Duct Tape- The fixer of all things and frankly the original tool-box staple. You saw your Dad repair almost everything with it growing up, from tools to trampolines and likely a whole lot of things in between. The question of how woodworkers can utilize Duct Tape while working with epoxy has yet to gain a clear answer. So, I put the best of the best to the test and am eager to share my thoughts on Epoxy Work with T-REX® Brute Force® Tape. 

About T-REX

Epoxy Work with T-REX Brute Force Duct Tape

T-REX® tape is well-loved for their iconic Duct Tape, and with really good reason! It is among the best of the best I have ever used. But, did you know they make an extra, super-strong version? They do- the Brute Force® Tape which uses their patented Forge-Link® Technology is essentially all you love about their standard Duct Tape, amplified by a thousand.

Epoxy work has become all the rage when working with wood. As a big fan myself, I definitely understand the appeal. There is a lot to learn about it when you first begin, and the questions of ways to improve techniques are often asked. One question when it comes to it is how to keep your edges crisp and clean while also making sure your epoxy doesn’t leak. FYI, if you’ve ever had epoxy leak out of a taped seam, well you certainly won’t forget the experience soon!

Today we walk through my process on how I used the T-REX® Brute Force® Tape while doing a flood coat of Total Boat’s Tabletop Epoxy on a desk I built for my son. What really drew me to this as a potential solution was the fact that T-REX® brand designed this tape with extreme tack, something key as the better the grip, the better the seal will be. 

Be sure to check out some of my household fixes using T-REX® Products, like their Waterproof Tape and their Extreme Tread Tape!

Steps-

Epoxy Work with T-REX Brute Force Duct Tape

·      First, you will need to prep your area. Epoxy is a messy medium, even at its best. I always use old moving blankets with a layer of plastic underneath. Be sure to elevate your workpiece too. 

·      Next, I used the Brute Force® Tape to apply a border around the entire desk. You will need scissors to cut through this tape with its extra-strong Forge-Link® Technology. 

·      When applying, I was sure to apply significant pressure and allow for plenty of space above and below the surface where I would be pouring for protection both above and below the surface I would be pouring on. 

Once you have your first layer down, you will need to reinforce the corners. Corners will always hold the most tension and is the area that is most prone to leaking. Reinforcing them is definitely a key to any tape and epoxy being successful. I pulled the tape from below and created a tight corner to create a better dam. 

  Once I finished applying the tape, I made sure to go over the area once again to be sure no gaps or air bubbles. 

   I poured my Epoxy following the manufacturer’s instructions. The Epoxy I used is a very common 1:1 Formula but be sure to reference your products specific instructions for compatibility. 

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 After the epoxy was cured, I set about peeling the tape away. What was great about this is I had zero leaks, and the Brute Force® Tape was strong enough to actually create a lip, just like you would see with hard surface mold. Once removed, the desk was ready for finishing! 

Wrap Up

Epoxy Work with T-REX Brute Force Duct Tape

Epoxy work is incredibly fun. As a woodworker, I love to make my wood-based projects more interesting with the addition of epoxy. But it can be a tedious medium to use and it’s more important than anything to be sure you have really great products to complement the process and prevent mistakes.

You will often see tapes like Gaffer’s Tape, or Tuck Tape, even Foil Tape and others to create molds and prevent leaks. I have had very mixed experience with theses, finding they often didn’t stand up to the weight or heat of epoxy, and often wouldn’t bond correctly to the surface.

The T-REX® brand Brute Force® Tape uses double thick adhesive, correcting all the issues I encountered with other tapes. Another great facet of the Brute Force Tape was the waterproof backing, preventing any absorption from the epoxy too! The added strength of the Tape also allows thicker layers of epoxy to be applied without any issues, something that can be really handy when you’re working on various projects.

To me, the T-REX® brand Brute Force® Tape proves itself to be a worthy tool when working with epoxy, and quite frankly has become my product of choice when doing any sort of free form epoxy work.