As the Technical Support Director of Epoxy.com I get a lot of email and phone calls about how to work with the relatively short potlife (typically 30-40 minutes) of 100% Solids Epoxy and similar resin systems.
It is important to understand that Epoxy (and epoxy like resins) generate their own heat when mixed. So larger batches of epoxy will generate more heat then smaller ones. The result of this is that larger batches of epoxy set faster than smaller batches. Start by mixing smaller batches of epoxy and then increase your batch size slowly.
To give you longer working times:
- Make small batches that you can use in about 1/2 the working time of the material. That will give you a little wiggle room and it will make your epoxy easier to use.
- Be sure the product is cool when you mix it. For best handling properties I like my material in the upper 60’s or lower 70’s. F.
See To Do With Epoxy for more installation tips.
Norm Lambert – Epoxy.com Technical Support Director
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