Concrete tips for concrete projects

The power of epoxy glues for concrete

Epoxy glues for concrete are strong adhesives that are designed to last. This text focuses on two-part concrete epoxy and gives you great pointers on using this unique adhesive.

Concrete epoxy adhesives: A quick briefing

Most epoxy glues for concrete come as two-part systems consisting of an epoxy resin and a hardener. When equal volumes of the resin and hardener are mixed, they react to produce a tough, rigid, high-strength bond. You can use epoxy resin for concrete to repair, fill, bond, and rebuild concrete surfaces.

Which epoxy resin for concrete projects?

When choosing your epoxy glue for concrete, make a list of all the construction materials that will contact concrete in your project. Your product must be able to bond all of them. Loctite Epoxy Metal/Concrete is a fabulous choice if you want to bond concrete, metal, glass, ceramic, and wood.

Will you be sealing electrical components? If so, your epoxy must not conduct electricity. Are you planning on drilling, sanding, machining, or painting your epoxy glue for concrete? Read the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure this is possible. Similarly, check whether your two-part concrete epoxy can withstand the ambient conditions it will be subject to, such as heat or immersion in water.

How to use two-part epoxy adhesive for concrete

Now that you have the right epoxy glue for concrete, this section will tell you how to use it.

Safety and tools. You need a utility knife, a mixing tool/applicator, and a disposable mixing surface. Always work in a well-ventilated area. Wear gloves to protect your hands.

Prepare surfaces. They must be clean and dry. Sand smooth surfaces to improve adhesion. Wash ceramic or glass surfaces in soapy water and let them dry. Pre-fit all parts to be joined before proceeding.

Prepare epoxy glue for concrete. Mix equal amounts of resin and hardener. If you use a syringe system, remove the plug from the piston and cut the openings of the syringes to the same size. Turn the syringe up and carefully retract the plunger, so air bubbles can rise. Press the plunger to expel air and dispense equal amounts of the components onto a disposable surface and mix them. Clean the syringe tips, retract the piston, and replace the plug.

Apply two-part concrete epoxy. Apply a small amount of the mixture to one or both surfaces as explained in the manufacturer’s instructions and press the surfaces together. Remove excess epoxy immediately.

Let it cure. Support or clamp the bond for the length of time specified in the product information, where you can also read when the product’s usable strength has been reached and how long it takes to fully cure.

Clean-up. Clean excess adhesive immediately (before it sets) using acetone. This solvent is flammable, so do not use it near flames. If your epoxy has already cured, carefully cut it away using a sharp blade.