FAQs
| GENERAL | [Top of page] |
At what temperatures can products be applied?
Most products will harden between 50 and 90°F. Below 50°F hardening may be too slow, especially for small quantities. Above 90°F hardening may be too fast.
Can products be painted or stained? If so, which types of paint/stain should I use?
Products can generally be painted. Sanding and/or priming may be required for best adhesion. Most commercially available paints can be used. WoodEpox can be stained after hardening with commercially available stains.
Can products be sanded, screwed, or nailed after hardening? If so, how long should I wait after application of the product?
Most products can be sanded. A belt sander with heavy grit may be required for dense products such as Abocrete. Most products cannot be screwed or nailed. WoodEpox and LiquidWood are exceptions. Wait about a day after hardening to sand. Pilot holes can be drilled in most products to insert anchors.
I applied the product when it was too cold outside and it did not harden. What should I do now?
Remove the unhardened product by scraping. The residue can be removed with isopropyl alcohol or acetone.
I applied the product in a wet/moist area. What should I do if the product does not harden?
Some products will harden in wet conditions. If the product does not harden remove it by scraping. The residue can be removed with isopropyl alcohol or acetone.
When is “epoxy” not epoxy?
Epoxy refers to a group of plastic compounds with a particular molecular structure. Epoxy compounds are known for high adhesion, lack of shrinkage, and toughness, among other characteristics, depending on the formulation. Most epoxy compounds are 2 component, A resin and B hardener. Epoxy compounds are almost invariably labeled as epoxy. Having 2 components is not an exclusive characteristic of epoxy. Other plastic compounds such as polyesters, polyurethanes, and polyueras have 2 components. If the label does not state the product is epoxy, it is not.
When do our products expire?
Epoxy products without water or solvents have almost indefinite shelf-lives. Products with water or solvents generally have shelf-lives of 1 year. Polyurethane products have self-lives of several months. To determine if a stored product is useable, mix and apply a small quantity. If it seems to harden alright it is probably good to use.
How should our products be stored when not in use?
Products should be stored at temperatures at 60°F, or above, in tightly sealed containers.
Is there a product warranty?
Yes. There is a limited warranty for each product. In the event of a manufacturing defect in the product, the product will be replaced or a refund will be given for the purchase price.
Do you have installers?
For some products and projects ABATRON can make a referral. Check with customer service.
How long do I have to work with each product once the components are mixed?
It depends on each product, the amount mixed , and the temperature of the air.
| WOOD RESTORATION | [Top of page] |
Can LiquidWood® or WoodEpox® be used as a bonding agent (to “glue” something together)?
Yes. These products are often used in different ways as adhesives.
Why did my LiquidWood harden with a tacky film? What can I do about it? LiquidWood can harden with a tacky film for several reasons: A) Ambient temperature is too cool; B) atmospheric moisture; C) insufficient product applied to create the chemical reaction needed to harden the product. For best results, apply LiquidWood at 60°F or above. Do not apply product when rain is likely. Saturate area where applied with LiquidWood. The larger the volume, the faster it will harden. Applying LiquidWood in a thin layer is not recommended as it may not create enough heat to harden properly. (Primkote 8006-1 is an excellent product for superficial coating.) The tacky film can be removed with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol.
How long should I wait to paint, stain, or sand after applying LiquidWood® and WoodEpox®?
Wait about 24 hours after the products have hardened.
Is there a need for any pre-treatment of rot before applying LiquidWood®?
Pre-treatment is not necessary for repairs. However, pre-treatment with borates may prevent further deterioration should wood around the repair become wet.
How can I get moisture out of the wood before using LiquidWood® and WoodEpox®?
Small holes can be drilled into the wood to ventilate it. Acetone is also sometimes used as a drier. Acetone is flammable so caution should be used.
How long should I wait to apply WoodEpox® after I have applied LiquidWood®?
The best time to apply WoodEpox is when LiquidWood is tacky and not completely hardened.
How can I thin WoodEpox®?
Mix WoodEpox A and B following instructions. Then mix in LiquwidWood A and B mixture until the desired viscosity is achieved.
Will you be able to tell that WoodEpox® is present after it is sanded, painted or stained?
No.
What can I use for clean up?
Isopropyl alcohol and acetone are good for clean up.
| CONCRETE RESTORATION | [Top of page] |
How does adding sand to Abocrete® affect the square footage? Why is sand added?
Adding sand increases the cubic volume of coverage. It is added to expand the volume and improve the coefficient of thermal expansion of Abocrete.
Is there a minimum or maximum thickness that Abocrete® or Aboweld 55-1® can be applied?
No.
What is the ideal surface preparation for the concrete before applying Abocrete® or Aboweld 55-1®?
Request surface preparation instructions from Abatron. Preparation can involve cleaning, etching, grinding or priming depending on the surface.
