A Beginner’s Guide to Working With Epoxy Glue
Not all natural stone repairs require the expertise of a kitchen design concord professional. If a homeowner is willing to get their hands dirty (or sticky), a little epoxy glue is all that’s needed to bring a countertop back to form.
Don’t Forget the Hardener
Epoxy is a fast-acting, reliable adhesive, but it won’t be of any use without a hardening agent to activate it. When shopping at the hardware store for epoxy, keep an eye out for the small tube that should be stocked next to it. Set that aside until it’s time to apply the glue.
Have a Palette and Spatula Ready
Mixing epoxy requires a flat, solid palette to work on as well as a clean spatula to use as a mixer. Ensure that the palette provides ample space to mix the glue, as the material can cause cause quite a mess if dropped over floor tiles, particularly if the hardener has already been mixed in.
Coloring
If the epoxy is being used as a filler over natural stone, it’s important to first determine whether it’s necessary for the glue to match the material’s color. In certain granite materials, translucent epoxy glue is ideal since it takes on the color of the granite itself. In engineered quartz countertops, it’s best to use a uniform color of the same shade as the material. If changing the color of the epoxy is required, it’s best to apply the coloring fluid drop by drop, mixing the glue after each application until the desired color is met.
Preparing for Application
It’s advised that homeowners tape down the surrounding areas of the material with painter’s tape. An abrasive cleaning agent such as acetone or methyl hydrate should be accessible as well as a roll of paper towels. When using abrasive cleaning agents, it’s advised that homeowners set aside the liquid in small, manageable amounts in order to prevent the material from spilling over the cabinetry.
Time for the Hardener
Once all the preparations have been made, it’s time to add the hardener to the epoxy glue and get ready for application. A general rule to keep in mind is that adding 1 part hardener to every 10 parts epoxy glue will give the glue roughly 10 minutes to harden, though the glue will harden faster in hotter temperatures. Mix thoroughly, folding the glue over itself until the hardener has been sufficiently incorporated.
Work Quickly and Efficiently
The clock starts ticking as soon as the hardener is mixed into the glue. Wipe the working area down with the cleaning agent as needed.
Clean Up and Enjoy
Once the repair is made, ensure that the surrounding area is clear of any epoxy traces. Although the material is relatively easy to wipe when soft, it can be more troublesome to take care of after it hardens. If traces of glue have been left to harden, they can be effectively cleared by scraping a razor blade over the material at an angle.