Chemical resistance is another virtue of epoxy that opens up many industrial and commercial uses. Epoxy stands up to the abuse that many common industrial substances dish out. Epoxy coating systems are resistant to acetone, alcohols, solvents, and many hydroxides and chlorides across a wide range of temperatures. Epoxy is often used in industry because the hard plastic coating is impervious to many common industrial acids and fuels.
The same chemical process which gives epoxy its hardness also makes it very chemically resistant. In fact, vinegar and acetone, which can be used as solvents for uncured epoxy, are largely ineffective against epoxy that has had a chance to cure.
When you think chemical resistance, sea water does not readily come to mind as a reactive substance. However, sea water is highly reactive. For marine use, epoxy coatings are a standout choice as a primer for metal surfaces.
