T H E G R E E N L A K E P A D D L E R LITTLE BASTARD, A GREAT SMALL KAYAK |
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  WHAT SORT OF RESIN DID I USE ? AN EXTREMELY UNSCIENTIFIC BALLISTIC NYLON / RESIN STRETCH TEST As I was curious to find out which coating would result in the strongest skin in terms of not easy to dent ( stretch ) I've set up an extremely unscientific test.  A woven fabric is most stable in line with the main fibres but not at a 45 degree angle, Let's see what we get if we pull hard in that direction for a few hours.  I cutted some samples from the fabric I coated earlier, drove two holes in each one 44mm apart. Nailed the lot to a heavy board and attached a 10kg weight for about two hours " dangling " time. And now for the result ... The loser is, Alkyd resin stretched up till 57 mm. Acrylic got as far as 53mm. Then Epoxy resin stretched up till 49 mm and G4 one part Polyurethane came out as the big winner, 47mm only. So Polyurethane it is going to be. G4 is of rather thin consistency and at least 3 coatings are needed to make the skin watertight, The first coating is fully absorbed in the fabric and even the backside becomes '' wetted " and that's good. Subsequent coatings are needed to fill the open space in the loose nylon weave. As I grew tired of the incredible stench I opted for a final ( third ) coating of Owatrol. The only thing to do now is paddle this boat and enjoy  Let's see how she goes ... Home Part 1Part 2Part 3Part 4Part 5Part 6Part 7LB rev 2021 A A R D V A N H O L L A N D . C O M |