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Epoxy for Repair

May 05
Love2

How to Save a Garden Gnome in a Single Afternoon

By Glass and Ceramic Repair, Uncategorized

Hey folks, remember gnomes have feelings too… or at least they look like they might. Garden angels, bird baths, gargoyles, and statues of the Holy Mother all deserve a little tender care and respect; after all, they spent a harsh cold winter exposed to the nasty elements. Cracks happen, chips happen… and suddenly things don’t look so brand new or cared for. So, do you need to toss your backyard treasures? We say NAH! Here’s how to fix them.

Photo by visagency

Concrete repair is simple

Don’t believe it? A bold first attempt to repair a garden gnome may have been a difficult experience for a noob in the past, but Protective Coating Company has formulated some fabulous and high-tech epoxies that eliminate “difficult” from many DIY projects. We stake our honor on it! So, grab a pair of gloves and get ready to bring your gnome back to life.

Items you will need

  • A garden hose
  • A stiff bristled brush
  • PC-11® or PC-Crete™ epoxy

Save the gnome in 5 simple steps

1. Dampen the cement statue with your garden hose until all surfaces are wet. Scrub the statue gently with a soft-bristled brush to remove all dirt and grime that may interfere with the pc epoxy bond.

2. Allow the area to dry completely before continuing. This is the only part that will take some extra time if you are using PC-Crete™, but you don’t have to actually do anything. Have a drink. Relax.

3. Mix your PC-11® or PC-Crete™ as instructed on the package. PC-Crete™ is a putty formula that can be used to build up and replace any missing pieces. PC-11® is an excellent product as well due to its longer working time and ability to hold up under damp, cold, and wet conditions.

• PC-Crete™ is formulated with real aggregate to look and feel like concrete. Cut, mix and apply. PC-Crete™ allows a working time of about 3 minutes and cures for service in 60 minutes. It’s a “quick fix” product that’s super easy to use.

• PC-11® is formulated to provide an extended working time, for larger concrete repairs, which allows the user to reposition work or make changes as they go. The great thing about PC-11® is that it bonds to both wet and dry substrate. No wait time after hosing down.

 

 

4. Apply your pc epoxy of choice to the cement cracks or chips by squeezing it on, or applying it with a putty knife. To reattach part of the statue, apply a 1/4-inch layer of epoxy to both the broken piece and the statue and press them together for two to three minutes.

5. Wait 15 minutes and scrape off all excess epoxy with a putty knife to prevent it from hardening and developing ridges or bumps. Then allow appropriate curing time as per the package label.

What next, you wonder? Not much. The simplicity lies in the fact that PC-Crete™ epoxy looks and feels like concrete. If you need to make corrections to the paint on your gnome or statue, that counts as another project!

Sep 29
Love0

So I Bought Your PC Epoxy for a Repair– Now What??? (Hint: Surface Preparation)

By Repairs, Uncategorized

There are basically two types of people roaming the hardware stores these days – those who are naturally good at fixing things up (and even enjoy doing it), and those who just really want to save themselves some cash. Some folks are a little mixture of both. But whatever category you fall into (full disclosure not necessary), there is one gargantuan hint to any successful epoxy repair.

You must effectively prepare your surface BEFORE the application of any epoxy product for full effect and durability. No matter what your surface may be.

Why, you may ask? Because epoxy must adhere to surfaces, and surfaces are often covered with dust, dirt, grease, oil, oxide films, etc. All these contaminants, even at a microscopic level, will interfere with the strength of your finished epoxy project.

Fiberglass

  • Prep surfaces by making sure they are clean and free of dirt, oils, etc. Note: Always clean the surface before sanding. Sanding the surface with sandpaper does not remove wax or other contamination. Sanding often melts greases and oils into the surface making it impossible to obtain a clean surface.
  • Lightly sand or “rough up” the fiberglass surface. Caution: Do not sand excessively. This will create porosity in the surface that will have to be filled.
  • Blow off the surface with clean, dry, compressed air while dry wiping to remove sanding dust and residue.

Wood

  • Surfaces to be bonded must be free of dirt, oil, decay, etc. Denatured alcohol works very well to clean surfaces before applying.
  • If surfaces are previously painted, it is best to strip paint before utilizing epoxy wood repair products.
  • For best results, rough up the surface that PC-Woody® or other PC Wood Products will be bonding to with a light grit sandpaper.
  • Normally, a vice grip or a clamp is not needed for an epoxy wood repair. Prop or tape heavy objects to a wall or ceiling.

Glass

  • Surfaces to be bonded must be free of dirt, grease, etc. Denatured alcohol can be used to clean and prep the surface.
  • Dry thoroughly before beginning the epoxy repair process.
  • For best results, rough up the surface to be bonded if you can. However, when you want the result to be clear and seamless (as with the case of a broken crystal vase etc.), simply press the two clean surfaces together with PC – Clear.

Concrete

  • All concrete surfaces must be cleaned of any grease, dirt, or debris.
  • If holes are being drilled, be sure to blow out dust from the bottom of the hole/crack. Brush the hole/crack with a nylon brush. Blow out dust again.

 

 

Taking the time to complete a thorough surface preparation is going to make all the difference in the quality of your project, and help to provide a lasting result for your DIY fix-it efforts. And of course, if you have any questions at all, feel free to ask our experts or visit our PC – Products page on Facebook!

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