LABTEC Thickening Agent | Epoxy Crack and Joint Filler Additive
LABTEC Thickening Agent is a professional grade epoxy additive designed to convert liquid epoxy into a smooth, workable paste for crack repair, joint filling, and surface patching. It is easier to mix, cleaner to handle, and more consistent than traditional fillers like Cabosil.
ā ļø COMPATIBILITY WARNING: This product is engineered for use with 100% Solids Epoxy systems ONLY. Do not use with Polyaspartics, Urethanes, or water base epoxies. Using this agent with polyaspartic coatings will trap gases during the fast cure cycle, causing the material to become rubbery and fail to reach proper grinding hardness.
This product allows you to turn any 100% solids epoxy into a high performance crack and joint filler on demand.
Where This Product Fits in Your System
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Crack Repair: Thicken your epoxy to a "peanut butter" consistency to fill deep cracks without the material sinking.
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Joint Filling: Create a non-sag paste for contraction joints and expansion joints.
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Cove Base: Mix to a heavy consistency to create a radius cove along walls and vertical edges.
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Surface Patching: Level divots and spalls before your main coating application.
How to Use LABTEC Thickening Agent
First, mix your Part A and Part B epoxy as directed. Once combined, slowly add the LABTEC Thickening Agent while mixing until your desired consistency is achieved.
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For Hairline Cracks: Aim for a "Ketchup" consistency.
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For Deep Cracks & Joints: Aim for a "Peanut Butter" consistency so it stays in place.
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Pro Tip: For fast cure repairs, mix with 150 Fast Cure Epoxy to create a paste that can be ready for grinding in approximately 90 minutes.
Why Installers Prefer LABTEC
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Low Dust Formula: Cleaner and easier to work with than traditional fumed silica (Cabosil).
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Smooth Finish: Produces a creamy paste that trowels easily and doesn't "clump."
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Sands Clean: Once cured, the repair material grinds flat without gumming up your diamonds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a thickening agent do?
It turns liquid epoxy into a paste so it can be used for filling cracks, joints, and vertical repairs without sagging or running.
Can I use this with Polyaspartic?
No. This product is strictly for 100 percent solids epoxy. Polyaspartics release gases during their rapid cure that become trapped by the thickener, resulting in a rubbery, soft material that will not cure properly.
Can I use this with any epoxy?
It can be mixed with most 100 percent solids epoxy systems, including primers and base coats, to create a repair paste.
How thick should I make the mixture?
It depends on the repair. Use a thinner mix for hairline cracks so it penetrates, and a thicker mix for joints or vertical coving.
Can I sand or grind the repair?
Yes. Once the epoxy has cured, the material can be sanded or ground flush with the concrete surface using a diamond grinder.
Is this better than Cabosil?
Many installers prefer it because it is less airborne (less dust), easier to stir into the resin, and produces a smoother, more manageable paste.
Does it change the color of the epoxy?
It will turn the epoxy into an opaque, whitish/translucent paste. If you are using a pigmented epoxy, it may slightly lighten the shade.
How much do I need per gallon?
This varies based on desired thickness, but typically 1 to 2 quarts of agent per gallon of mixed epoxy will achieve a workable patch consistency.
Will it affect the cure time of the epoxy?
No. The thickening agent is an inert filler and does not change the chemical cure time of the epoxy resin you are using.
Can I use this for vertical coving?
Yes. By adding more agent, you can create a "stiff" paste that can be molded into a cove radius along the base of walls.
