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easy squeeze epoxy bottles

1K views 9 replies 6 participants last post by  Karda 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hi, i have some stick fast epoxy in bottle I also have week hands. In order to get equal amounts i pour from both at the same time which works out fine when it does. The bottles are so stiff I can't squeeze with one hand. I s it possible to get a good mix doing one at a time. Is there a brand that squeezes easier thanks mike
 
#2 ·
I just put some blue tape down and then squeeze a little of the resin and a little of the hardener into separate blobs and then mix with a popsicle stick. I've never found a need to squeeze them out together, into the same blob, or be overly cautious about the amounts. Just eye-ball an equal amount, mix, have fun.
 
#3 · (Edited by Moderator)
Try warming them up a bit before use… it will make the epoxy less viscous and the bottles easier to squeeze.

Other tricks. The instructions don't say otherwise, so you should be able to mix 1:1 by volume or weight. If you want to measure by volume, get some of those little graduated mixing cups from the craft supply store or online.
Alternatively, mix by weight using a small pocket scale. For small batches, those little 1 or 2 ounce Solo cups you get at the fast food places work great and can be reused. They are also cheap to buy if needed - I got a sleeve of 100 1oz cups at a local restaurant supply store for something like $1.25 + tax.

Cheers,
Brad
 
#5 ·
Take a nickel or quarter, trace two circles on a piece of cardboard next to each other. Plop a blob into each one the same size.

Anything more just use the plastic measuring cups they sell at paint stores or paint section of home depot etc. Any hardened resin is easily popped out of the cup.
 
#8 ·
Most of the small bottle, "consumer" type epoxies are mixed by equal volumes. Generally this is the same ad mixing by equal weight as well.

For this variety, instead of blobs, I like to lay out a line of part 1 and follow with a line of part 2 directly beside part 1.

If you use care when cutting the tips off the bottles when new (so the exposed holes are the same diameter), getting equal width lines is simple.

This is all done on one of those junk mail "credit card" enclosures and mixed with a coffee stirrer. Perfect for small amounts and the stirrers are great for applying (cutting an angled tip also helps).

For larger amounts, I'll go by equal weight. The small plastic condiment cups are great. A protective piece of paper on a scale with an empty cup (zero the scale), and add part 1, note the weight, then add part 2 to double the part 1 weight.

The more "industrial" varieties are often mixed by volumes that are not in a 1:1 ratio of parts 1 & 2.

You need to do the math when figuring the mix, but many of these type products have optional dispenser plungers that will provide a correct ratio based on number of pumps used, easy-peasy 8^)
 
#9 · (Edited by Moderator)
You need to do the math when figuring the mix, but many of these type products have optional dispenser plungers that will provide a correct ratio based on number of pumps used, easy-peasy 8^)
+1 for the plunger (pump) setup.

I typically use small batches, which can be problematic when trying to measure by volume. Measuring by weight is much more precise IMO, and the plunger type pumps work great at easily delivering small controlled amounts for that purpose. Unfortunately, it seems like only the high end epoxies have the pump/metering systems available… like West System, which uses a 5:1 or 3:1 ratio depending on hardener used.

The good news is that once you get past the low end syringe type epoxies, they start coming in regular type bottles with screw on caps. For those, you can usually find a pump that will fit. I always keep any pump that is getting thrown out with an empty bottle (lotion, shampoo, liquid soap, etc…) - clean it up good and save it for who knows what. Seems like I always find a good use for them eventually. I have also seen generic pumps sold at places like the Dollar Store, Walmart, Walgreens, etc…

Here is my setup for Alumilite, which usually just comes with a screw on cap, and is a PITA to pour directly out of the bottle. I found a couple of pumps at a local store that fit the bottles perfectly, and trimmed the suction tube so that it was just a hair off the bottom of the bottle:

Brown Liquid Fluid Cosmetics Bottle


They make it super easy to dispense, even very small batches. Tip: The rubber hose on the end of each nozzle acts like a cap to prevent any leakage when stored. They get removed when dispensing the epoxy, and replaced when done. Even with high end pumps, like from West System, I have to do the same thing as they will dribble a bit after use dangnabit. Lesson learned the hard way ;)

Note: Most epoxies can be mixed either by volume or weight, but the Alumilite Amazing Clear Cast shown above states to measure by volume only. I contacted them about this, and eventually confirmed that if you want to measure by weight, you need to mix at a 100:85 ratio (100 part A to 85 part B).

Cheers,
Brad
 

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