Choosing And Using MAS Epoxy

Epoxy has been used by woodworkers for years to glue, fill, stabilize, and finish projects. In recent years cast epoxy projects have become very popular and allow woodworkers to use large slabs and workpieces that otherwise would be destined for the scrap pile. When mixed with color tints and pigments, epoxy can add a whole new creative element to projects big and small. But with so many different types of epoxy available, it can be difficult to choose the right type for a certain project. Don't worry, we can help make choosing and using MAS Epoxy easy.

Here at Infinity, we offer MAS Epoxy. MAS manufactures several different types of epoxy to suit the specific needs of woodworkers. Among these are Penetrating Epoxy, Deep Pour Epoxy, Deep Pour X Epoxy, and Table Top Epoxy. Let's take a look at each of these four types so you can understand and choose the right epoxy for your next project. For those that may not be familiar, Epoxy is made of a resin and a hardener that must be mixed together before spreading or pouring on your projects. Depending on the formulation, epoxy can be used for a variety of applications so choosing the right type is very important.

MAS Penetrating Epoxy

Penetrating Epoxy is exactly what it sounds like. It is formulated to penetrate. It is ideal for strengthening and stabilizing punky or rotted wood. It also excels at sealing wood prior to using Deep Pour epoxies when making river tables. Sealing the surfaces of your project with Penetrating Epoxy is an often overlooked step, and the secret that the pros use to eliminate the unsightly trapped air bubbles that can ofter rein an otherwise perfect project. With all epoxy, it is important to understand and mix in the correct ratio. MAS Penetrating Epoxy is mixed two-parts resin to one-part hardener (2:1) by volume. In other words, if you need three cups of mixed epoxy, you will use two cups of resin and one cup of hardener. It really is that simple. 

MAS Deep Pour Epoxy

Again, the name says it all.  Deep Pour Epoxy is designed to be poured in layers up to 1" thick. It can be used to fill voids in slabs and is ideal for any of your casting projects, especially for thicker projects where you want a layered look when using tints or pigments to add color. Deep pour is mixed in a 3:1 ratio and has a gel time of 5.5 hours at 75°  and cures in about 24 hours. With all types of epoxy it is important to pay attention to the temperature of your workshop. Epoxy is very sensitive to temperature and for best results, you should work in an environment between 60° and 75°.

MAS Deep Pour X

Deep Pour X Epoxy is the newest addition to the MAS lineup and is formulated to be poured in extra thick layers between 2" and 3". If you are working on large table projects, Deep Pour X is a great choice. It has a lengthened gel time of about 18 hours. This is important to remember when using pigments, as you will need to give those pigments a stir during that time to keep them from settling. The benefit is that Deep Pour X has excellent air release so trapped air bubbles are greatly reduced, especially if you seal your project with Penetrating Epoxy first. Mixed with a 2:1 ratio Deep Pour X has a cure time of up to 72 hours. The extended cure time allows the epoxy to set up properly without yellowing, and produces a clear glass-like result.

MAS Table Top Epoxy

Table Top Epoxy is a finish coat that is poured to produce a perfectly smooth finish for your project. Unlike other finishes, Table Top Epoxy goes on in a single layer and is self-leveling. It can be poured in layers up to 1/4" thick. Like all MAS epoxy, it cures to a durable and scratch-resistant finish. Table Top Epoxy can also be poured in layers to fill voids or create unique effects. Like the other epoxies discussed here, it 100% compatible with our Eye Candy Pigments and Mixol Tints. This type of epoxy is mixed with a 1:1 ratio. 

Don't Forget The Color And Accessories

If your epoxy project needs some added color, Infinity Tools offers a complete line of Eye Candy Pigments and Mixol Tints. We also carry all those little Epoxy Accessories like mixing cups, mixers, and spreading tools for achieving your best results. Woodworking is hard enough. Our goal is helping you get the tools, supplies, and knowledge you need for a job done right. To that end, we aim to remove any mystery when it comes to choosing and using MAS epoxies. Now get out in your shop and start planning your next project.