Epoxy.org

Applying Chemical Resistant Coatings

jconrad — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 05:24:43 +0000

There are numerous chemicals in the world, some natural and others man-made. While there is no doubt that the majority of them add value to our lives, it is equally certain that chemicals have a negative side-effect, one of the most common of which is the corrosion that they cause on things, whether wood, metal, or concrete, to name just a few substances.

Much effort has been taken to battle the corrosion caused by chemicals; one of the most common is the manufacture of chemical resistant coatings. Among these many coatings is epoxy, and it is important to know that there are wide variations of epoxy, each made to tackle a specific need.

Before mentioning specific examples of the use of epoxy as a chemical resistant coating, you should know that it is made in different thicknesses, colors and levels of hardening. Some epoxies are specifically manufactured for wood, such as floors, ship decks, furniture and patios. Other chemical resistant epoxies specifically designed to protect things such as electrical components, steel and concrete. Some epoxies are aimed at protecting highly-heated areas; others are specifically aimed at protecting areas with low temperature. There are various ways that these chemically resistant compounds are applied, including by spray, brush and roller.

An example of an epoxy’s use as a chemical resistant helps to clarify matters. While it is common to mention their use in medical laboratories and pharmacies, because the public generally has little, if any, contact with either of these, this example has little impact. Instead, it is better to consider the following two examples.

Do you have a concrete garage that has been corroded by acetic acid, diesel oil and the like? If so the right epoxy can be used to fill any pot holes and cracks, leveling the concrete floor and protecting it from further corrosion. Similarly, if your patio furniture is corroded, you can use an epoxy to fills its cracks and put a beautiful finish on it that will significantly delay any future chemical corrosion to it.

Epoxy Concrete Paint Ad Nauseam

jconrad — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 17:58:57 +0000

I know, we have written about the before, but its the number one thing we receive emails about, and everyone wants more clarification. So, here you go. As you know, epoxy concrete paint is a popular product for treating concrete floors. Epoxy, itself, is twice as strong as concrete, waterproof, and seamless. Additionally, its strength, durability, and beauty make it an ideal resurfacing choice in garages and basements.

What makes this system unique is that it is a two-part coating that cures on the concrete through a chemical reaction. The product is spread on the surface in a thick coating so that minor imperfections in the surface are covered up to leave a glossy, hard finish. Larger problems such as cracks in the concrete must be repaired or the epoxy will not adhere and the crack will reappear.

Epoxy will not stick if a vapor barrier was not installed when the slab was poured. Any moisture that moves to the surface of the concrete will make the epoxy concrete paint peel away, flake or blister. You can test your slab for moisture by securely taping a 12 inch by 12 inch section of concrete with plastic for 24 hours. Condensation will appear if there is a problem with moisture. The best time to check for moisture is after a recent rain.

Proper surface preparation is the key to getting good results when applying epoxy concrete paint. You can’t clean the surface too much. You will need to first clean and degrease several times and then acid etch the surface. You then neutralize the surface with baking soda dissolved in water and follow up with a thorough rinse with clean water. Allow the floor to dry for at least 12 hours before applying the epoxy concrete paint.

There are two different considerations when choosing a product. If low price is your highest priority then you will want to choose a solvent epoxy. This is a good choice for the novice because this type of epoxy gives you more time to apply it before becoming hardened. Solvent-free epoxies cost more and harden quickly. A professional can give you the best advice possible on which product is right for you.

Safety gear essential for the job are a high grade breathing mask, gloves, goggles and rubber boots. Safety instructions are included with the product.

A concrete floor treated with an epoxy concrete paint adds an endurable beauty that is well worth the time and money.

Epoxy Resin Countertops Deliver the Goods

jconrad — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 05:18:06 +0000

Epoxy resin is one of the most durable countertop materials available on the market, and they made it that way for a reason: it is most frequently used for laboratory countertops and work surfaces. For those looking for the strongest and most chemically and thermally shock-resistant countertop, epoxy resin is the most natural choice.

