TotalBoat Silica Thickener SDS
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Silica Thickener used with epoxy for?
Silica Thickener is used with epoxy systems and polyester resins as a thickening agent to create a smooth, non-sagging, high-strength mixture for structural bonding, filleting, and filling. It’s best to use Silica when high-strength and low-density are required. Silica is great to mix with epoxy for various uses, like bulking out the resin or making it easy to sand.
Can you sand epoxy with Silica Thickener?
Yes, you can sand epoxy with Silica Thickener. Although it’s not as easily sanded as microballoons, it’s easier than sanding straight epoxy.
Can you mix Colloidal Silica with Microballoons?
Yes, you can mix Colloidal Silica with other fillers, including Microballoons. Oftentimes, using two fillers are more effective than any single filler used alone. You can blend Silica into mixed resin/hardener along with TotalBoat Glass Microballoons to allow easy sanding when fairing.
How much should you add to epoxy when making an adhesive for bonding?
A 5-quart quantity of Silica Thickener when combined with 1 gallon of mixed epoxy/hardener, will produce about 1.75 gallons of smooth, thixotropic epoxy filler.
Can you mix Colloidal Silica with wood flour?
Yes, you can mix Colloidal Silica with wood flour. Adding no more than 30 percent by volume has the benefit of making wood flour fillets smoother and easier to spread.
Which epoxy system should you use with Silica Thickener?
You can use both 2:1 High-Performance Epoxy and 5:1 Traditional Epoxy resin systems with Silica Thickener.
