Most times, surfaces of materials and items like concrete slabs, metals, kitchen tables and countertops, automobiles, etc., get exposed to moisture and chemicals which can be harmful and dangerous to the underlying material.
However, there are many ways to seal surfaces to prevent them from getting damaged – such as epoxy sealing, which involves mixing epoxy resin and hardener together and using the mixture to coat the material’s surface.
If you don’t know what epoxy sealing is and how it works, this article is for you. Keep reading to see what epoxy sealing is, what an epoxy sealant is, and the different types of epoxy sealants. In addition, you will also learn how to seal surfaces with epoxy and where you can apply epoxy sealant.
Let’s get into the details immediately!
What is Epoxy Sealing?
Epoxy sealing is a procedure used to coat a surface of materials with a layer of protection using a mixture of epoxy resin and hardener. Epoxy sealing is long-lasting, and the end product is a seal that shields materials such as metal, wood, and concrete from damage caused by exposure to chemicals, water, and other dangerous substances. Epoxy creates an abrasion-resistant, durable, and thick sealing on surfaces that makes the material resistant to water once you don’t do it excessively.
What is an Epoxy Sealant?
An epoxy sealant is a substance that comprises an epoxy resin and a hardener that protects various materials’ surfaces. It is a protective coating poured on metals, concrete, and other materials surfaces.
You can make an epoxy sealant by combining two ingredients (resin and hardener), which creates a robust and long-lasting seal that guards a material’s surface against water, chemicals, and other harmful substances that may threaten the material. Epoxy sealants are unique from other sealants because they are made of two different materials that, when combined, create a mixture that protects the surface of materials for a long time.
Types of Epoxy Sealant
Epoxy sealants come in many categories according to their form of usage or application. Listed below are the most popular epoxy sealants and the typical applications for each of them:
Epoxy sealant for structures
Structural epoxy sealants are a sealant for buildings and other operations where great force is needed to form a solid and long-lasting bond between two surfaces. You can use this sealant mostly in structures that contain concrete and metals.
Marine epoxy sealant
Marine epoxy sealants can withstand saltwater, salt, and other elements that can make surfaces rust, making them better sealants for use in marine environments. This sealant helps to bond and seal different boat and sea vessel parts.
Colorless epoxy
Colorless epoxy is perfect for situations where a clean and translucent bond is required because it cures clear. Colorless epoxy is a good option for operations that involves the bonding of transparent materials such as glass.
Concrete floor sealant
Concrete floor sealants work on concrete slabs in places like garages, warehouses, and industries. The concrete floor sealant contains polyurethane which helps to produce a long-lasting coating that serves as a protective barrier.
Automobile epoxy sealant
Automobile epoxy sealants are sealants for binding and sealing various parts of vehicles. Automobile epoxy sealants are resistant to high temperatures, moisture, and other elements that could cause them to break down while being used.
High-temperature epoxy sealant
High-temperature epoxy sealant can endure intense heat, making it a good option when gluing furnace components or other machinery that encounter extreme heat during usage.
Note: The operation requirements and type of surface you want to seal will determine the kind of epoxy sealant you will use.
How to Seal Surfaces With Epoxy
To use epoxy to seal any surface, take the following steps:
- Sand the surface of the workpiece or material you want to coat and clean off the dirt or debris to prepare it for coating.
- Apply painter’s tape on the edges of the material to prevent getting a rough coat while applying the epoxy.
- Add the epoxy resin to the mixing jar you will use.
- Add the right hardener proportion using the proper pouring and gauging quantity recommended by the manufacturer.
- Stir the epoxy resin and hardener in the jar with your stirring sticks for two minutes until they are well mixed. Turn the bottom and run the sticks round the walls of the container to ensure that the mixture is thoroughly mixed.
- Use a sharp bristle brush or a small foam roller to scoop some of the epoxy mixture and spread them on the material’s surface. Ensure that the coating gets into any visible crevices or holes, especially if the material has an unusual or irregular shape.
