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 very thoroughly by hand with each of the 9 grades of
Micromesh abrasive cloths (1500 through 12000) will offer an
extremely shiny finish. If you still need further polishing after
using the Micromesh, you can use Greygate plastic polish (or any
other Perspex polish) on cotton wool.  Both of these products are
available from Conservation Resources (UK).

This same procedure can be used to polish any of the high-grade,
water-white epoxies like Araldite 20/20, Fynebond or Hxtal.  It's
worth mentioning that the longer the epoxy has cured, the better the
polish which can be achieved, particularly with the Epotek.  This
resin is for all intents and purposes cured after 24 to 36 hours,
but it's better to leave it for 48 to 72 hours before beginning to
polish.  For whatever reason, Fynebond and Araldite 20/20 are ready
for polishing a little sooner than the Epotek series. All best,

Rachel C. Sabino-Gunaratna
Conservator/Restorer of Ceramics and Related Materials
Studio 3, Pavilion Studios
Off Alexandra Gardens
Dukes Meadows
Chiswick London W4 2SH England
+44 7739 785206


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 18:8
                 Distributed: Wednesday, July 21, 2004
                        Message Id: cdl-18-8-010
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