Sgt_Tom
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Post by Sgt_Tom on May 3, 2011 7:59:55 GMT -5
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HornetWSO
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Post by HornetWSO on May 3, 2011 16:15:53 GMT -5
. . . couple of reasons why things may not be working out.
First is the prep of the surface. Ensure you sand it and create a surface that will promote bonding.
Next clean it off to ensure oils or residues will not affect the bond.
Other things that can affect, the age or the epoxy you are using, temperature exposure, how you mix it, ect. Lots of variables.
I use the West Marine Epoxy system, liquid two part epoxy and add fiberglass filler to it once it is mixed it to get a peanut butter like consistency, similar to bondo. I learned this while building boats.
It requires gloves, measuring, stir sticks, and generally more attention. If you are careful it's not an issue, but if you are sloppy you can have a mess on your hands. Which is why they make the JB Weld and others for ease of use. But you get a very solid end result.
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Sgt_Tom
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Post by Sgt_Tom on May 3, 2011 16:52:42 GMT -5
How old is too old do you think? The bottles are no more then 2 months old I think. I usually just mix it with a screw driver until it seems to be all one solid color.
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HornetWSO
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Post by HornetWSO on May 3, 2011 17:05:41 GMT -5
did you store it in your garage over the winter? Cold temperatures can destroy epoxy. I would try a test batch to see if it cures well. If it seems to cure well, then it might be in your preparation of the surface.
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Sgt_Tom
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Post by Sgt_Tom on May 3, 2011 21:17:04 GMT -5
I stored it inside. I've been using epoxy even in the winter so it hasn't been sitting idly. Last time I bought some was in April I think.
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HornetWSO
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Post by HornetWSO on May 3, 2011 21:56:09 GMT -5
I stored it inside. I've been using epoxy even in the winter so it hasn't been sitting idly. Last time I bought some was in April I think. how are you prepping the surface to be epoxied? |
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Post by BigBoy on May 4, 2011 15:49:41 GMT -5
Epoxies are not really filler materials. Epoxies are for bonding parts. If you want filler material, use the auto-body filler, such as Bondo. I've had very good success with an auto-body filler made by Sherwin-Williams which has a solvent. When the solvent evaporates, the material is rock hard and can be sanded, carved and painted.
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Post by hairy apple on May 4, 2011 15:56:36 GMT -5
I've used JB weld as a filler before with great results. Is it the weld that isn't working or is it the fast drying kwik that isn't working? How long are you waiting before trying to work with it? And again, temp and humidity are very important to epoxy curing right.
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Sgt_Tom
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Post by Sgt_Tom on May 4, 2011 16:21:36 GMT -5
Bigboy, I have used Bondo and the problem is they come in big cans and are a bit more expensive.
Hairy apple, both products are not working well. I usually do the epoxying in my basement. I've been letting it dry 15 hours. However I have let it dry longer, more like 40 hours with the same result.
HornetWSO,
I prep it usually by some light sanding with sand paper, and cleaning off with water and a paper towel.
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HornetWSO
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Post by HornetWSO on May 4, 2011 18:33:44 GMT -5
. . . could be that using water is your problem. Sounds like the area is still damp when you apply epoxy. Try sanding and using mineral spirits instead of water.
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2nd Bat
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Post by 2nd Bat on May 4, 2011 20:03:03 GMT -5
There are so many assorted fillers and many that come in binary tubes for easy mixing and application. Some can even be used under water! Often times hardware stores have nice demonstration props showing the end results and what they look like once dry and properly applied. There are even some that simulate wood quite nicely. Once mixed they have the consistency of thick peanut butter and can be slopped on and sanded and painted once they dry.
If you are trying to create large fill areas you'll need to insert some sort of materials that will rebar the resin filler so it won't get brittle and fall off or crack. Usually if you place small sections of wood or metal pins inside the paste it really holds well. Even sections of thin stir sticks can provide amazing additional strength if you're trying to bond two large components.
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Sgt_Tom
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Post by Sgt_Tom on May 4, 2011 21:47:22 GMT -5
2nd Bat,
It has often been just scratches so its not an issue of needing something that will rebar the resin filler.
HornetWSO,
That makes sense, I will try it and see what my results are.
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HornetWSO
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Post by HornetWSO on May 4, 2011 22:42:32 GMT -5
I hope it works for you!!
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Sgt_Tom
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Post by Sgt_Tom on May 19, 2011 12:17:28 GMT -5
I used 70% alcohol to clean the parts before using the epoxy. It seemed to work as I had no problems sanding it. Thanks for the help guys!
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