THE FIRST IN AN ONGOING SERIES OF REVOLUTIONARY TECH REPORTS

ange County, CA – In the process of developing its foam, Ice-Nine utilized many innovative techniques and chemicals that are novel to surfing, making sure to run countless tests and then running them again – because they were fun and also to make sure they weren’t kidding themselves.   

Ice-Nine also took a hard look at resins, catalysts, laminating, painting, and so on along the way, consulting a variety of experts in the industry.  Now they’re opening up the vast vaults of valuable information to the surfing community, starting with this report about the dreaded condition known as crystallization in board painting.   

It was while developing their MDI polyurethane formula and coming up with glassing recommendations that Ice-Nine turned to master painter Tom Cervantes of Stewart Surfboards for his insight.  His extensive knowledge of blank transformation comes from nearly 30 years of painting surfboards for a satisfied and far-ranging clientele. 

“The better the understanding a craftsman has about the materials he uses,” Cervantes says, “the better his work will be.” Cervantes has not only spent time researching and experimenting with the chemistry and technology of paint and resin, but has also investigated nearly every detail associated with application of color, graphics and board design.  

One of the things that was of great importance to Ice-Nine was understanding the issue of crystallization as it relates to painting and laminating the blank.  Cervantes points out that there are four main causes for crystallization, and they can all be avoided if the painter and glasser are cautious and follow a few simple suggestions. 

Now, they’re all available on the Ice-Nine website, and you don’t have to register, pay a fee, or worry about being friended if you pay us a visit.  

“We have been fortunate to work with so many knowledgeable people as part of our hands-on approach in the research and development of our product,” says Ice-Nine President Jon Stillman. “Because the data we gathered is of value to others in the surf world, we want to pass it on.”  

To view the full technical report on crystallization, visit www.ice-ninefoamworks.com – and make a point of coming back for more reports on breaking tech news, tips and design developments.