Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

July, 2005

Epoxy & Polyurethane for Silicon Rubber

Q. We normally use polyurethane coating on silicon rubber pads (used in remotes) for protecting the base material, screen printed legends and to provide a aesthetic feel. Recently one of our customer is very particular of epoxy coating instead of polyurethane. Kindly request you to provide the Pro's and Con's of epoxy over polyurethane in this context.

A. Sorry, but I don't have experience applying epoxy over silicon rubber and therefore do not know what degree of adhesion yoiu can expect. It might work, and since the epoxy will presumably be used indoors, I don't see a problem. I suggest, however, that you first try it out and check for wet and dry adhesion. Then check with your customer that the epoxy meets all of the requirements for exposure to the various chemicals in which it might comer into contact, such as Coca Cola, finger print perspiration, orange juice, cigarette stains, etc.

Best wishes,

Ron Joseph