A polymer substance often composed of epichlorohydrin and bisphenol-A (in some epoxy resins, the bisphenol is replaced by similar compounds), epoxy resin can credit the strong covalent bonds between its molecules for its extreme durability. First synthesized by a Swiss and an American professor in 1936, after roughly a decade of attempts, epoxy resin has sold very well worldwide since its pre-wartime debut. It is now almost ubiquitous in every educational and professional laboratory setting. Despite its association with laboratory use, however, individual homeowners still do choose epoxy resin for their kitchen surfaces. It is inexpensive compared to some materials such as marble or granite, and its smooth, semi-matte black surface appeals to many.

Its synthesized molecules can be formed and cured in practically any shape or size, which makes it a natural choice for locations that require large or uniquely shaped surfaces. It is resistant to erosion by most chemicals, and is also highly moisture-resistant. The non-porous surface makes a resin countertop very easy to clean, and to make it an even more attractive choice as a countertop material, epoxy resin is also resistant to physical impact. While most frequently the choice of laboratories, institutions such as hospitals, healthcare, and food service also press resin countertops into service to net the food safety and maintenance-level benefits they offer. Individuals can benefit just as much: a parent of many children, for example, with many meals to make and limited time to clean up, could be served very well by the ease of an epoxy resin countertop.

A prime example of the genius of chemists who continually search for ways to make life more intuitive and hassle-free, epoxy resin is a material with a host of applications, covering work surfaces not the least among them. Placing it in a laboratory would guarantee a smooth, safe, and resistant surface, and placing it in a home would guarantee all of the above, plus a sleek, sophisticated finish that goes with most color schemes. Epoxy resin countertops are, indeed, some of the most versatile.

Making Sure Your Epoxy is Waterproof Epoxy

jconrad — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 19:31:02 +0000

Is epoxy completely waterproof? More than once, I’ve heard from people working on projects, be it a boat, a patio, whatever… that end up complaining because they have been told that epoxy is this miracle product that will prevent any type of corrosion or damage. That it is essentially bomb-proof. My first question always runs something along the lines of “are you sure you were using an actual epoxy product?” As in, “this isn’t some cheap knockoff product pretending to be epoxy, right?” And for the most part, people get that part of the equation right. But the bigger picture, and this extends far outside the realm of epoxy is that the tools are only as good as the artist allows them to be. What does this mean? Well, it means that the epoxy has to be applied properly. Epoxy is waterproof, end of story. But one hastily mixed, sloppily applied coat of epoxy might give you some issues. So, assuming you’ve bought bona-fide epoxy, what can you do to ensure that you end up with waterproof epoxy? You can follow these simple steps:

1. Read the directions. The big thing to take away here is the mixture ratio. Some epoxies, like many System Three epoxy products are mixed at a 2:1 ratio. That is, two parts resin, one part hardener. Others call for a 1:1 mixture. Screwing this up will have a very detrimental impact on your epoxy’s performance, so double check this before you get started.

2. Once you’ve confirmed the mixing instructions, make sure to mix the two parts thoroughly. You’ll likely be using some kind of Dixie-style cup and a Popsicle stick. Make sure to spend a solid 45 seconds stirring your compound. Scrape the sides of the cup as you go to ensure both parts are completely mixed before you move on to the application phase.

3. Apply the epoxy uniformly, and don’t be careless. That means trying to distribute the epoxy evenly over your surface, and don’t miss any spots. If you’re a little short, it’s always better to mix up a little more than it is to just resign yourself to a super thin coat in a couple of spots.

4. Apply more coats. Don’t assume that the first coat is going to do it. Wait however long the directions indicate for the first coat to completely cure, and then repeat steps 2 and 3. Three solid coats should do the trick on most surfaces, and should ensure that you have a very solid, waterproof epoxy solution for your project.

