Epoxy Kick ?

Islandtrader · #1 02-03-2008, 09:30 AM

This is my first use of bulk epoxy. The ratio is a 3-1.

I used the pumps purchased with the epoxy and made a small batch (3-1) to play around with ( actually 2 batches). The hardener is the medium. According to label has working time of 40-50 minutes and sand time in 2-4 hours.

Yesterday at 2 pm I laid it down. This morning at 730 am it is still tacky????? I am in South West FL. temp. yesterday 75 and overnight about 62.

Any thoughts?

JohnB · #2 02-03-2008, 10:13 AM

Is the epoxy soft? or just tacky? Some of these blush, and have a somewhat thin waxy/tacky finish on top that you have to clean off. It has been my experience, working at 70 degrees or less, that it takes a full 24 hours to cure, unless it's in the sun, and that seems to help kick it.

Islandtrader · #3 02-03-2008, 10:24 AM

It is soft, but getting harder (if that makes any sense). Do you think I should also have some fast harder also?

Just trying to get a feel on how the stuff works, so I don't get a real mess on my hands, before I even get going.

dcobbett · #4 02-03-2008, 12:11 PM

IslandTrader,

Based on my experiences, something is wrong. That stuff should be as hard as a brick, given the time frames you laid out. What brand of epoxy are you using, and are you sure your mix ratios were correct? The pumps are not very accurate and there is a lot of waste associated with them. Next batch, don't use the pumps, just pour into small cups, making sure you get the proper ratio.

reelclassic · #5 02-03-2008, 02:04 PM

I have been having some troble getting the resin to kick...I think it is the weather...It has been a little cool. I noticed when the temp. changes it takes much much longer for it to go! Im in South Fl. too Humidity/cool weather! I have been mixing it the same way the entire time and during the day it has been kicking in 45 mins or so??? Just my guess-I am using polyester btw.

Islandtrader · #6 02-03-2008, 02:45 PM

Quote:

IslandTrader,

Based on my experiences, something is wrong. That stuff should be as hard as a brick, given the time frames you laid out. What brand of epoxy are you using, and are you sure your mix ratios were correct? The pumps are not very accurate and there is a lot of waste associated with them. Next batch, don't use the pumps, just pour into small cups, making sure you get the proper ratio.

I will mix up a new batch today and give it a shot. I will only use the pumps to transfer the stuff and use the measuring cup. I will keep everyone informed.

NoBones · #7 02-03-2008, 03:01 PM

You did not say how you are mixing the two.
I would use a paint paddle in a drill.
Doing it with a stick is not as efficient.
Plus if it is below 70 after you applied, it will
take longer to cure. You can always add a touch more hardener to make the mix a little hotter.
Just a thought Terry....

See ya, Ken

thehermit · #8 02-03-2008, 03:12 PM

The 3:1 blushes a lot. Is it a horizontal surface? The tack you feel may be blush but like nobones said when using 3:1 with medium hardner and below 70....give it a another day and see what it does.

JohnB · #9 02-03-2008, 04:00 PM

Most epoxies will not kick "faster" if you add more hardner, unlike polyester glass. It is a different deal, and you actually degrade some of the properties of epoxy by mis-mixing it. From what I have read, there really are only 2 types of hardeners, fast and slow. Medium is a mixture of the 2. I use slow hardner where I am laminating into wood or coring material to get the max. penetration, and I usually pick cool days/nights, and let it sit for 2 days. For must other stuff, especially horizontals, I use med for larger areas, and fast for smaller ones.
Unlike polyester, epoxy has almost an unlimited shelf life, so I doubt it went bad. The thinner it is spread out, the longer it takes to kick, the thicker, the faster it kicks.
I mix mine with a paint string stick in a small cup, with enough action to mix, but not cause bubbles. If the stuff your using blushes, make sure you wipe it clean before recoating or doing anything else with it. I am not familiar with the 3:1 stuff, I use MarineEpoxy from Beateau or MOS brand 2:1.

bigeasy1 · #10 02-03-2008, 04:01 PM

I don't use loads of epoxy,but have mixed up a fair amount for my 23 project,and for a couple friends; and i have found the pumps not to be as accurate as we think they are.

I use graduated measuring cups for the measuring of resin and hardener,and find them to be a far more accurate way to measure the ingedients,which results in a more precise ratio of resin to hardener.