Do you want to cast an object in epoxy? Then you are in the right place. In this article we explain how you can properly protect an object against external influences. Moreover, in this article you will find everything you need to work with epoxy. Do you have any questions or are you still unable to find an answer? No problem, our experts are happy to help you.
A layer of glass fabric and epoxy protects the underlying material against the influence of water and dirt. It forms a hard layer that is extra reinforced and offers resistance to damage. Epoxy adheres to almost all surfaces and is a durable 2-component resin. In this article we explain step by step how you can cover an object with epoxy and glass fabric.
Some examples are covering works of art consisting of EPS or Styrofoam, covering plaster, concrete, wood and floors, horse trailers and wooden and polyester boats.
Now that you know what epoxy protection entails and what it exactly means, let's move on to the practicalities. It is fairly easy to cast an object in epoxy. However, that doesn't mean you don't want to do it well. After all, the object of your choice must be well protected against external influences. Are you ready to start? Then follow the steps below to cast an object in epoxy for optimal protection.
The first step you take before you start coating with epoxy is to collect the necessary materials. During the preparation you also determine whether you need a primer to promote the adhesion of the epoxy. We have a special primer for smooth surfaces. Coarse concrete, wood, polyester and plaster usually do not require a primer.
Tip: order the epoxy auxiliary materials package for a complete set of auxiliary materials.
The amount of resin and fabric you need depends on the size of the surface to be covered and the thickness of the laminate you wish to apply. In most cases, a covering of 2 layers of 160 gram twill fabric is sufficient. In that case you need 2 square meters of twill fabric per m2 and approximately 400 grams of universal epoxy.
Because glass fabric does not laminate well around sharp corners, it is wise to round off sharp outside corners by grinding or sanding them with sandpaper or a sander.
For good adhesion, we first apply a layer of epoxy resin without tissue. Clean the surface well. For smooth surfaces, use the special primer for smooth surfaces and in other cases universal epoxy resin. Prepare approximately 200 grams of epoxy for every square meter and apply it with a velor roller and a flat brush. Allow the epoxy to harden for approximately 16 to 20 hours.
Are there sharp corners on the object? Then it is advisable to complete this first. Otherwise you run the risk of not getting the fabric laminated properly in the corner. To round the corners, make a paste with universal epoxy resin and cotton fiber. Add enough cotton fiber so that you get a thick paste. Apply the paste to the corners and let it harden for at least a few hours.
Was the previous coat of epoxy applied more than 24 hours ago? Then you need to sand the surface with grit 180. After cleaning the surface, apply between 300 and 800 grams of epoxy, depending on the surface. After creating, wet the surface with epoxy using a velor roller. After this you can apply the glass fabric. Try to place as large pieces as possible so that you don't have too much overlap. Soak the glass fabric with epoxy so that it becomes completely transparent. White spots need more resin and shiny areas have too much resin. You can easily remove excess resin with a laminating spatula.
For optimal adhesion, it is important to properly vent each layer of glass fibre after applying it. You do this with a de-aeration roller (disc roller) and a corner roller (for the corners). Roll the de-aeration roller over the laminate until all air bubbles are gone. Put the rollers in the acetone in between so that the epoxy residue does not harden. After applying each layer, vent again.
You can now immediately apply several layers of glass fibre. For covering wood, 2 layers of 200 to 300 grams of glass fabric or twill fabric are sufficient. This gives a thickness of approximately 1 mm. For foam objects (EPS or Styrofoam), 2 to 4 layers usually provide sufficient strength.
Let the epoxy harden for approximately 24 to 36 hours so that it is sufficiently hardened. You can then finish it with an epoxy filler and then top it off with DD Paint. View the product pages for clear instructional videos.
Do you still have questions about coating with epoxy after reading this article? Please feel free to contact our customer service team. We are happy to help you with your project!
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