GENERAL ADVICE

General advice for

General advice for making moulds and making moulds and
models using
RECKLI two-component
models using RECKLI® two-component polyurethanes

Edition 10/16

polyurethanes
Please always observe these directions along with the relevant technical
pamphlets of the products in question.

SUPPLY AND STORAGE

RECKLI two-component materials, including base material and hardener as well,

are supplied in double drums or double cans of different sizes. The hardener is
filled in plastic cans or bottles. It is to be found in the lid or, in case of solid epoxy
mortars, in the top of the drum. Some of our materials are supplied in pairs of
drums or cans due to their mixing ratio. In this case the hardener is filled in a
separate container. Pasty hardener is supplied in cans.

Safe storage times given in the technical pamphlets are related to storage of the
unopened original package kept in a closed, dry place at a temperature of
approximately +18 °C. The expiry date is printed on the product label. If this time
is exceeded or if storage conditions change, the reactivity of the material must be
established in a preliminary test.

Opened containers must be closed airtight right after use. Partial amounts, once
taken from the package, must not be returned into the container.

SURFACE PREPARATION

When using RECKLI two-component polyurethanes, any contact with humidity must
strictly be avoided. Humid underground will result in tacky mould surfaces with
poorly covered blisters and very low abrasion resistance.

In case of absorbing substrate we generally recommend to seal the surface area.

Non-absorbing, closed and smooth surfaces usually facilitate the subsequent
demoulding. Furthermore, the sealing prevents uncontrolled penetration of
solvents or releasing agents into the model. Insufficient evaporation of solvent
contents may lead to inaccurate curing or deformation of the mould.
RECKLI GmbH
For solvent-resistant surfaces we recommend RECKLI PUR-Sealant or RECKLI Epoxy
Gewerkenstraße 9a
Solution as a permanent sealing, RECKLI Polishing Wax as a polishable coating. D-44628 Herne

Surfaces, that are not solvent-resistant, may be protected by a permanent coating Tel +49 2323 1706-0
Fax +49 2323 1706-50
of RECKLI Construction Resin EP or by RECKLI Si-Stripping Lacquer. info@reckli.de
1|4 www.reckli.de
 Surfaces of precious models that have to be protected against contamination by
releasing agents or liquid plastic may be sealed by RECKLI Si-Stripping Lacquer
likewise. The latter can be washed off with water along with all residues after General advice for
making moulds and
completing the moulding works. A preliminary test on an unobtrusive spot is models using
essential. RECKLI two-component
polyurethanes

Subsequently, RECKLI Mould Wax is applied in 2 – 3 layers on the sealed and dry Edition 10/16

surface. To achieve a particularly glossy surface, RECKLI Polishing wax can be used
instead. After each application the contained solvent has to dry off completely.

PROCESSING

When using RECKLI two-component polyurethanes, any contact with humidity must
strictly be avoided. Water, absorbed by the base component to excess, will provoke
expansion and foaming. Therefore all tools and equipment must be dry and clean.

Before processing, the base component must be stirred up thoroughly. Thereafter

the hardener (B) is added to the base component (A) in the appropriate mixing ratio
and both is mixed homogeneously. The quantities of the hardener and the base
material are precisely matched to each other. The mixing ratio is always based on
weight, not on volume. If partial quantities are to be handled, the use of a scale is
essential. For mixing, a slow speed drill and agitator paddle should be used. Small
quantities can be stirred by hand with a spatula.

In order to avoid mixing errors, the material on the walls of the mixing drum must
be included in the mixing process as well. It is recommended to transfer the initial
mixture, if pourable, into a second container and mix it again, as far as possible
within the processing time.

The processing times stated in our data sheets are related to material, foundation
and room temperatures of +21 °C. The curing process is accelerated by higher
temperatures and extended by lower temperatures. In general the material
temperature should not be lower than +10 °C or higher than +30 °C during the
entire application process.

