> On Jul 28, 2017, at 7:00 AM, [email protected]
> wrote:
>
> A Replacement for Araldite 1253
Lisa,
This issue has been on my mind for quite some time, so thank you for posting
this. I was told by Huntsman a year ago that Araldite 1253 would no longer be
offered. So I started experimenting with other epoxies and consulting other
conservators. (I have not tried Epocast 1645 but will contact a distributor to
see if I can get a sample.)
Although I have not come up with an exact match for Araldite 1253, the closest
substitute I’ve found is based on the West System family of epoxies and
fillers, specifically G-Flex 610 epoxy and 407 filler. It is similar in
carveability and density, but does not have the same (friable???) texture as
Araldite 1253. One disadvantage is that it requires significantly more time to
mix (the filler is difficult to disperse). Obviously, Araldite 1253 is MUCH
easier and faster to work with. The benefit of the West System products is
having more control over viscosity. The resulting flexibility or modulus of
elasticity can be plus also. I have more observations, options and 30 plus
years of experience with Araldite 1253 and some “look alikes” offered here and
overseas, but I want be brief as there are other things to discuss: (I’d be
happy to go into more detail and/or participate in or host a forum about “work
arounds” or options for Araldite 1253.)
I would like to explore what it would take to keep Araldite 1253 available:
I ordered some 1253 from Conservation Resources International a month or two
ago and spoke to someone there who said that they sell quite a bit of it and
that they were unsure how they were going to get more. I imagine they would
want to be part of this discussion.
How much would have to be purchased in order for Huntsman to agree to make a
batch? What is the specific quantity?
It is possible that this quantity could be broken up between some of the
distributors that sold it in the past, such as:
Conservation Resources International
Conservation Support Systems
Freeman Supply https://www.freemansupply.com <https://www.freemansupply.com/>
other conservation/adhesive suppliers might consider joining in, such as:
Talas
Museum Services Corporation
Krayden
How many conservators are using Araldite 1253 and would they be willing to
commit to purchasing a yearly or bi-yearly fixed quantity of say a quart or
pint “kit”?
I’ve found Araldite 1253 so useful, I am surprised that no woodworking supplier
has ever tried to market it. It possible that more demand for it could be
created.
If all the above fails, would Huntsman consider selling the formula so that
another formulator or manufacturer could keep this product on the market?
As I said before, I would be happy to participate or host a forum to determine
the viability of ordering a batch of 1253 every year or every other year or
failing that a forum to find an acceptable work around.
Should we post this question to the Object Specialty Group mailing list and
others?
Martin O’Brien, Wooden Artifact Conservator in Private Practice
Winston Salem, NC
336-773-1334
http://www.martinobriencabinetmaker.com
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