An Epoxy/Microballoon Mixture for Gap Filling in Wooden Objects

Tensile and compressive tests were conducted on an epoxy resin/phenolic microballoons mixture in order to match its strength to test pieces of western red cedar. Heat build-up on cure of the thermosetting resin was also measured to establish recommendations for maximum thickness of fill layers. Application of the filler, including mixing, preparation of the surface, carving and inpainting, to voids in wooden objects is described. A subjective test of bond strength modifiers is described.