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Mas epoxy vertical surfaces1/11/2024 ![]() Some metals can tarnish quickly so it is a good practice to apply the epoxy shortly after prepping the surface. When bonding to metal the surface must be bright and free of oxidation. Wipe surface down with a clean cotton t-shirt rag soaked in an oil free solvent like denatured alcohol prior to applying epoxy. Sand as needed and clean off sanding debris. Do not use paper towels, dirty rags, contaminated sandpaper, or touch surface with oily fingers. Contaminates include, but are not limited to, the following: Dust, oil, moisture, sap, lint, and sanding debris. The surface must be clean, dry and free of contamination. 1 seal coat, followed by 1 flood coat is typical for application. A ½ gallon kit (1 quart of resin and 1 quart of hardener) covers about 6 square feet in a 1/8” flood coat. Coverage can depend on any number of factors, most notably coating thickness, porosity of the surface and waste, but a 1 gallon kit (½ gallon of resin and a ½ gallon of hardener) should cover about 12 square feet in 1/8” thick flood coat. CoverageĮasiest way to calculate the correct amount of epoxy for coverage is using our Resin Calculator. Working in conditions or with material above 80☏, Table Top Pro may set too quickly and exotherm, become too hot, which could cause it to yellow, distort or crack. When working in conditions or with material below 70☏, Table Top Pro may become to viscous to properly release air and self level. For best results, all materials and working conditions should be 70☏-80☏. TemperatureĮpoxy is a temperature sensitive material. Work in a well ventilated space or wear a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approved respirator equipped with an organic vapors cartridge. Note that my techniques here are tuned to the MAS "Slow" epoxy and you experience with other resin systems may suggest alternative methods.Nitrile gloves, Tyvek arm guards, and disposable aprons are some of the most common forms of personal protective equipment (PPE) employed to help to prevent skin contact with the epoxy resin and minimize risks of sensitization. With a little time between the initial application and the inspection some issues take care of themselves and I can see where the wood is absorbing resin and add more as needed. If I fuss to much with every little spot it will take longer and I might not finish in time to remove the excess. As long as I work fast this gives me plenty of time to resolve any issues and the resin will still be liquid enough to scrape off the excess into the grunge cup. I first get the whole boat covered and then go back and inspect for starved areas or missed spots. I am not trying to wet out the cloth with the brush, I use the squeegee to spread and saturate the fabric. Obviously, more vertical surfaces will not allow the dump-and-spread method, so I use a chip brush to dab on some epoxy and then spread that around. A large thermal mass in the cup will start to cure more quickly than a thin film spread out on the boat, thus getting it on the boat fast gives more time to work on it. I want the resin out of the pot and on to the boat quickly. When I have a level surface, such as the middle of the boat, where I can dump the mixed epoxy, I do so. I don't mix up big batches at one time, just enough to fill the mixing cup up about one inch or a couple centimeters. ![]() The exact amount mixed is not as critical as the ratio. So long as I always do this I know I will have the correct ratio. I start with the hardener pump and finish with the resin. Then I slowly pump to make sure it is being dispensed before I start measuring. I cycled the pumps a few times to get resin into the works. ![]() The epoxy was from new bottles with new pumps. I could have done it earlier, but I did want to give it some time to warm up to room temperature. I rolled the cloth out on the boat about an hour before I started glassing. At the start of the day I went into the shop and turned the heat up to 80° F (27° C) and made sure the lamp I keep on my epoxy to keep it warm was turned on.
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