is Epoxy Resin compatible with Acrylic paints ? HELP

schweinhund227 · Post by **schweinhund227** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 11:16 am

Good day EXPERTS ! and Chemical friends...

I need this answer rather ... urgently! I am not very knowledgeable when it comes to Products compatibility and don’t want to waste my time and money if I can't do the job with the Paints that I am using......

I have a GUY that needs to Shape some High Density Styrofoam and sculpt it into a Rock face... then he will harden (seal it) using “West System” epoxy Resin for high-strength waterproofing # 206. Which is not leaching toxins in the water after it is immersed.. in a ( fish tank )

I need to know is!!! ... is this Epoxy Resin compatible with Acrylic paints (Acryl 2 ) that he wants to get Sprayed on it....? And he want to SEAL the paint job thereafter using the same epoxy product !

I really need to know if this Resin will “”eat through”” the acrylic paint job ? IT’S A BRUSH ON application, it will not be sprayed....

The active ingredients are...

Bisphenol-A type epoxy resin > 50%
Benzyl alcohol < 20%
Bisphenol-F type epoxy resin < 20%
Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether < 0.3%

YOU HELP is APPRECIATED !

Thanks in advance !

Joseph Osborn · Post by **Joseph Osborn** » Sat Dec 15, 2007 1:52 am

Acrylic paints are pretty darn tough after they cure, so there should not be a problem brushing the epoxy resin over the paint. You can add an opaque pigment to the epoxy that will eliminate the need for paint, too. That would save some time and trouble.

DX-SFX · Post by **DX-SFX** » Sat Dec 15, 2007 5:46 am

West Systems 206 won't harm paint. Most epoxies won't if they're the solvent free type. Some of the thinner runnier versions intended for laminating model aircraft wings might pickle certain types of paint but since they're designed to go on veneer covered poly foam wings, it's not likely.

How are you going to keep these rocks in the tank? Don't underestimate how bouyant that foam is. They put it in boats to stop them sinking if the boat capsizes.

BTW, you'll want to wash the epoxy parts before painting just in case. There's a small wax content in epoxies that comes to the surface on curing under certain conditions. I think even West Systems recommend you put a second layer of resin on before the first layer is fully cured (this is in the fibreglass laminating context) or you need to abrade the surface of the first layer after it's fully cured to get the best bond. This shouldn't be a problem in your context but for the sake of a few minutes scrubbing under a warm water tap....

schweinhund227 · Post by **schweinhund227** » Sat Dec 15, 2007 7:54 am

Thank you guys...

It does make me feel a lot better.... ( a little ) but I sure don't want to have to PAY that Guy... for his Expensive High density foam... it this doesn't work...

I like the pigment thing to !!! of course it has to be compatible with the Epoxy Resin !!!

Will check into that.. might save us some time...?

thanks a lot again !!!

DX-SFX · Post by **DX-SFX** » Sat Dec 15, 2007 10:07 pm

If in doubt, try a small test first.