Epoxy Flammability?

[kcox]

Is it? Yesterday was warm, 75F, got the canoe project ready to put 2nd coat of epoxy on the inside, and whaddayaknow, it's 45F. If you don't like the weather in OK, just wait a bit and it will change. Anyway, shop is nice and toasty, but I have not found any warnings about epoxy being explosive. My open flame Dearborn heater sits there in the corner, keeping old man winter out. Anybody know if expoxy fumes will return my carefully crafted canoe into matchsticks? Thanks, Karl

[Art Read]

I don't think you have to worry too much about the fumes causing a fire hazzard, but a little common sense calls for at least a "little" ventilation. Crack a window? Epoxy WILL spontaniously combust if you mix up too big a batch in too small a container however. It's exothermic 'till cured. If you want to mix up a bunch, use a wide, flat container to spread out the surface area.

[kcox]

Thanks, Art. I couldn't find any info, so thought I would ask here. I think I will go and see what happens. Will check in later.

[Art Read]

Oh, Jeeze! I'm no chemist! No warranty with that advice! ;) That being said, don't shut up your shop "too" tight and I think you'll be fine. I never blew up my shop anyway... Your brain cells will probably thank you too.

[Donn]

January 4, 2003

Amateur boatbuilder burns down shop

OKLAHOMA, USA: A local canoe builder lost his shop Sunday, when fumes from a mixture of epoxy were ignited by his open flame shop stove, instantly spreading flames through the lumber stored in the shop. Karl Cox, speaking to reporters while being treated by emergency medical personnel, said "Some guy on the WoodenBoat Forum told me it was ok to run the heater while epoxying my canoe." Cox lost, in addition to his shop, all the hair on his head, face and upper body, but was otherwise unhurt.

[daddles]

Originally posted by Donn:
January 4, 2003

Amateur boatbuilder burns down shop

.See. It happened exactly twelve months ago too!

Don't know about fire but fumes in a warmed and sealed shop can't be good for you.

Cheers
Richard
trying to epoxy in 40 degrees - Centigrade that is!

[kcox]

Well, shop is still there! Second coat on and successful. Hair is a little thin, not from a flash fire, just life LOL.

[JimConlin]

Check the MSDS for the epoxy materials you use. That might provide a more technical basis for a conclusion.

If your heater is not vented, i'd also be concerned about the water vapor it produces. If the part being epoxied is cold and the heater is adding water vapor, condensation could result.

[Art Read]

:D