- Remove air bubbles from the coat by applying warm heat over the epoxy coating.
- Allow the epoxy to cure fully for about four hours to make the first seal coating sticky and ready for subsequent applications.
- Peel off the painter’s tape after the applied epoxy has finished curing.
Note: Most epoxies are two-component substances you must mix together before use. Ensure that you use the mixed epoxy immediately after mixing to prevent it from setting while still in the container.
Where Can I Apply Epoxy Sealant?
You can use epoxy sealant in the following places:
- The surface of high-traffic areas.
- Concrete-based coverings.
- Kitchen table and countertops.
- Plumbing fittings and pipes.
- Concrete surfaces.
Recommended Epoxy Sealants
J-B Weld 8265S Original Cold-Weld Steel Reinforced Epoxy (Amazon)
Clear Table Top Epoxy Resin That Self Levels, 1 Gallon High Gloss (0.5 Gallon Resin + 0.5 Gallon Hardener) Kit (Amazon)
Pro Marine Clear Table Top Epoxy Resin 16-Ounce Kit (Amzon)
TotalBoat Table Top Epoxy Resin (Amazon)
Loctite Epoxy Five Minute Instant Mix 0.47-Fluid Ounce Syringe (Amazon)
FAQs
Can I use epoxy as a sealant?
Yes, you can use epoxy as a sealant because it has outstanding binding and gluing qualities that make it widely used for various binding and sealing purposes. It is a fantastic option for sealing because of its resistance to water, chemicals, and heat fluctuations.
Ensure that you mix the two epoxy components (hardener and resin) following the directions on the container before applying them to the material you would like to seal. Also, give the epoxy time to cure properly so it will serve as a sealant and protect the surface you applied it on.
Do epoxy and sealer have any difference?
There is not much difference between epoxy and a sealer because they serve the same purpose sometimes. Epoxy is an adhesive that contains resin and a hardener combined to get a solid and long-lasting coating that prevents surfaces from getting in contact with water and chemicals. On the other hand, a sealer is a coating put on a surface to preserve it from degradation or harm.
Is concrete sealing required prior to applying epoxy?
Generally, sealing concrete before using epoxy on it is vital. This is due to the fact that epoxy is a thin substance that may damage when exposed to an excess quantity of water and elements like chemicals.
Coating the concrete first before applying epoxy forms a shield that will safeguard the epoxy from damage and ensure that it sticks effectively to the concrete surface.
Can epoxy seal a leak?
In some circumstances, epoxy can serve as a seal to leakages, although it is not the best option. Epoxy is not the best alternative for sealing a leakage because it is porous and can disintegrate if not sprayed correctly or if it is susceptible to excess water, which may result in the leakage continuing.
Epoxy can only seal a leakage if you don’t expose it to moisture or chemicals. Using epoxy as a seal to prevent leaks on materials like pipes and plumbing fittings is not a good alternative because the epoxy may fracture or break when introduced to excess water and if the pipe bends or moves.
What’s the lifespan of an epoxy sealer?
The average lifespan of an epoxy sealer is between 10 to 15 years. However, other factors like the kind of epoxy used, the environment where you will use the epoxy, and the effectiveness of the coating also determine how long an epoxy sealer will last.
Is epoxy totally water-resistant?
Epoxy is a powerful water-resistant adhesive frequently used to substitute glue. Although epoxy is resistant to water, it is not totally impenetrable because water can penetrate it when you introduce it to plenty of water for a long time. Epoxy only works well in situations and environments where it won’t be prone to coming in contact with water frequently.
What makes a quality epoxy sealer?
A quality epoxy sealer is one that can secure and offer a layer of protection from harm to the surface of materials. Meanwhile, get an epoxy sealer from a recognized brand if you need one to get the desired results.
Conclusion
This article has explained all there is to know about epoxy sealing – including some recommended epoxy sealants you can use for various sealing projects. In addition to following the manufacturer’s instructions when applying epoxy, ensure that you clear the surface you want to seal off any dirt or debris before you apply the epoxy sealant.
