I have some inlays with epoxy on them that i want to reuse. any suggeastions on how to break down the epoxy on them?
thanks
thanks
what will break down epoxy
- Thread starter bob_bushka
- Start date
I'm all ears for ideas on this question.
I've had this issue before. I found nothing to help soften the epoxy. I pick and cut with a razor blade under magnifying lamp. After the first time removing unwanted epoxy I make sure I remove it in the rubbers un-cured state.
I've had this issue before. I found nothing to help soften the epoxy. I pick and cut with a razor blade under magnifying lamp. After the first time removing unwanted epoxy I make sure I remove it in the rubbers un-cured state.
Acetone will...
It will slowly break down epoxy but it takes some patience.
I'm restauring an old cue for a customer of mine.And because of silver and gold inlays, I can't sand of the epoxy coating. But with acetone, I managed to remove about 1/2 inch of finish per our...
Cue looks great...
And acetone does not attack wood...
Good luck!
Once it is set up the only thing I know of is heat.
That's one on me. I've never been that patient though. Thank you for the information.
Hi,
Methyl Ethyl Ketone - MEK. But what will it do to the inlay material?
Rick
Methyl Ethyl Ketone - MEK. But what will it do to the inlay material?
Rick
If you are going to use any solvents, use acetone. It's the least dangerous of the bunch. The others are all severely carcinogenic, which means they will give you cancer. Acetone is relatively safe on your skin except for drying it out & causing irritation. No heavy metals in it to cause cancer. Be careful. Best thing is to just cut new inlays.
epoxies are extremely chemical resistant. the only things that break it down for the most part is ultra violet rays or heat. if you have a linen iron, you may be able to soften the coating enough to peel it off (small areas at a time). a chemical called Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) is an idustrial cleaning/stripping component and it may be of help if you can expose the bottom of the coating so the (NMP) can migrate underneath. be very careful with this. (NMP) doen't have a bad odor but is toxic.....wear gloves, avoid spills. i'd try heat first. i am assuming when you say "epoxy on them" you are referring to the finish over them. if you mean they are glued in with epoxy, i'd stick to using heat only....good luck
as advised before, cutting new ones may be a better option.
as advised before, cutting new ones may be a better option.
Last edited:
Hi,
Eric makes a good point. When using solvents we must not forget the wear rubber gloves. The heavy duty solvents have a cumulative body burden effect over time and your liver is it's target.
Have the gloves ready every time you grab a paper towel and go for the can. Having great cues that are sought after all over the world don't mean a thing if you are dirt napping.:crying:
Rick
Damn funny, and so true! :thumbup:
Acetone works on a lot of things but for sure not "nice".
It kills your braincells qucker than you say "one more beer" so please remember to have good ventilation.
A car painter - old school- was so messed up in his head when he quit work-that he could not remember the names on his kids...
K