One of the most widely used adhesives, two-part epoxy adhesives provide the ability to bond almost all kinds of substrates. When applied using the correct method, they produce incredible bonding strength that is capable of withstanding all kinds of force such impact, sheer, and stress. This is why they are used in a wide range of applications both in household DIY projects and various industries.
To help you ensure that you get an incredible bonding strength from your two-part epoxy adhesive, here are 5 useful tips to use the right technique.
Use The Right Adhesive
While all two-part epoxy adhesives share a common property of having the ability to bond a wide variety of substrates, they also have unique features depending on their type. Some offer resistance against heat, others may be resistant to chemicals or weather elements, and so on. Depending on the type of application, you should always check whether the features of a two part adhesive are well suited for the task at hand. For instance, in applications where you need resistance to impact, sheer, and peel, an epoxy adhesive like the Devcon Epoxy Plus 25 will give you the best result.
Clean The Surfaces
Two-part epoxy adhesives bond using chemical reactions so it is crucial that the mixture is in proper contact with the surface of the substrates. Dust, water, oil, debris, and other substances can prevent the adhesive from coming in full contact with the surface of the substrates, significantly affecting the quality of the bond. Wipe off any substance or particles from the substrates so that you have a clean and dry surface for optimal adhesion.
Mix The Components Together Well
A number of two-part epoxy adhesives come in a cartridge where the components are contained in separate yet joined chambers. When you dispense the components, ensure that you mix them well to get a homogeneous mixture. This will help the adhesive to reach its full bonding strength capacity.
Apply The RIght Amount
Though it may take some experience to perfect this, try to apply the right amount of the epoxy mixture between the substrates. An amount less than required will result in a weak bond between the substrates, while applying an excessive amount will create mess and an undesirable finish around the bonded area. While it is better still to over apply than under apply the epoxy mixture, keep in mind that the layer does not have to be that thick. As long as it spreads evenly across the surface where the substrates touch, you’ll achieve a strong bond.
Wait For The Mixture to Set
Different two-part epoxy adhesives have varying working time. Gray toughened impact and sheer resistant epoxy adhesive like the Devcon Epoxy Plus 25 has a working time of approximately 25 minutes. Once you’ve applied the epoxy mixture and place the substrates together, wait out the working time specified on your adhesive before you move them. This will ensure that you have a strong bond that will last for multiple years.
Conclusion
Two-part epoxy adhesives are some of the strongest and most versatile adhesives you can use for your DIY projects. And if you follow these tips, you’ll be able to achieve an optimal result with a bond that will reliably stand up to the task.
If you’re looking for premium quality two-part epoxy adhesives, Perigee Direct has a wide collection of epoxy adhesives with various features. Be sure to check them out and order them for quick and hassle-free delivery.