Epoxy Tips and Advice

All BSI epoxies are mixed with a 50-50 ratio.

Any scrap material or paper scratch pad can be used as a mixing surface.

We have found, however, that the plastic tops to coffee cans work best due to their outer border and their flexibility, which allows the unused cured epoxy to be released and thrown away.

Squeeze out equal length beads of the desired amount of epoxy, then mix together thoroughly with a popsicle stick or scrap piece of material.

Mix at room temperature and above. In cold weather, epoxy takes longer to cure (too cold and usually they never fully cure).

Acetone or rubbing alcohol works as the best solvent for cleaning epoxy from brushes and unwanted surfaces before it cures. If epoxy gets on surfaces that acetone will attack, use isopropyl alcohol. We do not recommend any additives for thinning epoxies due to their effect on curing and overall strength.

A small amount of CA can be used in strategic locations to hold parts in place while the epoxies cure. The minute designations for epoxies refer to the working time, i.e., the time one has before the epoxies begin to set up after being mixed in a large mass. When spread into thinner layers, the working time in increased significantly. Working time decreases approximately 25% at temperatures above 90 degrees F. Don’t panic if your skin comes in contact with either epoxy or CA.

While contact should be avoided, uncured epoxy can be washed from your skin with soap and water. Allergic reactions are rare. Cured epoxy and CA can be peeled off the skin and usually are gone after a full day of normal activity.

Summary
5 Minute:
Slightly flexible
not water proof
warms as it cures
accepts polyester resin
workable for 5 minutes
handle at 15 minutes
fully cured in 1 hour

15 Minutes
ideal for larger areas
accepts colour concentrates paste (to colour epoxy)
accepts silica or micro ballons (does shorten working time)
accepts glass fillers
perfect for fiberglass
workable for 15 minutes
handle after 45 minutes
fully cured in 2 hours

30 minute
ideal for fillets
highest strength
waterproof
heat resistant
accepts all fillers (does shorten working time)
workable for 30 minutes
handle after 8 hours
cures in 24 hours

Finish Cure
low odour polyester resin substitute (eg fiberglass)
bonds to forma and wood
easy to sand
flows best at 85°F/ 30°C (place in microwave for about 10 seconds with the cap off, or use a heat gun while working) Work in a warm area
handles in 20 minutes
cures in 8 hours