Will epoxy cure in hot weather

Epoxy and Reactions

Epoxy’s strength and durability comes from the reaction between resins that creates a strong adhesive bond. Epoxy curing is an exothermic reaction. Epoxies that haven’t cured properly generally have poor chemical, mechanical, and heat resistance properties.

Epoxy Curing Time

Epoxy curing time depends on the chemistry of the hardener. Some mixes require just one minute to set. These are best used for small jobs as you won’t have much time to work with the epoxy before it hardens. Other mixes will take much longer. Generally, epoxy that takes longer to set forms a stronger bond. It also gives you more working time.

Factors of Epoxy Curing

While epoxy curing is simple, the factors involved must be carefully addressed for the mixture to properly set. First, the surface or surfaces that will be adhered or coated in epoxy must be properly prepared. Second, the elements of your epoxy mixture have to be properly combined. Next, epoxy application should be smooth and uniform. Finally, and most importantly, epoxy must be cured at the correct temperature.

Heating

The most important factor of  heat curing epoxy is maintaining the proper temperature. Improper or uneven temperature distribution can lead to discoloration or color variation, blushing, uneven gloss, brittle product, and poor inner-coat adhesion. Many epoxies cure at temperatures well above ambient air and require a heat source to provide a constant, specific setting temperature. Options include a heat box or oven. For large projects, heat lamps, hot water, or heating blankets can be used. Heating blankets provide the most consistent, reliable solution.

Cooling

Once epoxy has been mixed, the reaction (and curing) begin! While adding heat helps with proper curing, some situations call for colder temperatures. For example, you might need extra time to work with epoxy before it hardens. To keep epoxy from heating up (and hardening) too quickly, it is recommended that you mix your epoxy in a wide, shallow vessel. This creates a wider surface area for heat to escape (remember: curing is an exothermic process). You can also extend work time by keeping epoxy cool or cold while working and then adding heat when you’re ready for it to set.

Storing Mixed Epoxy

If, after finishing a project, you’re left with excess epoxy, it can be stored at cold temperatures to significantly slow or stall the curing process. It is recommended that you keep mixed epoxy stored at around 40°F for no more than a few days. Once you reheat the epoxy, the curing process can resume.

A Solution for Cooling Epoxy

An effective and reliable process cooling solution that can be implemented in the epoxy curing process is the North Slope Chillers injection molding chiller. It’s rated at ambient temperatures from 35º F to 100º F and features a portable design. If you’re interested in producing high-quality epoxy, consider using this chiller to help with total temperature control during the curing process.

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The use of Epoxy has become quite popular, with a variety of ways you can use it. These include smaller projects from jewelry and various art projects, to larger more industrial applications such as flooring. You also have many different manufacturers as well as a variety of products, so it can be difficult to know what correct product to choose from. This is especially true if you are looking for heat resistant epoxy resin.

Table of Contents

Is Epoxy Heat Resistant?

The answer to this question is yes, but there are certain criteria involved. First, most basic DIY epoxy resins for smaller projects can only withstand a certain amount of heat before it begins to distort.

High heat-resistant epoxy is another type of product entirely, designed to be used in harsher environments that are exposed to higher temperatures than normal. There are also heat-resistant epoxy products available on the market that can be safely used at home for smaller projects like coasters.

How much heat can Epoxy withstand?

Usually, Epoxy can withstand up to 150 degrees / 300° Fahrenheit for a short period of time. Heat-resistant epoxy can withstand extreme heat of up to 600° Fahrenheit depending on the manufacturer and product.

What does High Temperature Epoxy mean?

High heat epoxy resin is a specially formulated product specifically for use in industrial applications or for larger projects such as countertops. This includes being used in various types of mechanical and electrical repairs, such as in aircraft as well as motor vehicle devices.

The epoxy will need to be durable and long-lasting in cases where a sealer, a bonding agent or coating agent is required in these instances.

Epoxy Temperature Limits

Your basic DIY epoxy can withstand low amounts of heat, but anything between 20°C to 90°C (68 -195 Fahrenheit) will begin to cause a change in the molecular structure and the epoxy will soften and cause distortion. This means the epoxy will become something like rubber and lose its hard glass-like texture. For example, it is best to use a potholder on your epoxy surfaces in the kitchen to prohibit this from happening.

