Knowledge You Can Build On — Est. 1998
black epoxy info please
ken chase
>Today I want to use black epoxy as a decorative element in a hollowform I'm working on. I've never done this. Is it O.K. to use 5 minute epoxy? What readily available colorant can I use?
The areas I plan to fill are shallow and I want to lay the epoxy on the edge of the open end.
Thanks
Look in the archives, but in a nutshell
Dave Smith, Longview, WA
>Hi Ken,
I use cheap acrylic artist paint and 30 minute epoxy. For small cracks and voids apply tape to the back and sides. Mix the epoxy and then add a small amount of colorant, it doesn't take much. The colorant will slow the cure time so it is best to let it cure overnight. You can expect voids where bubbles form in the epoxy unless you use a process to remove them. A vacuum will do that but it is not practical for most wood turners who only occasionally use epoxy for filling voids. You can simply breathe on the surface and the carbon dioxide will cause the epoxy to degas, that is the bubbles will rise to the surface. Over fill the void as the epoxy will shrink as it cures.
Epoxy will bleed into soft, punky, and light colored wood so you may want to seal the surface before filling voids. I like to fill voids after rough out and before final turning. If you are filling voids in China berry or ironwood you probably will not have any problems with bleeding. Black epoxy is the filler of choice for my turnings. it looks more natural than other colored fillers IMHO.
You may want to check the archives as this subject comes up about once a month and the people who respond each time varies as does the information. There a number of ways to fill voids and most all of them work. Find what works for you and the wood you are working with.
Email me or give me a call if you want more info or help. I will be in your area next month to attend a graduation. Let me know if we can plan a get together. My wife is planning a high speed run with the 5th wheel so I need some advanced warning for a side trip. I can trade some mundane wood for some China berry and other rocks you are trying to turn.
Dave Smith
All my rocks have moss on them here in Longview, WA.
Proportion
Fred in NC
>Dave said "it does not take much." I would add, don't add more than 10% of anything to epoxy, or you might have curing problems.
Graphite Powder
Jorge Castaneda ~ Downeast Maine
>Ken Gougeon Bros sells graphite powder, a little bit goes a long way.
Re: Time
Mark Mandell - Gone Round In Jersey
>Ken, The 5-minute stuff may be fine for many glue joints, but it never gets actually hard and is not good for fillings. 30-Minute is mo betah. I use black epoxy tinting paste to color; little goes a long way and you don't have to worry about compatibility.
