Polishing Epotek 301

Robert K. MacDowell <macdowell_r [at] mediasoft__net> writes

>Does anyone have experience with restoring a highly polished and
>"glasslike" finish to Epoxy Technology's Epotek 301 or 301-2 after
>it has been cured and then shaped by mechanical means that take away
>the glossy finish that exists before shaping? ...

Polishing can be done, with progressively finer "sandpapers" or
Flexigrits, but you will still have a slightly hazy appearance. A
polishing compound such as Solvol Autosol can then be used to
restore some gloss and transparency. A "glasslike" finish is very
difficult to achieve, without professional polishing equipment and a
fine polishing material such as cerium oxide. This also requires
considerable skill to achieve an even finish.

The alternative, which is significantly simpler, and usually
achieves a better result, is to re-coat the epoxy, after the final
sanding. This is a bit tricky as well, as new (uncured) epoxy does
not like to flow evenly over set (cured) epoxy.  In my experience,
you need to wait until the epoxy has started to thicken, and then
apply a very thin coat.  This can be done using a brush, toweling,
or even one's finger. A small amount of ethanol added to the epoxy
at this point will thin it and give you a nice level application.
With a little practice, your fill will then be beautifully
transparent.  For more details you can contact me directly.

Stephen Koob
The Corning Museum of Glass
One Museum Way
Corning, NY 14830
 607-974-8228
Fax: 607-974-8470


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 18:8
                 Distributed: Wednesday, July 21, 2004
                        Message Id: cdl-18-8-009
                                  ***