Pros and Cons of an Epoxy Finish
Epoxy finishes are often easy to clean and quite durable. They are ideal for use on floors and countertops because of their durable nature that makes them difficult to scratch, as well as their water-resistant properties. Epoxy resin manufacturers have created these products to withstand being cleaned by any number of different methods without losing their luster and shine over the years. If the epoxy is applied properly, it can last for years without having to worry about the product deteriorating, even when it comes into contact with some of the harsh environmental elements around you.
One of the main drawbacks with epoxy is that it can be difficult to apply the product correctly. If mistakes are made in the application process, it can be rather time-consuming to try and remove the product. Certain types of these industrial adhesives might contain a compound that poses a health hazard when applied, so you have to take this into consideration beforehand.
Epoxy will often take longer for you to apply over other finishes, so you don’t want to hurry the process along because errors can be costly. When errors occur, you might be stuck having to redo the entire piece. One of the main elements of achieving a durable finish with these industrial adhesives is in the preparation of the surface. Before the epoxy is applied, you want to clean and dry the surface thoroughly.
Dampness that lingers will cause bubbling in the epoxy, which makes it uneven and far more likely to crack or chip. Whenever working with surfaces that are porous, many adhesive manufacturers often recommended that you wait for 48 hours after you clean the surface before you apply the epoxy to it.
Most of the time, epoxy is poured onto the surface and allowed to pool and level. Surfaces with edges will have to be dammed up so that the epoxy doesn’t run off. The entire process can take some time because you have to attach narrow pieces of wood to the surface. Make sure they extend about an inch above your surface. Once the adhesive is poured in and has dried thoroughly, temporary edgework can be taken down.
After you have removed the strips and the epoxy is dry, you still have more work ahead of you. The edges you created by damming them earlier are often sharp, so you will need to sand them down. Even though sanding can be done by hand, it will take you an awfully long time to do so. To speed the process, you might want to rent an electric sander for the day.
Even though it might seem like a lot of preparation for the finish, the durability and sheen are definitely worth the effort involved when you choose epoxy manufacturers in the USA.