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    #1

    Epoxy Help Needed

    I’m building a cedar top table and can’t get the epoxy right. I did a seal coat first then I did the first pour. 90% of the table top look like glass but the other 10% the epoxy did not level into those spots. I also had a lot of small bubbles that I didn’t see before epoxy set up. So I sanded off most of the first pour.

    The second pour I used more epoxy (about a quart) but I had the same issue with the epoxy not leveling. I mixed up some more epoxy and tried to fill in the areas that the epoxy did not fill. That didn’t work because the epoxy did not level with the rest of the pour. Sanded off most of that pour.

    I figured I wasn’t using enough epoxy so for the third pour I doubled the amount up to 1/2 gallon. And of course, twice as much of the stuff was running off the sides of the table. It still did not level in all the spots! What the heck!!

    I sanded the table top flat to 1200 grit and tried To polish the finish and see if that would work. It would not polished to the sheen of the un-sanded epoxy. The epoxy is about 1/8 of an inch thick right now.

    I’m going to try one more pour tomorrow. I’m going to increase the amount of epoxy by 1/3 (3 quarts) and keep some in reserve to fill in any low spots.

    I’ve made sure the table is level, used a shower squeegee and a foam brush to move the epoxy around and try to fill the low spots. I’m frustrated. I’m running out of sandpaper, epoxy, and especially patience. What am I doing wrong? Has anyone had this much trouble with epoxy? Should I thin the epoxy with acetone? Does anyone have any advice you can offer?
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    #2
    Haven't worked with epoxy much, but would it be possible to thin epoxy a tad with some acetone or mineral spirits or something?

    Comment

      #3
      Never worked with it. Curious as well.

      Comment

        #4
        I would highly recommend calling the manufacturer... Epoxy I am learning is very finicky. As far as bubbles, take a torch to the tip as they appear to pop them.

        Sent from my BLA-L29 using Tapatalk

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          #5
          Originally posted by Fargus View Post
          Haven't worked with epoxy much, but would it be possible to thin epoxy a tad with some acetone or mineral spirits or something?
          The manufacturer website says you can use up to 10% acetone or other thinner. It also says it will weaken the epoxy. Not sure I want to do that since this will be my kitchen table.

          Comment

            #6
            Originally posted by ctom87 View Post
            I would highly recommend calling the manufacturer... Epoxy I am learning is very finicky. As far as bubbles, take a torch to the tip as they appear to pop them.

            Sent from my BLA-L29 using Tapatalk
            Thanks. I use a torch and a heat gun (because my torch won’t stay lit when I tilt the propane bottle).

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              #7
              Originally posted by AlaskaFlyerFan View Post
              Thanks. I use a torch and a heat gun (because my torch won’t stay lit when I tilt the propane bottle).
              Keep going over it as it cures. I found I got a glass finish just to come back after 20 minutes and more bubbles came to the top.

              Sent from my BLA-L29 using Tapatalk

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                #8
                I use epoxy all the time. Not sure which brand you are using.
                When you pour, use a cheap bristle paint brush to move it where you want it. Make sure that you do not touch the surface with your hands between coats and wipe down with alcohol if you want the sanding dust gone after blowing it off.
                After you pour you need to babysit the piece for a while...the trick is not too long. I use a heat gun, use it close to the piece and keep it moving to remove bubbles but watch it and you may need to repeat that many times especially if there is air trapped in the wood. I spend about 1-2 hrs babysitting, I continue to use a brush or a rubber gloved hand to move the epoxy around as needed for a time.
                When you pour you can also pour a little in a cup and keep checking it to see when it starts getting "thick" so you know when to leave your piece alone.
                Epoxy is fun and frustrating, I have sanded down more pieces than I care to admit.

                Comment

                  #9
                  Originally posted by RattlesnakeDan View Post
                  I use epoxy all the time. Not sure which brand you are using.
                  When you pour, use a cheap bristle paint brush to move it where you want it. Make sure that you do not touch the surface with your hands between coats and wipe down with alcohol if you want the sanding dust gone after blowing it off.
                  After you pour you need to babysit the piece for a while...the trick is not too long. I use a heat gun, use it close to the piece and keep it moving to remove bubbles but watch it and you may need to repeat that many times especially if there is air trapped in the wood. I spend about 1-2 hrs babysitting, I continue to use a brush or a rubber gloved hand to move the epoxy around as needed for a time.
                  When you pour you can also pour a little in a cup and keep checking it to see when it starts getting "thick" so you know when to leave your piece alone.
                  Epoxy is fun and frustrating, I have sanded down more pieces than I care to admit.
                  Thanks for the response.

                  This is the first I've heard of using a bristle brush. Every video I've seen or article I've read says to use a foam brush. I'll give the bristle brush a try.

                  I use the heat gun as you described. I also check the epoxy that remains in the graduated container that I use to mix. It just seems that this stuff sets up really quick so I don't have much time to get it right. Would you recommend thinning it with acetone?

                  This is the stuff I'm using:
                  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M1RAW6D/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

                  Comment

                    #10
                    May need a torch instead of a heat gun on your epoxy.

                    Comment

                      #11
                      Originally posted by E.TX.BOWHUNTER View Post
                      May need a torch instead of a heat gun on your epoxy.
                      I have and use both.

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                        #12
                        I build fishing rods and the epoxy is the biggest pain in the *****. Acetone will thin it and slow the curing process. The thinner epoxy levels better for me. I also use a butane torch (very quick pass over) to pop the small bubbles. The heat also thins the epoxy. Be careful not to burn and use a very low ash/no soot heat source. Silicon is a major contaminate and will create fisheyes & bumpy surfaces. It can come from anywhere. I use denatured alcohol to clean things prior to application.

                        Good luck on your next round!

                        Comment

                          #13
                          I have never thinned epoxy, maybe it is ok for small projects but I wouldn't on a bigger project. As far as the foam brushes, I use them but they can drag and leave small pieces of foam behind that show up later. The bristle brushes work good but you do need to keep a close eye out for a hair getting in there and pick it out before it sets up. I use my hands with nitrile gloves quite often for the edges

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                            #14
                            Do you brush the epoxy or dab it? I thought saving was best for epoxy.

                            Comment

                              #15
                              Originally posted by B&C View Post
                              I build fishing rods and the epoxy is the biggest pain in the *****. Acetone will thin it and slow the curing process. The thinner epoxy levels better for me. I also use a butane torch (very quick pass over) to pop the small bubbles. The heat also thins the epoxy. Be careful not to burn and use a very low ash/no soot heat source. Silicon is a major contaminate and will create fisheyes & bumpy surfaces. It can come from anywhere. I use denatured alcohol to clean things prior to application.

                              Good luck on your next round!
                              I'm doing this in my garage. Are you saying I should be heating the garage? Its usually hot enough in there to make me sweat already. I can fire up my Mr. Buddy propane heater if I need to.

                              Comment

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