Likewise, the processing time depends on the storing period and the mixed
quantity. If not stated differently, the information in our technical pamphlets refers
to a 200-g-scaled mixture. When processing larger quantities, the reaction heat
remains in the mixture. This decreases the processing time. Therefore always only
mix as much material as you can handle within the resulting processing time. In
case of doubt, start with smaller scales and increase the quantities gradually.
RECKLI GmbH

Additional information about processing by casting Gewerkenstraße 9a

D-44628 Herne
Tel +49 2323 1706-0
After mixing, RECKLI two-component polyurethane elastomers can be cast in the
Fax +49 2323 1706-50
appropriately prepared moulds. The depth of coverage should be 1 – 2 cm info@reckli.de
2|4 www.reckli.de
 depending on the depth of the structure. Very bulky parts can be manufactured in
several layers wet on wet to avoid air inclusion.
General advice for
Additional information about application by spreading or trowelling making moulds and
models using
RECKLI two-component
RECKLI PUR-Elastomer Thix and RECKLI PUR-Elastomer Thix Black are containing
polyurethanes
reactive thixotropic additives. After an onset time of 1 – 2 minutes, the thickening
Edition 10/16
effect occurs. Subsequently the easily spreadable product can be applied by
trowel, spatula or brush. Excessively proceeded stirring may cause that the mixture
will liquefy again.

When working in several layers, each coating can earliest be applied after the
proceeding layer is sufficiently cured. The best time depends on a multitude of
factors and is not predictable overall. However, in general the required setting time
is about 1 hour. The best adhesion is achieved, if the surface is still slightly wet. If
the preceding layer is completely cured, it has to be roughened by grinding.

CLEANING OF EQUIPMENT AND MOULDS

The cleaning agents specified in the data sheets are only to be used for the
cleaning of the equipment and the tools or for removing contaminations in the
working place. Never use them as thinners as this seriously alters the chemical and
physical properties of the two-component resins.

For the cleaning of the tools and the equipment, use dry, absorbing cloths, if
necessary RECKLI Epoxy Cleanser in addition. Immersion in solvents is not
sufficient.

SUPPORTING MOULDS

For the manufacture of castings and copies in elastic moulds a rigid supporting
mould is necessary. For cast moulds the surrounding frame can be used itself.
Elastic moulds made by spreading or trowelling must be completely cured before
the supporting mould can be manufactured. For this purpose, RECKLI Epoxy GF-
Filler or RECKLI Supporting Mass EP-F Type VB are suitable. Before applying the
supporting mould the polyurethane surface must be coated with RECKLI Mould
wax. In general, the design of the supporting mould should enable easy accurate
settling of the elastic inlay with the help of flanges, notches or knobs.

CASTINGS AND REPLICA

Moulds of RECKLI PUR-elastomers can be used for the manufacture of castings or

copies out of gypsum, mortar, concrete, resins or resin formulations with the help RECKLI GmbH

of appropriate releasing agents. Due to their outstanding resistance against Gewerkenstraße 9a

D-44628 Herne
alkaline aqueous media, RECKLI PUR-elastomers are particularly suitable for the Tel +49 2323 1706-0
manufacture of elastic moulds and formliners for processing patterned or textured Fax +49 2323 1706-50
info@reckli.de
3|4
concrete.
www.reckli.de
 STORAGE OF MOULDS AND FORMLINERS

To ensure dimensional accuracy and maximum life period, moulds made of RECKLI General advice for
PUR-elastomers are preferably stored in their supporting mould under admittance making moulds and
models using
of air. Prolonged compression may lead to irreversible deformation. The moulds
RECKLI two-component
must be protected against UV irradiation and direct insolation. polyurethanes

Edition 10/16
SAFETY

Protect skin and eyes from material splashes. Provide sufficient ventilation in the
working place. Please consult the relevant safety data sheet and attend to the
indications on the label of the package regarding the Dangerous Goods Regulation.
This pamphlet is intended solely as an application directive. It does not claim to be
binding and valid for all modes of application. A preliminary test under operation
conditions is highly recommended.

This pamphlet replaces all previously published editions of “General advice for
making moulds and models using RECKLI polyurethane elastomers”, stating them
as no longer being valid.

RECKLI GmbH

Gewerkenstraße 9a
D-44628 Herne
Tel +49 2323 1706-0
Fax +49 2323 1706-50
info@reckli.de
4|4 www.reckli.de