I linked to System Three above, and here is the product that I recommend to most people looking for a top-notch waterproof epoxy:

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The Pros and Cons of Epoxy Mortar

jconrad — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 18:42:18 +0000

A lot has been made of epoxy mortars over the past few years. A growing dissatisfaction with mold and mildew, and new understanding of the havoc that they can wreak on bathroom construction has led many to search for new and better alternatives to the traditional tile grouts that line many bathrooms. Additionally, a great deal of research has been done with respect to the myriad health risks that one takes by allowing mold to fester in one’s home.

So, what can be done, and is an epoxy solution the right one for your project. We’ll be using bathroom projects in the article, simply because they are one of the more common areas where you might encounter the need for epoxy mortar, but assume that this guide will help you with assessing your needs for any related project.

Let’s start with the drawbacks. Like any epoxy-related project, epoxy mortar is not going to be cheap. Even if you do it yourself, you’re looking at a substantial increase over the cost of a traditional grout. And if a contractor proposes doing it for you, you might want to think long and hard about the number that he quotes you, and you’ll almost certainly want a second opinion. These guys know exactly how hard epoxy can be to work with, and they know the intimidation factor that a lot of do-it-yourselfers encounter before delving in – they will price their services accordingly.

And don’t get me wrong, epoxy mortars are tougher to work with than traditional epoxies. They have a short pot life, and if you don’t have a cool hand, you might have some trouble leveling and smoothing your surface before the epoxy becomes difficult to work with. At this point, you start considering a “thinner” second coat, and the slope gets slippery from there on out.

Now that you’re nice and scared, are there reasons that you should consider using epoxy mortar? Of course there are! This is an epoxy blog after all… forgive us if we’re a little biased. Epoxy mortar can be an absolutely fantastic solution to the tile shower woes that you might have going on in your bathroom. It is tough as steel, and as you might expect, totally waterproof. Like any epoxy project, it is harder to accomplish and probably a little more expensive, but will pay off in the long run in terms of durability – both material and aesthetic. I’d suggest thinking twice if you are a novice, or if you are requesting quotes from contractors, but if you have moderate experience and some decent know-how, you’ll be more than happy that you chose to go with epoxy.

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Using an Epoxy Sealer

jconrad — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 19:27:13 +0000

Over the next few weeks, I’m going to try to become more active on the blog, and plow through a bunch of post ideas that have been brought up to me, or that have occurred to me. Today, we’ll tackle epoxy sealers, how to pick a good one, and what to be aware of going into any project involving them.

For years, I have done the standard Thompson’s treatment on my various decks and patios in the homes I have lived in. It should come as not surprise, though, given the nature of this blog, that I have been itching to try something a little more robust, a little more… epoxy-like. So, naturally, I began my latest outdoor wood treatment project by seeing if there were any heavy duty epoxy products that I might try for my deck.

Drawback #1: epoxy sealer is not cheap. Accustomed to the bang-for-your-buck deck sealants that I’ve always used in the past, I encountered a bit of sticker shock as I began shopping. But, hey, I love using epoxy products, and have found that they always pay for themselves over time, so this shouldn’t be any different, right?

Well, I got over my aversion to spending additional money pretty quickly, and got down to business. I found a few different products from Bels-Smith, Gluvit, Marine Tex, and System Three. I’ve developed a bit of a bias over the years for System Three, and even though they specify marine use for their sealer, I figured it would probably work just fine on my deck. In fact, this is one of the reasons that I like their products so much. They seem to engineer everything to stand up to the ocean, and my home is a much friendlier environment, so my projects are always overdone, and I like that.

Anyway, I went with their S-1 Epoxy Sealer, and have been very pleased with the results. Not only is my deck tough as nails now, I was able to mix in a white pigment into the sealer and give my deck a little color. Plus the pigment should give my epoxy a little extra UV protection – always nice when you’re dealing with epoxy as it’s the only weakness you might ever encounter.

