How to Clean Up Epoxy Resin
How to Clean Up Epoxy Resin
Introduction
Epoxy resin projects can be messy. But with the right tools and techniques, cleaning epoxy resin doesn’t have to be a challenge. In this article, we’ll tackle the best materials, tips, and tricks to ensure an easy cleaning procedure - no matter what stage of the epoxy process you’re in.Helpful Materials for Cleaning Epoxy Resin
Recommended Solvents for Cleaning
At Super Epoxy Resin Systems, we offer the best cleaning solution available for your epoxy resin projects: SuperClean Epoxy Cleaner. This multi-purpose solvent is not only perfect for removing excess epoxy from tools and surfaces but also for prepping your surfaces for the next epoxy pour. With a base of Isopropyl Alcohol and added proprietary ingredients, SuperClean Epoxy Cleaner is the best product to use on your cured or un-cured epoxy. Second only to our uniquely formulated SuperClean Epoxy Cleaner is Isopropyl Alcohol 90% (or higher). Unlike other alcohol-based solvents, Isopropyl Alcohol is pure alcohol with a 100% concentration. It is generally considered safer than some other types of alcohol, making it the go-to cleaning solution for DIYers. For the most effective clean possible, we recommend using an Isopropyl Alcohol concentration of 90% or higher; lower concentrations may not flash off quickly enough, which could dilute your epoxy resin and cause it to cure soft or tacky.
Solvents to Avoid
Other solvents, such as denatured alcohol, rubbing alcohol, acetone, mineral spirits, and several others are not recommended with Super Epoxy Resin System products. While effective in other cleaning applications, these solvents can have undesirable effects with epoxy, including but not limited to… For best results, use our SuperClean Epoxy Cleaner or Isopropyl Alcohol 90% (or higher) for your cleaning needs.Other Useful Materials
Once you have the right solvent to clean up epoxy resin, prepare your workspace with the right tools and accessories to ensure an easy, effective cleaning procedure. These helpful materials include:
Image Credit: The Epoxy Family
Cleaning Cured & Un-Cured Epoxy Resin
Cleaning Up Un-Cured Epoxy Resin
Plastic drop cloths, plastic sheeting, and PPE are incredibly useful accessories to have in place while working with un-cured epoxy resin. Drop cloths and sheeting will catch spilled or excess epoxy throughout the application process to dispose of upon completion. If un-cured epoxy ends up in an undesirable place, spray SuperClean Epoxy Cleaner on the area and use a sterilized t-shirt rag to wipe clean.Cleaning Mixing Containers & Stir Sticks
When they are cleaned properly, you can reuse HDPE Mixing Cups and polypropylene helix mixers for future projects. SuperClean Epoxy Cleaner and sterilized t-shirt rags will remove un-cured epoxy from helix mixers, but there’s an easier way to remove excess epoxy from mixing containers. Leave disposable stir sticks in your mixing containers with the excess epoxy resin and allow it to cure fully. Once the epoxy has hardened, use the disposable stir sticks to pull the cured epoxy out of the container to discard. Make sure to clean the mixing containers with SuperClean Epoxy Cleaner to remove any excess epoxy or debris.Removing Hardened Epoxy Resin
After epoxy fully cures, it can be a bit difficult to remove it from certain materials. A good way to loosen epoxy from substrates like plastic, wood, or metal is with heat. Tools like heat guns or hair dryers can soften the epoxy enough to gently scrape it off the surface. If the epoxy is only partially cured, you can soak it and the surface it has adhered to with SuperClean Epoxy Cleaner or Isopropyl Alcohol. Soak a sterilized t-shirt rag in the cleaning solution and gently rub the area with excess epoxy to soften it. Then, use an object like a hand scraper to remove the cured epoxy. If the epoxy is fully cured, this method will not work as effectively. Porous substrates like concrete or stone may require more extreme efforts to remove cured epoxy. If heat or alcohol do not help to remove the hardened epoxy, you may need to use a chisel to break it off of the surface. In these cases, it’s best to work in small sections to avoid damaging the substrate.Cleaning Finished Epoxy Resin Projects
Finished epoxy resin projects like river tables, desks, and serving trays can be cleaned with soap and water, glass cleaners, or disinfectant sprays as needed. SuperClean Epoxy Cleaner or Isopropyl Alcohol are excellent cleaning solutions for tougher messes and marks.
Image Credit: Kochut
Conclusion
Whether you’re just getting started with your pour or maintaining the finished project, cleaning epoxy resin doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the right tools and techniques, you can clean up epoxy with ease!Tips
- Keep SuperClean Epoxy Cleaner on hand for spills and drips.
- Set up plastic drop cloths or Visqueen plastic sheeting before you work with epoxy for a faster clean up.
- Allow excess epoxy to fully cure in your mixing cups to easily remove and discard it.
FAQs
What is the best solvent for cleaning epoxy resin?
The best cleaning solvents for epoxy resin are SuperClean Epoxy Cleaner or Isopropyl Alcohol 90% (or higher). Other cleaning solutions could dilute, discolor, or ineffectively clean the epoxy.Can you wash epoxy resin down the sink?
It is not recommended to pour epoxy resin down the drain, sink, or septic system. Discard all excess epoxy according to Federal, State, and local regulations.How do you remove epoxy resin after it has dried?
The best way to remove hardened epoxy resin is by heating it up and scraping it off the surface it has adhered to. If this method does not work, you may need to carefully chisel it off of the surface in small sections.Can I wipe epoxy resin with any alcohol?
Aside from SuperClean Epoxy Cleaner, the best alcohol to use on epoxy resin is Isopropyl Alcohol 90% (or higher). Avoid using other types of alcohol on epoxy, especially when cleaning in between pours.Can anything dissolve cured epoxy resin?
Most household items cannot dissolve epoxy resin once it cures fully. Although stronger solvents could potentially dissolve cured epoxy, always consult the Super Epoxy Resin Systems technicians first for directions and safety. Call 888-849-0588 or email at superclear@fgci.com from Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM EST.
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