Epoxy Cleanup

[86thecat]

Have seen quite a few posts about stock work . Since a lot of that work involves epoxy, thought it worthwhile to mention that kitchen vinegar breaks down uncured epoxy.

Scrub with some vinegar, followed with a dish detergent wash and it gets rid of that dark stain that epoxy leaves on your hands.
Built and repaired boats for years, used lots of epoxy and it was a wonderful day when I found out about vinegar. Lots of guys washed up with acetone.
Careful with vinegar aroud projects as it will weaken any epoxy it comes in contact with that isn't completely cured.

 

[Nhoro]

And vinegar is a whole lot better for your health than acetone.

 

[Daggaboy375]

And acetone isn't worth a crap at pickling eggs.

DB

 

[roklok]

Just keep in mind, vinegar is hell on bluing. So be very careful if using it to clean up when bedding a rifle with metalwork installed.

 

[86thecat]

Definitely do not use for cleanup on rifle, or anywhere else epoxy strength is needed. Breaks down and weakens epoxy as well as removing blueing.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but acetone doesn't bother bluing, correct? I use lacquer thinner to clean up epoxy and it works well. Just a couple hours ago I discovered devcon had filled the torqueshead tightening screw on my 404's Timney trigger that I somehow forgot to protect with paste wax (I am in the process of restocking to a previously used stock). Lacquer thinner softened up the devcon (JB Weld) and I was able to pick the glue out of the screw socket.

 

[86thecat]

Acetone is ok but may wreck finish if it gets on a stock.
My suggestion of vinegar is for hands where even acetone leaves a dark residue behind and is not healthy to use on skin. It is my understanding that acetone carries anything it breaks down across cell membranes as well as going directly into blood system.

 

[fourfive8]

I use denatured alcohol for uncured epoxy cleanup.