Care must be exercised when using epoxies. Be sure to read all directions, MSDS (Materials Safety Data Sheet), and Technical Data Sheets before proceeding. Knowledge of how epoxies work is required for proper handling. Experimenting on practice materials before proceeding to the actual project is recommended. The precautions listed below are in addition to what is described in the MSDS and Technical Data Sheets for epoxies distributed by PRG, Inc.

Epoxies are a thermal setting material and thus create heat as they set. When Part A and Part B are mixed, heat is generated. If an epoxy (Part A and Part B) is warm when mixed, the energy generated by the setting process can cause the epoxy mix to overheat to an alarming condition. The epoxy can reach temperatures high enough to melt plastic bottles and to physically blister skin.

The temperature of the working environment and the epoxy components greatly influence the setting time of the epoxies. The warmer the temperature of all the various factors the shorter the setting time. The cooler all of the factors are, the longer the setting time. Ideal temperatures would be between 60-72ºF. (Do not attempt to use epoxies in freezing conditions).

Another variable in heat generation and setting time is the quantity of material used. The larger the quantity of epoxy mixed the greater is the potential for high temperatures occurring during the setting process. Please take time to use small quantities so that the thermal setting nature of epoxies can be appropriately controlled.

Some precautions to take when working with epoxies in a hot environment:

• Shade work area to avoid sunlight on the epoxy applied to the work area as well as epoxy remaining in the containers.

• Pre-cool epoxy by placing both component A and B into a bucket of ice. Never place in a refrigerator that has or may have food in it.

• Mix small quantities at a time to avoid overheating while mixing.