How do I use the 406 West System?
To make strong, color-matched fillets, start by thickening a batch of epoxy with 406 Colloidal Silica filler to a mayonnaise consistency. This creates a translucent white/smooth and creamy epoxy. Next, add wood sanding dust until you arrive at the color you need.
How much colloidal silica do I add to epoxy?
Often used in combination with other fillers, it can improve strength, abrasion resistance, and consistency of fairing compounds, resulting in a tougher, smoother surface. Add 3% to 8% by weight to the resin / hardener mix.
Does silica make epoxy stronger?
Silica Thickening Powder Thickens epoxy and polyester resin systems to prevent sagging on surfaces.
Does West System epoxy stick to metal?
Bonding hardware WEST SYSTEM epoxy adheres well to most metals as long as you prepare the surface properly. Cleaning with solvent and sanding is enough preparation for most metals.
Is West System epoxy waterproof?
But since WEST SYSTEM Epoxy is very strong and an excellent adhesive, it strengthens the wood and makes it waterproof.
How do you increase epoxy strength?
When it comes to commercial epoxy adhesives, adding a polyurethane segment into epoxy polymers can improve heat resistance and strength. Generally, epoxy adhesives are suitable for applications that demand solvent resistance, resistance at very high temperatures and rigidity.
What happens if you put too much hardener in epoxy?
Adding too much of either resin or hardener will alter the chemical reaction and the mixture will not cure properly.
Do I need to sand between coats of West epoxy?
Make sure the previous coat has cured firmly enough to support the weight of the next coat. To avoid sanding between coats, apply all of the coats in the same day. After the final epoxy coat has cured overnight, wash and sand it to prepare for the final finish.
Can you mix sawdust with epoxy resin?
The first reason you shouldn’t thicken epoxy with sawdust is down to basic chemistry; adding wood dust to epoxy doesn’t make it thicker. The two just mix and the epoxy is in fact free to drain right back out again when it comes into contact with an absorbent surface, such as end grain.
Do you need to sand before epoxy?
Before applying epoxy, sand smooth non-porous surfaces—thoroughly abrade the surface. 80-grit aluminum oxide paper will provide a good texture for the epoxy to “key” into. Be sure the surface to be bonded is solid.
How thick can you pour West System epoxy?
While it is a slower curing system, it still should not be poured more than ¼” deep at a time. We have found that building up castings ¼” at a time allows the epoxy to cure without overheating.
What is epoxy 406 used for?
It creates a smooth mixture, ideal for general epoxy bonding and filleting. It is also our most versatile epoxy filler. Often used in combination with other fillers, 406 can be used to improve strength, abrasion resistance, and consistency of epoxy fairing compounds.
What is 406 filler used for?
Often used in combination with other fillers, 406 can be used to improve strength, abrasion resistance, and consistency of epoxy fairing compounds. The result is a tougher, smoother surface.
What are the different types of epoxy fillers?
Each epoxy filler possesses a unique set of physical characteristics, but they can generally be categorized as either Adhesive (high-density) for bonding applications or Fairing (low-density) for sanding and fairing applications.