Epoxy resin filler

[R. McCarthy]

Could anyone out there please point me in the right direction for an epoxy resin type filler for a badly separated table top.
I've seen the product (free flowing stuff poured from a can) in the Australian Woodworker (buggered if I can find it !) and on a TV home renovation show.
It's poured directly onto the surface and trowelled in, left to set and sanded off.
I believe a clear version can be used for decorative finishing by forming up and embedding all sorts of things in it (nuts, bolts, old clock mechanisms etc).

In anticipation of some positive replies.

[griffo]

I believe this is simply the same stuff they make surfboards with or any other kind of fibregalssing.

I purchased some from a board maker once but this is an expensive way to buy it. There must be cheaper places ie auto parts shops etc.


g

[Wongo]

I am assuming that you only need a small quantity. I use the normal 2 part epoxy, the one you can easily get from hardware store. Max it up and pour it in and leave it overnight. Flatten it with a chisel and then sandpaper. It leaves a crystal clear finish.

It works for me.

[jshaw]

I got mine from Bunnings or Super Cheap Auto. It's a 2-part job, the free-pouring stuff needs a little bit of the hardner mixed in. If you come across one that doesn't need the hardner I'd be glad to know. As Griffo said, it's usually found anywhere fibreglass is and from my rain-soaked Scottish past that meant patching up the rusted through bits of my various old bomb cars. Not quite as much fun as surfboards.

Cheers,
John

[AlexS]

If you're doing large volumes, Araldite M casting resin is the go. It's a 2:1 mix, and remains liquid for quite a long while. It flows freely into narrow cracks, sets clear and can be polished. Use a hot air gun to bring any bubbles to the surface.

It's available from Meury Enterprises out near St. Mary's in western Sydney.

[Cliff Rogers]

Originally posted by R. McCarthy
.... I believe a clear version can be used for decorative finishing by forming up and embedding all sorts of things in it (nuts, bolts, old clock mechanisms etc).

G'day.

The clear pourable stuff is sold under the name of "Envirotex" (?) & "Aristocrat" Liquid Glass.

I got a small pack from a local company called Cairns Coatings.
They sell all sorts of paint, sealer, oil, sand paper Etc.

[R. McCarthy]

Cliff Rogers, you were spot on the money - "Envirotex" was what I was looking for !!

Thank you

[soundman]

Aristocrat is imported by photogloss of tincan bay.

there are a couple of similar products I think rustins do one too.

good stuff, but be carefull of the temperature & humidity at the time of use.

If its an epoxy it will be two parts.

[John Doyle]

Try your local hardware storethey have a selection of various epoxy fillers available.

[malb]

I believe this is simply the same stuff they make surfboards with or any other kind of fibregalssing.

I purchased some from a board maker once but this is an expensive way to buy it. There must be cheaper places ie auto parts shops etc.


g

Surfboards normally use a polyester resin rather than an epoxy. Does not penetrate and bind as well. Not a problem with surfboards as they are shaped from a closed cell foam. Also generally yellows over time so not colour stable.

[malb]

I got mine from Bunnings or Super Cheap Auto. It's a 2-part job, the free-pouring stuff needs a little bit of the hardner mixed in. If you come across one that doesn't need the hardner I'd be glad to know. As Griffo said, it's usually found anywhere fibreglass is and from my rain-soaked Scottish past that meant patching up the rusted through bits of my various old bomb cars. Not quite as much fun as surfboards.

Cheers,
John

Again a polyester based resin rather than an epoxy. Polyesters use a small amount of MEKP (Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide) as an activator/hardener. Proportions determined by required work time and ambient temperature.

Epoxy mixes vary between varieties but are generally in the range 1:1 through to 4:1. More severe limits to curing temperature range but proportions fixed for the particular varient, i.e cant add more activator just because it's cooler.

[kiwigeo]

For pore filling on the Indian Rosewood I use on my guitars I use Z-poxy finishing resin, avaliable from Barnes on Line.

I apply a coat with a used credit card, let it set and then sand back to bare wood. If the fill isnt quite there I do another coat and sand back again. two sessions usually does the trick.