Best Heat Resistant Epoxy – A Guide to High Temperature Epoxy
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Epoxy resin is a seriously versatile, tough, and durable material that suits all kinds of applications. It has become a popular medium, used for everything from small craft and art projects – such as jewelry making – to larger DIY and industrial applications – like flooring and tabletops. While epoxy generally can tolerate some exposure to heat, a range of epoxies have been specifically formulated to be high heat resistant. If you are looking for the best high-temperature epoxy resin, there are various products to choose from, each with their own set of characteristics to suit specific applications.
Table of Contents
Is Epoxy Heat Resistant?
In general, epoxy resin offers a certain degree of heat resistance. However, the extent of that resistance varies greatly from one product to another. Epoxy resins commonly used for DIY projects and small jobs are not formulated for heat-resistance and should ideally not be used for situations involving frequent exposure to heat.
High-temperature epoxy is a special product that can withstand more intense heat levels without distorting. These higher heat resistant epoxy resins are used for creating things like coasters or countertops that require a greater level of heat tolerance than most surfaces.
What are Epoxy Temperature Limits?
The general, upper temperature limits for standard epoxy resins range from 150 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. However, this heat can only be tolerated for short periods of time. Consistent exposure will lead to damage. In contrast, specially formulated heat-resistant resins can withstand temperatures in and around the 600 degrees Fahrenheit range, depending on the product.
What is High Temp Epoxy?
High-temperature, or heat resistant epoxy is a special class of resin designed to withstand direct contact to intense heat. Unlike regular epoxy, this resin will not warp, crack, or melt if exposed to heat. These types of resin were initially created for use in industrial and commercial settings. In domestic environments, high-temperature epoxy is ideal for countertops. High temp epoxy is also often used for mechanical repairs and electrical coverings. This type of resin is usually more durable and robust.
If regular epoxy were to be directly exposed to heat greater than 68 – 195 degrees Fahrenheit consistently, it will ultimately suffer some form of distortion. Long-term heat exposure will soften most resins to an almost rubber-like consistency. Through the addition of fillers and reinforcements, heat resistant epoxy is engineered to withstand a much increased range of temperatures, depending on the intended application.
The Best Heat Resistant Epoxy: STONE COAT Epoxy
If you are looking for an epoxy brand that can be used in situations that require high heat resistance and heavy use, then Stone Coat is our top recommendation.
- A durable woodworking/countertop epoxy resin
- Scratch-resistant and UV resistant
- Provides a clear and shiny finish
Stone Coat Epoxy can be used on various DIY and home projects and is compatible with multiple surfaces types. Probably the most popular use for this product is creating tabletops and countertops, or updating old surfaces for a fresh look.
Pros
- A high level of durability and stability
- Heat resistant and flame retardant
- You get a perfectly even and flat surface
- A UV resistant epoxy resin
- Completely food safe
- The finish is polished, smooth, and glossy
Cons
- Sometimes heat resistant epoxy can cure to a slightly yellow tint
- The curing process may need additional heating methods
- Can be a more expensive product if used over a large surface area
How to Use Stone Coat Epoxy
Stone Coat is one of the best heat resistant epoxy options out there thanks to its easy to use formula. It is ideal both for home DIY projects, and more demanding applications. This epoxy provides a durable finish that is as hard-wearing as it is good looking.
Stone Coat Benefits
- There is an easy-to-follow training video provided by the manufacturer
- The epoxy is eco-friendly and safe to use
- The formula is free of VOC’s
- Once fully cured, this resin is scratch-resistant and easy to clean
- Heat resistant up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit
- It cures to a hard and completely clear finish
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Stone Coat Epoxy
Once you know how much resin you will be using and know where you will apply it, the following six-step process can be followed:
- Start by measuring out exactly equal parts of the resin and hardener of the quantity you need
- Mix the two parts together carefully and thoroughly
- Add a color coat using a flat leveling tool and remove the air bubbles
- Once the color coat has set (24 hours), add a clear coat on top. Once dry you can sand down the surface and clean it with a wet cloth
- Wait a couple of days for the epoxy to fully cure
- The epoxy resin finish is now ready. Remember not to avoid using abrasive cleaners or scour the surface, only clean epoxy resin countertops with non-abrasive products
Can Epoxy Temperature Limits be Reduced?
Yes, there are factors that may cause a high-temperature epoxy resin to lose some of its heat resistance. When mixing the resin, it is absolutely essential that the correct ratio of hardener to resin is implemented – otherwise, the properties of the resin, including the heat resistance, can be affected. Always follow the mixing instructions carefully to ensure that the balance of resin, hardener and additives are as required by the formula. Too much, or too little of any of these elements will change the composition of the final product, and the epoxy will not perform as designed.
For this reason, any additional additives to the resin, such as color pigments, can also affect the resin’s properties and temperature resistance. If you are using colored resin, it’s best to use the color in the second-to-last layer and add a top coat of clear resin over it for better heat resistance.
High Temperature Epoxy Resin Tips and Tricks
When using the best heat resistant epoxy, following the provided instructions is the first necessary step to success. To make sure the process of using the resin is as smooth as possible, some additional tips and tricks can be followed.
- Always be prepared and have all equipment and tools ready before you start working with high temperature epoxy resin
- Do not waste time when working with resin, as you only have a limited time window before the epoxy starts to dry
- Make sure the work table or surface is at a comfortable height
- Clear any dust off the surface with a cloth dipped in isopropyl alcohol before you apply the resin
- When mixing, follow a timer for better accuracy
- Take note of the temperature and humidity of your working environment, as this can affect how the resin works and cures
- When working on a large flat surface, use a leveling tool for an even result
- If using a paintbrush, go for a quality brush that will not lose its bristles. Using a black brush makes it easier to notice and remove any bristles that get stuck in the resin
- Getting rid of bubbles can be done with a toothpick or a heat source like a blowtorch or hot hairdryer
- If using a blowtorch, aim it away from the resin. This stops dust or dirt from being blown onto the resin
- Make sure the resin is covered when curing to avoid dust settling into it
- Adding things like pigments into the resin will change its chemical properties. It’s best to add an extra clear top coat to maintain heat-resistance
- Epoxy resin that is still wet can be cleaned up with acetone
There are many factors to consider when choosing and buying the best heat resistant epoxy. Heat resistant resin is a special product that can be used in a wide range of applications and can enhance all kinds of surfaces. Keep in mind though, that for the best results it is essential that the resin should be mixed in the exact ratio, and that any additives may reduce its effectiveness. Follow this guide when using high-temperature epoxy resin to achieve optimal results.
