Cleaning epoxy off tool

[davidfox]

I mean tools used in the application of epoxy actually! I bought the standard west system liquid which states you just soak the uncured resin impregnated tool and then clean with soap and water, mine doesnt do a very good job on brushes at all is this normal or have I got the wrong stuff?

 

[Relax]

I have never found anything that was actually good at removing epoxy - except an angle grinder when its hard.

I usually wear gloves and only use disposable tools.

 

[boatbuilder]

Acetone is the only solvent we use to clean uncured epoxy. Brushes are rarely cleaned as it is uneconomic, Metal tools can be cleaned even after the resin has cured, by using a hot air gun as it softens the resin.

 

[srp]

SP systems have an epoxy solvent - obviously only useful for uncured epoxy but it helps to keep tools clean. Cured epoxy, the only way is mechanical - chisel, glasspaper, angle grinder etc.

 

[Poignard]

Cured epoxy softens with heat. I put tools I want to keep in boiling water and peel off the epoxy when it softens. With brushes you've no hope unless you get them into acetone [or WEST cleaner] before the epoxy goes green. I use cheap glue brushes and can usually recycle them, except when I forget to get them into the solvent quickly enough. I'm talking about WEST epoxy here, I've no experience with any other type so characteristics may not be the same for other makes.

It all depends how much your time is worth. I don't mind spending a few moments to save a 50p brush but anything more isn't worth it.

I mix epoxy resin in wax paper drinking cups which are cheap, if you can find a supplier.

 

[oldsaltoz]

You can use white vinegar to remove most of the uncured resin, then use less Acetone to complete the task; used Acetone can he stood overnight in a sealed container (screw top bottle or jar) and re used as most of the crud sinks to the bottom leaving clear Acetone on top.

Steel tools like rollers etc can be cleaned with heat, then a rub with a wire brush I use a small gas blowlamp, don't do this inside, the black smoke will stick to any and everything.

Epoxy resin that has not been mixed with hardener is water soluble and just rinse off.

Brushes are a throw away on most jobs, buy the very cheap ones with unpainted handles and shortish blond bristles.

Always mix your resin in a shallow container to expose the maximum surface area, this will reduce heating and extend the pot life.

Apply epoxy resin with a roller whenever possible, much faster, more even spread and better wetting, As soon as you finish using it remove any excess resin an drop it into a container of Acetone, rub it with a small brush, drain it and wipe it dry with a clean cloth, you can use it again and again.

Avagoodweekend......

 

[Poignard]

[ QUOTE ]
Apply epoxy resin with a roller whenever possible, much faster, more even spread and better wetting, As soon as you finish using it remove any excess resin an drop it into a container of Acetone, rub it with a small brush, drain it and wipe it dry with a clean cloth, you can use it again and again.


[/ QUOTE ]

That's a useful money-saving tip! Does it apply to the foam rollers as sold by WEST?

 

[catmandoo]

For a moment I thought you had found an alternative to Viagra

 

[Heigaro]

[ QUOTE ]

Apply epoxy resin with a roller whenever possible, much faster, more even spread and better wetting, As soon as you finish using it remove any excess resin an drop it into a container of Acetone, rub it with a small brush, drain it and wipe it dry with a clean cloth, you can use it again and again.


[/ QUOTE ]

I don't bother trying to save rollers. I get mine in packets of ten from Wickes. Dead cheap and must be more expensive to clean than to use a new one each time. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[alistairh]

west system have a set of 2 expoxy removers. one for unset stuff and one for set. unset stuff remover is a solvent that is very strong and the set stuff remover is a gel. leave the gel on over night and will peel off.