user343434 Posted October 24, 2018 Share Posted October 24, 2018 Hi all, after my Concrete Blocks Problem was solved here in TV Forum within one day I have another Problem that might be from Interest for all using Deepwater Aquaponics floating Rafts made of Styrofoam Sheets. These little crumbly 4 x 8 inches things giving me the creeps. There are real floating rafts on the market but the price is horrendous and not available in Thailand. (hence a copious amount of Tax will be added to the transportation by import) and I know how they are made. Its simple isolation Styrofoam plates covered with Epoxy, but the manufacturer (Beaver Lettuce Rafts) cut the phone call after he had the verdict I want to pick his brain. ???????? so I couldn't find out how he applies the Epoxy. I need to make 5000 of these ones (yes I want to make an 'original copy' kind of) and here my questions to all epoxy experts: due to the curing time (or shall we say minutes) a hand application onto 5000 pieces is a bit of an hopeless artwork isn't it? Is it possible to apply epoxy resin by using a spray gun? Is there any food grade epoxy that won't ruin my Bio Certification for my Veggies? Will the epoxy just making out of my Styrofoam Plates a glue like substance like paint does? Can anyone think of an alternative to stiffen the Poly-foam plates? Food grade Paint or any like that if epoxy doesn't work? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sometimewoodworker Posted October 24, 2018 Share Posted October 24, 2018 All finishes that are completely cured are food safe. If it comes off as a powder it isn't safe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fredob43 Posted October 24, 2018 Share Posted October 24, 2018 Can you spray epoxy NO. Due to it's drying time's around 20/30 Min is the usual. In this heat more than likely less. As STW said all epoxy is food safe. If you tried to put epoxy on S/Foam it will more than likely bugger them as they are soft and it'll also be very difficult to clean off the residue without messing the tile up. Better to use ceramic tiles with epoxy grout. Both ways you will need to know how to do it. Cleaning excess epoxy off that is. If left on it'll set and you'll never get it off. (There is a way but that's another subject) I see by your picture that the foam has hole's in them. They would hold dirt/Food and after a day or two become a problem hygiene wise. As I have said better to use ceramic ones. Hope this helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KittenKong Posted October 25, 2018 Share Posted October 25, 2018 Boat builders do this extensively. There are several down near the Ambassador, and elsewhere in town. I'm sure they could treat your styrofoam for you, for a fee. I dont know about toxicity though. DIY seems to be a complete non-starter to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
user343434 Posted October 25, 2018 Author Share Posted October 25, 2018 On 10/24/2018 at 12:35 PM, fredob43 said: Can you spray epoxy NO. Due to it's drying time's around 20/30 Min is the usual. In this heat more than likely less. As STW said all epoxy is food safe. If you tried to put epoxy on S/Foam it will more than likely bugger them as they are soft and it'll also be very difficult to clean off the residue without messing the tile up. Better to use ceramic tiles with epoxy grout. Both ways you will need to know how to do it. Cleaning excess epoxy off that is. If left on it'll set and you'll never get it off. (There is a way but that's another subject) I see by your picture that the foam has hole's in them. They would hold dirt/Food and after a day or two become a problem hygiene wise. As I have said better to use ceramic ones. Hope this helps. I guess there is a miss-understanding. These Epoxy or similar Product covered Styrofoam plates will be used as floating rafts to grow veggies in, they float on water like they are commonly used in Hydroponic veggie farms. The picture I posted is the kind they make, Styrofoam with epoxy cover but they cost a fortune to buy. I called the company but as I went a question too far he just replied turning pretty rude, we are selling them and not giving info to people who seem to make them on their own, then he was hanging up. Lucky tomorrow there is a specialist coming on our vessel who makes the repairs on wind turbine blades. That's the same set up. Styrodur covered with epoxy. I think they also spray the epoxy onto the blade skeleton. I'll revert for the outcome. KittenKong The boat builders are a good idea as well. May be a good solution to avoid that my lawn in my backyard getting hard as a rock LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anon2736434 Posted October 25, 2018 Share Posted October 25, 2018 You should study your material choices better, there are different grades and types of Styrofoam sheeting, why go to the trouble of epoxy ? when using an extruded polystyrene which is what most quality floating rafts are made of, are not expensive and can be used multiple times. You are confusing this with expanded polystyrene like a foam cup. http://www.higreenshop.com/product/60/โฟมแผ่นปลูกผักไทย-50-รู Making 5000 rafts ? what about your time, materials and labor costs ? Im guessing by the time you get to about 500 of them being made you will realize the foolishness of your endeavor. Epoxy isnt cheap either. There is a reason those rafts made by beaver are expensive and you are not going to beat his costs doing it all by hand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Damrongsak Posted October 25, 2018 Share Posted October 25, 2018 You could try spraying on a water-based polyurethane wood/floor finish. People who make styrofoam models use it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crossy Posted October 25, 2018 Share Posted October 25, 2018 You most definitely CAN spray epoxy paint, boat builders do it all the time, whether I WOULD is a different matter. Epoxy vapour isn't something I'd want to be breathing and clean-up is vital if you want to re-use the kit. Last time I used a 2-part epoxy paint I just ditched the (low-cost) brushes, the thinner isn't cheap and would cost more than the brushes cleaned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
user343434 Posted October 26, 2018 Author Share Posted October 26, 2018 On 10/25/2018 at 3:51 PM, Notagain said: You should study your material choices better, there are different grades and types of Styrofoam sheeting, why go to the trouble of epoxy ? when using an extruded polystyrene which is what most quality floating rafts are made of, are not expensive and can be used multiple times. You are confusing this with expanded polystyrene like a foam cup. http://www.higreenshop.com/product/60/โฟมแผ่นปลูกผักไทย-50-รู Making 5000 rafts ? what about your time, materials and labor costs ? Im guessing by the time you get to about 500 of them being made you will realize the foolishness of your endeavor. Epoxy isnt cheap either. There is a reason those rafts made by beaver are expensive and you are not going to beat his costs doing it all by hand. Cheers all, looks like I can safe even more than time, stress, having broken bits all over the place and these Styrofoam plates at home pro ain't cheap at all.... Labor wouldn't be the issue.. For what I am Farang, sponsoring an entire Thai Family (in limits) and have 6 nephews and 4 nieces who are just waiting on my return. Is that meaning 130 baht per sheet? Where is my wife when I need her LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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