How to Get the Most Out of An Epoxy Stick

When it comes to repairing anything on the metal surface, the metal putty is a popular option, especially in sealing or patching leaks. Metal putty is available in liquid form or in stick form. Before buying, be sure to decide what type you are comfortable using with.

A metal putty epoxy stick is a hand kneadable, fast-setting, steel-reinforced polymer compound that quickly repairs anything made of metal or aluminium. It can also bond to other types of metal, glass, wood, plastics or masonry.

There are hefty of benefits in using an epoxy stick, such as the following:

•    It will not shrink or rust.

•    It has a putty-like consistency that eliminates drips and runs for a "no mess" application.

•    It doesn’t require any tools to use.

•    It dries quickly - allowing you to drill, saw, tape or paint the surface one hour after the application.

Whether you are purchasing metal putty or a thread locker, be sure to choose the right adhesive for the job to ensure a good result. You will usually require a specialty stick tailored for your leak repair job, but you should also do the following things to make the most out of the epoxy stick.

• Clean the surface to ensure good adhesion. Scrape off any rust build up and then wash the surface to remove debris that might affect the adhesion. No matter what type of surface you are repairing; don’t forget to clean it first before applying the adhesive.

• Wear gloves during mixing. When kneading the epoxy stick, it is advisable to wear disposable rubber gloves. They will help keep the putty clean at the same time protect your hands.

• Mix ingredients properly. One secret to getting a good result of using an epoxy stick is mixing the ingredients thoroughly. Make sure the putty achieves a certain uniform colour before applying to the surface.

• Take note of the cure time. Be sure to read the instructions and pay attention to the cure time stated. Remember, waiting too long to use may reduce the efficacy of the epoxy stick and thus will not give you the effect you want.

• Apply pressure on the repaired surface. Clamping a joint or applying pressure on the repair makes the bond stronger. It will assure maximum surface contact so you are ensured the leak is fully sealed.

• Give the repaired part some time before using again. Don’t rush the curing time and be patient. Give it time to fully dry up before returning to service. Some putties continue to strengthen over a few days after the application.

• Save unused epoxy stick. If you didn’t use the whole epoxy stick, protect the unused part carefully. Reseal the package of the epoxy to prevent extra exposure to air. It will help save the stick for future use. Exposure to air will affect the quality of the epoxy stick making it less effective.

• Design the repair. One great benefit of using the epoxy stick is that it can be shaped, drilled, sanded, and painted to give you the appearance you want to achieve. This will help hide the fact that the portion has been repaired using an epoxy stick.

Undeniably, having different types of metal repair products like the metal putty and threadlocker is beneficial to everyone, especially to people who prefer to perform do-it-yourself repairs.