Problems and solutions to common epoxy resin.
Epoxy Resin is a very versatile material that is used in DIY and woodworking, resin art, jewellery making, flooring and river tables. When properly mixed and poured it forms a crystal-clear, glossy durable finish. Nevertheless, any minor flaws may result in exasperating problems such as hazy outlooks, adhesive areas, bubbles, peeling, or separation of pigment.
This is a guide on how to solve the most frequent epoxy resin issues and fix them step by step in case you ever wondered why your resin did not work.
Cloudy or Milky Epoxy Resin
Why It Happens
The most common problems can be cloudy or milky resin particularly in the UK where cold weather and humidity are common. The main causes include:
- High moisture or humidity
- Cold working environment
- Wetness in blending cups or instruments.
- pouring un-solidified resin.
- Inhibiting the growth of microbubbles too vigorously (mixing the microbubbles)
Epoxy Resin is much vulnerable to the environment. When it is too cold, it can fail to cure well and hence a hazy look.
How to Fix Cloudy Resin
- It should be worked in the appropriate temperature (typically between 20-25degC).
- Install a dehumidifier in humid areas such as garages or sheds.
- Heat resin bottles a bit in hot water and they are mixed.
- Wipe arid surfaces (such as wood) prior to your primary pour.
In case the resin has already hardened the surface becomes hazy, then lightly sand the surface and apply a new clear top layer in a regulated setting.
Sticky or Tacky Resin (Won't Fully Cure)
Why It Happens
Virtually all sticky or soft resin is brought about by:
- Incorrect mixing ratio
- Not mixing thoroughly
- Removing unmixed resin on the sides of the cup by scraping.
- Pouring excessively to the type of product.
Epoxy resin has to be measured accurately. Small mistakes cannot allow complete curing.
How to Fix Sticky Resin
- Clean up the uncured resin to the maximum using scraper.
- Wipe the surface using the isopropyl alcohol.
- Sand lightly to create grip.
- Add another layer of the newly measured and well blended layer.
Never deviate when taking the instructions of a manufacturer. Add measuring cups which have markers of ratios and stir at least 3-5 minutes scraping sides and bottom.
Air Bubbles in Epoxy Resin
Why It Happens
Bubbles may be formed in the process of mixing or when pouring. Common causes include:
- Mixing too fast
- Pouring too quickly
- Flowing off in porous surfaces.
- Cold resin (more air is trapped by resin)
Bubbles: How to Fail and How to Solve.
- Mix slowly and steadily.
- Pre-heat resin to a low level to lower viscosity.
- Heat gun or torch applied on pour surface after pouring.
- Sprinkle with seal wood which has a thin seal coat before pouring the main.
Pouring between layers is recommended in case of deep pours, according to your resin manufacture.
Peeling or Delamination
Why It Happens
In the process of peeling resin, it usually happens because:
- The surface was not prepared appropriately.
- The dust, grease or oil contamination was present.
- The last layer was completely cured and un-sanded.
- Glossy surface was covered with resin.
Epoxy requires a rough surface to stick on properly.
How to Fix Peeling Resin
- Sand the peeling surface down to a level surface.
- Wipe carefully using alcohol.
- Make sure that the surface is clean and dusty.
- After preparation of surfaces, re apply resin.
It is always important to sand cure resin then add another layer to enable mechanical bonding.
Separation or Colour Problems of Pigment.
Why It Happens
Pigment failures occur when:
- Too much pigment is added
- Ineffective pigments are employed.
- Epoxy is incompatible with pigments.
- Mica powder is not combined completely.
Excessive pigment will interfere with the chemical balance of the resin and alter curing.
How to Fix Pigment Problems
- Load recommended pigment (typically 2-6%).
- Part A should be mixed with pigments well and then add Part B.
- Epoxy compatible pigments should be of high quality.
- Small pours of colours should precede large pours.
When a separation has already taken place, you can be required to sand and re-coat.
Fish Eyes or Craters in Resin
Why It Happens
Fish eyes are tiny holes in the surface which occur in a circular form. They're usually caused by:
- Silicone contamination
- Oil or grease residue
- Wax on surfaces
- Dirty tools or gloves
Even tiny contaminants would drive away resin and leave marks.
How to Fix Fish Eyes
- Quit being near your workstation with any silicone based products.
- Before pouring, wipe the degree surfaces.
- Looking at sand covered surfaces and refinishing.
- Wipe lint-free cloths and clean gloves.
In fish eyes it is prevention: cleanliness everything.
Burning, Splitting or Discoloring.
Why It Happens
Epoxy Resin produces heat when it is cured. Problems occur when:
- Too thick resin type poured.
- Deep pours should be done with fast-curing resin.
- Having to work under extreme heat.
- Excessive pigment use
Excessive heat may result in cracking, ripples and early yellowing of the surface.
How to Fix It
- Thick applications should be done using deep pour resin.
- Add drier layers of pouring.
- Monitor room temperature.
- Cure should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
Cracking is also likely to need removal and re-coating after it begins.
Uneven or Wavy Surface
Why It Happens
Inequality in finish may be caused by:
- Unlevel work surface
- Resin shrinking during cure
- Inconsistent pouring
- Curing airflow/drafts.
How to Fix Uneven Resin
- A spirit level is a useful item that you should use to check your workspace.
- Keep off air and dust on curing resin.
- High points of sand and smooth with final flood coating.
Best Practices - Epicoxy resin problems.
It is always less difficult to prevent than to repair. Here are essential tips:
- Proper use of correct ratios.
- Mix thoroughly but gently.
- Labor in regulated temperatures ( 20 25degC optimal).
- Epoxy and pigments used should be of high quality.
- Surface preparation Look after fore pouring.
- Follow instructions given by manufacturers.
Being slow in preparation helps a lot to minimize errors.
Epoxy Resin Problems... Frequently Asked Questions.
Why has my epoxy resin not hardened after 24 hrs?
Probably it is because of wrong ratios of mix and low temperatures. Give it more time to cure when it is cool but when still sticky, you can have to peel and put it back.
Conclusions: How to Master Epoxy Resin.
Epoxy resin is sensitive to work with and has to be prepared, accurate, and patient. The majority of epoxy resin issues cloudiness, peeling, bubbles and pigment issues can be avoided with the correct methods.
Once you have the basics of epoxy resin, you can learn through mistakes and your projects made up of epoxy resin will keep on getting better each time you pour.
Be the first to add a comment.