The Resin Artist: May 2018

Using epoxy resin doesn't have to be intimidating.

And it doesn't have to end in disaster

A little research and common sense will prepare you for your first pour. So do a small test pour before attempting any large or expensive project. ALWAYS read the instructions provided and follow them exactly!

I can't count the number of conversations I've had with people after they've used epoxy resin with less than perfect results. Most of the time it was because they didn't read the directions, or thought they knew what they were doing after watching a YouTube video. Instructional videos and "how-to's" fall under one of these categories:

10% are made by experts, professional artists and craftsmen, with skills, refined & perfected through years of experience, not to mention talent
90 % are not made by experts and are filled with incorrect info and instruction.

Please don't expect to get the same results as a pro the first time you try it, but with patience and practice, you'll get it. Here's some, not so common, hints for epoxy resin users of all experience levels.

Pro Resin Tips:

Temperature and humidity are key factors in every pour

Always work in a climate controlled space.

Cold resin should be warmed before mixing. 125°F max. (Especially if the storage room temp is below 72°F)

Warming your epoxy resin before measuring/mixing will make it slightly thinner so it combines effortlessly and generates fewer air bubbles.

Clean the entire surface with 91% rubbing alcohol before pouring. Repeat between coats.

When mixing your Part A and B, stir smoothly, not vigorously, so you don't create too many bubbles.

After mixing thoroughly, let the container sit for a minute and most of the bubbles will rise to the top (like foam) Use quick, sweeping motions with a heat gun to a remove the layer of bubbles. (do not melt your container)

Constantly scrape the sides and bottom of the mixing container to avoid a ruined project with sticky spots or uncured areas.

To increase your open time (work time) add a few drops of 91% isopropyl alcohol to your mixing cup

To expedite the curing time, close all doors and vents in the work space then add a space heater and crank it up. This will speed up the dry time tremendously.

The more resin you mix, or the deeper the container, the faster it will gel (start to cure). When mixing a large amount, pour onto your surface or divide the mixture into smaller portions ASAP. Do NOT let the full mix cup sit! If your not prepared for your pour, read my previous post

Never pour resin more than 1/4" deep or in too large of an area. This will cause excessive heat build up during the exothermic process and the resin will smoke and bubble over like a volcano. For deep voids or layers, use a resin designed for a deep pour (EcoPoxy Liquid Plastic*) OR build up 1/4" layers, one at a time, until you've filled the area. *see below

The more resin there is, the more heat that s generated. (total volume i.e. deep container or extra large surface area or depth) Excessive heat decreases the open time, accelerates the gel time and usually ruins the curing process

When de-gassing, use a heat gun to cover a larger area at once. Stay 4-6 inches above the surface and always keep it moving. Wait 10-15 minutes and repeat.

Use the glare from lighting to see the imperfections in the wet resin layer and correct them. Air bubbles too.

If your stored epoxy resin has been exposed to freezing temperatures, it may crystallize. Warming it slowly, by heating the resin in warm water, will restore it to a usable condition.

All items to be coated, (covered, encapsulated or embedded) in resin must be sealed. Use a thin layer of resin, brush-on or spray-on sealant.

All items and surfaces MUST be completely dry before applying epoxy resin. Even a hint of moisture will ruin the pour

When coloring resin, a little goes a long way. The general rule is 10:1 ratio. Most types of pigment will use much less. NEVER exceed 10% color or 20% of ANY additive.

**If you have ever added color and when you stirred the cup it got thick and gooey like taffy, that's because the water content was too high. You used too much or that paint was old.(polymers separate when they are old)

*EcoPoxy's Liquid Plastic 2:1 ratio is an epoxy resin formula that can poured up to 1.5 inches deep, due to a slowed exothermic process. It can be used for many resin applications but is suggested for river tables, deep molding and encapsulation, it will have a pot time of up to 8 hrs and 72+ hrs to cure.