Peter,
Thanks, . . . I would like to continue to use the product but I use
it so seldom that it doesn’t appear that I can afford purchase the
quantity required relative to the frequency I make use of the product
(once every 1 - 2 years, in quantities of .2 oz…) . I would like
to purchase Part B in very small quantities… say 1 to 3 oz… Is
there a substitute or is it sold in these amounts…From: owner-orchid@ganoksin.com [mailto:owner-orchid@ganoksin.com] On
Behalf Of Peter W. Rowe
Sent: Friday, December 15, 2000 6:30 PM
Subject: [Orchid] Ceramit
Well, yes it is. But not usually from the DEALERS. Krohn industries
is the manufacturer, and from the MSDS you can easily determine that
Ceramit is a POLYESTER based resin, not an epoxy. Polyesters are a
wide range of resins, including those sometimes used for solid object
casting, and even more widely, fiberglass. but as with epoxies, you
cannot just freely mix and match the parts A from one product with the
parts B from another product, even within the same type
(epoxy/polyester). While some products are similar enough for this
to work, most are not, and even if you get a hardening of the product,
strength and bonding and lifespan of the finished item will not be
optimum. The various types of parts A and B are very carefully
formulated for the needed properties, such as hardness, color
fastness, resistance to crazing over time, shrinkage, etc. Changing
what you mix quickly changes the finished result. So it’s best to use
only the resins in any given resin product that the manufacturer has
specified. In many cases, of course, there will be several choices,
and with ceramit, there are at least two types of the part B, one
better for deeper cavities but needing a flat cure, the other is
quicker curing, and a thicker mix, so it can go well over curved or
even vertical surfaces.
Both types of part B are available seperately from the colors. You
can either get it as the “ceramit” line of products from various
jewelry suppliers, or get is as the “ceramitation” line of products,
which is the same thing only with the original Krohn name. Most
dealers of the “vigor” product line can order the part B resin, as can
virtually all the big/major suppliers like Gesswein or Rio Grande.
By the way, with all resins, whether polyesters or epoxies (or even
cyanoacrylate “super glues”), you can greatly increase the shelf life
by keeping the products in the refrigerator when not in use. And with
polyesters like ceramit, be sure the resins are not exposed to light
long term when stored. Usually the part B is packaged in an opaque
container, but if it’s in glass or plastic, keep it in the dark. That
helps to prevent that oxidation that causes the darkening.
Hope this helps.
Peter Rowe
End of forwarded message