Application was a piece of cake as I’ve become pretty darn good at using epoxy products over the years. The only thing I’d recommend, even though they suggest minimal surface prep, would be to give your deck a pretty thorough scrubdown prior to using the sealant. It’ll only make your life easier in the end.

How to Pick the Best Wood Glue

Review: Quikrete Epoxy Garage Floor Coating

jconrad — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 06:48:27 +0000

Well, this is one of those reviews, like many others, that is a bit of a double-edged sword. A couple of months ago, while we still had a little sunshine up here in the Pacific Northwest, I set about to coat my garage floor with epoxy. It’s important to do this job while the sun is shining so that you can have your stuff outside for a few days. Make no mistake, unless your garage is barren, you’re going to have to keep a few things outdoors while your flooring cures.

So, I got all set up. Tool bench outside. Bikes and other sporting equipment outside. Everyone is well aware that there will be no cars parked indoors till Tuesday. I went to the hardware store to pick up a couple of cases of Quikrete’s Epoxy Garage Floor Coating based on relatively strong reviews from friends, both online and real. And, having used epoxy quite a few times in the past, I was pretty familiar with how things should work. I’ve always found that the devil is in the details with epoxy work, and that one of the most important things you can do is proper prep work before hand. In this case, that meant giving the garage floor a good cleaning. It almost felt unnatural given how I’ve abused that poor floor in the past.

Anyway, floor swept and even mopped. Oil and grease stains removed and I’ve ready to go. Honestly, following the directions wasn’t terribly difficult. Mixing was a breeze, and application was relatively painless. Just knowing that patience is the greatest virtue when applying epoxy is the biggest obstacle. It took a few projects to figure that out, but it’s made all the difference for me over the years. Back to the directions – they were a snap. Let’s get to the meat and potatoes here. Why the double-edged sword?

Well, as I’ve mentioned, I took my time to properly prepare for the project, and followed Quikrete’s instructions to a tee. And it came out beautifully. So, what’s the rub? The rub is that the product itself is really quite nice, but there isn’t enough of it. I know how to calculate square feet, and I was well within their recommended usage statistics. In the end, I ended up heading back to the hardware store a couple of days later to buy two more Quikrete Epoxy Garage Floor Coating kits, doubling my initial cost estimates for the project. All in all though, I think the end result came out better by letting the first coat cure and then applying the second. So, the verdict? Great product, just expect to buy more than you think you’ll need.

Here’s a link if you want to check this stuff out, and at a better price than what I got it for, too!

The Right Epoxy Garage Floor Coating for Your Home

Bar Top Epoxy to Make Your Counter Shine

jconrad — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 00:15:13 +0000

If there is one aspect of maintenance that restaurants and other commercial concerns have over the average household, it is the strength of material necessary to handle massive abuse. The next time you saddle up the bar at your favorite watering hole, take a minute to note the bar top itself. If it’s wood, and looks a lot better than your counter top at home, take another minute to ask yourself: why?

Bar top epoxy is one of the coolest innovations to come out of the adhesive and coating industry in a long time, and for some reason, it has been largely confined to commercial interests. Now, I understand that the common home doesn’t take nearly the abuse that a restaurant might on a day to day basis, though I bet there are a few tired mothers out there who would beg to differ. But a product like bar top epoxy makes such a difference, and can provide such a beautiful end result that it’s hard to believe more people wouldn’t jump at the chance to implement something along these lines in their own homes.

Not only is the finish absolutely gorgeous, it’s also practically indestructible. The added bonus of being easy to install makes it a no-brainer. Most people hear “epoxy” and are scared off, but bar top epoxies are self-leveling. Sort of like a set it and forget it type of installation; hard to argue with that.

Epoxy.org recommends System Three’s Clear Coat because it is a fantastic product, and because quite frankly, there aren’t any serious competitors out there worth noting. Have a great picture to share of your completed bar top epoxy project, or a good product recommendation? Send them along!

