11. Weather
- You need to work with the weather and not against it!
- Do not laminate in the rain or laminate onto damp or wet boards
- Do not laminate if there is moisture on the deck
- Do not apply a topcoat if there is moisture on the laminate
- Premium Resin and Topcoat should be applied above 15 deg C and below 30 deg C
- Premium Zero Resin and Topcoat should be applied above 0 deg C and below 10 deg C
- Between 10-15 deg C both materials can be used with care and negotiation.
- Mix smaller batches in hot weather. Keep the resin cans in the shade.
- Keep the resin cans warm in the winter. Do not store in cold conditions or on cold floors.
- Do not apply a topcoat when it is windy – detritus will land on your wet topcoat and stick
- Do not try to laminate when it is too hot. Start early, take a break and resume later.
- Do not apply a topcoat late in the day. Moisture may form before it reaches initial cure.
Planning Ahead
- Get a local weather forecast – there are hourly forecasts on the net which are surprisingly accurate.
- Heavy rain on an uncured laminate will emulsify the resin, turning it white and inhibiting cure – possibly permanently. Carry a roll of Visqueen DPM on the van. In an emergency lay it on a wet laminate. It will protect the laminate without bonding and will peel off when the resin has cured.
- If you have to leave the boards bare (and before it rains) you might coat the boards with a thick layer of catalysed resin (4%). This will to a greater or lesser extent water proof the boards until the weather improves. Pay particular attention to the board edges which are vulnerable to water contamination.
- Do not leave bare boards it at all possible. Laminate boards and join onto your work the next day
- Securely cover boards to keep them watertight if you leave them overnight
- Drying boards with a flame gun is generally not successful. Covers supported by timbers that allow air movement below are more successful.
- Nothing dries boards better than sunshine.
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