: I'd recommend not using acetone, if you can insure it's pure acetone and
: don't mind the considerable evidence about it's health risks, it works,
: but most of what you find now is recycled and the impurities the epoxy
: doesn't much like.

: Bill H.

I buy my acetone by the 44 gal drum, it is indeed acetone. The "health risks" should be considered whether the product is "known" or "natural" such as limonene. Uranium is natural. It is all a matter of self preservation, I have been working for years in the composites arena, during which I have invested heavily in personal protection equipment, and have always read the msds pertaining to the commodities of my employ.

I would disagree that acetone affects cured epoxy, unless absolutely soaking in it, I have had much to do with its use, regarding removal of amine upon epoxy laminates, and have found that it indeed damages certain cores, but not fully cured epoxy.

Insofar as health concerns, I have worked in the Rigid Inflatable Boat industry, and have found many more nasties lurking, MEK and other solvent and adhesives pose a far greater threat.

Personal hygeine plays a far greater part in worker contamination. Don't get me wrong, acetone is nasty poo, just respect it, and other supposedly harmless "thinners"

I base my assertions upon acetone not affecting cured epoxy on conversations with a chemist at a local composite company, and apart from conjecture, would like to be informed otherwise.