Recently, a large number of innovative building mixtures for puttying surfaces in rooms for various purposes have been presented on the market. Such compositions differ significantly from one another in their characteristic features, advantages, and are also used in various fields of construction. Among such novelties, putty mixtures, which include epoxy resins, should be distinguished. These solutions are successfully used in the finishing process.
Features of epoxy putties
Epoxy fillers are better than other materials for ship repair work. The fact is that the addition of epoxides makes the solution a stronger mixture, which also does not shrink. In addition, this putty is moisture resistant, does not crumble and is perfectly polished.
Epoxy putties contain a small amount of volatile substances in their composition, which ensures low shrinkage. This quality makes it possible to apply the material in a thick layer up to one centimeter and not be afraid of the appearance of cracks after solidification. At the same time, epoxy putty is resistant to saline solutions, alkali anddetergents. The material is also able to withstand infrequent exposure to mineral oil and gasoline.
It will be by the way to note that the surfaces obtained after applying epoxy putty are durable and have adhesion to metal products, concrete, fiberglass, ceramics and other materials. This quality of the mixture allows the use of these solutions for the restoration of structures that are operated under the influence of significant loads. These include steps, window sills, floors and hardware.
Scope of application
Putty with epoxy resin in the composition is used for finishing surfaces of different structures. For example, there is epoxy putty for metal. It is used to level the surface before applying paints and varnishes. Epoxy wood putty can be used to seal cracks, joints and irregularities in the repair or installation of wooden floors.
However, this material is useful for processing doors, windows and other interior items. Epoxy putty for plastic can be useful in repairing damaged car body parts. Thus, the scope of this material is quite wide and varied. Mixtures marked EP 0010 are used in the shipbuilding and ship repair industry. Epoxy putty can be freely purchased at many hardware stores. The process of finishing work is quite simple, which allows them to be carried out on their own.
Material Composition
Epoxy putty is a combination of several components. It consists of resin, hardener and filler. Epoxy resin is a viscous substance of a brown hue and gives the putty composition the necessary qualities. The consistency of this component of the mixture is similar to liquid materials, therefore, in order to make the resin thicker, a filler is added to it. This quality of the finishing material is of great importance when performing rough repairs.
Metal shavings are used as a filler. When using putty with such an additive, defects in the treated surface are effectively masked. In addition, fiberglass is also used as a filler. If the putty is intended for the final finishing of concrete bases, then, as a rule, the amount of filler in its composition is much less.
Do-it-yourself epoxy putty for wood is prepared using blade spatulas. In addition, if a large volume of solution is required, then small metal sheets, pieces of plexiglass, plywood, etc. can be used. If it is possible to use all of the listed materials, then it is recommended to give preference to plexiglass. It is easily cleaned of the frozen solution. For work it is necessary to knead the amount of solution sufficient for use within 3-4 minutes. After that, the putty will begin to set, which will significantly complicate the process of applying the mixture to the base.
Proportion between putty and hardenerdepends on the ambient temperature. As a rule, the amount of hardener is 1.5-3% of the putty weight. For example, at temperatures from 13 to 24 ° C, 2% hardener must be added to the composition. At temperatures above 25°C, you can add a smaller amount - 1.5% by weight. But at temperatures below 12 ° C, on the contrary, more - 3%. Above this, it is not recommended to add a hardener.
Main characteristics of the material
Epoxy putty hardens rather slowly, which makes it possible to stir the mixture slowly until the composition of the desired consistency is obtained. After preparation, it is important to accurately lay the composition on the base. How to apply epoxy putty for plastic? How to do it yourself? From the moment the material is applied to the treated surface, at least an hour passes before the moment of polymerization comes. The final solidification of the mixture occurs after six hours.
Two hours after that, you can start cleaning the surface with sandpaper and applying a paint layer or other finishing material. In this case, it is not necessary to prime the surface. It is enough just to clean it of dirt and grease.
Epoxy putty can be prepared by yourself. Depending on the material of the surface on which the mixture will be applied, the solution is made using different ingredients. For example, an epoxy putty for plastic is prepared on the basis of glue and filler. How to make such a solution your owneffort? It is necessary to use a two-part epoxy adhesive and mix both liquids according to the instructions. Fine sawdust, chalk should be used as filler, and high-grade cement can also be added to improve adhesion to the base.
Some of the nuances of using the solution
In different areas of construction, certain types of putty mixture are used. This feature should be considered when buying material. To choose the necessary putty, it is important to first read the instructions provided by the manufacturer and the composition of the mixture.
Often putty solutions are presented on the market in several containers. One of them contains bulk substances, and the other contains a hardener. When preparing a mixture of the desired consistency, a certain amount of ingredients should be selected and mixed until a homogeneous mass is obtained. The finished mortar must be laid on the prepared surface of the base.
In this case, it is not necessary to clean the treated plane or prime it before applying putty. An important point is the need to thoroughly degrease the surface. When applied, use a spatula or other special tools. The distribution of the mortar over the base depends on the type and consistency of the mixture used.
After finishing the puttying, the surface must be allowed to dry for at least eight hours. It is during this period of time that the solution will completely solidify. The material is then polished andis colored. If epoxy putty is used when performing rough repairs, it is required to apply a leveling mixture before applying it. It is important to emphasize that when mixing the mixture with your hands, you must use protective gloves, which are recommended to be thoroughly rinsed upon completion of work.
Where epoxy putty is most often used
Epoxy putty is used in capital construction, as well as in the process of repair work for:
- leveling walls and other bases made of wood, concrete, plastic, stone and other materials;
- surface waterproofing;
- connecting different building materials together, such as ceramics, metal, wood, plastic and others;
- for sealing seams;
- for hiding defects, irregularities, damage due to mechanical impact and for other purposes.
In conclusion, it is worth emphasizing that, thanks to its excellent characteristics, epoxy putty helps to solve many problems that arise during the construction or repair process. In addition, it stands out from the background of other finishing materials with a significant service life.
Material Producers
Today there is a wide range of epoxy putties on the market of finishing materials. They are used for a variety of types of work and, accordingly, have different characteristics and features. Of the most famous and wellproven manufacturers include Bergauf, Brozex, Ceresit, Knauf, Litokol, Pro, Unis, Gypsopolymer, Kreps, Weber Gifas, VOLMA Corporation.
