Subject: Epoxy
Date: Tue, 16 Jun 1998

Hi.
My friend has a valuable violin that has had cracks in the belly repaired with epoxy.Probably with the two tube type sold in hardware stores.I would like to know how to remove the glue so that the seams can be tightened up and the misalignment repaired.Application of heat would probably damage the wood. Also I would like to know which type to use to wick into the cracks that is low viscosity and compatible with wood.
Thanks Andy

Andy,

Personally, in this situation I would probably get a Dremmel Tool and one of their appropriate attachments and gently grind away the epoxy. Heat is the best remover of epoxy, but as you suggest would possibly damage the wood and certainly the finish. Xylene solvent might take it off -- along with the finish on the instrument.

As for subsequent repairs, much depends on the width of the crack. If it's very thin, then our Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer (CPES) will work, assuming you use about 3 applications, allowing a couple of days cure time between each coating. CPES is very thin. If the crack is larger, I would prime with the CPES and then go back with our Layup & Laminating Resin for the final application. The L&L Resin is not thin, but can easily be applied with a Q-Tip or sharp piece of wood. Both epoxies are very good at binding with wood.

Come back if you have additional questions.

Doc