An important resource for a DiYer about epoxy bonding :
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Some other tips that may help someone. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Pc-Sd_J26E
(Yes I am having a few issues with epoxy & getting a good finish)
Anyone used Agent-F ? is it Xylene & Paraffin wax?
For information to help others. Today I did a hot coat of epoxy, it has turned out 100+% better than the last coat that I spent hours sanding back.
The difference was:
- Sanded down the surface to give a surface to bond onto.
- Wiped down with Denatured alcohol (AKA Methylated spirits , Metho) waited till 100% dry
- Added a mixture of of ~8%paraffin wax & xylene ~5ml per 100ml of epoxy.
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After applying the epoxy evenly I walked away, 3 hours later when i went back I was very happy with the surface finish.
Not sure if it was the surface preparation or the Paraffin/Xylene mix but it has made a huge difference. No fish eyes very clear, glass like finish even before sanding & polishing. may not even sand & polish this coat.
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For a good surface finish:
apply a spray/cloud of acetone with a plant water sprayer to watch the air bubbles escaping from the epoxy surface (cheap method in a well ventilated room)
Degasing the finish epoxy coat before application with a vacuum pump has a nice effect too.
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I do not disagree however, some water sprayers are not accepting of acetone or are just low quality & fail after a few pumps. I will try this method again, as I worry the xylene &wax will reduce the strength by not bonding to the prior layer. Your thoughts ?
I boiled the epoxy when I tried the degassing method. Since then I have started to build a vacuum chamber with a clear lid so I may have better luck next time. Thanks for the advice!
So true. Acetone moltens/dissolves some plastics. Trial and error method here.
Never tested. I wouls ask on a shape forum.
As you may know, it is not a real “boiling” as water boils at 100 degC.This is not a state change so the temperature should not rise (if you don’t do it in the sun). It’s just the air that is removed. So the resin must keep its properties.
New video comparing various surface preparations:
