Best epoxy for applying silicon carbide to polymer items?
I’d like to apply some silicon carbide to some items and eventually guns.
Which epoxy type material works best? Probably a 60 grit carbide.This message has been edited. Last edited by: Riley,
Do not send me to a heaven where there are no dogs. Step Up or Stand Aside: Support the Troops ! Expectations are premeditated disappointments.
July 03, 2022, 08:17 PM
hrcjon
I am confused completely by the project. But if you want to just imbed carbide grip in a substrate for all practical purposes any two part epoxy will do and give the same result. I use West System which is primarily a boat building product but there are a zillion other choices that will give the same result. West System Gflex is easily available in small quantities as a suggestion. Now when you get to a steel, aluminum or polymer substrate (gun =steel? or al or polymer) then additional considerations may apply in terms of what works best and more specifically application techniques. But if we are just discussing 'grip' type applications strength really won't matter. Clean, sand and apply. Etch if its got any shear possibilities. I know a lot about epoxies if you can fill in some details.
“So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong, and strike at what is weak.”
July 04, 2022, 01:02 PM
Riley
Nothing fancy, just basically permanent sand paper grip “tape” on some polymer items rather than stipple. Things like AR-15 grips, P320 grip modules. Lots of how to’s but not as many describing what was used.
Small quantity experiment. I may try some for traction pads on the mower or something but that’s a bigger project.
Do not send me to a heaven where there are no dogs. Step Up or Stand Aside: Support the Troops ! Expectations are premeditated disappointments.
July 04, 2022, 02:23 PM
DaBigBR
Never tried it myself, but here's somebody that just used Gorilla Glue two-part epoxy.
Continued posts with the gun show the silica still intact.
July 04, 2022, 03:16 PM
hrcjon
quote:
Lots of how to’s but not as many describing what was used
I have no exact experience but industrial suppliers make things that bond well with plastics. ScotchWeld DP is one I have used. But they are pretty expensive. The internet shows several consumer products labeled for plastics like a JB Weld Plasticbonder product. But they seem to have colors if that matters. But in reality I think it matters not a hoot. You might have to waste a test sample but I would bet almost anything will be fine.
“So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong, and strike at what is weak.”
July 04, 2022, 10:14 PM
Pipe Smoker
quote:
Originally posted by Riley: I’d like to apply some silicone carbide to some items and eventually guns. <snip>
Presumably you mean silicon carbide.
Serious about crackers.
July 04, 2022, 10:35 PM
DaBigBR
quote:
Originally posted by hrcjon: You might have to waste a test sample but I would bet almost anything will be fine.
Who doesn't have an A2 pistol grip they can't quite bring themselves to throw away that they can sacrifice for something like this?
July 05, 2022, 01:02 PM
mlazarus
I used a simple two part epoxy from the local home improvement place. And since I live near the beach, I just collect and cleaned some sand. I also used a old sponge to add additional texture by pressing it lightly against the applied epoxy and sand. Came out great.
Ignem Feram
July 05, 2022, 04:05 PM
huskerlrrp
I've used JB Weld "Clearweld" clear epoxy for grips and grip modules. I first started with CZ75 plastic grips with some additional plastic to get the grips to be more ergonomic for my hands, de-greased with alcohol and then coated with the 2 part epoxy and then continually "dusted" with 80 grit silicon carbide in a plastic box. You can reuse the silicon carbide that doesn't stick. Once dry they hold up pretty well, but a little "shedding" at first. I've also done it on SP2022 grips. I've moved to LOK bogies palm swells on the CZ but only because it's easier. Not for performance.
July 05, 2022, 05:51 PM
MWC
It doesn't really matter which brand. Apply only a very thin layer.
___________________________ Originally posted by Psychobastard: Well, we "gave them democracy"... not unlike giving a monkey a loaded gun.
July 05, 2022, 07:45 PM
Riley
Thanks all!
Silicon, I stand corrected. Thank you.
Do not send me to a heaven where there are no dogs. Step Up or Stand Aside: Support the Troops ! Expectations are premeditated disappointments.
July 06, 2022, 07:09 PM
SIGnified
quote:
Originally posted by hrcjon: I am confused completely by the project. But if you want to just imbed carbide grip in a substrate for all practical purposes any two part epoxy will do and give the same result. I use West System which is primarily a boat building product but there are a zillion other choices that will give the same result. West System Gflex is easily available in small quantities as a suggestion. Now when you get to a steel, aluminum or polymer substrate (gun =steel? or al or polymer) then additional considerations may apply in terms of what works best and more specifically application techniques. But if we are just discussing 'grip' type applications strength really won't matter. Clean, sand and apply. Etch if its got any shear possibilities. I know a lot about epoxies if you can fill in some details.
^^^ 100%
Personally, I just use skateboard tape. You have to cut it in order to make it bend, But if you wanna to epoxy grit, west systems is good stuff (speaking as a knifemaker who uses epoxy regularly).
"Pacifism is a shifty doctrine under which a man accepts the benefits of the social group without being willing to pay - and claims a halo for his dishonesty." ~Robert A. Heinlein
July 06, 2022, 07:19 PM
mrw
The Home Depot/Lowes lock tight two part epoxy works just fine. I have a couple of 320 grip modules that I used silicone carbide 60 grit on. Grip tape lasts only a few matches, epoxied silicone carbide is forever.
Originally posted by mrw: The Home Depot/Lowes lock tight two part epoxy works just fine. I have a couple of 320 grip modules that I used silicone carbide 60 grit on. Grip tape lasts only a few matches, epoxied silicone carbide is forever.
I’ve only had grip tape need to be replaced every couple of years 3 to 5. Even with competitive shooting, it wasn’t anything I noticed.
But now I see you’re in Florida, and I imagine the adhesive doesn’t do well in the heat. It’s cold wet and rainy here so sticks fine.
Like I said… The epoxy guy above knows what he’s talking about.
"Pacifism is a shifty doctrine under which a man accepts the benefits of the social group without being willing to pay - and claims a halo for his dishonesty." ~Robert A. Heinlein
July 07, 2022, 07:58 AM
Pipe Smoker
quote:
Originally posted by mrw: The Home Depot/Lowes lock tight two part epoxy works just fine. I have a couple of 320 grip modules that I used silicone carbide 60 grit on. Grip tape lasts only a few matches, epoxied silicone carbide is forever.