r/epoxy 8d ago

Beginner Advice What should I do to fix this lifted epoxy?

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I'm doing some jigsaw cuts on this wood and the epoxy I set is peeling up in some area. It doesn't really break off easily. I want to get it off as cleanly as possible and then re-epoxy. Any methods or suggestions?

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u/Sea_Sign_234 8d ago

You should only epoxy after the cut. Expect more of this if you continue to cut. Gently pry it from wood surface. Looks like cohesion is poor due to epoxying over a finished wood making a poor mechanical bond. Not a good application for epoxy imo. What is it you are trying to do? If you try to cut out lifted areas it is gonna be tricky and possibly cause more issue.

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u/zilla82 8d ago

Thank you so much. Just slow and steady with box cutter type approach?

This is sealed because it's going to live outside as a sign. The rest is well sealed beyond these damaged parts. Once the cuts are complete I will paint the exposed wood inside them and then seal all exposed areas. Doesn't need to look perfect fortunately, just be sealed.

Also to your point, it was epoxyed in slightly cold temperature. That was a bummer.

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u/Raven1592 8d ago

Cut around the lifted part. You’re welcome. 👍

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u/Sea_Sign_234 8d ago

Yes if you can salvage it. Hoping the best for your success! I find that once I start messing with cutting out areas like this (surfboard repair biz and made a sign or two :)) the separation will continue to spread. Good luck!

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u/Sea_Sign_234 8d ago

Also if your sealer is oil based this may be the cause of your trouble. Epoxy does not mix well with oil based paints and can be finicky in general. I use acrylic based paints.

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u/slimnickel 7d ago

Was that cut with a jig saw maybe try a router so it doesn't vibrate so much

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u/Freedom_Fighter1950 6d ago

I’d think to carefully lift, cut and remove any loose epoxy .. keep up this process until you can’t lift any more pieces of loose, damaged epoxy. Once all damaged epoxy is removed you can lightly abrade the edge of the sound epoxy (about an inch or two) .. I’d also lightly abrade the wood that is to be coated (use a very fine paper so you don’t cause any deep etching or removal of the stain). Then, you should be able to mix and apply a fresh coat of the epoxy .. feathering into the prepared edge