TAP Tips

Place epoxy resin and hardener (unmixed) in a heat source, such as a warm bath, for 5-15 seconds.  Why:

• In cold weather it will accelerate the cure.
• It dramatically reduces the viscosity for easy mixing and penetration of wood for waterproof applications.  When warmed, thick resins become water-thin and soak into end grain and other rot-prone areas.  Working time is shortened, so be ready to apply as soon as resin and hardener are mixed.  This is superior to using ‘penetrating’ epoxies which are loaded with solvents to thin the resin.  TAP epoxies are 100% solids, so there is virtually no odor.  However, always use caution when heating items.

Mix sawdust in epoxy to make a home made putty which can be used to bond wood to concrete, brick, etc.  It is ideal for bonding furring strips to irregular surfaces such as brick, rough foundations, etc. This will form a permanent, gap-filling, waterproof bond, strong enough for structural support.

Wood posts that are set in concrete often collect water at their base, causing the post to rot where it meets the concrete.  Solve this by mixing sand into epoxy to the consistency of peanut butter.  (This adds strength to the epoxy, and reduces the amount of epoxy you need by up to 60%.)  Trowel the mixture on to the base of the post to create a coved area which directs the water away from the wood.  The epoxy will soak into the wood and concrete, forming a waterproof seal.  When the epoxy gels, sprinkle dry sand on the repair.  After the epoxy cures, sweep off the loose sand and what remains will match the surrounding concrete, but will be completely weather proof.

Occasionally one needs to apply crown molding in an area that cannot be nailed (i.e. around a brick fireplace, etc.).  The solution is to put it up with Goop Epoxy Paste.  Goop Epoxy Paste is sticky enough to hold the crown molding in place while it cures.  Just apply a thin layer of Goop Epoxy Paste to the back of the molding, push it into place and walk away.

Old flower pots, especially those fake foam ones, can look ugly after a time.  Turn them into ‘ceramic’ pots by coating them with One-to-One General Purpose Epoxy and pigment.  Paint the pigmented epoxy over the pot to produce a finish that has the look of fired ceramic.  It may take several coats, but the finish is waterproof and lasts for years.

In cold weather, store your resin indoors where it is warm.  Cold resin is difficult to mix, and does not penetrate.

If you are working in a cold environment, and your project is not too large, leave the epoxy in the container after you mix it.  Wait until you feel the epoxy warm up as the curing process begins, then apply it to your project.  Remember, once the resin starts warming up, your working time is short.