EPSILON™ + 101 Hardener
EPSILON™ is a thixotropic epoxy coating that self thickens for brushing onto a variety of surfaces without sagging. Parts A and B mix together easily, and the mixture wets out uniformly. This product is not sensitive to moisture or humidity. EPSILON™ cures at room temperature to an impact resistant plastic which exhibits good compressive and flexural strength.
Features
EPSILON™ is color neutral, and cured material can be easily sanded, primed and painted. EPSILON™ is suitable for use as a protective, impact resistant coating for EPS or polyurethane foam. It can also be applied to plaster, concrete, wood and fabrics. This product is not sensitive to moisture or humidity and contains no VOC’s.
Gallery
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This dragon is formed on EPS foam then coated with Epsilon® before final sanding and painting is done.
Epsilon® can be colored with SO-Strong® tints or UVO® pigments before application.
Epsilon® provides a sandable, impact resistant finish on EPS foam.
Frank Ippolito uses Epsilon® to make these large EPS foam archway. The coating offers a sandable, paintable, impact resistant finish.
Frank Ippolito uses Epsilon® to make these large EPS foam archway. The coating offers a sandable, paintable, impact resistant finish.
Instructions
Preparation – Avoid breathing fumes - use in a well ventilated area at minimum. NIOSH approved respirator is recommended. Wear safety glasses, long sleeves and rubber gloves to minimize skin contact. This material has a high exotherm (generates heat). Do not mix components in glass or foam containers.
Materials should be stored and used in a room temperature environment (73°F/23°C). Elevated temperatures will reduce Pot Life. EPSILON™ Part A resin and Part B Hardener must be properly measured and thoroughly mixed to achieve full, high-strength, solid-cure properties.
Applying a Release Agent – For releasing epoxy from non-porous surfaces such as resin, metal, glass etc., use Ease Release™ 200 or 205 (available from Smooth-On) to prevent adhesion.
Measuring and Dispensing – Accurate ratio measurements by weight are required for the material to cure properly and develop full physical properties. Dispense proper proportions of parts A and B into clean plastic, metal or wax-free paper containers.
Mixing – Do not use foam or glass mixing containers. Be sure mixing utensils are clean and free of any potential contaminants such as dirt, dust or grease. Mix Parts A and B thoroughly for at least 3 minutes with a square edged mixing stick. Be aggressive and scrape sides and bottom of mixing container several times. Use the square edge of mixing stick to bring material off of the sides of container and blend. If using a drill mixer, follow with hand mixing as directed above to ensure thorough mixing. NOTE: Pot life can be extended by pouring mixture into a shallow pan, reducing its mass.
Important - Mixed EPSILON™ Resin with EpoxAmite™ PART B Hardener is exothermic, meaning it generates heat. A concentrated mass of mixed epoxy in a confined area such as a mixing container can generate enough heat to melt a plastic cup, burn skin or ignite combustible materials if left to stand for its full Pot Life. If a batch of mixed epoxy begins to exotherm, move it to an open air environment.
Adding Color - EPSILON™ Epoxy Surface Coat System can be colored with UVO™ or IGNITE™ colorants (from Smooth-On). Pre-mix colorant with Part A thoroughly and then add Part B.
Adding Fillers - A variety of dry fillers can be added. Pre-mix dry filler with Part A before adding Part B.
Extending Working Time – mixed material in a deep mixing cup or bucket will set up quickly due to concentration of the liquid mass. Pour mixture into a flat (shallow) metal cookie sheet or baking pan and dispense product from there. Working time will be extended.
Apply In Thin Layers - two thin layers of EPSILON™ are recommended for a smooth, uniform coating. Using chip brush or roller, apply 1st thin layer to surface and let epoxy partially cure until “tacky hard”. Apply 2nd thin layer. Allow both layers to fully cure. Do not apply epoxy thicker than 1/8” (0.32 cm) per layer as this may cause sagging and result in an uneven cured coating.
When coating areas of fine detail, using successive thin layers of EPSILON™ will allow a protective layer of material to be built up without obscuring the detail of the original surface.
Cure Time - Refer to the specified “Cure Times” in the “Material Properties” section on front of this Technical Bulletin. Fully cured material will be hard and unable to penetrate with a finger nail. Cured epoxy can now be dry sanded.
If machining or sanding, wear NIOSH approved mask to prevent inhalation of particles.
Curing - This product will cure at room temperature (73°F/23°C) and does not require heat.
Painting – EPSILON™ can be painted and/or primed and then painted with acrylic enamel paints. Let paint fully dry before putting part into service. For best results, lightly sand surface prior to painting.
Removing Epoxy – Uncured / Non-curing epoxy: Scrape as much material as possible from the surface using a scraper. Clean the residue with E-POX-EE KLEENER™ available from Smooth-On, lacquer thinner, acetone or alcohol. Follow safety warnings pertaining to solvents and provide adequate ventilation.
Because no two applications are quite the same, a small test application to determine suitability for your project is recommended if performance of this material is in question.
Related Categories: Epoxy and Urethane Coatings
Related Series: EPSILON™ Series – EPS Foam Coating Epoxy
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