Cementing the Gaps

Epoxies are not like super glues: While superglues can make any two surfaces (Not all, only the suited ones) stick together, epoxy glue are something of a bond forming glue. To be explain this in more simpler terms, super glues need the broken pieces to fit roughly perfect for the object to maintain the shape. Epoxies on the other hand will not need the pieces to be perfect. In fact, the greater the bond gap, the better the bond will be.

Setting Times

Epoxies have varied setting time that usually falls in the spectrum between minutes and hours. One of the challenges in using the epoxy ceramic glue is that it is difficult to hold an object with no additional or lesser than the right force. So, it is up to one’s personal preference and a proper understanding of the subject to choose if they need a quicker setting epoxy or a longer setting epoxy.

Why a slower setting epoxy?

If the items that are being worked on are small and doesn’t require much time in spreading and coating the epoxy, then a quicker setting epoxy is the right choice to go with. If the application requires spreading epoxies over a large are, the setting time of five minutes is not at all sufficient. Thereby, a slower setting epoxy is required in this case. However, with the advancements in the recent days, the fast setting epoxies have become just as strong as slower setting epoxies.

High Temperature Failure

This is one of the factors that must be considered before choosing the right glue for your ceramics. Depending on the use the ceramic will be subjected to, it is up to one to choose the right type of ceramic glue. Super glue begins to melt at around 190F. Epoxies on the other hand begins to melt at around 250F, depending on the brand and its chemical properties.

Repair Line Thickness and Colour

Super glue leaves only a thin mending line, whereas epoxies have colours. This is extremely importance if the use of these glues is being done in projects that require to be visually attractive. Some epoxies are clear, whereas others tend to develop a bit of yellowish tint with time. In order to mitigate the effects of the glue oxidising, colours are added to the epoxy resins so as to maintain visual pleasing nature of the project.

Cleaning after completion

Cleaning of epoxy coating with any organic solvents such as alcohols and acetone is important to avoid any manual labour cleaning that might be required some time down the line. It is also important to avoid the use of any blade to remove any excess epoxy coating, unless the resin is completely cured. This would prevent the bonding epoxy deform due to the application of shear force, which could ruin the finish of the applied coating. The excess coating can also be milled and polished to make it appealing.

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