EPS Foam Coating Epoxy
Developed for Disney, Epsilon™ is a thixotropic epoxy coating that self thickens for brushing onto a variety of surfaces without sagging. Epsilon™ PRO offers a longer working time and cured epoxy is semi-rigid, offering better impact resistance. Use as a protective, coating for EPS or polyurethane foam. It can also be applied to plaster, concrete, wood and fabrics. EPSILON™ is not sensitive to moisture or humidity and contains no VOC’s.
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Instructions
Preparation Avoid breathing fumes - use in a well ventilated area at minimum. NIOSH approved respirator is recommended. Wear safety glasses, long sleeves and rubber gloves to minimize skin contact. This material has a high exotherm (generates heat). Do not mix components in glass or foam containers. Materials should be stored and used in a room temperature environment (73 F/23 C). Elevated temperatures will reduce Pot Life. Epsilon PRO Part A resin and Part B Hardener must be properly measured and thoroughly mixed to achieve full, high-strength, solid-cure properties. Because no two applications are quite the same, a small test application to determine suitability for your project is recommended if performance of this material is in question.
Applying a Release Agent For releasing epoxy from non-porous surfaces such as resin, metal, glass etc., use Ease Release 200 or 205 (available from Smooth-On) to prevent adhesion.
Measuring and Dispensing Accurate ratio measurements by weight are required for the material to cure properly and develop full physical properties. Dispense proper proportions of parts A and B into clean plastic, metal or wax-free paper containers.
Mixing Do not use foam or glass mixing containers. Mix Parts A and B thoroughly for at least 3 minutes with a square edged mixing stick. Be aggressive and scrape sides and bottom of mixing container several times. If using a drill mixer, follow with hand mixing as directed above to ensure thorough mixing.
Extending Working Time mixed material in a deep mixing cup or bucket will set up quickly due to concentration of the liquid mass. Pour mixture into a flat (shallow) metal cookie sheet or baking pan and dispense product from there. Working time will be extended.
Important - Mixed Epsilon PRO Resin with PART B Hardener is exothermic, meaning it generates heat. A concentrated mass of mixed epoxy in a confined area such as a mixing container can generate enough heat to melt a plastic cup, burn skin or ignite combustible materials if left to stand for its full Pot Life. If a batch of mixed epoxy begins to exotherm, move it outdoors to an open air environment.
Adding Color - Epsilon PRO Epoxy Surface Coat System can be colored with SO Strong or UVO colorants (from Smooth-On). Pre-mix colorant with Part A thoroughly and then add Part B.
Thickening Epsilon PRO - Adding Ure-fil 9 (fumed silica) to Epsilon PRO creates a creamy, easy to spread and smooth paste which is perfect for filling seams, repairing small dents & divots in foam or smoothing rough areas on EPS foam surfaces. Adding Ure-fil 11 (short strand fibers) will yield a slightly thicker paste for better vertical surface hold-ability. Recommended: start with a mix ratio of 2 Parts A to 2 Parts Filler to 1 Part B. The amount of filler can be increased or decreased based on application requirements.
Apply In Thin Layers - two thin layers of Epsilon PRO are recommended for a smooth, uniform coating. Using chip brush or roller, apply 1st thin layer to surface and let epoxy partially cure until "tacky hard . Apply 2nd thin layer. Allow both layers to fully cure. Do not apply epoxy thicker than 1/8 (0.32 cm) per layer as this may cause sagging and result in an uneven cured coating.
Cure Time: Refer to the specified "Cure Times in the "Material Properties section on front of this Technical Bulletin. Fully cured material will be hard and unable to penetrate with a finger nail. Cured epoxy can now be dry sanded. If machining or sanding, wear NIOSH approved mask to prevent inhalation of particles.
Painting Epsilon PRO can be painted and/or primed and then painted with acrylic enamel paints. Let paint fully dry before putting part into service. For best results, lightly sand surface prior to painting.
Removing Epoxy Uncured / Non-curing epoxy: Scrape as much material as possible from the surface using a scraper. Clean the residue with E-POX-EE KLEENER available from Smooth-On, lacquer thinner, acetone or alcohol. Follow safety warnings pertaining to solvents and provide adequate ventilation.