Even though it’s easy on the eyes, epoxy resin can be difficult to work with. But once you’ve mastered it, epoxy resin can be used to create unique art, long-lasting flooring, jewelry, and more!
Whether you’re an epoxy expert or you’re using resin epoxy for the first time, these tips will help you achieve the gorgeous, bubble-free application you’re looking for.
Choose the Right Type of Epoxy Resin
Different types of resin are better suited to certain types of projects.
For decorative flooring, casting, epoxy resin molds, and artistic designs, use Epodecor 700. This is a highly transparent, medium-viscosity, and medium-curing epoxy resin. It creates a hard-wearing and abrasion-resistant finish that is resistant to yellowing.
For thick decorative flooring, furnishing elements (such as lamination of wooden tables and treatment of stone surfaces), and the creation of transparent crystal-like objects, use Epodecor 1000. This resin has a high degree of transparency and is resistant to yellowing. It has a lower reaction temperature than Epodecor 700, which makes it suitable for projects that require thicker layers of resin, such as an epoxy resin table.
Sample Mixes
When using an epoxy mix for the first time, it’s good practice to do sample pours to get familiar with the curing time. Make sure you have a sample kit or excess resin to do your sample pour.
This also gives you a chance to learn the physical properties of the resin, changes in the pot-life, the initial kick-off process. Finally, it helps you to visualize and plan the final product.
Prepare Your Surface
Surface preparation is an essential step in the epoxy resin process. Sand a surface with waterproof sandpaper made of a closed layer of silicon carbide. This paper is available in grit sizes from 60 to 1000. However, as too little grain can cause deep scratches on the surface, we advise you to start with a grain of 120 till 1000 for your epoxy resin piece to get the smooth and gloss result.
Then, make sure to clean the surface thoroughly, removing all dust, hairs, and dirt. A well-prepped surface means your epoxy floor designs will stand the test of time.
Plan Twice, Mix Once
Before jumping in headfirst and mixing up the epoxy components, make sure to thoroughly plan your project. Run through this checklist before starting your project:
- Do you have enough resin?
- Have you read the resin’s instructions?
- Is your substrate fully set?
- Have you done your sample pour?
- Is the surface correctly prepped?
- Are your mixing tools and application tools ready?
Getting Rid of Bubbles
Learning to avoid bubbles is a rite of passage in the resin community. When applying resin flooring, go over the resin with a back roller to reduce any air bubbles.
If you can, pour the resin in a warm room or during hotter months. This slows the curing time and allows bubbles to rise to the surface before the resin fully sets.
Once you’ve poured the resin, go over the area with a heat source to help pop the bubbles.
Get Creative With Epoxy Resin
From decorative flooring to trendy jewelry, there is a resin project to suit everyone! And with Epodecor’s unmatched advantages (and a host of resources to guide you) there’s no way you can go wrong.
Are you ready to dip your toe into the epoxy resin world? Our Epodecor range is the perfect place to start.
If you have any questions or would like more information about Epodecor resin, be sure to contact us. We can’t wait to get you started on your resin journey.