The Right Epoxy Garage Floor Coating for Your Home

How to Remove Epoxy

jconrad — Mon, 17 May 2010 06:26:40 +0000

A better title for this post might be: Can you really remove epoxy once it has cured? Because it is not easy. The most popular method out there right now seems to be acetone, which is a lot like rubbing alcohol in that it is colorless and very flammable. The belief out there is that rubbing some acetone on to cured epoxy will loosen it up and allow one to scrape the epoxy off.

Now, acetone might be all well and good for thinning epoxy BEFORE it has cured, but best of luck to you if you are attempting to use acetone to clean off a surface that has already been treated with hardened epoxy. Epoxy is tough. That’s why you coated whatever you’re working on in the first place.

It may be that allowing the acetone to soak in/on the coated wood or surface for an extended period of time can make the epoxy a little more malleable, but the results might not be all that you are hoping for, or all that other sources might have led you to believe. There is a particularly unhelpful article on ehow.com, for instance, that makes it sound like a real piece of cake to remove cured epoxy resin.

In my experience, a product like acetone can be a great complementary item to have on hand when attempting to get rid of unwanted epoxy. First and foremost, though, what you are going to want is heat, and a lot of it. Remember when you were first applying the epoxy in question, and it became very warm while it was curing? Well, at the time, the epoxy was also very workable. And that’s the condition that you need to help the epoxy resin return to if you ever hope to ‘work’ with it again.

Buy or borrow a heat gun. You’ll have your best chances of success if you heed this advice. Blast your surface with heat for what seems like forever. Slowly, the epoxy will begin to soften up. When I said that you’d be able to ‘work’ with it again earlier, that was a bit of an exaggeration. We’re really just telling you how to remove epoxy, and it isn’t easy. Even taking the two main steps outlined in this article, you’re going to be gouging and clawing at that epoxy garage floor, or whatever you’re working on. Take heart though, it can be done, and with great results. Just don’t go into the project thinking it’s going to be a walk in the park.

The Pros and Cons of Epoxy Mortar

The Right Epoxy Garage Floor Coating for Your Home

jconrad — Sat, 15 May 2010 23:47:52 +0000

So, you’re ready to apply an epoxy garage floor coating. You’ve got the necessary supplies, and it’s time to take the plunge. Here are some helpful hints to get you going on your way to that professional look that you’re after for your home within your home.

To begin with, we’re going to assume that your current surface is concrete. Now, what kind of things should you consider? Well, for one, give some thought to how long the concrete has been down. If it was poured within the last month, hold off for now. The concrete will continue to emit water vapor for quite some time, and laying down a coat of epoxy paint will not be successful during this state of concrete curing.

Now, for most of you, the concrete has been down for quite some time, and we can move forward. So, how to go about getting that kitchen counter look that you see in magazines and on TV of that professional looking garage is a question worth exploring. Epoxy, we need to remember, needs something to grab on to. For those of you that have never applied any type of coating to your garage floor, no problem. Give it a good cleaning, and get to work.

However, a lot of folks have previously applied paint on their garage floors, and if you fall into that camp, there are a couple of steps you’re going to want to take prior to application. The big thing you’re going to need to do, unfortunately, is get rid of that old paint, or at the least, rough it up enough so that the epoxy paint can grab on to something. You might be able to get away with just a big old belt sander, but a lot of people have success by renting a diamond blade angle grinder with a vacuum attachment. It’s not going to be fun, but this is what it will take to get the look you’re going for with your epoxy garage floor.

Once you’ve prepped your surface, there’s only one other big tip that you’ll need to consider before undertaking the creation of the epoxy garage floor coating of your dreams: Start small! Mix small batches of epoxy and get comfortable with the product. Believe me, you’ll be a lot happier mixing smaller batches and taking a little bit more time than you will if you go big and have a big bucket of smoking epoxy – it gets hot!

So, these are a few thoughts to keep in mind. Best of luck with your project, and don’t hesitate to send in pictures. We’d love to post some great results from our readers!