Collection: Primaloc Epoxy Blog

A photo including all of the components included with the Epoxy Tool Kit from our Primaloc Store.

The Epoxy Tool Kit: What It Contains and Why

At Primaloc, we're dedicated to providing top-quality epoxy resins that cater to a wide range of projects, from sealing delicate surfaces to facilitating artistic creations, regardless of creator skill level.

For most epoxy applications, having the right tools and supplies is essential not only for achieving the best results but also for simplifying and enhancing the overall process.

In this article, we'll examine our Primaloc Epoxy Tool Kit—a handy, curated selection of tools and supplies designed to help you reach your epoxy project goals.

Primaloc Epoxy: Achieve Excellence from the Start.

At Primaloc Epoxy, we offer a range of premium epoxy resin products, each crafted using fine-tuned  crafted for both top-tier quality and ease of use. Our selection is versatile enough to support a wide array of projects, from traditional applications like bar tops and table tops to innovative uses in resin art and jewelry making.

Choosing the right epoxy depends on your specific project needs.

A side-by-side photo of our Primaloc Bar & Table Top Epoxy and our Primaloc Deep Pour Epoxy

Our primary epoxy options include:

  • Primaloc Bar & Table Top Epoxy: A classic and versatile choice, this resin is perfect for sealing surfaces such as bar tops, countertops, and table tops, and it works well with other furniture and fixtures.

  • Primaloc Deep Pour Epoxy: Tailored for projects requiring deep, thick layers, this resin variant is slightly less durable but ideal for applications like deep resin molds, river veins, and thick finishes.

Opting for a high-quality epoxy resin like those offered by Primaloc ensures that you can achieve a flawless, durable finish, steering clear of the pitfalls associated with lower-quality "budget brands".

Exploring the Contents of Primaloc's Epoxy Tool Kit

The Basic Epoxy Tool Kit is a collection of essential tools and supplies crafted to assist you through every phase of an epoxy project. Each component is carefully selected to ensure seamless execution from start to finish.

Included in the Epoxy Tool Kit are:

  • Two five-quart mixing containers
  • One one-quart mixing container
  • One mixing drill bit
  • One epoxy heat gun
  • Two polypropylene mixing sticks
  • Two pairs of disposable latex gloves

Each item in the kit plays a distinct role in ensuring your epoxy project runs smoothly. Let's delve into the function of each tool and how it contributes to the success of your epoxy application.

 

A photo of the 5-quart mixing container recommended for epoxy batches.

 

Item #1: Two 5-Quart Mixing Containers

Included in the tool kit are two 5-quart mixing containers, essential for preparing large batches of epoxy.

When mixing, it's important to always use a fresh, clean container for mixing epoxy to avoid complications. This is crucial for two main reasons:

Leftover Epoxy Components

The first issue is that residual substances from previous batches can remain in the mixing container. These residues are small amounts of epoxy components that did not fully blend and cure during prior uses. While some residue might be unavoidable, you can reduce its impact by thoroughly scraping the sides and bottom of your container with a mixing stick while blending.

Particles and Other Contaminants

The second issue is that any container left idle can accumulate dust and other particles on its interior surfaces. These contaminants can introduce imperfections into your epoxy finish. Therefore, ensuring your container is clean and completely dry before starting your project is imperative.

For additional guidance on preparing your epoxy batch, consult our detailed resources:

A photo of the 1-quart mixing container recommended for epoxy batches.

Item #2: One 1-Quart Mixing Container

This smaller 1-quart mixing container is specifically included in the kit for mixing small batches of epoxy, ideal for preparing a seal coat.

What is an epoxy seal coat?

An epoxy seal coat is a thin layer of epoxy applied with a brush over the substrate surface before any thicker coatings. This initial coat seals the pores of the substrate, both visible and microscopic, by filling them with epoxy. This displaces any air within the pores and releases it, effectively preparing the surface for subsequent, heavier epoxy applications.

Why apply an epoxy seal coat?

Applying a seal coat is crucial because epoxy's high viscosity makes it challenging for air to escape through it once applied in thick layers. This results in the formation of bubbles within the resin finish, typically seen as an imperfection that most prefer to avoid. Without a seal coat, air trapped beneath a flood coat can form bubbles within the finish.

