Epoxy thinning?

Discussion in 'General' started by Tugboat, Dec 17, 2012.

  1. Tugboat

    Tugboat Facilitator RCWC Staff Admiral (Supporter)

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    For the guys who are thinning West System, what are you using to thin it?
     
    Tugboat, Dec 17, 2012
    #1
  2. GregMcFadden

    GregMcFadden Facilitator RCWC Staff

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    Why are you thinning it?

    http://www.westsystem.com/ss/thinning-west-system-epoxy/
     
    GregMcFadden, Dec 17, 2012
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  3. jadfer

    jadfer Well-Known Member

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    I never thin mine either. I found that light sanding in between coats can bring a nice smooth shiny surface.
     
    jadfer, Dec 17, 2012
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  4. SnipeHunter

    SnipeHunter Well-Known Member

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    I've done it with either acetone or paint thinner, don't remember which one.
     
    SnipeHunter, Dec 17, 2012
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  5. mike5334

    mike5334 Well-Known Member

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    Usually I do not thin West Systems ... it was made thin. :)

    But, I have thinned epoxy with alcohol (none denatured/no water added kind) and acetone. Both work well.
     
    mike5334, Dec 17, 2012
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  6. froggyfrenchman

    froggyfrenchman Well-Known Member

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    I don't generally thin it. But I have been known to make sure that it is warm. That seems to make it act thinner.
    Unless you are wanting it sorta thick.
    Mikey
     
    froggyfrenchman, Dec 17, 2012
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  7. Tugboat

    Tugboat Facilitator RCWC Staff Admiral (Supporter)

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    I was going to thin it to soak the new Scharnie decks. From reading West's pdf, it seems that they regard this as unneccessary.
     
    Tugboat, Dec 18, 2012
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  8. tgdavies

    tgdavies Active Member

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    To quote from the document at the link Greg gave: "an epoxy coating on the surface is more water-resistant than a thinned epoxy coating that has penetrated deeply into the wood because, in most instances, the epoxy thinned with solvent is porous."
     
    tgdavies, Dec 18, 2012
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  9. Tugboat

    Tugboat Facilitator RCWC Staff Admiral (Supporter)

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    Indeed, I thought I quoted it pretty accurately:


    From reading West's pdf, it seems that they regard this as unneccessary.

    :):D:):D:):D:):D:):D:)
     
    Tugboat, Dec 18, 2012
    #9
  10. Renodemona

    Renodemona Well-Known Member

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    During winter I use a torch to warm it up quite a bit after mixing, it thins it out a little. Also, it makes the neighbors think I'm crazy (or re-affirms that view as the case may be). I'd just mix, pour a thin coat over the deck and even it out with a really cheap brush, sand with 600+ grit and do a VERY light second coat. Comes out really shiny. I don't put 2 coats on...but I don't really go for pretty.
     
    Renodemona, Dec 22, 2012
    #10