Epoxycraft
Menu
  • About
  • Epoxy Basics
  • How To
    • DIY
    • Artists
    • Board Sports
    • Woodworking
    • Boat Building
  • Trade Secrets
  • Projects
    • DIY
    • Artists
    • Board Sports
    • Woodworking
    • Boat Building
    • Motorsport
    • Aviation
    • Architecture
  • Meet The Maker
  • News
  • Contribute
  • Contact

Trade Secrets: Ensuring clean surfaces makes for a strong epoxy bond
30th November 2015

When it comes to preparing a surface for epoxy application, the cleaner you make the area the better the outcome will be – any sort of contamination on the surface will likely result in reducing the adhesive power of epoxy.

Surface roughening improves the strength of the adhesive bond by enabling the epoxy to mechanically ‘key’ into the surface.

To ensure your epoxy bond is strong and durable, your surface must be clean, dry and thoroughly abraded. Surface roughening improves the strength of the adhesive bond by enabling the epoxy to mechanically ‘key’ into the surface.

There are a few simple precautions you can take to protect against contaminants on the surface.

What should I watch out for?

You – Your body creates oils to protect and waterproof your skin, much like marine epoxy does for your boat. It’s normal when working with epoxy to want to run your hand over the surface to check its smoothness. Don’t do this unless you are wearing a clean glove, otherwise your skin will contaminate the surface.

Sanding Dust – The best steps to follow for removing sanding dust are: use a vacuum, use an uncontaminated brush to sweep it off or use water to wash it off.

Organic Solvents – These can react with other elements and leave deposits on the surface that can affect adhesion. If you need to use a solvent, use plain white or unbleached paper towels to apply the solvent. Then use clean paper towels to wipe it off whilst it’s still wet. Make sure you regularly change paper towels and do not use rags.

Compressed Air – These can contain their own oils and water that can contaminate the surface.

Heaters – Some heaters, such as Salamander heaters, do not burn cleanly and can in fact produce lots of moisture that may collect on the surface.

Zinc Stearate – This is a chemical that can be found in some types of sandpaper. Just using it can contaminate a surface. We recommend that you use aluminium oxide or non-stearate treated waterproof wet/dry sandpaper instead.

Amine Blush – Many organic solvents will not help you remove blush. Instead, wash with clean water and use a Scotch Brite pad and dry with paper towels.

How do I know the surface is clean enough?

Wash it with water. If the water channels or beads in certain areas then you need to repeat the cleaning process. However, if it sheets off the surface evenly then the surface area is ‘clean’ and ready for application.

It’s a good idea to keep this list of causes of contamination by your side when preparing your next surface for epoxy.

It’s a good idea to keep this list of causes of contamination by your side when preparing your next surface for epoxy. 

Our thanks to Brian Knight for his great ideas on how to avoid surface contamination.


Share on


Back to trade-secrets

Subscribe to our newsletter
Our unique epoxy knowledge and experience, delivered straight to you

Events

RYA Dinghy Show 2023 25th-26th February 2023

What is epoxy?

Epoxy Projects

A Beginner’s Guide to Creating Jewellery with Epoxy

  • 31st May 2023
Read More
A skilled surfer riding a beautifully crafted handmade surfboard on the powerful waves of the sea, showcasing the perfect blend of artistry and adventure.

Fabio Giacomini – Handmade Surfboard Designer

  • 31st May 2023
Read More
Boat Building Workshop on fire engulfed in flames.

From Passion to Career – The Haven 12.5 Project

  • 31st May 2023
Read More
1234567
1234567
  • Home
  • Epoxy Basics
  • Projects
    • DIY
    • Artists
    • Board Sports
    • Woodworking
    • Boat Building
    • Motorsport
    • Architecture
    • Aviation
  • Trade Secrets
  • How To
    • DIY
    • Artists
    • Board Sports
    • Boat Building
    • Woodworking
  • News
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contribute
  • Contact
West System
Pro-Set
Entropy Resins
Subscribe to our newsletter
Copyright © 2023 Epoxycraft | Website by MAA