AMT Trenchless FAQs

Epoxy has many uses. Casting, laminating and coating to name a few.

Epoxy is a two part resin system consisting of a Resin and Hardener. Once mixed together at a specific ratio it will harden into a tough durable surface.

1kg will cover approximately 1 square meter x 1mm deep.

Epoxy is a two part resin system consisting of a Resin and Hardener. Once mixed together at a specific ratio it will harden into a tough durable surface.

Calculate the volume of space (Length x Breath x Depth) you want to fill and multiply that by the specific gravity of the resin system you are using, to get the weight of material you need.  There is a comprehensive section on the datasheets of the different systems we sell.

For overcoating, a minimum of 3mm is recommended.

That is depending on the size and support under the table. Anywhere between 10 and 100mm.

Nothing is scratch proof. It depends on the amount of traffic and use and the hardness of the resin system used.

Silicones. Otherwise, you will need a release agent to prevent adhesion.

Yes, when cast to a minimum of 3mm.

For many years. Like anything, it does require maintenance. Epoxy, can be easily polished to restore its beautiful luster.

Time vary depending on which system you use, From 6 hours to 48 hours. Read the data sheets.

It depends on you budget. Woodcast is the cheapest, Kristal is more expensive, but does also have a better UV stability. Either of them make beautiful products.

No.

Yes.

It’s not necessary, but may be necessary in some cases.

Wood must be  clean, dry & contamination free.  Most wood need no preparation. Some more porous  woods  require sealing. Woodcast 30 Epoxy resin system can be used to seal wood.

Brush coat it with Woodcast 30. Then sand lightly and coat.

Yes. It’s best to only use the epoxy on the handle or places where the cutting is not done.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes (We always recommend a small test to make sure).

Nothing. Epoxy’s adhere very well to themselves.

At least 48hours. Longer in cold weather.

Yes. Woodcast 30 is very good for that.

It depends on your application. Epoxy is generally cheaper that Polyurethane.

Sand with at least P220 grit sandpaper, remove any oils and contamination.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

Epoxy is a two part resin system consisting of a Resin and Hardener. Once mixed together at a specific ratio it will harden into a tough durable surface.

Epoxy poured about 3mm thick will self-level and leave a smooth surface.

Silicone, or Melamine covered particle board make excellent mold boxes. Ram Wax release agent is required over the Melamine to ensure a good release.

In short, YES. But as per anything arty, you do require some artistic ability. AMT does offer courses for Resin Art.

Incorrect mix ratio, not properly mixed, humidity too high are normally the leading causes of stick resins. It is important to follow the instructions on the data sheets.

Depends on the system you use. Kristal 50 can be poured to 30mm thick. (We are developing deeper pour systems)

Can you put anything in resin? Generally yes, except live organic materials, that will rot.

Generally yes, except live organic materials, that will rot.

Epoxy refers to any of the basic components or cured end products of epoxy resins, as well as a colloquial name for the epoxide functional group.^[1] Epoxy resins, also known as polyepoxides, are a class of reactive prepolymers and polymers which contain epoxide groups.

Epoxy resins may be reacted (cross-linked) either with themselves through catalytic homopolymerisation, or with a wide range of co-reactants including polyfunctional amines, acids (and acid anhydrides), phenols, alcohols and thiols (usually called mercaptans). These co-reactants are often referred to as hardeners or curatives, and the cross-linking reaction is commonly referred to as curing.

Reaction of polyepoxides with themselves or with polyfunctional hardeners forms a thermosetting polymer, often with favorable mechanical properties and high thermal and chemical resistance. Epoxy has a wide range of applications, including metal coatings, use in electronics/electrical components/LEDs, high tension electrical insulators, paint brush manufacturing, fiber-reinforced plastic materials, and adhesives for structural and other purposes.

An Acrylic resin is a thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic substance typically derived from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid and acrylate monomers such as butyl acrylate and or methacrlyate monomers such as methyl methacrylate. Thermoplastic acrylics designate a group of acrylic resins typically containing both a high molecular weight and a high glass transition temperature which exhibit lacquer dry capability. Acrylic resins designed for use in two component systems for crosslinking with isocyanate are referred to as polyols and are made with the monomers previously mentioned as well as hydroxy monomers such as hydroxy ethyl methacrylate. Acrylic resins are produced in different liquid carriers such as a hydrocarbon solvent (solventborne acrylics or solution acrylics solventborne acrylic selector) or water in which case they are referred to as emulsions or dispersions and they are also provided in 100% solids bead form.

One example is polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate, which makes a crosslinked polymer when treated with polyisocyanates. Such materials are a useful component in some paints.^[1]

Incorrect mix ratio, pour to deep, excessive heat are all causes of cracking. Read the data sheet and follow the instruction carefully.

It is not recommended.

Yes.

Mold making silicones.

Woodcast 30.

No.

Clamp or screw them down. Alternatively do several pours. When the first pour is tacky, place the item in the resin and wait for it to cure. Then pour another layer of resin over the items.

Yes.

Yes. It is always recommended to do a test first to determine if you get the required effect.

Yes, provided the first layer is completely cured.

Some epoxy resins have better UV stability than others. Kristal and Tarbender is better than Woodcast 30.

Can I put a rose in resin? Not recommended.

Not recommended.

Yes. However there is generally a small amount of shrinkage with could cause an air bubble to form between the glass and the resin.

No.

Not recommended.

In the original un-opened containers, anywhere between 2 and 6 years if stored in a cool dry environment.

No.

Each resin system has it’s own gel time. Read the data sheet.

Content needed.

No.

Incorrect mix ratio, contamination, relative humidity to high, environment too cold or hot during casting.

Initial mixed viscosity to high, aggressive mixing, bubbles coming out of the wood, etc.

Yes, but with proper mixing and warming the system prior to mixing they will easily rise to the surface during the initial curing period.

Yes. Flame is better as it does not create waves.

There is a specified curing time stated on the data sheet. Mild heat will help the resin faster.

Yes, but it will take longer.

Yes. Do not exceed  40 degrees C

Yes.

Room temperature. Between 18 degrees C and 27 degrees C

Yes. Make sure you have good ventilation.

Generally, no, but some specialized system do.

Generally, the hardness, UV stability and the pricing.