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Epoxy Info and Helpful Tips:
WHY
USE EPOXY?
Epoxy costs are about one
fourth that of CA. When large objects are being bonded, economics
can be a deciding factor on choice of adhesive. The specific
characteristics of epoxies also give them advantages in some
applications.
MIXING
All our epoxies are mixed with
a 50-50 ratio. Any scrap material or paper scratch pad can be used
as a mixing surface. We have found, however, that the plastic tops
to coffee cans work best due to their outer border and their
flexibility, which allows the unused cured epoxy to be released and
thrown away.
Squeeze out equal length beads of the desired amount of epoxy, then
mix together thoroughly with a popsicle stick or scrap piece of
material.
TEMPERATURE
In cold weather, epoxy takes
longer to cure (too cold and usually they never fully cure) and
becomes more difficult to get out of the bottle, especially if it’s
less than 1/2 full. The epoxies can be heated in a microwave oven
for about 10 seconds so that they flow easier. The heating process,
with the caps off, also releases any moisture that can be absorbed
by epoxies.
Our epoxy's shelf life is
virtually unlimited.
CLEANUP
Acetone works as the best
solvent for cleaning epoxy from brushes and unwanted surfaces before
it cures. If epoxy gets on surfaces that acetone will attack, use
isopropyl alcohol.
Don’t panic if your skin comes
in contact with either epoxy or CA.
While contact should be
avoided, uncured epoxy can be washed from your skin with soap and
water. Allergic reactions are rare. Cured epoxy and CA can be peeled
off the skin and usually are gone after a full day of normal
activity. UN-CURE™ will debond any body parts that get stuck
together if a peeling action (never pulling) doesn’t part them.
THINNING
We don't recommend any
additives for thinning epoxies due to their effect on curing and
overall strength. If thin epoxy is required, either use heat or
switch to EX-SLOW™ or FINISH-CURE™.
BONDING
Epoxies bond best to clean,
textured surfaces. Smooth, non-porous surfaces should be roughened
with coarse sandpaper to improve adhesion.
TIME
A small amount of CA can be
used in strategic locations to hold parts in place while the epoxies
cure. The minute (5-Minute, 15-Minute, etc.) designations for
epoxies refer to the working time, i.e., the time one has before the
epoxies begin to set up after being mixed in a large mass.
When spread into thinner
layers, the working time is increased significantly (except QUIK-CURE™).
Working time decreases approximately 25% at temperatures above 90
degrees F.
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