How to divide epoxy products?

[timgr]

There have been a couple of posts lately about slow drying or sticky floors. Responses suggest that this may result from inaccurate mixing ratios.

Any suggestions out there about how to divide epoxy products to make smaller batches? Some (most? all?) manufacturers suggest mixing everything at once, but for a small job, this doesn't seem desirable for small, one man (or one man and a helper) jobs like a garage floor.

 

[AlphaGarage]

As always, various manufacturers have different specifications, so read the specific instruction for your products first.

As for our epoxies, and many other 100% solid epoxies, they require a 2 to 1 ratio of resin to hardener, that's why we sell 3 gallon and 3 quart kits. It's convenient for you to then mix 2 gallons of resin and the necessary 1 gallon of hardener, or 2 quarts resin plus 1 quart hardener, those package sizes also it makes it easier to measure out smaller portions it that's what you need to do. BUT... mixing smaller batches is probably the easiest way for you to run into trouble, by pouring out the wrong amounts. For that reason we encourage that entire kits be mixed at the same time. Having said that, so long as you follow the 2 to 1 ratio (or whatever ratio your material specifies) you can mix up any size batch that works for your needs.

Even within the product line from the same supplier it's important to carefully review and follow the instructions for each product. We have other coatings that are 4 to 1, that's 4 parts hardener to only 1 part resin.

And then there's the odd 3 to 1 rule as it applies to coatings...Measure 3 times, mix once.

 

[timgr]

Thanks for the reply Fred. I understand the need to keep the ratios exactly as specified. I also understand how the manufacturers would want to avoid trouble by keeping the portion control out of the hands of the user, ie "use the whole package all at once."

However, and this may seem dumb and obvious, but I'd expect there's some shadetree technique that works well for dividing these batches. Someone must have experience, and could recount it. I've read in previous posts about using a measuring stick to measure the remaining part in the original can. I'd also think you could use disposable containers like you get at the supermarket for measuring out parts into a bucket. Pouring from a paint can isn't always that easy though, especially with a fairly viscous material - maybe ladeling with a disposable container works better?

 

[rickairmedic]

I would recomend if you want to do smaller batches get a bunch of paint measuring cups from a paint supply . I get them at home depot . Once you know what their original ration is you can use these cups to measure proper amounts to divide the stuff into smaller batches . I would recomend geting several of them though so you can measure each batch in new containers they are cheap less than a buck a piece.

Rick

 

[Dave88LX]

I'm a little nervous, I had quite a bit of Liquatile Resin left over. I'm wondering if my mixing buddy messed up and only mixed something 1:1.

I didn't notice any variations really in the quantity I poured, so I don't know.