Granite stone bonding epoxy
Granite stone is popular for its natural beauty and its longevity as well as having a high resistance to wear. As a result, many people install granite countertops, floors and use granite for decorative purposes. The best way of securing granite is by using granite stone bonding epoxy. Unlike regular adhesives, this specialty epoxy has been created with consideration of the porous nature, heavy weight and exposure to the elements (such as heat/cold) as well as creating a bond that outperforms the granite itself. This guide will provide information related to granite stone bonding epoxy and how to utilize granite stone bonding epoxy for successfully bonding granite stones together.
Granite stone bonding epoxy contains two components, part A (resin) and part B (hardener). When combined the resin and hardener will form an extremely strong chemical adhesive that can bond granite stone or other surfaces such as concrete, metal and wood together rigidly. This epoxy product is also designed for bonding granite stones and any other surface permanently, as it is waterproof, resistant to chemicals (liquid, gas and oil), heat as well as UV rays. Thus, the granite stone bonding epoxy will provide a long-term bond between granite stones and all other types of surfaces when used for installation, repairing or bonding seams.The following is a brief description of commonly used adhesives for use on marble and granite; factors you should consider when selecting an appropriate adhesive include:
1) Two-part epoxy adhesives: two-part epoxy adhesives are the most widely used adhesives due to their versatility and broad use as stone and granite installation adhesives via a mixing ratio of equal parts by weight epoxy resin and epoxy hardener. Traditional epoxies offer several advantages; they form a very strong, durable bond. They are waterproof and able to withstand heat up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. They will bond to both granite and multiple substrates. Clear epoxy adhesives are available or colours that will blend with all different granite types to conceal or soften their seams. Some of the disadvantages of two-part epoxies are that you can make a mistake by mixing them incorrectly, they take 24 to 48 hours to cure to full strength and you must clean up any spills immediately; if not done, the residual curling or excess adhesive can permanently discolour or burn the spot where they occurred from the excess adhesive.Ideal applications include bonding granite countertops, tile flooring, joining seams, and any bonding project indoors/outdoors. 2) Clear Epoxies adhere without visible colour or design changes to stone material because clear epoxy is initially applied as a liquid and dried as a solid so that your finished joint will not interfere with the natural pattern or colour of the stone being bonded. 3) Advantages include forms an invisible bond with the surface of the stone; does not stain; provides UV resistance to prevent yellowing; works well for situations where aesthetics are important. The disadvantage compared to conventional two-part epoxies is cost, however, differences in application require extreme precision in order to prevent air bubbles from forming. Ideal applications include: bonding granite countertops, decorative granite pieces, and seamlessly repairing surfaces where an invisible bond is necessary. Also includes; 3) Fast-setting epoxies have an extremely short cure time compared to other types of adhesives – fast-setting epoxy will typically dry to touch within 20 – 30 minutes and cure completely in approximately 12 – 24 hours. Fast-setting epoxy is easy to use, great for small fall chips and cracks, capable of quickly gluing surfaces together as long as they are within close proximity to each other, and will provide you with faster than any other type of epoxy for producing a completed project.Down Sides: There are downsides to using a Fast-Setting Epoxy; e.g. lower initial bonding strength than other types of epoxies; Limited time for adjusting before the epoxy sets; Multiple/Heavy Duty Installations are NOT recommended with Fast-Setting Epoxies.
Guidelines for Selecting a Type of Granite Bonding Epoxy
To achieve the best bond for your granite surfaces each of the types of granite bonding epoxies need to be evaluated based on the following factors:
Use of the Granite
Decide the Use of your granite.
Will it be used for:
Installation (Countertops and/or Floors) – If you are going to install the granite Countertops and/or Floors then you should use standard 2-part epoxies and/or clear epoxy to create invisible seams.
Repairing Chips/Cracks – If you are going to repair chips/cracks quickly then you should use fast-setting epoxy; if you are repairing chips/cracks with a more pleasing appearance than you should use clear epoxy.
Using Granite Outdoors/Submerged- If you are going to use the granite in a water feature; you should use a marine epoxy; if you are installing the granite outdoors where temperatures may be high, you should use a low-heat epoxy.
Compatibility of The Substrates
To bond materials together they must both be compatible with the epoxy; therefore:
For wood or metal; use standard two-component epoxy.
For Concrete; use standard two-component epoxy or marine epoxy.
For all materials submerged under water; use marine epoxy.
Aesthetic Requirements
If you want the seam or repair work to be visible then you should use clear epoxy or epoxy that is color-matched to the granite to hide the seam/repair work.If seams or repairs are not visible, standard epoxy may be used for a cheaper option.
Curing Times
Fast-set epoxy is best for fast maintenance jobs (20-30 min for partial set). For heavy-use jobs, standard epoxies have a cure time of 24-48 hours. A slow cure creates a weaker bond.
Performance Requirements
If the area being bonded will be exposed to high heat, use low-heat epoxy. If the bonded area will be under water or wet and will be in direct sun, marine epoxies with IPX8 (waterproof) and clear UV resistant to prevent yellowing should be used.
