Clear and level epoxy?

Fred.Rowe

Fred.Rowe

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
May 2, 2004
Messages
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What epoxy pours easily, then drys level and flat with only a little buffing needed? I am pouring a cylinder that is 3/ 4" in diam. by 3/1 6" deep. I want to see a design at the bottom of the epoxy filled cylinder.
Thanks for the feedback.
Fred
 
There's a polymer called 'EnviroTex' that I buy from True Value hardware that might fit the bill. It's a two-part, one-to-one mix meant for crafts. It dries crystal clear and levels really well. Just look out for the bubbles.
-Mark
 
polish avenger said:
There's a polymer called 'EnviroTex' that I buy from True Value hardware that might fit the bill. It's a two-part, one-to-one mix meant for crafts. It dries crystal clear and levels really well. Just look out for the bubbles.
-Mark
Click to expand...
I have a True Value near me and will stop and check on availability.

Thanks Mark :thumbup:
 
polish avenger said:
There's a polymer called 'EnviroTex' that I buy from True Value hardware that might fit the bill. It's a two-part, one-to-one mix meant for crafts. It dries crystal clear and levels really well. Just look out for the bubbles.
-Mark
Click to expand...

If you get any bubbles, as they rise to the top, simply "pop" them by quickly passing a propane torch over them -- quickly!
It just expands the gas inside and fractures the bubble wall.
You can do that with almost any kind of clear liquid or finish that has bubbles.
 
fred also if you have a vacuume set up you can use that to get bubbles out too.. they will get bigger and rise go to the top faster..

I'll have to try that propane torch trick :thumbup:
 
Many hobby shops and supply catalogs sell Clear Casting Resin (usually acrylic). It is designed to do exactly what you are describing. There are books available on clear resin casting,too. The resin often comes in a kit with plastic mold frames, release compound, instructions, polish, etc. It is cheap.
Stacy
 
Thanks Stacy and Peter. :thumbup: I have a Crafts 2000 store in my area. I'll check

them out. Fred
 
If you don't want bubbles try this:

Mix your epoxy (30 minute or longer set time) on a piece of card stock.
In a well ventelated room, take a heat gun and holding it about a foot away from the epoxy, heat it until it starts to bubble. (If it starts smoking, you have obviously been listening to the lies you told you wife about how long six inches is) Keep the heat gun moving back and forth to avoid hotspots. Once bubbling is reduced to just a few bubbles, scrape the epoxy off of the cardboard into the mold. Make sur you run it in from one edge only. This reduces the amount of air trapped in the pour. Now reheat the expoxy again to chase out the remaining bubbles.
Expoxy cure rate is cut in half for every 17 degrees F the temp is increased, so by going to 140degrees from 68, your cure time is about 1/16 the original. In other words, don't fiddle fart around or it will set up before the bubbles get to the surface!
Try a trial run in a metal bottle cap. You need good ventilation!!!
Good luck.

Jim Arbuckle

PS the heat also makes the cured expoy harder and easier to polish.
 
Does anyone know of a place to get larger quantities of epoxy other than the small tubes you buy at the store?
 
any marine type boaters stores should have epoxy and poly resin up to 5gal buckets. big enough? Boater's world, west marine...
 
I second the recommendation for Envirotex Lite. It's designed as a pour-on topper for tabletops, bartops, etc. You can get it in small or large quantities and it's not horribly expensive.

-d
 
has anyone heard of decoparge ? the spelling could be off.
it was a two part for finishing tops of things also..
 
jmar595 said:
Does anyone know of a place to get larger quantities of epoxy other than the small tubes you buy at the store?
Click to expand...

:D look up your local hobby shop that carries flying model airplane supplies. They usually carry at least two different brands of epoxy. You can usually get two 9 oz tubes (one hardner and the othere epoxy) in a kit for between $10 to $14. Or go on line and search on hobby, model airplane.

Jim Arbuckle
 
DAMNENG said:
:D look up your local hobby shop that carries flying model airplane supplies. They usually carry at least two different brands of epoxy. You can usually get two 9 oz tubes (one hardner and the othere epoxy) in a kit for between $10 to $14. Or go on line and search on hobby, model airplane.

Jim Arbuckle
Click to expand...

I will give the heat treat a try the next time I make a pour. I like the fact that it cuts the set time.

Fred
 
I was thinking along the lines of Dan... the resin they sell for decoupage levels off extremely well and is nice and clear (for the thickness of approx 5mm). I have seen this done and it comes out very well with no bubbles, by pouring very slowly. It might not be as clear when looking through a long cylinder though. I stand corrected , but I believe your acrylics and polycarbonate based resins are the clearest options and less prone to yellowing. Lang
 
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