Spilled Epoxy Resin - What Should I Do Next?
Accidents seem to happen like clockwork, especially when putting epoxy resin on concrete. Don’t panic if you spill your epoxy products - there’s a fix for that! Although it is not necessary, it is recommended to remove Epoxy resin before they cure to prevent having to grind the product after it has hardened incessantly. Remember not to wait too long, or the resin will cure firmly, and at that point, nothing will remove it besides sanding the spilled area.
There are different methods to remove uncured and cured epoxy. However, regardless of how your epoxy has dried, you must scrape the excess resin with sandpaper, clay, or another rigid absorbent material into a container to ensure the product won’t stick to anything or get tracked around. After this is completed make sure to wipe the surfaces that are to be cleaned using a lint-free rag soaked with a proper solvent. Keep in mind that it is essential that you wear gloves to protect your skin, and avoid any contact with your face or eyes. By carefully following these instructions, your spilled or excess epoxy will remove in no time!
Removing Uncured Epoxy:
Use a metal or plastic putty knife to scrape up the uncured epoxy coating. Continue to use the putty knife to remove as much as possible into a container and eventually you will create a flatter surface. Next, saturate the lint-free rag with denatured alcohol, acetone, lacquer thinner, or toluene to remove the residue. It is crucial to read the safety warnings before use and to provide proper ventilation when using harsh solvents. After you have completed the removal process, allow the solvent to dry for at least 24 hours. Once the epoxy is gone, and the solvents have adequately dried, wipe down the entire area with a clean rag. You may use water or a suitable cleaner for the surface that you are cleaning. Double check to make sure your spilled coating has been entirely removed. Once checked be sure to avoid this happening again! Remember it is better to take your time when applying epoxy resins then rushing the application process. You are not ready to recoat!
Removing Cured Epoxy:
Cured epoxy classifies as epoxy that has dried for at least 24 hours. Use a heat gun at 200℉ to warm the epoxy; this allows lowering the epoxy viscosity, so it is easier to scrape the material. You will need a metal or plastic putty knife. Dried epoxy should flake or chip off in chunks, so be prepared to dispose of it properly. Unlike uncured epoxy, denatured alcohol may not always work. Cured epoxy may require paint thinner soaked into a lint-free rag. You may have to scrub and pick at the dried epoxy and reapply a paint thinner or denatured alcohol multiple times. Once you remove the epoxy, allow the solvents to dry for at least 24 hours, and once dry, clean the surface with water or cleaner.
If this method does not work you will have to use machine prep the floor with a diamond grinder, shot blaster, or heavy duty floor concrete prep tool like a diamabrush that attaches to any standard floor buffer. Let’s hope you are able to quickly take action against epoxy spills but this is the last resort if the epoxy just won't come up with a putty knife and denatured alcohol.
After you have completed removing the epoxy, personal clean-up from the resin should take place immediately after. For your skin use water and soap to thoroughly clean your hands and any other parts of the body that might have gotten paint on them. You can also use waterless hand cleaning products with resins. Waterless hand cleaner is compounded with added protective oils that prevent resin from being absorbed by the skin.
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