Granite Stone Bonding Epoxy Procedure
By following the proper application procedure, you will achieve a proper bond, and provide a seamless surface. Use these steps to achieve professional results:
1. Surface Preparation
Use either acetone or any stone-friendly cleaner to clean the granite and substrate surfaces prior to applying the epoxy. Make sure to remove all contaminants, including grease, and dirt. Even a fingerprint can cause a decreased bond strength. Lightly sand any high spots before bonding, which will increase the bond strength on uneven sections. After cleaning and sanding, allow both surfaces to dry completely before applying the epoxy adhesive, moisture will create an increased bond strength.
2.Epoxy Mixing
Mix epoxy resin with a coordinating hardener in accordance to manufacturer instructions; normally an equal volume of each resin to facilitate thorough mixing. You want to thoroughly mix rather than just blending. The total time spent on mixing varies from one minute to three minutes for a good blend (completely blended epoxy). When mixing resin and hardener together do not allow for air bubbles entering into the mixture. Use different means to prevent cross contamination.
2. Ratio for Mixing Epoxy Resins
Follow the manufacturers instruction to mix your epoxies by weight; may vary depending on what type of epoxy you are using.
3. Applying Epoxy to Granites
After mixing your epoxies into a vessel, using a notched spreader or putty knife, spread a neat bead of your mixed epoxy for about an eighth of an inch to a quarter of an inch (approximately 3 – 6 mm) between & lengthwise (both) pieces before attaching them together. If creating a joint attach both pieces at the joint and fill in part of joint with epoxy; be sure to not put too much epoxy at the edge of joint when you fill in the remaining part of the seam.
4. Joining Two Pieces of Granite
Before joining up your two pieces of granite together after applying the epoxy mixture, lightly twist them around so that they touch completely on both sides of the joint where they join together. Utilize clamps or weights to hold them together while applying enough consistent pressure for the epoxy to cure (using mfr’s guide). Regularly clean any excess epoxy from granite surfaces near joint after curing epoxy (immediately) using a wet cloth or acetone because after curing epoxy can be very difficult to remove from granite surfaces without damaging the finish. To Cure/Fix the Joint
The Cure time is determined by the epoxy manufacturer; standard epoxy 24 to 48 hours of curing time, fast setting epoxy 12 hours and full polymerization under normal room temperature of 70°F 7 days. Do not weight down or use the area again until the curing process has been completed. Sand any excess epoxy off of the area and polish until the finish of the rigid surface is the same grain as each granite rigid surface that it is bonded to.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Granite Stone Bonding Epoxy
Using quality adhesive and the wrong procedures will cause immediate bond failure; this guidance below identifies the most common mistakes when using granitestone bonding epoxy:
1. Failure to Prepare Surfaces with Clean, Greaseless, Moisture-Free Area. Dust, grease and/or moisture will create a weakened bond.
2. Improperly Mixing Your Epoxy. Wrong A to B resin/hardener combinations may create a weak bond, sticky residue and/or improperly cured epoxy.
3. Applying Too Much Epoxy Product. Excess product will cause staining to the surface of your granite; clean excess product ASAP.
4. Rushing your Cure Time will be unsafe because weight or use on the surface before fully cured epoxy will cause dangerous separation/bond failure; do not place weight or use surfaces until full curing has been obtained (pload mixing for countertops/shelfs/tops).Using the wrong type of epoxy can lead to poor bond quality between heavy objects and fast-curing or long-term curing epoxy, so use the proper epoxy for your application at the beginning of your granite project.
When installing granite, you must clamp the two pieces of granites throughout the curing process for the adhesive to develop a strong bond.
To maintain your epoxy bonds and the normal aesthetics of your granite projects, we recommend that you do the following:
– Inspect your bonded areas regularly for cracks/gaps/decay and repair them with the same type of epoxy as soon as you note them.
– Clean your granite using only non-abrasive cleaners; Do not use any heavy-duty cleaning supplies that contain bleach or ammonia as they can damage your granite and/or the leg’s performance and/or the epoxy.
– If your granite project is installed on the exterior of your home, you must re-apply a UV resistant sealant every one to two years to keep your bonded surface from breaking down due to UV damage.
– Do not drag any heavy items over the bonded surface. The bond will loosen over time.
– The best way to store unused epoxy is in a refrigerated area, out of direct light, and in a dry area. Unopened containers of epoxy can be stored at 70 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 60 months.
Granite stone bonding epoxies are the premier choice in bonding/repairing granite using the best engineering design systems to provide ultimate strength, durability, long-lasting bonds and versatility to create strong, beautiful granite products that last for many years regardless of their intended use.
The final outcome of your granite project will be directly related to the quality of the epoxy you select as well as to the methods of installation employed. If you are a remodeler, contractor or DIY, your granite project will be completed in your desired timeframe if quality epoxies are used and proper skills are applied.
