Lik-Wood -Lightweight resin with buoyancy-

Lik-Wood is a low-density rigid polyurethane resin (0.63 g/cm³) that floats on water and weighs 60% less than conventional urethane systems. With a manageable viscosity, fast cure and wood-like behaviour once cured, it is the ideal option when weight is a critical factor in part design.

Technical specifications

What it is used for

Thanks to its density below 1 g/cm³, Lik-Wood produces parts that float on water and can be machined (sanded, carved, drilled, filed) from 30 minutes after casting. Its rigidity and surface texture similar to wood make it a versatile material for multiple sectors:

• Lightweight, machinable fishing lures
• Composite part cores to reduce weight
• Lightweight backing for laminates and surface layers
• Low-density models, patterns and prototypes
• Temporary moulds and working tools
• Bases for craft or light industrial production models
• Decorative parts requiring low structural weight

How to use it

1. Prepare the mould: make sure the mould is clean and dry. Apply a suitable release agent to the mould cavity to aid demoulding, especially if it is rigid.
2. Condition the components: bring both parts (A and B) to room temperature (ideally 20-25 °C). Stir each component separately before measuring.
3. Weigh or measure the components: mix at a ratio of 100A:100B, both by weight and by volume. Use a precision scale or graduated containers.
4. Mix: pour component B into A and stir vigorously and continuously for at least 30 seconds, scraping the sides and bottom of the container. Pot life is 5-6 minutes, so work quickly.
5. Pour into the mould: cast the mixture into the mould in a continuous, steady stream to minimise air entrapment. You can tilt the mould during pouring.
6. Cure: allow to cure at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours. After 30 minutes the part is already machinable, although full cure is reached within that time range.
7. Demould and finish: carefully remove the part. You can now sand, carve, drill or paint it according to the intended use.

Usage tips

Temperature and bubbles

Lik-Wood's viscosity (700 cP) is quite fluid, which makes pouring easy, but also means the mixture can entrap air readily if stirred excessively or with abrupt circular movements. Mix with slow figure-of-"8" movements during the last 10 seconds. If you have access to a vacuum chamber, degas the mixture for 60-90 seconds before pouring to obtain void-free parts.

Machining and finishing

One of Lik-Wood's key advantages is that just 30 minutes after casting you can start working the part with hand or power tools. For fishing lures, work the final shape with 80-120 grit sandpaper and finish with 220-400 grit before painting. It accepts acrylic paints, polyurethane lacquers and epoxy coatings very well. If you want to add colour in mass, use pigments specifically for polyurethane compatible with two-component systems.

Recommended moulds

Lik-Wood can be cast into silicone moulds, polyurethane moulds or rigid moulds with a release agent. For fishing lures with complex shapes, condensation silicone moulds offer the best demoulding without the need for additional release agent. If you use rigid moulds (resin, wood, metal), always apply a release agent before each casting.

Frequently asked questions