What is epoxy resin?

Epoxy resin is plastic type glue that comes in two parts; the first part is a powder and the second is a liquid hardener. When combined with the powder correctly it will form a very hard, clear plastic. Epoxy will bond with metal as well as wood, and is used in the construction of many different products.

Epoxy resin are one of the most adaptable materials for hobbyists to use. Originally developed for the aerospace industry, today's epoxy resins are extremely user-friendly and easily obtainable. Purchased off the shelf at specialty retail stores, one of the most common examples is West System epoxy. Epoxy resins are purchased in two parts, Part A and Part B. Separating the reactive components allows for very long shelf life, ease of storage, and customized mixing solutions. Epoxy resin is a solid surface countertop that is chemically resistant. It is the ideal choice for a lab that has stringent requirements regarding chemical resistance and decontamination. Long-term heat resistance to 284 degrees and short-term resistance to 356 degrees make this surface suitable for labs that frequently make use of high temperatures in testing and other procedures. This surface is also very machinable, allowing manufacturers to work it like hardwood to incorporate sinks, fixtures, and drip grooves. Epoxy resin's excellent electrical insulation and adhesive properties of various materials, as well as the flexibility to other thermosetting plastics, are not available. So it made paint, composite materials, casting materials, adhesives, molding materials and injection molding materials, which have been widely applied in all areas of the national economy. Installation of epoxy resin flooring is really straight forward but you absolutely must spend the time necessary for completely cleaning the existing concrete surface. Start with a power washer and clean off all the dirt and grime you can. Next, scrub the surface with a detergent and water. Using a push broom works well for this step because you can apply a lot of downward pressure as you are scrubbing. Lastly, use a degreaser to remove any oil spots or other petroleum stains, if you don't do this the epoxy resin will most likely lift up within a few months. When the floor is completely clean, use a propane or electric space heater over night to dry it. Of course, be very careful of fire by not getting the source of ignition any where near flammable objects.