We have all had the office chair wobble precariously in yet another Zoom meeting, while the chipped corner on the table gives away the appearance you're trying to hold up. Office repairs are a particular annoyance because we often feel as though we don't have the time to give them attention, as we're more concerned about revenue-generating activities. But ultimately, there is a silent price to pay.
Epoxy putty is a seemingly humble material that could be the solution to a lot of these problems. Many people think of it as glue, but it's, in fact, a versatile compound that has practical and cost-effective solutions. And it just so happens that it's ideal for everyday office problems, so it's worth learning more about these unique adhesives.
Understanding Epoxy Putty
Epoxy putty comes as a two-part system. You mix them together, and a chemical reaction takes place, which hardens them. Unlike regular adhesives, putty can fill gaps and be molded as you see fit. This makes it suitable as a go-to repair material.
Fixing Common Office Issues
Office furniture is what generally suffers the most daily wear and tear, as you use it to throw your bag on, drag your laptop across, and open-close an innumerable number of times a day. Wobbly chairs, for instance, can be an embarrassing issue when it gives you a mini heart attack, thinking you're falling backwards—or worse, a guest.
Epoxy putty here offers a straightforward fix by being applied directly to the loose joint. It fills the gap a little bit like cement (except far easier to remove and less abrasive) to give it a stable foundation.
Desks can also benefit, particularly with broken legs or loose screws. Walls can show signs of damage, such as chipped corners of walls and desks. Epoxy putty can be molded to restore damaged edges, acting a little bit like plaster. Nail holes that were once used to display company achievements or artwork can disappear completely after a small application.
You can even take care of a cracked keyboard case, a wonky whiteboard frame, or even a loose mouse wheel if you're careful enough. Almost anything, big or small, electronic-related or building work, can be treated to some extent with the putty. Of course, sometimes you may just need a replacement or a more foundational fix (i.e., an entirely snapped table leg), but putty is a great first-go at mending things, and because it's incredibly quick to apply, there's no harm in the attempt.
Creative and Custom Office Upgrades
Epoxy putty isn't just for reactively repairing things, though; it can be used creatively and proactively. For example, offices (and even home offices) are almost always in need of custom mounting solutions. Monitors and whiteboards don't always fit standard systems like VESA, or perhaps you got them for a good price online from China, and epoxy putty can then be used to create custom brackets or mounts. It offers a very stable and secure hold with an "infinite" shape to it, as it's moldable to each situation.
If you're thinking this could be a janky or ugly DIY solution—think again. Aesthetics are actually improved using this moldable material, as it can be used to recreate artistic elements. It can also fill in gaps and seams for a cleaner look and is popular among decorative users.
Finally, it's worth exploring how ergonomics can be improved, which is a really important stuff for office workers. Keyboard and mouse stands are the obvious places to start, as they can be modified with the putty adding grips and stability, as well as making them higher to perform better as a wrist rest.
Some other creative solutions include:
- Custom desk organizers
- Pen holders
- Cable management
- Quick and low-cost prototyping
How To Use Epoxy Putty
Epoxy putty is easy to use, but using it effectively does require some level of preparation. First, clean the surface that you're working on repairing, and remove all grease and dust. Roughen any smooth surfaces using sandpaper or a wire brush to help with the adhesion.
Now it's time to mix the two components of the putty, though when doing this, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions specifically as they can differ slightly. But first, ensure there is good ventilation in the room. Begin to knead them until a uniform color is achieved, and from here, the mixture will start to harden—it's important to work quickly. Apply the putty to the area of repair (or construction), and use your fingers (wear gloves) to shape and smooth it out, just like Blu-Tac. Press firmly and read the instructions to understand curing times, but it will vary depending on the amount used.
Dispose of leftover putty safely.
Final Word
Epoxy putty is both cheap and simple to use, making it useful for a wide variety of repairs and customizations. It's often overlooked, but sometimes the quick-acting solutions are best.