High heat epoxy, on the other hand, is specially formulated to withstand temperatures up to 315 °C (600° F), depending on the manufacturer and product. These types of epoxy products have added fillers like quarts or can be reinforced with things like titanium, which enables the epoxy to withstand high temperatures.

Recommendation for High Temp Epoxy: Stone Coat Epoxy

Depending on what surface you will be coating, you may need a product that can withstand heavy use and has a high resistance to heat. The Stone Coat brand is a popular heat resistant epoxy resin.

What is Stone Coat Epoxy?

Stone Coat Epoxy is a product that helps to make DIY home projects possible. You can use it to create amazing changes to your tabletops and countertops.  The epoxy can be applied to different surfaces in the kitchen, bathroom, or any table you think needs a makeover.

Stone Coat Countertops Heat-Resistant Epoxy

• Cures in 24 hours, self-leveling
• Heat resistant up to 425°F, crystal clear and UV stable
• Scratch-resistant, food-safe, zero VOC's

Pros and Cons of Stone Coat Heat Resistant Epoxy

The following is a list of why you should or should not use Heat resistant Epoxy.

PROS

• The Epoxy is durable, and it offers great strength as well as stability
• The product is flame retardant
• Offers a beautifully polished finish
• Ensures a perfectly flat and even surface
• The Stone Coat Epoxy is modified and provides UV resistance
• The product is also food safe, which makes it a great product to use in the kitchen.

CONS

• Some heat resistant epoxies may cure and form a yellow tint. Not something you want if you need a clear and polished look.
• You may require added heating methods during the curing process, adding more time to the whole process.
• Product may cost more to reach desired results.

How to work with Stone Coat Epoxy

Some easy instructions and videos will take you step-by-step through the entire process. Stone Coat Epoxy is an excellent product to use if you are busy with a do-it-yourself project, but contractors and designers will be equally impressed. Breathe new life into your old countertops and create something that is durable and functional. The maximum pour depth is 1/8″ per coat.

The benefits of working with Stone Coat Epoxy:

• Deciding to remodel your old countertops? You can easily save thousands when using Stone Coat Epoxy. Do-it-yourself.
• Easy to follow video training that takes you through the entire process
• The product is eco-safe
• There are no VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds)
• The end product is non-scratch, easy to clean and durable
• Your new countertops will be Heat Resistant up to 500°F
• Forms a crystal-clear finish, non-porous

Six basic steps when using Stone Coat Epoxy

There are six basic steps you need to follow when using Sone Coat Epoxy.

1. Accurately measure equal parts of hardener and then resin.
2. Mix thoroughly for the required time. Mix in your additives and colors.
3. Apply your color coat with a flat leveling tool and use a blowtorch to remove any bubbles.
4. Add a clear coat 24 hours after the color coat. Use sandpaper to sand the surface and wipe away dust with a wet cloth.
5. Curing time, it should be hard after several days.
6. Enjoy your new and improved countertops. Keep clean with regular surface cleaners and try to avoid scrubbing.

Tip: Use our epoxy calculator to calculate the needed amount of resin for your project

What can reduce Temperature Resistance

There are various ways the temperature resistance of epoxy can be reduced. First, it is important to always follow the mixing ratio’s perfectly, any changes may alter the properties of the resin. This includes mixing your products properly for the required time, make sure to follow any provided instructions.

When there are additives involved, such as pigments or inks, this will reduce the temperature resistance. To avoid this, it is advisable to apply another clear topcoat in order to improve the heat resistance properties.

Tips and Tricks for Heat Resistant Epoxy Resin

To get the best results, as mentioned before, always follow the instructions provided, properly. Any deviation will not produce the desired result. Depending on your project, only mix the amount you need, so that you can work effectively in the time required.

What temperature is too hot for epoxy?

Can it be too hot for epoxy to cure?

Does epoxy cure in 90 degree weather?

Can you cure epoxy in the sun?