How to Fix Crystallized or Cloudy Resin (And Prevent It)

How to Fix Crystallized or Cloudy Resin (And Prevent It)

Introduction

There is no worse thing than opening your epoxy resin bottles and having crystals on the bottom, or pouring a project and having it turn cloudy rather than having a crystal finish. Crystallization and cloudiness are two very common issues resin users will face, and fortunately, both are fixable and preventable.

In this guide, we will discuss why epoxy resin will become cloudy or crystallized, how to return your epoxy resin to a usable state, and tips on how to avoid cloudiness or crystallization so that you never waste another precious bottle of resin.

Why Does Epoxy Resin Crystallize or Cloud?

It is very important to know what led to the original problem before we can provide any fix. Typically, cloudiness and crystallization occur due to:

Changes in Temperature

Cold environments (below 20C) causes resin to thicken and crystallize, similar to how honey works.

Moisture Contamination

Even the smallest amount of water in your mixing cup, in your molds, or your environment can cause resin to have a milky or foamy impressions.

Incorrect Ratio of Mixing Components

Too much hardener or resin can upset the correct chemical balance, causing a cloudy cured finish.

Contaminated resin, mold, work area, etc.

Dust particle, oils from skins, and low-quality resin's formulations can cause cloudiness. Dust, oils, or low-quality resin formulations can lead to cloudiness.

Aged or improperly stored resin

Resins can crystallize when improperly stored for long periods of time at fluctuating temperature conditions.

How to fix crystallized resin:

Crystallized resins may appear ruined but don't toss it yet! You can restore your resin to a workable state with this method:

Step 1: Place the Bottle in WARM water

• Put some hot (not boiling) water (~50 - 60 degree celsius) into a container.
• Then put the closed bottle of resin on the water.

Step 2: Stir or Shake gently

• Every now and then remove the bottle and stir or shake the bottle GENTLY to help break down the crystals.
• Do not whip the resin! Whipping it will get the resin bubbly.

Step 3: Repeat if necessary

• In case the resin has some crystallised pieces, rinse the resin with water and continue with Step 1 until every part of the resin is clear.

Step 4: Use Warmed Resin for your Project

• Warmed resin can easily crystallize again if it is not immediately used and the environment is cold.

Pro Tip:  Store resin at a consistent warm temperature (20-25°C) in the future to avoid crystallizing.

How to fix cloudy resin after it has poured.

If your resin project has already turned out cloudy, don't panic; there are ways to rescue it depending on the cause.

Case 1: Surface Cloudiness

Cause: Dust or air bubbles on the surface

Fix:

Use a heat gun or torch to carefully sweep across the surface. Apply a thin, clear topcoat of fresh resin to give it that "glass-like" finish.

Case 2: Moisture cloudiness

Cause: High humidity or water contamination

Fix:

Check off the finished resin with fine-grit sandpaper. Use a new resin top in a humidity of less than 60 percent.

Case 3: Deep Cloudiness

Cause: Incorrect mixing ratio or poor quality resin.

Fix:

You won't be able to fix resin mixed incorrectly, unfortunately. However, if your project is a valuable one, then sand down the cloudy layer and recoat using a correctly mixed batch.

Preventing Crystallization and Cloudiness

The best way to deal with resin problems is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Here's how:

Properly Store Resin

Keep your bottles in a warm, dry location (20 - 25 °C). Do not store your resin in a shed, garage, or anywhere that has extreme temperature changes.

Work in the Right Environment

Always pour resin in a space that is dust-free and with low humidity. As much as possible, aim for below 60% humidity.

Warm the Resin Translating before Use

Before use, place sealed bottles in hot water for 10-15 minutes. This warming effect can help reduce thickness, improve clarity, and help with bubble displacement. Rest warm resin on a warm interlayer surface.

Mix Slowly and Accurately

Be as precise as possible when measuring mixing ratios (1:1 or the ratio suggested by the manufacturer)

Woods, canvases, and concrete should be sealed with a thin resin layer before pouring the final coat. This prevents air release and cloudiness.

Tailored Advice for Different Audiences

For DIY Enthusiasts:

• Always test on small molds first before moving to bigger projects.
• Keep a lighter handy to pop bubbles on small surfaces.

For Artists:

• Pre-seal delicate inclusions like flowers, shells, or paper to prevent trapped air.
• Layer your pours thinly to preserve clarity in detailed designs.

For Industrial Clients

• Use industrial-grade epoxy formulated for large pours and self-leveling.
• Invest in professional heat torches and proper curing tents to maintain consistency on large surfaces.

Troubleshooting Quick Guide:

Problem Cause Fix: Resin crystallized in the bottle cold storage. Warm bottle in hot water until clear Cloudy cured resin Humidity or wrong ratio Sand & re-coat in proper conditions Bubbles trapped inside Fast mixing or porous material Mix slowly, seal surfaces first Foamy texture Stirring too vigorously Slow down mixing speed.

FAQS

Question: Can crystallized resin be reheated and used?

Yes, as long as it heats back to a completely clear liquid, it will work effectively

Question: Can a cloudy resin project be polished rather than be recoated?

Yes, the project can be sanded and polished with fine grits and polishing compound.

Question: What is the best type of resin to use so that I do not have to deal with cloudiness?

Quality: Use a high-quality, UV resistant, self-leveling epoxy resin, labelled for your type of project.

Conclusion

Cloudiness and crystallization of epoxy resin projects can be frustrating, but they don't have to ruin your project. If you know the causes - temperature changes, moisture, improper mixing, etc. You can get the right solutions to fix them, and hopefully prevent them from happening again.

So whether you are a DIY crafter pouring coasters, an artist making resin art, or an industrial client pouring epoxy on a large surface, it is no secret that the right preparation, working in controlled conditions, and being diligent in your process will make a difference to assure success.

When you have these together, you will produce crystal clear, shiny, perfect epoxy resin, time and time again.