The Woodworker’s Epoxy

FlowCast® is a two-component epoxy system developed for large casting applications. It is perfect for live edge wood projects such as river tables or ocean tables.

FlowCast® cures water clear and is compatible with many substrates. It has been formulated to have increased UV stability, a low viscosity for excellent air release, and a low exothermic heat buildup to allow for easy casting and encapsulation of items while preventing stress cracking.

The appearance of FlowCast® can be customized using EcoPoxy’s high intensity Metallic Color Pigments and liquid Color Pigments. Compatibility of the cured system with a variety of finishing methods and products ensures that desired custom finishes can be achieved.

FlowCast® can be worked using the same tools you already have for woodworking such as a lathe, table saw, or belt sander, leaving you thousands of possibilities to create beautiful projects. Be sure to check us out on social media for inspiration and see what other artists are making out of EcoPoxy.

Mixing

FlowCast® is formulated to have a 2:1 resin to hardener mix ratio by volume. Deviation from the mix ratio can result in lower mechanical properties or incomplete cure.

Processing Characteristics

Working time is the time during which the resin has been poured but is not yet gelled. It can still be worked with and will produce a good quality casting. In practice, this means that the resin can still be manipulated and will quickly self level.

Tacky to touch is the period where a second pour can be done without the need to abrade the surface of the first layer for adhesion. During this period, the project will need to be protected from contaminants that can adhere to the surface. To determine tacky to touch, wear gloves and lightly touch the surface of the casting. No resin will stick to the glove’s surface, but tackiness between the glove and surface will be apparent. The onset of tacky to touch has not been reached if the surface significantly deforms in this process.

Set to touch is the point in time immediately after the tacky to touch period, where the surface of the casting is tack-free. Determine if set to touch has been reached using the same method as tacky to touch. There is no observable tackiness between the glove and the surface.

Demolding time is the point in time at which the casting has cured sufficiently such that it can be carefully removed from the mold without causing damage to the epoxy. Castings can be demolded when a wedge can be inserted under one corner of the casting with no observable deformation or bending. Although the casting is solid, it is not fully cured and it may sag under its own weight. The casting should be supported until it reaches a fully cured state.

Full cure is the point in time when the casting achieves full mechanical properties.

The table below shows Working Time, Tacky to Touch, Set to Touch, Demolding Time and Full Cure for a 72”x8” casting poured to the maximum recommended depth of 1.5”. Ambient temperature was 21°C, with 50% RH. This casting size (~14L) is meant to represent the typical dimensions of the epoxy portion of a river table project. Processing characteristics will vary depending on factors such as resin volume, casting geometry, ambient conditions, and mold materials.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location out of direct sunlight. Protect from freezing and physical damage. Do not store in a location subject to frequent temperature changes as the product may crystallize. Use product as soon as possible after opening. If storing remainder of product for another project, keep container tightly closed.

Additional Product Details

How To Use FlowCast®

In a clean, dry container; combine (by volume) 2 parts resin with 1 part hardener, and mix thoroughly for 4 to 5 minutes. Then add desired pigments, continuing to mix until the epoxy is completely colored. Add 3 minutes of additional mixing time after pigment addition. After mixing, pour the epoxy into your mold. See our Knowledge Base for more detailed tutorials.

Repouring Between Coats

Possible between 25 - 48 hours providing the previous pour is firm but still tacky. Once tack-free it is necessary to sand between layers to ensure proper adhesion.

Recommended Storage

55ºF through 85ºF with tightly sealed lids.

Shelf Life

Epoxy has a shelf life of about 2 years providing it is properly stored in sealed containers.