When you're planning an epoxy project, you'll have to determine how much epoxy you need to guarantee so it can be completed with certainty. Coming up short after starting the process can be a real headache, given the relatively small window of time where each mixed epoxy batch can still blend with additional batches.
On the other hand, you don't want to overpurchase, either. There's no sense in buying way more than you'll need.
This article will explain what factors to keep in mind when you plan your total epoxy requirements, then we'll go over how to measure the batches themselves.
Step one: Planning your epoxy project
Since you'll be starting with acquiring your epoxy, let's go over how to determine that amount.
Before we begin, you should take a look at our UltraClear Epoxy coverage calculator. This excellent tool will help you quickly estimate how many gallons to purchase in order to be sure you can complete your project, with a bit of leeway for potential mistakes.
If you're planning a deep pour epoxy project, you can use the UltraClear Epoxy deep pour coverage calculator to get information for that epoxy variant.
The factors that affect how much you'll need
There are a several things to take into account when measuring:
- Surface area - You'll need to measure your surface area. If the shape is relatively simple, then this should be pretty easy. If you're working with something complex, it may take more time to be accurate. If you're short on time, though, you can just round upward to play it safe and attain a quick estimate.
- Desired layer thickness - You need to determine how thick of a layer you want your epoxy finish to be when it has fully cured. Our table top epoxy self-levels at 1/8 of an inch, and this is generally ideal for the average project. Occasionally, a project will call for something thicker (e.g., if the user is embedding thin objects like bottle caps) and might need a larger 1/4 inch thick layer. If that's you, take that into account when making your calculations.
- Note: For thick layers beyond 1/4 of an inch, you'll want to use our deep pour epoxy. This epoxy is designed to be poured in large singular batches to fill deeper crevices and gaps, as well as for embedding objects within your epoxy layers. If you do use deep pour epoxy, it is recommended that you give it a final topcoat of the table top epoxy nonetheless, as the table top epoxy has the highest resilience and impact resistance.
- Rails, dams, or free-flowing - If you're using rails or a temporary dam to contain the epoxy as you pour, you won't need quite as much. This may not affect the total tremendously, but for bigger projects it can change the amount you'll need to purchase.
- Just keep in mind that the table top epoxy is viscous, cohesive, and self-leveling, so it doesn't usually require rails unless you'll be using deep pour epoxy as well.
- Skipping the seal coat - We recommend that almost every project involve an initial seal coat of epoxy; some may need two coats. This will prevent air bubbles and other certain blemishes from becoming a major problem during the pouring and curing phases.
- However, if you're certain the substrate you're working with won't need it, it's possible to skip the seal coat, which will save you some (not a lot) of epoxy. This, combined with other factors may be enough to lower the total you need.
- Just be absolutely sure you don't need one; it's better to err on the side of caution if you don't know.
Once you've accounted for each of these factors, you can use the epoxy calculator and input this information to get a safe estimate of how much you'll need.
One gallon of table top epoxy can cover up to 16 square feet of flat surface area with a flood coat. This does not include the seal coat, which needs to be accounted for separately.
For seal coating, a gallon of table top epoxy can cover up to 48 square feet.
Always play it safe by acquiring a little more than your estimate, unless you're experienced with this type of project and know how to measure with accuracy and how to avoid mistakes.
Step two: Measuring your batches
Once you've prepared your workspace and pouring surfaces, you'll be ready to apply the epoxy layers.
We strongly recommend you plan ahead by purchasing some graduated measuring containers which list volume on the sides, so you can be precise in how much you pour into the containers, as epoxy is delivered in two separate components that must only be combined right before application. You'll need one container for each batch you mix up, as they can't be reused without risks.
For seal coats, which are applied in smaller batches, one-quart containers are usually best.
- Mixing a seal coat: Mixing and measuring a seal coat is pretty straightforward. We typically suggest that each batch be no more than 32 ounces combined. That would be 16 oz of hardener and 16 oz of resin, poured into a container and thoroughly mixed for a few minutes, then painting the epoxy onto the surface using a clean, tight paintbrush to seal the substrate.
- Mixing a flood coat: For the flood coat, you can mix a batch of up to one gallon combined at a time. That's 64 oz of hardener and 64 oz of resin. Mix it thoroughly—we recommend using a mixing drill bit for a full gallon batch. It's capable of blending such a large amount effectively in just a few minutes. You'll receive detailed mixing instructions with your epoxy order, and you can always preemptively download a digital copy of our table top epoxy instructions from our support website to read and understand the whole process.
- Note: Deep pour epoxy is not used for flood coats. If you need them, you can find the deep pour epoxy instructions here.
Learn how to avoid some of the most common mixing and pouring mistakes
Have questions? Need advice? We're here to help!
If you're planning an epoxy project, or if you've started one and need advice on any particular step, reach out to us at UltraClear Epoxy.
You can contact us via phone or email here. You can also text chat online directly with one of our epoxy experts by clicking the help button at the bottom right of your screen.
