Epoxy putty: An extraordinary adhesive
If you’re a DIYer, you need to know how to use epoxy putty. It can be used for those tough repairs when nothing else will do. Get the details and tips for using it below.
What is epoxy putty?
Epoxy putties are two-component adhesives made up of a resin and a hardener. The two parts are soft and easily mixed together. Once mixed, though, there’s a limited working time before the putty hardens into a tough, dense material.
How fast the epoxy putty solidifies is determined by the type and amount of hardener. Adding more hardener to the ratio will usually shorten the working time. The opposite is generally also true.
Some epoxy putties have a cure time of just a few minutes, while others take several hours. Make sure you choose a suitable type of epoxy putty for your project and be aware of the cure time before you begin work.
Another huge advantage of epoxy putty is that there’s a formula compatible with almost anything. Wood, metal, plastic, concrete, and stone can all be bonded with epoxy putty.
The many uses of epoxy putty
As mentioned above, epoxy putty is highly versatile. Let’s mention a few ways you can use it. Wood epoxy putty can fill dents, gaps, and cracks in wooden furniture, trim, siding, and other items.
Plastic epoxy putty can be used to bond broken plastic items. Its advantage over glue is that it can bridge larger gaps and can be shaped or moulded to replicate the part of an object that is missing or has been destroyed. Most epoxy putties can be cut, shaped, and sanded when cured and can hold a screw or bolt.
Epoxy putty can help with concrete cracks and stone masonry as well. Epoxy formulated for masonry will fill gaps and stress cracks in concrete sidewalks and foundations. Have a gap where a stone wall meets the house? Use epoxy putty adhesive to bind them together.
Plumber’s epoxy putty can save a lot of time and money. It can be used to plug small holes in metal pipes.
Some epoxy putties are designed for very specialized jobs and repairs. High-heat epoxy putty can be used on engines, machinery, or steam pipes where temperatures reach up to 280°C. Marine epoxy putty can be used on watercraft and holds up to seawater. Pool epoxy putty is used to repair leaks because it bonds to wet surfaces and can cure underwater.
How to make repairs with epoxy putty
Though it may seem high-tech, epoxy putty is surprisingly easy to use.
Just mix the resin and hardener according to the directions. Knead the materials together to mix them, and soften them into a dough-like putty. Push it into cracks or crevices, form it into missing parts, bridge gaps, and bond materials together. It’s amazingly strong and versatile.
For a quick and easy alternative to traditional epoxy, try Loctite Kintsuglue. It works like an epoxy putty, but it’s quicker and easier. Kintsuglue is a malleable, single component putty that sticks to almost anything. Just open the packaging, knead it for 10 seconds, form it to the desired shape, and then apply it. It’ll start to cure in about 30 minutes and hardens fully overnight.