|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SUBJECT: # 13109: Chunky Epoxy
Submitted by Phil (216.192.106.12) from MASSACHUSETTS on 12/14/1999 6:09:00 PM
I have some left over epoxy resin that is about 15 years old and I've been using it over the years to fix/secure anything that requires a tough bond. The last time I used it was about 2 months ago and it worked fine.
I just took out the epoxy today for another job and the whole container looks like frozen ice. It's been a bit cold down my cellar where I keep it. I was wondering if I bring it to a warmer area will it "thaw" out? Or is it time for a new batch?
- 12/14/1999 6:37:00 PM
Submitted by
Robert (216.60.211.47) from ARKANSAS says Resin
15 years old? Is it hard? It may have gotten some hardner mixed with the resin. In any case, you have gotten your $.02 worth out of that batch.
- 12/14/1999 6:45:00 PM
Submitted by
Bayoudog (209.213.130.94) from TEXAS says You've got icecream-poxy!
Epoxy resin turns sort of a waxy ice-creamy state when "frozen" but will return back to liquid when warmed up a bit. It sure gets hard to pump when in that state. The easiest way to "thaw" it is by using a heat lamp. Those are readily available at hardware stores and cost about $4.00 and plug into a regular shop light. Just aim it at the container from about 2 ft. away and let it warm it up for a couple of hours. It will be as good as new. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe there is a limit on the lifespan of epoxy resin. Hardner gets dark with age, but doesn't lose its properties.
- 12/14/1999 6:56:00 PM
Submitted by
Dunk (208.215.118.22) from NEW JERSEY says Epoxy's
I agree with the Dog about heat, but I just put it in some warm water and leave it sit. This should bring it back to it's original form. I've never had it go bad, but then again 15 years is some serious time on anything.Phil, go ahead and use it for small jobs. Epoxy has come a long way in 15 years. I wouldn't tackle a critical job with stuff that old, but it should be ok for little gluing jobs.
- 12/14/1999 7:13:00 PM
Submitted by
Roger (208.225.28.105) from SOUTH CAROLINA says epoxy
Larry at Raka told me to heat it in water on the stove, like Dunk suggested. That worked fine, you can put a candy thermometer in the water if you want to monitor the temp. Bayoudog the paint from post 12938 did buff out OK. If it had been a metallic or a differant color I would probably have had a problem. The paint was gloss white.The anti skid in the deck came out looking real good. Thanks Roger
- 12/14/1999 7:22:00 PM
Submitted by
Bayoudog (209.213.130.94) from TEXAS says Yeah, "Dunk it" in some warm water
Good point Dunk/Roger, I didn't think about using warm water, but that should be the easiest. Live & learn. By the way, Roger, tell us sometime how you redid the non-skid - did you sprinkle it on, or roll it. Glad it buffed out OK - that usually doesn't work. I tried it once and the whole area turned a flat color - lost all the gloss. Regards/Bayoudog
- 12/14/1999 11:08:00 PM
Submitted by
Phil (216.192.107.8) from MASSACHUSETTS says Thanks guys, it worked.
Took me 2 batches but it worked fine. I put the 2 1/2 gal container into hot water for about 30 minutes and melted enough slurry for a couple of batches. The first batch I just mixed in the hardener figuring that the heat will disolve the remaining flakes. But it didn't and I ended up with a very ugly paper weight. The second batch I poured the slurry into a cup and put the cup into hot water to melt the remaining flakes. That worked.Thanks Dunk for the heads up on new epoxy. I didn't realize that epoxy resin has been improved. Anyways, I mainly used as glue and "lazy-man's shellac." I put one coat of the epoxy on finished wood and it looks like 10 coats of shellac. The stuff lasts for years and years.
- 12/16/1999 9:49:00 AM
Submitted by
Peter T (155.178.110.3) from NEW JERSEY says shelf life
Phil When I worked for Shell Chemical Company I aquired a bunch of 2 part squeeze tubes that they were marketing at the time. Well you may not belive this but that was 33 years ago and stuff still sets up perfectly every time.