Before use, ensure that the Base and Catalyst are around room temperature (20°C). Pot life and curing time can be affected at higher or lower temperatures.
The Base and Catalyst should be mixed by hand at a ratio of 1:1; the accuracy of the ratio will also affect curing time.
Take out an equal amount of Base and Catalyst and mix together until the blue colour is uniform with no white streaks. Clean hands are recommended, or disposable gloves can be used to avoid contamination. Latex gloves should be avoided in order to prevent it curing properly.
Roll into a ball and then immediately press onto a clean part of the texture of the leather or plastic which is to have the grain copied. The putty should be pressed out and flattened down to around 1mm in thickness, to work best with a Heat Sealing Iron. A pen or other cylindrical item can be used to help roll out the desired thickness; or a piece of Heat Paper or similar can be used to press down the rolled ball to create the grain pad, which should be left in place while curing. Working time for the putty is 2 to 3 minutes after both parts have been combined; this means that you have this time to roll out to desired thickness.
The putty has a dry/set time of 7 to 8 minutes and is useable after this time.
After opening the Base and Catalyst, if not all material is required to make a graining pad, it is recommended to reseal each container after use. Unsealed containers will have a diminished shelf life, working time and setting time which will vary depending on temperature and humidity. When resealed, the shelf life can be extended to around 6 months.
