What Is the Difference between Jesmonite AC100 and AC730?

Many DIY furniture and decor makers are caught between the right Jesmonite products to use thanks to its many variants in the market today. This article will focus on the difference between Jesmonite AC100 and AC730.

Jesmonite AC100 and Jesmonite AC730 both consist of two-component water-based materials. Both products are also durable, easier to sand by hand or electric sander, do not have volatile organic compounds (VOC), have fire and impact resistance, are solvent free, and are more eco-friendly when compared to other resin systems.

However Jesmonite AC100 and AC730, despite their similarities, also have noticeable differences. Read on to learn more about the differences between these two products.

Jesmonite AC100

AC100 is the most common type of Jesmonite among crafters and DIYers when it comes to decorative products thanks to its versatility. Jesmonite AC100 can be cast or laminated with Jesmonite Quadaxial Glass. It is also used for a variety of applications and its finished product produces a smooth stone.

It can also be made into different colours by adding Jesmonite Liquid pigments to it. Coaster sealants can be used to make it splash-proof. What’s more is that it is exceptionally strong and highly durable.

Product Description

Jesmonite AC100 is a two-component, water-based modified gypsum composite material. This resin system is suitable for a broad range of laminating and casting applications.

It is more environmentally friendly than conventional solvent-based systems since it is water-based, as opposed to solvent-based systems, which are highly flammable and have high vapor pressures, which can result in hazards and other forms of atmospheric pollution.

This product is also extremely versatile because it includes a myriad of supplementary components such as glass reinforcements, control chemicals, and decorative and functional fillers. Jesmonite AC100 is suitable for both interior and external use; however, if used externally, it is recommended that a sealer or compatible paint system be used to protect the surface appearance.

Specifications

• Mix ratio 5:1 (Base to Liquids)
• Wet density 1950 kg/m3
• Dry density 1850 kg/m3

Jesmonite 100 is available in:

• Liquids are available in 1 kg, 5 kg, and 25 kg canisters
• Base in 5 kg and 25 kg buckets and 25 kg valve sacks
• Bulk IBC/FIBC supply available on request

Product Benefits

• It is impact resistant, more flexible and stronger, which makes it more durable.
• Jesmonite AC 100 is lightweight and uses less material than sand, cement, traditional heavyweight concrete, and natural stone.
• It is fire resistant and has been independently fire rated according to European Fire Classification EN 13501-1. It is also solvent free and contains no VOCs.
• Recreates the finest details with excellent weathering properties.
• Since it is water-based, it is eco-friendly.

Shelf Life of Jesmonite AC100

Jesmonite AC100 liquid containers, like other containers, must be properly sealed and kept in order to prevent evaporation and skin forming.

Store at a constant temperature of between 5°C and 25°C, and make sure to use the product within twelve months from the date written on the packaging. The base should be kept dry and stored between 5°C and 25°C and used within nine months.

Note: DO NOT FREEZE

Applications Areas

Jesmonite AC100 is suited for both indoor and external use, though long-term exposure necessitates the application of a suitable sealer or external paint system.

Jesmonite AC100 is also supplied with a range of ancillary products including glass reinforcements, pigments, fillers, and control chemicals to adapt the material to the widest range of applications such as lightweight, high-impact panels.

It is a chameleon material that can replicate practically any colour, texture, or surface, including metal, stone, wood, and a host of others.

Jesmonite AC100 can be used for furniture, architectural elements, sculptures, tableware, internal panels, lighting elements, prop work decorative tiles.

Jesmonite AC730

Jesmonite AC730 is also a water-based composite. Unlike Jesmonite AC100, it can be used in creating both decorative items and items that will be exposed to water or other elements without using a sealer.

It is commonly used for a variety of applications because its base component has a beautiful, unique blend of decorative aggregate which shows through when acid etched.

It can also be custom matched to a wide range of bespoke colours.

Product Description

Jesmonite AC730 is a rapidly setting cement-acrylic composite. It’s a low-permeability, shrinkage-compensated material that’s weatherproof. Low free-lime and alkalinity reduce efflorescence compared to conventional Portland cement.

The product combines fine decorative aggregate and powder pigments that are carefully regulated to provide a uniform decorative surface finish after being acid etched or treated with a proprietary brick cleaner. It comes with a water-based acrylic liquid and a blended base.

Specifications

• Mix ratio 2.5:1 parts base to liquids ratio by weight
• Wet density 1845 kg/m³
• Dry density 1745 kg/m³
• Initial set 15 – 20 minutes (18°C, No Retarder)
• Expansion on set 0.15%

Jesmonite AC730 is available in:

• Liquid available in 1 kg, 5 kg, 25 kg containers and 1000 kg bulk IBCs
• Base is available in 5 kg and 25 kg buckets and 1000 kg FIBCs.

Product Benefits

• Strong and impact-resistant,
• Lightweight
• Independently fire rated to EN 13501-1
• VOC-free and solvent-free
• Superior weathering and finest detail
• Eco-friendly

Shelf Life of Jesmonite AC730

Jesmonite AC730 should be well sealed and stored between 5°C and 25°C and used within twelve months. The base should be kept dry and stored between 5°C and 25°C and used within six months.

Applications Areas

Jesmonite AC730 can be used for small glass-reinforced architectural mouldings and small castings.  

Quadaxail Fabric is suitable for lightweight, high-impact panels.

It’s great for water features, garden ornaments, cladding panels, furniture, table ware, prop work, lighting elements, decorative tiles, and statuary.

Which One Is Right for You?

Choosing between Jesmonite AC100 and AC730 is largely dependent on what the user intends to create.

Jesmonite AC100 contains gypsum and is designed to replicate highly fine surface detail, but Jesmonite AC730 is more cement based in that it is a combination of water-based acrylic and a cement-based powder that incorporates decorative aggregates and is made to replicate concrete and stone surfaces.

Additionally, while Jesmonite AC730 can be used outside and is water-resistant, AC100 is not, but items made with it can be protected with sealers.

Hence, AC730 should be used for any item that will come into contact with water.

Shop Jesmonite Online or Contact SSG Brands to Find a Dealer Near You

Now that the differences between Jesmonite AC100 and AC730 have been thoroughly examined, it is time to shop for the best Jesmonite AC100 kit and Jesmonite AC730 kit at SSG Brands. 

SSG Brands is the best supplier of high-quality Jesmonite. Not sure where to begin? Simply search for a Jesmonite supplier near you, or visit our online store to choose your preferred product. Contact us today for more information.

Also Read: How to Make Jesmonite Terrazzo Coasters?