Do you suffer from epoxy that does not harden, remains sticky or does not adhere? In this article we highlight the most common mistakes when working with epoxy and we will be assisting you on how to fix or repair your epoxy mistakes. Working with Epoxy is not exceedingly difficult but it does require accuracy. What should you pay attention to and how do you ensure that your project is a success? In this article you can read the 7 most common mistakes when working with epoxy. We will tell you what to do to avoid these mistakes.
After mixing the base (resin) and hardener, you may notice that the epoxy does not have the desired effect. You may then notice that the epoxy does not harden and remains tacky. The epoxy resin will also not adhere in some cases. Fortunately, all these problems can be avoided if you do it right. By following our tips you ensure that the epoxy has the properties for optimal operation. Check out the tips and apply them!
One of the most common mistakes is not stirring well enough. If you don't stir epoxy well, the epoxy may remain soft or sticky. This can hinder your project. You can easily avoid sticky and soft epoxy by using the two-cup mixing method. In this method, you first mix the epoxy in a mixing cup for about 2 minutes. While doing this, scrape well along the sides and bottom. After two minutes, pour the mixture into a second mixing cup and repeat the process. After this, the epoxy is ready to use. While using the epoxy, you will notice that it is firm and not sticky.
What also often happens is that too much or too little hardener is added to the resin. This may be because the components are not accurately weighed or because people think the epoxy will cure faster if more hardener is added. With epoxy, it is important to always keep the mixing ratio right! Otherwise there is a chance that the epoxy will remain soft or sticky. So always use kitchen scales when weighing.
All RESION epoxy resins have a mixing ratio based on weight. This mixing ratio is indicated on both the bottle and the product page. Some people make the mistake of mixing by volume instead of weight. As a result, they take 100 millilitres of epoxy with 60 millilitres of hardener, for example, instead of 100 grams of epoxy with 60 grams of hardener. Applying the wrong mixing ratios will often leave the epoxy soft and sticky. Always use kitchen scales for weighing.
Exception: resins from Eli-Chem, such as MasterCast, TotalCast and UltraCast do have a ratio based on volume. You can easily measure this in a mixing cup.
What happens a lot is that when working with epoxy, people keep the wrong mixing ratio with polyester or silicone, for example. The mixing ratio is of vital importance and must be accurately followed. The mixing ratio is always stated on the bottle and on the product page. You need to take careful note of these instructions. In most cases, you will also receive an e-mail stating the mixing ratios. By keeping to the mixing ratio, you ensure that the epoxy does not remain soft and sticky. The epoxy will also adhere better.
Epoxy and moisture are not friends during the curing process. For example, when water-based acrylic pigments are mixed with epoxy, this can cause very strange things during the curing process. In many cases, the epoxy gets very hot and deforms. So always use pigments specifically for epoxy, such as RESION pigments for epoxy, MetalTint pigments or TransTint pigments. Please view all other types of epoxy pigment.
Before applying your epoxy, it is of utmost importance you prepare your substrate properly. Your surface needs to be clean, free from oil and dry. Failing to do this can lead to your epoxy not bonding or adhering to the surface. If your floors are dirty, too smooth or wet, the resin will not harden correctly and it can crater. Fortunately, this can be remedied by coarse sanding the substrate. If this is not possible, you can also use a special primer to ensure that the epoxy adheres to the surface.
Many people like to pour objects such as flowers, plants or twigs. This often goes well, but sometimes the epoxy does not harden properly or undesirable effects occur. This is because many organic materials contain water. The water can be released into the epoxy, causing reactions that you may not have expected. This can cause the epoxy to remain soft and sticky or not even adhere. So keep in mind that this can happen if, for example, you cast flowers in epoxy resin. In the video below, Leen shows how to cast a flower.
By applying these tips you will see that epoxy almost always cures well and is nice and even. The epoxy will not be soft and sticky and will be able to adhere well to the desired surface. At Polyestershoppen we understand that you may have questions when working with epoxy for the first time. In our information centre you will therefore find all the expert knowledge you need for working with epoxy. If you have any more questions or would like tips, feel free to contact us. You can reach us by telephone, email or chat!
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