Results 1 to 17 of 17

Thread: Thinning Epoxy

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Tg
    Posts
    1,438

    Default Thinning Epoxy

    Hi Guys
    Due to being on a four week covid19 lockdown I was unable to get epoxy thinners. I am doing a new build (ML GP 310 and will post a thread soon)and want to thin some resin. I have West System 105 resin and 205 hardener. I recall a post which I think said you could use methylated spirits. Is this a working solution? Otherwise I will just have to use unthinned resin, which is okay but I would like to get a thinned layer in first.
    Thanks for any answers or tips.
    NZMPBA 2013, 2016 Open Electric Champion. NZMPBA 2016 P Offshore Champion.
    2016 SUHA Q Sport Hydro Hi Points Champion.
    BOPMPBC Open Mono, Open Electric Champion.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    On
    Posts
    560

    Default

    I thinned mine with dentured alcohol
    J.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    GB
    Posts
    2,726

    Default

    i use IPA and/or heat, meths is basically alcohol with bad smelling and tasting additives so will probably work fine.
    Paul Upton-Taylor, Greased Weasel Racing.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Tg
    Posts
    1,438

    Default

    I have meths and I cannot go and buy anywhere as the only shops open are service stations, chemists and supermarkets. Although I do need to go to a chemist to get something for my daughter. I might ask them. What about isopropyl?
    NZMPBA 2013, 2016 Open Electric Champion. NZMPBA 2016 P Offshore Champion.
    2016 SUHA Q Sport Hydro Hi Points Champion.
    BOPMPBC Open Mono, Open Electric Champion.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2016
    Location
    IL
    Posts
    4,100

    Default

    isopropyl alcohol will work as long as its at least 90% or better
    Vac-U-Tug Jr (13mph)

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Tg
    Posts
    1,438

    Default

    I have some 100% isopropyl at my workshop. I will get a little of that next week. One problem solved!
    NZMPBA 2013, 2016 Open Electric Champion. NZMPBA 2016 P Offshore Champion.
    2016 SUHA Q Sport Hydro Hi Points Champion.
    BOPMPBC Open Mono, Open Electric Champion.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    ON
    Posts
    9,384

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by jaike5 View Post
    I thinned mine with dentured alcohol
    J.
    Same. Where do you get it up here Jay? I got some from Michigan.
    Nortavlag Bulc

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    On
    Posts
    560

    Default

    Hey Ray how are you doing ?
    I got mine from the Mercantile here Minden , its a controlled substance now that its used for refining drugs. used to be able to get 5 gallon jugs at the home depot.
    Now I can only get 500ml at a time, with questions. Tac shops (horse) have it as well .
    Cheers, Jay.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jul 2016
    Location
    IL
    Posts
    4,100

    Default

    That's funny how local ordinances can have adverse effects on a simple hobby. We can't buy spray paint in Chicago city limits.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    Ql
    Posts
    3,169

    Default

    Hi Pete.
    I always use methylated spirits.
    I was told by a chemist that it is the same as denatured alcohol.

    I was also told that it is best to measure out the desired amounts of resin & hardener & then thin down the resin to the consistency required, & then mix in the hardener.
    I don't know what difference that makes. I just do it because I was told to.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Tg
    Posts
    1,438

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by 785boats View Post
    Hi Pete.
    I always use methylated spirits.
    I was told by a chemist that it is the same as denatured alcohol.

    I was also told that it is best to measure out the desired amounts of resin & hardener & then thin down the resin to the consistency required, & then mix in the hardener.
    I don't know what difference that makes. I just do it because I was told to.
    Hi Paul
    Thanks for that. I was looking for an easy answer from someone's experience. I have meths so can try that. I just want to get the thinned resin to soak into all the joints etc. Will do f/g and c/f reinforcement where needed after that.
    NZMPBA 2013, 2016 Open Electric Champion. NZMPBA 2016 P Offshore Champion.
    2016 SUHA Q Sport Hydro Hi Points Champion.
    BOPMPBC Open Mono, Open Electric Champion.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Apr 2020
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    3

    Default

    I get my dentured alcohol from an automotive paint store, 1 gal jugs around $19.

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Tg
    Posts
    1,438

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Boat Nut View Post
    I get my dentured alcohol from an automotive paint store, 1 gal jugs around $19.
    Methylated spirits worked, it is pretty much the same thing. Nothing is open here to get it anyways. Another two weeks yet!
    NZMPBA 2013, 2016 Open Electric Champion. NZMPBA 2016 P Offshore Champion.
    2016 SUHA Q Sport Hydro Hi Points Champion.
    BOPMPBC Open Mono, Open Electric Champion.

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    ON
    Posts
    9,384

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Peter A View Post
    Methylated spirits worked, it is pretty much the same thing. Nothing is open here to get it anyways. Another two weeks yet!

    Try farm supply or Tractor supply stores.
    Nortavlag Bulc

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Apr 2020
    Location
    PA
    Posts
    110

    Default

    Not sure about boats (I am just building my first one, and I thinned it this way when glassing it; I will let you know if it holds up!), but in planes, I always diluted the epoxic resin with alcohol. And I just used good old fashioned rubbing alcohol; nothing fancy. It would only delaminate when doing very rough landing (especially when the glide path was perpendicular to the ground! Well, some people would call it crashing, not a rough landing...). I used this same thinning technique when glassing the boat I am finishing. Have not run it yet, but the glass mat seems to be staying put fairly strong.

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    GB
    Posts
    2,726

    Default

    I have heard pilots say that any landing you can walk away from is a good one. If you apply that to models, it can't be a crash unless you hit yourself.
    Paul Upton-Taylor, Greased Weasel Racing.

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Apr 2020
    Location
    PA
    Posts
    110

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by NativePaul View Post
    I have heard pilots say that any landing you can walk away from is a good one. If you apply that to models, it can't be a crash unless you hit yourself.
    I never did hit myself... I hit others (twice, actually!) but never myself! I do know someone who did (and ended up with a huge bruise on his belly!).

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •