All surface contaminants must be removed from a substrate prior to applying epoxy. Examples of surface contaminants include wax, oil, grease, dirt, dust, water, or other foreign material that may compromise the bond of the epoxy. Always wipe the surface with a clean, lint-free cotton rag or cloth wetted with denatured alcohol. Do not use mineral spirits, paint thinner, or any other oily solvent. Do not use tack rags. Acetone is generally not recommended, but can be used as a solvent wipe on oily hardwoods or white oak. Lightly scuff sand the substrate, and remove any sanding residue. Always ensure that any solvents have completely evaporated prior to applying any epoxy.
When applying epoxy to wood or a similarly porous substrate, always warm the wood to 80-90° and apply a thin seal coat of epoxy. Allow the seal coat to cure until it is slightly tacky, or tack-free prior to applying more epoxy.
For all other substrates, once the surface has been cleaned and scuffed, epoxy can be applied.