Epoxy

Other Names:

Description:

A two part glue ranging from 1:1 to 5:1 ratio of mix. Setting times range from 5 minutes to 24 hours. Commonly used in boat building where additives in the form of bulking materials are added, fibre for glue form, microbeads for easily sanded fillets.

Epoxy is also the main glue used in composite fabrication. High performance RC planes tend to have greater proportions of their airframes fabricated from composite materials. Glass fibre and Carbon fibre are commonly incorporated with Epoxy to create such structures.

Advantages:

Quick setting (5 minute type). Strong.

Disadvantages:

Can be expensive. Because Epoxy is not water based, cleanup is messier.

Handling:

5 Minute epoxy is a 1:1 ratio. Marine epoxies commonly range from 4:1 to 5:1. These ratios need to be adhered to as it is a chemical reaction.

Suggest using an old plastic milk bottle base or side as a mixing dish. A scrap piece of wood as a mixing stick.

Skin contact is not recommended. Acetone will remove unset epoxy but vinegar is recommended. Exposure to Epoxy has a cumulative effect - over time the side effects can become worse.

Suppliers:

Hardware shops for 5 minute epoxies or marine suppliers for slow setting types.