Epoxy Consistency

Are there any videos or photos that show exactly or approximately what each epoxy consistency looks like? Mustard consistency is a bit subjective... 


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RE: Epoxy Consistency

True, but translating what somebody else's mix(es) looks like in a video or still would still be pretty subjective in the end, likely of not much practical value.

What's more useful is experience; with each batch you mix, carefully measured and blended with any of the various fillers (additives) recommended for a purpose, pay attentiuon to how they handle during application and subsequent operations once cured.

There are some Rules of Thumb though: one tablespoon of blended resin and hardener ought not have more than maybe a teaspoon - two at most - of any particular additive blended in or it'll be too stff to apply. Too, some additives will affect how a batch retains heat developed in curing so can catch the unware by surprise if you're not well-prepared to get it mixed then applied before it clicks off.

Keep in mind it's the epoxy that's providing the strength of bond needed. Fillers are used to augment its physical behavior for certain purposes beyond simply bonding, and too much filler can weaken the resulting feature being completed.

There's a useful analogy for concrete mix called 'slump'. The proportions of dry components are fixed by formula, Adding water to render it placeable, in the right proportions to facilitate ease of handling as well as a complete reaction for hardening, is important. 'Slump' comes in handy to reference how far a column of mix spreads after being placed in a hollow cylinder of certian proportions, then the cylinder is removed. For a 3" diameter cylinder, a slump oif 1/2" might be too 'stiff' a mix where 1" is desired. More than 1-1/2" is too wet and won't properly pour or harden.

So note how a particualr batch of resin + hardener behaves as you begin to add fillers. You can watch the consistency change the more filler's been added: like motor oil when just resin + hardener, then perhaps cake batter with wood flour, mustard with cell-o-fil or cab-o-sil (don't inhale EITHER of these!), on up to brownie batter for a mix intended for filleting that you want to stay stiff enough for tooling smooth once placed.

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