When working with epoxy, it's very important that the temperature of the air, epoxy resin/hardener components, and the substrate (surface) temperatures are all within the acceptable temperature range for the product you're using, as specified by the manufacturer.
In cooler conditions, you must pay careful attention not to apply epoxy if the temperature is lower than the minimum temperature recommended by the epoxy manufacturer. If needed, you can do the following to help ensure the air, material, and surface temperatures are above the manufacturer's suggested minimum temperature.
- Warm the air - Turn up the thermostat to raise the ambient air temperature in the application area, or use radiant heaters.
- Warm the epoxy resin and hardener before mixing - Cooler temperatures make the epoxy thicker and more difficult to dispense. Warming the resin and hardener lowers to viscosity so these products will be easier to mix thoroughly, will flow more easily, and will penetrate porous surfaces as efficiently as possible.
- Warm the application surface - Warming the surface also helps the mixed epoxy flow more easily, penetrate porous surfaces efficiently, and form a strong bond with the surface. There are several ways to heat the application surface, including portable heaters and heat lamps. If the surface area is fairly small, you can use a blow dryer.