Fix a hole in one

Getting started with epoxy putty

Save time and effort by putting epoxy putty to use! All you need to do is get to know the many speciality putties available, from plastic, metal and wood epoxy putty, to underwater epoxy putty, to high heat epoxy putty. Read on to get the lowdown on how to use them.

Epoxy putty – a closer look

“Epoxy putty” is a term for a powerful adhesive that binds, patches and fixes holes, leaks and tears and is known for being a malleable paste-like substance. Two-part epoxy putties harden at room temperature and are activated by combining their two components, stored separately prior to use.

Epoxy putty applications

Epoxy putties are malleable substances that can be used to fills gaps and holes. They also can be moulded into more substantial structural parts. Before it has fully cured, epoxy putty can be used like modelling clay to plug unusual and awkward gaps, e.g. around tiles or in window corners. Being water resistant, it can also be applied to damp, wet, moist or leaky areas.

While it is possible to use epoxy putties to anchor things into concrete walls, this is not something that they’re primarily used for. When applying epoxy putty you have to consider the type of surface which you want it to cure on and, as a consequence, which type of epoxy putty you need.

Using epoxy putty

Here’s how to correctly use epoxy putties for all your repairs and gap fills.

Your tools. Knives, sandpaper or wire brush, gloves and a damp cloth are typical tools.
Safety first. Make sure to wear gloves and wash hands properly after using epoxy putty.
Make space and set out your materials. Surfaces must be grease, dust and oil-free. If the surfaces you want to apply the epoxy putty to are smooth, then you should lightly sand them as this will improve the adhesion.
Prepare the epoxy putty. Mix up a sufficient amount of epoxy putty according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Apply and fill. Keeping in mind the curing time of the epoxy putty as given by the manufacturer, press the amount required into the hole, crack or tear and smooth the putty over with your hands.
Putty as an adhesive. If you want to bond two surfaces with epoxy putty, apply the product to the relevant surfaces and apply force. On wet surfaces you need to apply pressure for longer until the putty sticks (see product instructions).
Finish the job. Smooth the epoxy putty out with damp rag before it hardens. Manufacturer’s instructions will indicate how long you need to wait before sanding, drilling or painting the epoxy putty.
Clean-up. A sharp knife can get rid of hardened epoxy putty but it’s much easier to remove when its uncured.

Forget faffing about which epoxy you need:

Unibond’s Repair Express Power Putty can be used on all materials!