total weight of the mixed A1 gives about 20 minutes of extra processing time. This equals 3 grams per kg of A1. The exact time also depends on the A1 Powder and can vary, so we advise doing a small test beforehand.

We recommend adding A1 Retarder to the A1 Liquid first, before mixing it with the A1 Powder.

A1 Thix A: Adding 2% to the total weight gives the maximum achievable thickness.

5.0 A1 Thix A.

Thickens the product into a gel. This thixotropic agent is used to make gelcoats and to produce vertical or overhanging parts. Add A1 Thix A to the mixed A1 until the desired thickness (viscosity) is reached.

The maximum percentage of A1 Thix A you can add is 2% of the total weight. Adding more cancels out the effect.

A1 ATP Powder: Add as much as needed to reach filler thickness.

6.0 A1 ATP Powder

A volume thickener that lets you thicken A1 to filler thickness. The thickened A1 can be used to finish an object and create a smooth surface. We recommend using A1 ATP Powder only for indoor applications.

7.0 Top layer A1

When working in a mould, the first layer of A1 (called the top layer) is important, as this is the layer that will be visible in the end. By adding A1 Thix A, you can turn the A1 into a smooth paste. Because it is thicker, the A1 stays in place, even in a mould with vertical sides. To make sure this top layer is thick enough, we suggest the following method:

  • Mix the A1 Liquid with the A1 Powder until smooth.
  • If desired, add pigment in the right colour and/or other materials such as dried sand or metal powders to the A1 mixture.
  • Add A1 Thix A until the desired thickness (viscosity) is reached. The maximum percentage of A1 Thix A you can add is 2%. Adding more cancels out the effect.
  • Apply the A1 top layer to the mould, for example with a brush. Keep the layer at least 1 mm thick.
  • Once the top layer has gelled (usually after 20 to 30 minutes), we advise applying the next layer of A1 (glass fibre reinforced) within 1 hour for optimal adhesion.

8.0 Create your own wall filler with A1 ATP Powder
You can make your own wall filler by adding A1 ATP Powder to A1. First, mix the A1 Liquid and A1 Powder together. Then add A1 ATP Powder as needed to get a firm paste. As a guide, you can add about 30 to 40% A1 ATP Powder to the total weight of the A1. With a putty knife, you can then easily fill holes.

9.0 What is the best way to repair damage to an A1 object?

Unfortunately, we cannot give advice that works in every case. As a general suggestion, use A1 combined with A1 ATP Powder and, in some cases, a little extra A1 Thix A. By thickening the A1 into a paste, you can fill most types of damage. If possible, add some glass reinforcement to give the repair extra strength.

To create a smooth surface, sanding afterwards is often needed. Be aware that sanding A1 will cause colour differences.

10.0 What is the best way to seal A1 without streaks?
To apply A1 Sealer PLUS as streak-free as possible, we advise diluting the sealer with 30% water. Apply the sealer thinly with a brush or roller and let it soak in for a while. Before the sealer has dried, first wipe up and spread out the excess with a dry (cotton) cloth, then do the same with a damp sponge. Finally, rub the surface dry with a clean (cotton) cloth.

Smooth finish of a1

11.0 There are 3 main techniques for giving A1 a smooth finish:

A1 Thix A

Add A1 Thix A to the A1 to thicken it into a paste. Apply the thickened A1 with a spatula or putty knife. Within 1 hour, you can finish this layer with a slightly damp sponge for a smooth result. After drying, you can further smooth the A1 object with (waterproof) abrasive pads or (waterproof) sandpaper.

A1 ATP Powder

A1 ATP Powder is a volume thickener that lets you thicken A1 to filler thickness. You can keep adding ATP Powder until the desired thickness is reached. However, adding a large amount of ATP Powder results in a weaker product. ATP Powder can only be used for indoor applications. A1 with ATP Powder is easy to apply with tools such as a spatula, palette knife or putty knife.

 

After drying, you can refine the surface further with waterproof abrasive pads or waterproof sandpaper for an even smoother result.

C-veil.
C-Veil is a thin glass fleece used for finishing. Apply C-Veil to the last layer of A1 while it is still damp. If the A1 has already dried, first coat it with a fresh layer of A1. C-Veil tears easily into small pieces that are easy to press in, so you can achieve a nice, smooth and seamless result. If desired, you can apply a second layer of C-Veil. Like A1 Triaxial Fibre, C-Veil cannot be sanded.

Smooth finish with Thix A using a brush, roller, spatula, squeegee, sponge, sandpaper or machine

Creating a smooth finish on the object. First, weigh 1 part A1 Liquid and 2 parts A1 Powder.
Add 2% A1 Thix A (of the total amount of A1) to the A1 Liquid. Thix A gives the A1 a thicker texture.
Mix the A1 Liquid, Thix A and A1 Powder into a smooth mixture.
Apply the A1 with a brush, roller or...
...spatula or squeegee.
The result is a smooth finish.
After about 20 minutes, you can also use a damp sponge or a waterproof sanding pad.
Or sand by hand or by machine.
The result is an even smoother finish.

Smooth finish with C-Veil

Creating a smooth finish on the object. First, weigh 1 part A1 Liquid and 2 parts A1 Powder and mix until all lumps have disappeared.
Tear off a piece of C-Veil (wear gloves).
Apply a thin layer of A1 to the surface.
Press the small pieces of C-Veil into the A1, overlapping them slightly.
Cover the C-Veil with a layer of A1, by hand or with a brush.
For a smoother finish, you can add a second layer of C-Veil.

Smooth finish with A1 ATP Powder

Creating a smooth finish on the object. First, weigh 1 part A1 Liquid and 2 parts A1 Powder and mix until all lumps have disappeared. Have the A1 ATP Powder ready.
Add as much A1 ATP Powder to the A1 as needed. Stir firmly until all lumps have disappeared. You can make the A1 as thick as a paste or a putty.
The result is a smooth finish. For an even smoother finish, use the sanding techniques after about 20 minutes.
Disclaimer: please be aware for other language translation, some content may not translated properly, you can stay use English language for proper reading
Disclaimer: All (technical) advice and treatment and the possible applications regarding the products are given without obligation, and to the best knowledge and effort, as well as the current state of technology, without an obligation to create results and without any liability. We recommend that the prospective user determines the suitability of our materials and suggestions before adopting them on a commercial scale.