Epoxy Glue

[Maximerc]

Is it possible to thin and spray Epoxy Glue?

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Epoxy Glue

Yes but it weakens it greatly, and it takes a lot longer to dry.<br />I've done it with acetone, but the results were less then spectacular. I think the reason is that the acetone causes small voids in the epoxy as it off-gasses. Try a little test batch and you'll see what I mean.<br />Mix ratios are very very low. Something like 5% by volume if my memory serves me.<br />EDIT - oh, IMPORTANT: you need proper facilities if you're going to spray something thinned by acetone. Do not do it in the basement next to the furnace with all the windows shut!

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Epoxy Glue

Denatured alcohol can be used to thin epoxy but has the same results as paul said, it doesn't dry properly and changes the finished strength.

 

[Maximerc]

Re: Epoxy Glue

Ok .. would you classify the end result "waterproof" ?

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Epoxy Glue

No, I wouldn't call it water-proof, because "epoxy" is not intended to be submersed or "wet" all the time. Thinned epoxy does not stick well, and I would not recommend it where you are depending on it being water-proof.

 

[BillP]

Re: Epoxy Glue

I thin it 10-15% with acetone to seal wood and have no problems. I do it in several coats and build until the grain is 100% filled. There is no way for me to measure how much strength is lost but it can't be peeled off without taking wood with it.<br /><br />Epoxy is water "soluable" (for lack of better term) before it cures (not to be confused with thinning). That's why it sticks for underwater repairs when nothing else will. When cured, the water soluable issue goes away. Epoxy is the best barrier coat (and been industry standard for 20 yrs) to seal polyester yachts that stay in the water 100% of the time from osmosis (h2o)and blisters. When barrier coated the problems don't happen. The epoxy mfgs can tell you if their brand can be thinned and submerged.

 

[Maximerc]

Re: Epoxy Glue

Now I am confused .. water soluable?? If that were the case would you not be abole to wash it off your hands when it is still sticky .. I have never been able too?

 

[Hooty]

Re: Epoxy Glue

What are you trying to waterproof?<br /><br />c/6<br />Hooty

 

[BillP]

Re: Epoxy Glue

It can be washed off but is still very hard to get off. I learned this when working in surfboard mfg years ago. We used a soap powder named something like "Oxidall" to help get it off with water. It was the backup method to getting clean when we ran out of acetone. It isn't soluable when dry...no way. You cannot wash polyester resin off this way if that means anything.<br /><br />Hit some of the epoxy mfg sites and ask them questions to clear the confusion up.

 

[crab bait]

Re: Epoxy Glue

it's also 'vinegar soluable'.. it's the best thing to clean tools,sufaces,an skin.. plus it's cheap an safe... <br /><br />man, leave those harsh chemicals alone..<br /><br />they go rite the skin an carry what your tryin' to remove with it... <br /><br />can cause major brain,nervous system, liver, an kidney damage... o'well..

 

[BillP]

Re: Epoxy Glue

crab bait.<br />Thanks and I hear ya, I never tried vinegar for cleaning resin but will to see how it does. The epoxy/oxidall scene was mid 60s. We had hard heads and didn't to listen to safety stuff back then. Last time I used resin without gloves...1970ish. Last time I used resin without a respirator...1966ish.