Sufficient catalyst is important to prevent moisture damage in resin bound systems, and to prevent damage from elongated curing times from animals etc.

Catalyst is a key variable of the curing process, along with temperature. But more importantly, catalyst is the key variable that we can control quickly and easily. Vuba Resin Bound Systems are supplied in either a Pre-Catalysed kit or an Un-Catalysed kit.

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• Pre-Catalysed Resins
• Un-Catalysed Resins
• Adding Catalyst
• Pro Tips

Pre-Catalysed Resins

In pre-catalysed resin kits, the catalysed component is in the Part A of the Resin.

During the manufacturing process the resin is catalysed and 14 grades used to suit the current ambient temperature. The advantage of pre-catalysed resin is that it’s convenient and reduces the chance of error.

The disadvantage is a lack of flexibility with changing weather conditions from the time of production to usage on site.

Un-Catalysed Resins

You must add catalyst to un-catalysed resin kits for them to cure. Catalyst addition is to the Part A of the Resin Bound Kit.

We recommend to add the amounts shown in the table below of Vuba Catalyst. For lower temperatures you would add more catalyst, and less for higher temperatures. For experienced contractors, adding your own catalyst gives you a lot more freedom and ability to select the exact right amount of catalyst for that particular day of application.

Recommended Catalyst Addition:

Adding Catalyst

First you should check the ambient temperature for the day using weather apps. Surface temperatures can be higher and so it is also recommended to take a reading of the surface temperature using an Infrared Thermometer. High surfaces temperatures should be taken into consideration when deciding upon catalyst addition, reducing as necessary.

Catalyst addition does not have to be a constant throughout the laying process, and small changes will not make a difference to appearance. We would recommend to reduce the catalyst addition as you progress to the hottest part of the day, and you can increase towards the end of your project as these kits will have less curing time than those laid at the start. Just ensure you do not shorten the pot life of the kit too much.

Pro Tips

A pro tip is to put part of a mix on to the lid of a Part A tub and observe the curing profile. You can reduce the amount of catalyst if you believe it is curing too fast, or increase if you believe it is not curing fast enough.

Do not be afraid to dispose of a mix which has the incorrect amount of catalyst addition. A mix curing too fast will not be able to knit into the following mix, leaving an unattractive join leave.

As you become more familiar with Vuba catalyst these changes and additions will become easier and easier.