The Best Epoxy To Use

Summary

This video script offers an in-depth guide to using various Epoxy products, focusing on TotalBoat's range. It covers the importance of mix ratios, the use of kitchen scales for accuracy, and thorough mixing techniques to avoid air bubbles. The script explores different Epoxies for specific applications, such as Penetrating Epoxy for wood reinforcement, High Performance Epoxy as a versatile adhesive, and ThickSet for deep pours. It also introduces specialized Epoxies like Tabletop and Maker Epoxy for finishing and art projects, and Cast N Turn for casting and turning projects. The host emphasizes safety, proper mixing, and choosing the right Epoxy for the task to ensure successful results.

Takeaways

• 🛠️ Sponsored Content: The video is sponsored by TotalBoat, but the content applies to other epoxy manufacturers as well.
• 🔍 Epoxy Variety: There is a wide range of epoxy products available, each with specific use cases and properties.
• 📝 Importance of Ratios: Mixing epoxy requires precise ratios of hardener to resin, which can vary from product to product.
• 🔄 Mixing Techniques: Epoxy must be thoroughly mixed for 3-5 minutes until all ribbons of unmixed material are gone.
• ⚖️ Accurate Measurement: A kitchen scale is recommended for small batches to ensure precise ratios, while larger batches can be estimated by eye.
• 💨 Avoiding Air Bubbles: Epoxy should be mixed carefully to avoid trapping air bubbles, which can be removed using a vacuum chamber or heat gun.
• 👷‍♂️ Safety First: When working with epoxy, it's important to wear a respirator and gloves to protect from harmful fumes and skin contact.
• 🏞️ Penetrating Epoxy: This type of epoxy is used for penetrating and reinforcing wood, particularly in areas of rot or soft sections.
• 🔨 High Performance Epoxy: A versatile epoxy suitable for a wide range of applications, from gluing to small void filling.
• 🎨 Artistic Use: Epoxy can be used for artistic purposes, such as creating effects on tabletops or in crafts, with specific products like Maker Epoxy.
• 🛑 Product Selection: The choice of epoxy depends on the specific project requirements, including viscosity, curing time, and application method.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The main purpose of the video is to educate viewers on the various types of epoxy products available, their specific uses, and the correct methods for mixing and applying them.

Why is the presenter sponsored by TotalBoat and what is their stance on other manufacturers?

The presenter is sponsored by TotalBoat because they love their products and work well with them. However, they mention that the principles discussed can generally apply to other manufacturers' products as well.

What is the significance of epoxy names according to the video?

According to the video, the names of epoxy products are often intuitively chosen to reflect their purpose, making it easier for users to understand what each product is designed for.

Why is it important to pay attention to the mixed ratios when working with epoxy?

The mixed ratios are crucial because an incorrect ratio of hardener to resin can result in the epoxy not curing properly, which can lead to failure of the project.

What is the recommendation for mixing small batches of epoxy?

For small batches of epoxy, the presenter recommends using a kitchen scale for precise measurement to ensure the correct ratios, as small deviations can significantly affect the outcome.

What is the suggested method for mixing epoxy to ensure a homogeneous state?

The suggested method is to stir the epoxy for three to five minutes until no ribbons or lines are visible in the mixture, indicating that the hardener and resin are fully integrated.

Why should pigments not be added to the epoxy mix until after the initial mixing?

Pigments should not be added until after the initial mixing is complete because they can hide the ribbons that indicate whether the epoxy is fully mixed. It's important to have a clear guide to know when the mixing is adequate.

What is the presenter's advice on using a paddle mixer with different viscosities of epoxy?

The advice is to use a low speed with thicker, more viscous epoxies to avoid whipping air and creating bubbles. With thinner epoxies, like those closer to water, the speed is less of a concern.

Why is it recommended to use a second 'pour bucket' when working with epoxy?

Using a second pour bucket ensures that any unincorporated bits of resin or hardener stuck on the sides or bottom of the mixing bucket do not get into the pour, which can lead to uncured spots in the final product.

What is the role of Penetrating Epoxy as described in the video?

Penetrating Epoxy is used to seep into wood and reinforce rotted sections or soft areas. It's very thin and has a two-to-one mix ratio, providing a good soak into the wood with a working time of about 20 minutes.

What are the differences between High Performance Epoxy and ThickSet Epoxy?

High Performance Epoxy is a general-purpose epoxy with a two-to-one mix ratio and is suitable for small voids and quick bonding. ThickSet Epoxy, on the other hand, is designed for deeper pours up to half an inch thick and has a three-to-one mix ratio, allowing for thicker applications in less time.

What is the new product Fathom Epoxy designed for and what is its maximum pour thickness?

Fathom Epoxy is designed for large pours, suitable for slabs up to two inches thick or small castings up to three inches thick. It is meant to reduce the number of pours needed for thick applications.

What are the key differences between Tabletop Epoxy and Maker Epoxy?

Tabletop Epoxy and Maker Epoxy are both one-to-one ratio epoxies. The key differences lie in their working times and intended uses. Tabletop Epoxy is designed for finishing surfaces like tables and has a shorter working time, while Maker Epoxy allows for a longer working time and is formulated for creating art pieces.

What is the Cast N Turn Urethane resin used for and what is a special requirement for using it with wood?

Cast N Turn Urethane resin is used for casting projects, especially by turners who want to create polished spheres or other artistic shapes. A special requirement when using it with wood is that the wood must be stabilized, such as with cactus juice, to prevent moisture from interacting with the resin and causing issues.

What are the Four-Minute Epoxy and Thixo Epoxy used for and how do they differ?

Four-Minute Epoxy is a quick-setting adhesive used for small repair jobs and has a working time of four minutes before it starts to harden. Thixo Epoxy is a thickened paste that comes pre-mixed in a cartridge with a mixing nozzle, designed for applications where a caulk gun would be useful and provides a strong, waterproof bond.

What are the considerations when using a vacuum chamber with High Performance Epoxy?

When using a vacuum chamber with High Performance Epoxy, it's important to note that the epoxy can expand significantly due to the removal of air bubbles. The epoxy should only be filled about 15-20% of the way in the cup to allow for this expansion, and care should be taken not to over-heat the epoxy, which can cause it to cure too quickly.

What is the importance of viscosity in epoxy and how does it affect the application?

Viscosity in epoxy refers to its thickness and flow characteristics. It affects how easily the epoxy can penetrate into materials, how well it self-levels, and how quickly it releases air bubbles. Thinner epoxies like Penetrating Epoxy are better for soaking into wood, while thicker ones like High Performance Epoxy are more suitable for filling gaps and bonding.

What are the consequences of not mixing epoxy thoroughly and what is a good practice to avoid this?

Not mixing epoxy thoroughly can result in uncured spots, uneven curing, and poor bonding. A good practice to avoid this is to use a second 'pour bucket', mixing the epoxy in one bucket and then pouring it into another for application, ensuring all components are well incorporated.

What are the signs of an epoxy 'kicking off' or going XO, and how can this be avoided?

An epoxy 'kicking off' or going XO is when it starts to cure too quickly, often due to being too thick or having too much volume. This can cause the epoxy to become hot, yellow, and crack. It can be avoided by ensuring the correct mix ratios, pouring to the appropriate depth, and not scraping unmixed epoxy from the sides of the mixing container.

What is the significance of using a heat gun when working with thinner epoxies like the ThickSets?

A heat gun can be used to help release air bubbles from thinner epoxies, especially when doing thin pours. It's a gentler heat source compared to a torch and helps in the even distribution of heat, which is beneficial for popping air bubbles without overheating the epoxy.