The term “epoxy” might sound exotic, but clear epoxy glues are nothing more than transparent, high-performance structural adhesives and gap fillers that are used in applications requiring high-strength bonds.
Epoxies can be developed for almost any application and score more points than common adhesives when it comes to heat and chemical resistance. Clear epoxy glues are no exception. Epoxy adhesives are often sold as one-component or two-component systems. This text focuses on two-part clear epoxy adhesives dispensed using syringes.
Epoxy glues form when resin and hardener are polymerized. Mixing equal volumes of these compounds creates an adhesive that produces a rigid, high-strength bond. Clear epoxy glues, also known as clear resin glues, are simply the translucent versions of this product. They dry clear and can be used for a variety of applications that require invisible bonds.
Clear epoxy glue is an invisible bond that permanently rejoins even stoneware
Gather your tools. You will need a utility knife, a mixing tool or applicator, and a disposable mixing surface.
Stay safe. Apply your clear epoxy glue and let it cure in a well-ventilated area. Wear gloves to protect your hands.
Prepare your surfaces. Your surfaces must be absolutely clean and dry. Sand smooth surfaces to roughen them and improve adhesion. Wash glass or ceramic surfaces with soap and water, and then let them dry.
Prepare your clear resin glue. Remove the plug from the piston and cut off the tips of the syringes so the openings are the same size. Turn the syringe up and pull the plunger back slightly, allowing air bubbles to rise. Press the plunger to dispense equal amounts of resin and hardener on a disposable surface and mix them thoroughly. Wipe the syringe tips clean, retract the piston slightly, and close the applicator with the plug.
Apply a small amount of mixed clear epoxy adhesive to both surfaces within the amount of time stated in the product information and press the surfaces together. Remove excess clear epoxy glue immediately.
Let it cure. Support the bond for the length of time and under the ambient conditions specified in the manufacturer’s instructions. They should also tell you when the product’s usable strength has been reached and when it is fully cured.
Wipe or cut away. Wipe away excess clear epoxy glue immediately with a clean cloth or carefully cut away cured adhesive using a sharp blade. Immersing adhesive in paint stripper for a while can soften it, which facilitates removal.
Wash your hands.
You will want to use clear epoxy glue if your project involves invisible seams or transparent repairs, but which clear resin glue is best for your application? That depends on the surfaces you need to bond and the type of bonding you want to perform.
Use the long epoxy mixing nozzle to mix the 2-component adhesive immediately before application
For instance, Loctite Epoxy Clear Multi-Purpose is ideal for bonding many materials (metal, glass, ceramic, wood, many rigid plastics, china, tile, fiberglass, concrete, and stone). You can use it as a versatile gap filler, for surface repairs, and for laminating applications. This premium clear epoxy adhesive produces high-strength bonds that will not shrink and are resistant to most common solvents, including water. However, you should not use it for applications involving prolonged water immersion or flexible materials. That means this clear epoxy resin would be great for repairing a glass table, but not the cushions on chairs placed around that table.