Other Thinning Epoxy resin

[Henry Stephen]

10-15% acetone added to epoxy resin, does it adversely affect the final 'product'?

Sure does help saturate the cloth, quicker.

 

[WILKEY]

Never messed final product up for me. I usually do a cap full

 

[smdubs]

Warming epoxy helps alot too

 

[Henry Stephen]

It's mixed in basement and applied in semi-heated garage, heating blanket helps it kick.

 

[Matt_E]

Here's a tech article on just that topic, using acetone as thinner. Looks like you can, but there are consequences.

Thinning Epoxy Tech Article

 

[speedysprocket]

Here's a tech article on just that topic, using acetone as thinner. Looks like you can, but there are consequences.

Thinning Epoxy Tech Article

Good find!

 

[Midlake Crisis]

Here's a tech article on just that topic, using acetone as thinner. Looks like you can, but there are consequences.

Thinning Epoxy Tech Article

Cliff Notes version: DON'T. )

 

[Matt_E]

Really? Not quite the conclusion I got.

Does thinning epoxy make sense? In some situations, thinning is appropriate. In others, it is not. We feel that in most circumstances using heat to thin epoxy is preferred to using solvents. As long as the epoxy does not overheat during cure, the full physical characteristics of the cured epoxy remain. Adding solvent is a quick, simple method of thinning epoxy, but the strength and moisture resistance of the cured epoxy are significantly reduced.

In any event, I have always found it to be 100% adequate to heat up the epoxy in small batches and in favorable geometry. (i.e., no 12 oz red cups, that poop will cook itself)
I've used a microwave, heat guns, space heaters, etc. It's nice that typically this also decreases cure time (in cold weather)

 

[smdubs]

Heat works great for thinning. Im not a fan of mixing acetone in it. You can always get a lower viscosity resin as well.

 

[Midlake Crisis]

Really? Not quite the conclusion I got.



In any event, I have always found it to be 100% adequate to heat up the epoxy in small batches and in favorable geometry. (i.e., no 12 oz red cups, that poop will cook itself)
I've used a microwave, heat guns, space heaters, etc. It's nice that typically this also decreases cure time (in cold weather)

"Thinning epoxy with solvent causes enough loss of strength that we (and most other reputable epoxy formulators) cannot recommend using it as a structural adhesive" "Adding solvent is a quick, simple method of thinning epoxy, but the strength and moisture resistance of the cured epoxy are significantly reduced."

 

[Balduccimoto]

Just put the containers of epoxy in a warm room for a little while. Viscosity of the stuff is radically different from 30F to 80F. The difference is substantial. I usually heat with only very light heat if the work area is extremely cold or I am pressed for time.

 

[snowxr]

Hey guys, I'm a composites technician by trade. Adding solvents to the resin is not a good idea ESPECIALLY before adding the hardener. Polyester and VE resins can tolerate a small amount of acetone AFTER adding catalist, but adding it before alters the makup of the resin in an adverse way. Poly and VE should be thinned with styrene, instead. Always best to use the correct resin, and not screw with it.