Coloriage : code reduction – commande – moins cher Your Epoxy Resin Guide – Tutorials, Buying Guide’s and More

Welcome to resin-expert.com, your Information source for Epoxy Resin in all its Forms.

resin-expert.com offers you all informations, inspirations and instructions around epoxy resin and polyester resin. Meanwhile there is an unmanageable number of manufacturers and products – it is difficult to keep an overview. For each project there are optimized resins and we help you to find the right product.

What is Epoxy Resin?

Epoxy resin is an extremely versatile synthetic resin, which consists of two components: The actual resin and the hardener. When these two components are mixed together, the material hardens within a few hours. Usually, the mixing ratio of resin and hardener is 1 to 1 or 1 to 2.

There are different casting resins for different applications. From fast curing resins to slow curing resins with extremely hard and durable surfaces, there are a variety of properties. Heat resistance and the maximum possible layer thickness are also important aspects.

Different properties of epoxy depending on the product:

We show you what to look out for when buying epoxy resin and which is the right casting resin for which application.

For which Applications is Epoxy Resin Suitable?

Epoxy resin is very versatile. Here is a small overview in which areas it is used:

Buying Epoxy Resin – These Points Must be Observed

Epoxy resins are available in most home improvement stores, in specialist shops or online. Experience shows that buying epoxy resin on the Internet is the cheapest source of supply. Basically, all high-quality products are also available and the selection is incredibly large for all purposes.

Resin is not exactly a cheap material and this quickly tempts people to buy the cheapest possible products. In our experience, however, this is usually not a good idea, as these products are not only harmful to health (they contain solvents and steam out during curing), but are also not of optimum quality. There is therefore a risk that the resin mixture will not cure completely or will be difficult to mix. Also, these products often do not become crystal clear, but have a slightly yellowish colour right from the start, which increases to a distinct yellow tone within hours when exposed to sunlight.

Tip: It is therefore worth buying high-quality resin products!

We have collected, tested and clearly arranged the best epoxy resin products in the form of comparisons and sorted by application purpose. Reviews from buyers also provide a good overview of whether the products work for the respective application. You can find more about this under Buy Epoxy Resin in the big overview.

Which Epoxy Resin should I use for my Project?

Basically, it is always a matter of taking into account the material properties. What are they like in the liquid state and in the hardened state?

Low Viscosity Casting Resin

If the resin is thin fluid, i.e. low viscosity, it is called “casting resin”. This rather watery consistency is important so that the material can also reach the last but one crack, crack or hole in the mould. It usually has a much longer working time and hardens only after 12-24 hours. Due to the longer reaction time, much less heat is generated, which is why larger quantities and thicker layers can be applied in one go.

It is therefore optimal for the following applications:

High Viscosity Epoxy Resin / Laminating Resin

The viscous, highly viscous epoxy resin on the other hand has a consistency reminiscent of honey. Also known as “laminating resin” or “resin”, this product is perfect for resin art or for coating surfaces. Depending on the manufacturer, it can only be poured up to a height of approx. 1cm – 2cm.

Laminating resin is used for:

Processing of different Viscosities – Layer Thickness

Low viscosity resin is perfect for casting thicker layers. It heats up less quickly when poured thicker. Air bubbles can be removed from the still liquid resin layer with a little help from a Bunsen burner or hot air dryer.

Thick resin, on the other hand, should usually not be poured thicker than 1cm. Due to the thicker consistency, the air bubbles escape only poorly.

Hint: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging. The total amount of material to be processed is also often indicated.

Resin: Processing or Curing Time

Processing time

One of the most important points is the processing time, also known as open time or pot life. It defines how long the resin can be processed after the two components have been mixed together.

At a certain point, the resin starts to become thicker or lumpy and should not be processed any further – it does not level itself and cannot be coloured evenly.

Curing time

The curing time indicates how long the cast epoxy needs until it is completely cured. It is often the case that a short working time results in a shorter curing time.

But what products are available here and what is the time range?

Advantages and Disadvantages of different Processing Times

Short Processing Time

Long Processing Time

Epoxy Resin – all Properties combined

The use of epoxy resin has increased massively in recent years and there is a reason for this – the numerous positive properties of this material.

The Positive Properties of Epoxy Resin at a glance:

The following properties apply once the epoxy resin has cured. This can take up to a week depending on the product and manufacturer. Please refer to the information on the respective packaging of the product. Even if the casting resin already seems to be dry, the chemical process will still take some more time.

Incredibly good durability

The cured epoxy resin surface has a very high durability. It is extremely resistant to mechanical stress. It is also corrosion-resistant and resistant to acids.

Negative Properties of Epoxy Resin

Epoxy also has its disadvantages, although these are comparably small:

Is epoxy resin toxic?

Epoxy resin and the hardener contain substances that should not come into direct contact with the skin. Direct skin contact can cause allergies and irritation of the skin. It is also recommended to use resin in well ventilated rooms and to use a respiratory mask with filter and to protect the eyes. Please also observe the safety instructions on the packaging.

The following protective measures should be taken when working with epoxy resin

If you follow these basic rules, nothing stands in the way of processing. We have compiled more information on epoxy resin processing in a separate article.

Colouring Epoxy Resin – How does it Work?

Resin is normally colourless and transparent. This is desired for some applications like casting of objects, terrarium or aquarium construction. For the majority of applications, however, you want to color the resin.

What Colour can Epoxy Resin be coloured with?

A whole range of colours are suitable for combination with resin:

Paints containing water should be avoided at all costs, as the water content has an undesirable effect on the epoxy resin and there is a risk that the resin will not be able to absorb the water.
Alcohol Inkscompletely hardens.

It is worth buying high quality products, as the light-fastness of the colours is an important aspect. It is extremely annoying if the finished, dyed work fades after a few weeks.

Subsequent painting is also a possibility, but only in special applications such as terrarium or aquarium construction. In this case, a high-quality 2-component car paint should be used.

We have prepared a comprehensive guide on the subject of colouring epoxy resin, which presents the best products and tells you what you should bear in mind when colouring.

The most important Questions answered

Sealing wood with epoxy resin – does it work?

This works very well, epoxy resins are also often used for this purpose. The surface becomes waterproof and is completely sealed. Possible applications in this area are:

You can learn more about this in our guide to epoxy resin for wood.

How can Epoxy Resin be removed?

The good adhesive properties as well as mechanical strength make it difficult to remove epoxy resin. Accordingly, mechanical removal is very time-consuming. It is therefore easier to liquefy and scrape off the material.

The surface is treated with acetone and then one waits one hour until the surface becomes slightly soft. Then a hot air gun is used to heat the affected areas to about 200 degrees. Only at this temperature the resin becomes liquid again and can then be scraped off.

Here it is important that the surrounding materials such as wood or plastic do not become too hot or burn. Further information and detailed instructions can be found under Removing epoxy resin.

It is very important to use a good breathing mask to avoid inhaling any vapours that may occur.

How dangerous is Epoxy Resin?

When cured, epoxy resin is absolutely non-toxic and harmless. In its liquid state, however, direct skin contact can cause burns and in extreme cases permanent allergies. Any vapours that may occur can also be harmful.

Therefore the following safety measures should be observed: