Acetone as thinner

[Johnno]

Looking at acetone as a thinner on the rod wrap epoxy. Anyone used it for that purpose and how'd it pan out? Mix ratios?

[Steve]

How about just warming it up? that'll make it flow better, release bubbles etc

[Dave]

Johnno, I don't think I would try thinning the epoxy with acetone. It will weaken it and you would probably finish up with acetone trapped in the epoxy. It may also have an effect on the clarity of the finished epoxy. As Steve said try warming it up but remember it will go off a lot quicker if warm. It may also be worth try to warm the rod up before applying the epoxy as this will make it flow into the binding a bit better.
Dave

[Whio]

Some tips for using epoxy from an aeronautical composites perspective
1 ALWAYS wear gloves - it's so easy to get epoxy sensitivity which results in rash or skin blisters at best.
2 I agree with the comment of not using acetone. It will adversely affect the resins performance properties and may prevent the resin curing properly
3 Heating will help reduce viscosity. Alternatively use a thinner hardener as usually more than one type of hardener will work with an epoxy resin. Noting different hardeners will affect cured resin flexibility and brittleness properties as well as cure times.
4 When mixing use a gentle folding action rather than a stirring one. This will reduce the amount of air inclusion.
5 Leave the resin standing for a minute or so after mixing. This will do 2 things. 1 it will allow air bubbles to rise to the surface and 2 the exothermic reaction will reduce the resin viscosity a little, easing application.

Enjoy