Key Takeaways. Sharp objects can scratch or gouge epoxy floors, diminishing their appearance and durability. Avoid placing heavy machinery on epoxy floors to prevent cracking and indentation. Harsh chemicals can stain or corrode the epoxy coating, compromising its protective qualities.
Isopropyl Alcohol, Denatured Alcohol, Acetone, Lacquer Thinner. Stronger solvents like isopropyl alcohol, denatured alcohol, acetone, or lacquer thinner will remove epoxy much more quickly. Stronger solvents can often be found at varying concentrations.
Substances such as pure acetone, potent alcohol (typically denatured), and lacquer thinners are all examples of this. These substances will gradually dissolve an epoxy resin surface, weakening it and reverting it to a liquid. The length of time this takes to happen varies by product.
Thermal degradation is one of the commonly used degradation methods for epoxy resins. However, due to the 3D cross-linked structure in these materials, their decomposition temperatures are very high, which causes some problems such as energy waste.
Epoxy resin adhesives will bond with most all woods (though a primer sealer if often recommended for many types of wood to seal it). Resin does not bond to Teflon, polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, or Mylar. It bonds poorly to polyvinyl chloride, acrylic and polycarbonate plastics.
Degradation temperature of the epoxy. Most epoxies will decompose and turn to carbon ash at temperatures of 400°C and above. By heating the unit above the deg- radation temperature (found on the data sheet), the epoxy adhesive simply burns away.
Avoid contact with resin, hardeners, mixed epoxy, and sanding dust from partially cured epoxy. Wear protective gloves and clothing whenever you handle epoxies. If you get resin, hardener, or mixed epoxy on your skin, remove it immediately.
Harmful Chemicals for Epoxy Floors
Epoxy floors are strong, but some chemicals can harm them. Knowing these bad chemicals can help keep the floor good for longer. Acetone and lacquer thinner are tough on epoxy.
Removing uncured epoxies, like CircuitWorks Conductive Epoxy, presents no special problems. Straight solvents such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) and methylene chloride (dichloromethane), will quickly dissolve the uncured paste.
As thermosetting materials, epoxy resin exhibits a high degree of crosslinking density, which endows it with useful properties. However, the highly cross-linked structure also causes epoxy inherently brittle and vulnerable to cracks, thus limiting their advanced applications.
Acetone or Paint Thinner: a powerful solvent that can significantly reduce viscosity. It can also weaken the integrity of the cured epoxy if used in excess.
Solvents to Avoid
Other solvents, such as denatured alcohol, rubbing alcohol, acetone, mineral spirits, and several others are not recommended with Super Epoxy Resin System products. While effective in other cleaning applications, these solvents can have undesirable effects with epoxy, including but not limited to…
Make sure the surfaces to be bonded or repaired are clean, dry, and free of dirt, grease, or debris. Oily contaminants in particular can weaken the bond or cause the epoxy to repel or fail.
While you can use vinegar on epoxy surfaces, it's important to note that vinegar often contains high levels of acetic acid, which can vary by product. Frequent use of vinegar, due to its acetic acid content, may gradually soften or deteriorate the epoxy finish, potentially leading to a dulled or "cloudy" appearance.
Sunlight, ozone, chlorine, exposure to air — all these things damage resin over time.
Common examples of hardeners are provided by aliphatic and aromatic amines, and carboxylic anhydrides. These types of compound react directly with the epoxy and other groups of the resin, and so influence the structure of the cured resin.
As the epoxy cools down after sanding, it starts to close its molecular chains. This is where the problem arises. The alcohol or acetone trapped within the epoxy is now locked in. It cannot escape, and it interferes with the epoxy's curing process.
Isopropyl alcohol will do a great job on epoxy clean up while the stuff is still liquid.
Any contamination on the substrate (in the case of surfboards, the fiberglass lamination) will disrupt the surface tension and cause the epoxy to separate or pit. The epoxy will "run away" from the contaminated area.
It is generally not recommended to use bleach to clean an epoxy floor as it can damage the surface and cause discoloration. Bleach is a harsh chemical that can break down the epoxy coating and create a rough, uneven surface. Additionally, the fumes from bleach can be harmful if inhaled.
The buildup of moisture can cause different problems, peeling included. Changes in temperature may also cause condensation, adding more to your moisture problem. Even if the weather doesn't fluctuate between hot and cold, either extreme may cause epoxy floor peeling.
Unfortunately, any liquid, or items containing an element of moisture, may adversely trigger a chemical reaction, increasing the solidification process and turning white. Fresh food or plants. As mentioned before, these items contain moisture that can ruin the curing process.
Epoxy will not stick to:
Polyethylene. Polypropylene. Nylon. Mylar.
Prior to curing, liquids and moisture can cause problems for epoxy. Before epoxy finishes curing, it will be in a liquid or semi-solid state. While in this state, water and other liquids can disrupt its ability to bond and cure. Epoxy resin cures best in dry conditions.