| Often messy and sometimes complicated, working | | | | epoxy in temperatures as high as 110 F (43°C). |
| with epoxy can be one of the most difficult parts of | | | | In cooler conditions, use a faster hardener or a heat |
| bringing your boat plans into reality. Especially for | | | | lamp to speed up curing. NOTE: If you use a heat |
| beginners, learning a few basics of working with | | | | source, do so carefully, as too much heat can melt |
| epoxy can help avoid many struggles and mistakes. | | | | the epoxy causing it to run or in the worst case |
| In the first of this three-part series, we'll discuss | | | | spontaneously combust. |
| cautions you need to be aware of, as well as the | | | | From the time epoxy is mixed until it hardens fast, |
| three stages of epoxy. In part two, we'll cover | | | | epoxy goes through three stages. |
| epoxy techniques and in part three we'll do some | | | | |
| epoxy troubleshooting. | | | | 1. Liquid (Open Time) - During the open time (also |
| Take Caution | | | | called working time), epoxy is suitable for application. |
| The first rule of working the epoxy is to avoid skin | | | | All assembly should take place during the liquid phase |
| contact with uncured material. If you've ever seen | | | | to achieve the strongest bond. |
| hardened epoxy, you can just imagine how | | | | 2. Gel - As the epoxy begins to cure (the "green |
| dangerous this substance can be if it touches and/or | | | | phase" or "cure phase") it becomes no longer pliable. |
| hardens on your skin. This hazard is greatly reduced | | | | If the epoxy is still tacky, you can still bond additional |
| as the epoxy cures, but is still present when sanding | | | | epoxy to it. At this phase dry sanding is not possible. |
| partially cured epoxy. Wear protective gloves, | | | | |
| clothing and glasses. Never use solvents to remove | | | | 3. Solid - During the final cure phase, the epoxy |
| epoxy from your skin. You'll want to have on hand a | | | | becomes a hard solid. It can now be dry sanded and |
| special resin-removing cream for this purpose. | | | | shaped. |
| Always use ample ventilation when working with | | | | The process can go quickly depending on |
| epoxy. You don't want to breathe vapors or sanding | | | | temperature and other factors, so you'll want to |
| dust. | | | | have everything you need readily available. It is also |
| One trick is to use sand or clay cat litter to absorb | | | | wise to have conducted a test run or to have |
| spilled epoxy. However, take note to never use | | | | mentally reviewed the process you'll follow before |
| sawdust or similar materials for spills as spontaneous | | | | beginning to mix your epoxy. This is especially true |
| combustion can occur. Also, according to West | | | | for first-time users. |
| Systems, manufacturers of epoxy products, "Large | | | | It is advisable to have the following available: |
| volumes of curing epoxy can become hot enough to | | | | - Protective gloves, clothing and glasses |
| ignite surrounding combustible materials and produce | | | | - Epoxy (Resin) |
| hazardous fumes. Place containers of mixed epoxy in | | | | - Hardener |
| a safe and ventilated area away from workers and | | | | - Fillers (Thickeners) |
| combustible materials. Dispose of the solid mass | | | | - Plastic or metal cups or containers (do not use |
| when the cure is complete and the mass has cooled." | | | | paper or Styrofoam) |
| Three Stages of Epoxy | | | | - Wooden or plastic spoons or spatulas |
| Hardener cure speed, epoxy temperature and the | | | | Understanding the basics always helps to ensure a |
| volume of epoxy mixed will all contribute to the | | | | smoother start to any project involving boat plans. |
| overall open time (time available for mixing, applying, | | | | Practice with scrap materials until you are confident in |
| smoothing and shaping) and cure time. In warmer | | | | your ability to carefully and quickly work with epoxy. |
| conditions, use a slower hardener mixed in smaller | | | | When you're ready, you can move forward in |
| batches to increase your open time. You can even | | | | developing proper epoxy techniques. |
| get extra-slow hardeners so you can work with | | | | |