Working with epoxy resin can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. It's a highly versatile material often used for crafting stunning art and creating durable surfaces, while allowing for personalized, custom designs. For beginners, though, working with epoxy can feel intimidating, and mistakes can happen—from sticky finishes to the formation of air bubbles.
The good news is they’re usually easy to prevent or fix. Let’s examine some of the most common mistakes made by epoxy beginners and discuss how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Incorrect Measuring and Mixing
One of the most important steps in working with epoxy is ensuring the resin and hardener are measured and mixed correctly. An improper ratio or insufficient mixing can result in sticky or uncured resin.
How to Avoid It:
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct ratio (e.g., 1:1 by volume for UltraClear Bar & Table Top Epoxy or 2:1 for UltraClear Deep Pour Epoxy).
- Use clear, graduated mixing cups for precise measurements. In our store, we offer 5-quart containers—perfect for large batches—and 1-quart containers—ideal for smaller projects and seal coat batches.
- Mix the components thoroughly for 3-5 minutes, scraping the sides and bottom of the container to ensure no unmixed material remains.
Mistake #2: Working in the Wrong Environment
Temperature and humidity play a huge role in how epoxy cures. An environment that is too cold, too hot, or too humid can lead to issues like improper curing or surface imperfections.
How to Avoid It:
- Work in a room with a stable temperature between 70°F and 80°F (21°C and 27°C).
- Avoid working in high-humidity environments, as moisture can cause cloudiness or bubbles in the epoxy.
- Ensure proper ventilation to reduce the buildup of fumes.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Surface Preparation
A poorly prepared surface can lead to poor adhesion, uneven finishes, or contamination of the epoxy layer.
How to Avoid It:
- Sand the surface lightly to remove any gloss and provide better adhesion.
- Clean the surface thoroughly with a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol to remove dust, grease, or debris.
- Ensure the surface is dry before applying epoxy.
Mistake #4: Overlooking Bubbles
Air bubbles are a common issue for beginners, especially when pouring thicker layers or using porous materials like wood.
How to Avoid It:
- Mix the resin and hardener slowly to minimize air incorporation.
- Use a heat gun or torch to gently pop bubbles after pouring the epoxy.
- Seal porous surfaces with a thin layer of UltraClear Bar & Table Top Epoxy to prevent bubbles from rising during the final pour.
Mistake #5: Pouring Too Thickly
Each type of epoxy has a maximum thickness at which it can cleanly cure. Pouring a layer thicker than that can cause overheating, cracking, or incomplete curing.
How to Avoid It:
- Use UltraClear Bar & Table Top Epoxy for highly durable layers up to 1/8 inch thick.
- For deeper pours, choose UltraClear Deep Pour Epoxy, which is formulated for layers up to 2 inches thick per pour.
- If a thicker layer is required, pour in stages, allowing each layer to cure before adding the next.
Mistake #6: Neglecting Safety Precautions
Epoxy resin contains chemicals that can be harmful if proper safety precautions aren’t followed.
How to Avoid It:
- Always wear gloves, safety goggles, and a respirator mask when working with epoxy.
- Work in a well-ventilated area to minimize exposure to fumes.
- Keep resin and hardener away from your skin and eyes, and clean any accidental contact immediately with soap and water.
Mistake #7: Rushing the Curing Process
Epoxy resin requires time to cure properly. Handling or using the piece before it’s fully cured can lead to imperfections or damage.
How to Avoid It:
- Be patient! Allow the epoxy to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions (typically 72 hours for UltraClear Bar & Table Top Epoxy and 7 days for UltraClear Deep Pour Epoxy).
- Protect the curing piece from dust and debris by covering it with a clean plastic tent or box.
Mistake #8: Using the Wrong Type of Epoxy
Not all epoxies are created equal. Using the wrong type of epoxy for your project can lead to disappointing results.
How to Avoid It:
- Choose UltraClear Bar & Table Top Epoxy for flat surfaces like countertops, tables, and art projects. It's the strongest, most durable type of epoxy.
- Opt for UltraClear Deep Pour Epoxy for the thick castings, the epoxy veins of river tables, or large molds.
- Read the product description carefully to ensure it suits your project requirements. You can also contact UltraClear directly to get advice for your project!
Mistake #9: Skipping a Test Piece
Jumping straight into your main project without testing can result in costly errors and wasted materials.
How to Avoid It:
- Always create a small test piece to practice techniques and ensure compatibility of materials.
- Experiment with pigments, additives, and designs on scrap surfaces before committing to your final project.
Mistake #10: Improper Storage of Epoxy Materials
Storing resin and hardener incorrectly can lead to contamination, yellowing, or reduced effectiveness over time.
How to Avoid It:
- Store epoxy materials in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent contamination.
- Check the product’s shelf life and use it before it expires.
Mistakes with Epoxy Can Be Easily Avoided
Mistakes are a natural part of learning, but with a bit of knowledge and preparation, you can avoid the most common pitfalls when working with epoxy resin. By choosing high-quality products like UltraClear Bar & Table Top Epoxy and UltraClear Deep Pour Epoxy and following best practices, you’ll set yourself up for success and create stunning, professional-quality results every time. Happy crafting!
Have questions? Want advice? Contact us!
If you have any questions about epoxy resin, or if you'd like assistance in planning an epoxy project, please reach out to us at UltraClear Epoxy—our epoxy experts are ready to assist!
You can contact us via phone or email here. During business hours, you can also text chat online with one of our resin specialists by clicking the Help button at the bottom of your screen.
In our online store, you'll find a variety of useful tools and supplies, ideal for resin projects, plus our award-winning UltraClear Bar & Table Top Epoxy and our UltraClear Deep Pour Epoxy.