A seal coat minimizes the issue of air bubbles by encouraging the air to escape before applying a more substantial flood coat. Any remaining air bubbles that manage to get trapped can then be easily addressed using a heat gun or torch.

Read our guide to epoxy seal coats for more detailed information.

A photo of the mixing drill bit recommended for blending epoxy batches.

Item #3: One Mixing Drill Bit

Another item included in the epoxy tool kit is a mixing drill bit, which facilitates the blending of large epoxy batches with ease. This drill bit attaches to most standard power drills and features a long shaft that allows it to reach deep into large mixing containers.

Achieving a perfect blend with less effort

Using a power drill to mix epoxy simplifies the demanding task of preparing a flood coat. For optimal results, use the drill on a medium speed setting—or the closest option available on your drill.

To ensure thorough mixing, periodically pause to scrape the sides and bottom of the container with a mixing stick. This helps integrate any settled components back into the mixture, minimizing waste and ensuring the accuracy of your measurements for a consistent epoxy mix.

A photo of an epoxy heat gun.

Item #4: One Epoxy Heat Gun

Also included in the epoxy tool kit is the epoxy heat gun. This tool plays a very useful role in ensuring a flawless finish by removing air bubbles from the epoxy.

Efficient and straightforward bubble removal

After pouring an epoxy flood coat or deep pour coat, the immediate next step involves removing any air bubbles that have surfaced. This is typically done within a few minutes of applying the epoxy.

Using the heat gun, the user sweeps over the entire epoxy surface, maintaining a distance of several inches and never stopping over any spot for more than a second. When held at the appropriate height, the heat emitted is intense enough to pop the bubbles without damaging the epoxy through excessive heat exposure.

After a pass with the heat gun, it's good practice to inspect the surface for any remaining bubbles. If necessary, a second pass can be made following the same procedure to ensure a smooth, bubble-free finish before proceeding to the next phase of the project.

A photo of a pair of Poly Pro stir sticks.

Item #5: Two polypropylene mixing sticks

Included in our epoxy tool kit are two Poly Pro mixing sticks, designed for effective stirring with minimal resistance.

Versatile and reusable

These mixing sticks are multifunctional. Their primary role is to manually mix smaller volumes of epoxy, where using a power drill might be excessive. This is often the case for seal coat batches or smaller project flood coats, for which a powerful drill is likely to pull in substantial air.

Their secondary function is vital during the mixing of larger batches with a power drill. After power mixing, these sticks are used to scrape the sides and bottom of the container. This ensures that no unmixed epoxy components are left clinging to the container, which could result in an uneven cure. The sticks help incorporate more of the resin and hardener into the blend proper, reducing waste and improving the effectiveness of your mixing.

Learn to avoid common mixing mistakes in our guide on the topic!

A photo of a latex-gloved hand and a box of latex gloves.

Item #6: Two Pairs of Disposable Latex Gloves

Rounding out our tool kit are two pairs of latex disposable gloves. Essential for handling epoxy resin, these protective gloves serve dual purposes:

  • Protection from epoxy contact: Although epoxy resin is generally mild and safe to handle, it can cause skin irritation in some individuals. Wearing these gloves protects your hands during the epoxy application process.
  • Maintains epoxy purity: The gloves also prevent natural oils from your skin and other contaminants from interfering with the epoxy's integrity before it cures.

Epoxy is VOC-free and safe for food contact once cured, but taking basic safety precautions during its application is crucial.

We've written about epoxy safety. Learn about it here!

Primaloc Epoxy: Premium Epoxy for Premium Results

With our premium Bar & Table Top Epoxy and our Deep Pour Epoxy, Primaloc gets the job done. Our epoxy resins are premium-grade, with high performance in every category, including:

  • Unmatched Strength: A Primaloc finish won't buckle, even under high pressure.
  • Long-Lasting Resilience: Primaloc epoxy lasts for many years with minimal care, and can endure high-traffic environments with ease.
  • A Crystal-Clear Coating: With its pristine, transparent appearance, looking at a cured Primaloc coating is like peering through a window.

Epoxy resin can be beautiful, strong, and long-lasting—which is why you shouldn't compromise on quality. With Primaloc Epoxy Resin, you get the ultimate finish in durability and visual appeal.

Protect your surfaces by giving them a rock-solid epoxy finish. Choose strong. Choose reliable. Choose Primaloc.

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