Question 1

About WaterCote

Accepted Answer

Our WaterCote is a Waterbased Polyurethane, and our DiamondCote is an Epoxy Resin.
The two cannot be compared, as they are both very different coating products.
Waterbased Polyurethane will never have the gloss level as a cured Epoxy Resin.
Polyurethane full cure takes approximately 30days, where as Epoxy generally takes 7days.
As for UV Stability, waterbased Polyurethane blows Epoxy resin out of the water.
WaterCote has great hardness, scratch resistance and clarity.
It is certainly suitable for pouring over fabric, however you will need to allow several days longer before you can engrave into it, and most likely more layers required.
Perhaps it is something you could try to see if specifically suitable to your application?
WaterCote is solvent free, and is an easy to clean up product with water.

Question 2

What is a water based resin?

Accepted Answer

Water-based polyurethane uses water rather than solvents as the base for carrying the polyurethane solids. As water-based polyurethanes dry quickly, more coats can be applied in less time than with oil-based/Solvent products. Water-based polyurethane begins milky-white in liquid form but will dry clear.

Question 3

Is WaterCote still epoxy resin?

Accepted Answer

WaterCote is not an epoxy resin, it is a single part water based polyurethane.

Question 4

What’s the general use of WaterCote?

Accepted Answer

This product has been designed for various creative applications such as sealing timber substrates, wall art coating, furniture coating and tumbler coating. It is also ideal as an outdoor coating due to its non-yellowing and UV Stability. WaterCote is a Food-Safe contact coating once fully cured, and suitable for the use on cheeseboards and coasters, however is not suitable for cutting on.

Question 5

What’s the curing time like for WaterCote?

Accepted Answer

Re-coating is suitable at the 4 hour mark, depending on ambient temperature.
Can be handled for light use after 10 days.
Allow 30 days for full cure.

Question 6

What can you use to colour/tint WaterCote?

Accepted Answer

Water Based Pigments suitable for the use with this product.
- Acrylic Inks, Mica, Glitters, Powder Pigments

Question 7

What’s the difference between ArtCast and WaterCote?

Accepted Answer

ArtCast is a 2part Epoxy Resin suitable for casting. WaterCote is a single part Polyurethane, suitable for coating applications.

Question 8

Is WaterCote high or low viscosity?

Accepted Answer

This is a high viscosity product (compared to other products on the market).

Question 9

Is there a Part B for WaterCote?

Accepted Answer

No, WC is a single part resin. No mixing or measuring, pour and go!

Question 10

Can WaterCote create lace and cells?

Accepted Answer

This is not something we have tested, as heat cannot be used with this product, (swipe technique may work).

Question 11

Can WaterCote be used for casting?

Accepted Answer

WaterCote is designed for coating applications, and is not suitable for casting.
Our most suitable product for casting is our ArtCast Epoxy

Question 12

Is WaterCote pregnancy safe?

Accepted Answer

Whilst WaterCote is a very low health risk product and no heating or torching is required, we still recommend for your health professional to make the decision on whether this is suitable product to use during pregnancy.

Question 13

Where is polyurethane used?

Accepted Answer

Polyurethane is a very strong and hard wearing coating once fully cured (30days), given this, it is commonly used as a coating on benchtops and hardwood such as furniture and timber floors. Due to its very high degree of UV Stability, it is suitable as an outdoor coating including sealing outdoor decking.

Question 14

Do you need to sand in between coats of water based polyurethane?

Accepted Answer

If applying additional coats after 24hrs, sanding is suggested if imperfections are found.

Question 15

Do I need to wear PPE when working with WaterCote?

Accepted Answer

No matter the product (or brand), we recommend for the user to review the SDS.
WaterCote has Very Low VOC, Low Odour & Cleans up with water.
In general, we will still suggest to wear gloves and to work in a well ventilated space.
We have had a large number of people use the product without gloves without any problems, however we still suggest gloves as it can be a pain to remove from your hands once it's dry. (Think of it as a very sticky PVA that you peeled off your fingertips as a child!)
There is always a small risk of someone having a reaction, as some can react to products like dish washing liquid or hand soap.
Please keep in mind that each person and every situation is different and the individual user is to make the assessment and choice on what may or may not be required for their own use.

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