Epoxy Resin faq page 2

SURFACES AND OBJECTS

Art ‘N Glow Epoxy Resin can work with several different mediums, but surfaces like wood and metal work best. Since Art ‘N Glow Epoxy Resin has weight to it, canvases may dip in the middle if not properly prepared before the pour. When using a canvas, try adding small pieces of wood between the canvas and the frame to add tension to the canvas surface.

Wood panels are actually the best way to apply resin. When using canvas, there is a possibility of the canvas dipping in the middle when pouring resin. Wood allows for an even surface to work on, giving consistency to the art piece.

Art ‘N Glow Epoxy Resin can be added to paper. Our epoxy resin will not soak into paper, but may cause ink to show up a bit darker. When applying resin, glossy printer paper works best, because the glossy texture helps to prevent the paper from absorbing the resin. To be sure of the effect, try a test run or using a sealant similar to Mod Podge.

Epoxy Resin works great with aluminum, give it a shot!

Wood projects are ideal for resin. Epoxy resin seals the wood and brings out the natural colors and grain of the wood.

Yes, using glossy paper works best for this application.

Our epoxy resin will adhere to an oil painting, just be sure that the oil painting has fully dried.

Absolutely! Simply coat your piece with a thin layer of resin as a finishing touch.

Absolutely, our epoxy resin will adhere to fabric. It will make the fabric very hard after the resin cures.

MULTI-DIMENSIONAL PROJECTS & ADDITIONAL SURFACES

Art ‘N Glow Epoxy Resin will adhere to polymer clay, and can be used to coat a small sculpture. When coating a large sculpture, make sure to apply in layers. Epoxy Resin heats up as it solidifies. Using more than a 1/4” layer or 6 oz in one pour may prevent the resin from curing properly.

Absolutely! Our epoxy resin is waterproof once fully hardened. After at least three full days, the resin will be fully cured and will not harm aquatic life.

Yes, Art ‘N Glow Epoxy Resin can cover gold leaf.

Yes, Art ‘N Glow Epoxy Resin will adhere to ceramic.

Yes, when coating sculptures, consider using a foam brush to apply thin layers of resin.

Absolutely, we have had many customers create countertops and bar tops.

Absolutely! Art ‘N Glow Epoxy Resin makes for a great way to top a guitar. Consider pouring in thin layers to have total control over each layer. Also keep in mind how the resin pours over the edges. It may be beneficial to hang the guitar by the neck so that the resin pours to the bottom of the body, where the strap pin hole will be drilled.

Art ‘N Glow Epoxy Resin works on both glass and tile. You can even cover any sharp edges with epoxy resin, creating a protective coating.

Art ‘N Glow resin can be used in jewelry silicone molds to cast everything from earrings to pendants.  Add any of our pigments, flowers or glitter to customize your jewelry piece.

REPAIRS AND TOUCH-UPS

Depending on the size and shape of the piece, a sander or hand-planer will help level the resin coating. After sanding, wipe down with a damp cloth and apply a new layer of resin.

It is possible to over-torch. Torch swiftly and evenly across the surface to avoid over-torching.

Dimples are a sign of microbubbles. One way to avoid microbubbles is to warm the resin and hardener bottles in a warm water bath. Keep in mind that warming the resin bottles will lower the working time of the resin from 45 minutes to 30 minutes. Work time begins once the resin and hardener meet in the same cup. Once the resin is poured, make sure to go over the pour with a torch. As a final tip, thoroughly dry the bottles after a water bath so that water does not enter the resin mixture. Water will prevent the resin from curing properly.

The temperature of the workspace, and resin itself, is key. The workspace should be between 72-85°F, the closer to 78°F, the better. If the resin is cool, use a warm bucket of water and place the resin and hardener bottles into the warm water. This will prevent microbubbles. The work time of the resin mixture will go from 45 minutes to 30 minutes. Work time begins once the resin and hardener meet in the same cup. Once the resin is poured, make sure to go over the pour with a torch. Make sure to dry the bottles after a water bath so that water does not enter the resin mixture. Water will prevent the resin from curing properly.

Make sure that the resin and hardener have been mixed together for 3-5 minutes. Also, be sure that the resin is mixed and poured within the 45-minute working time, which starts as soon as the hardener touches the resin in the same mixing cup. Pouring after working time is often the cause of streaks or lines in cured resin. Please refer to the 7 Steps to a Bubble-Free and Flawless Cure at the top of the FAQ.

A second coating of Art ‘N Glow Epoxy Resin will cover any scratches. Make sure to thoroughly wipe down with a damp cloth before adding additional layers.

Here are a few ways to fix imperfections in resin:

1. If the resin is sticky after curing: simply apply a second coating. Double-check the 1:1 ratio of hardener to resin and the temperature of your workspace.

2. If the resin is scratched after curing: wipe down and recoat.

3. If there is a jelly-like residue after curing: carefully scrape off the excess resin that has not cured with a plastic utensil. Then, apply a new layer of the resin and hardener mixture. Remember to mix at a 1:1 ratio and make sure that the temperature in the workspace is 72-85°F (The closer to 78°F the better). You may warm up the resin in a warm water bath to ensure that there are no microbubbles.

4. If there are surface bubbles or debris after curing: sand with 80 grit sandpaper, wipe down, and recoat.

The best way to fix a jelly-like consistency left over after curing is to scrape off the excess resin that has not cured. Then, apply a new layer that is perfectly mixed with a 1:1 ratio of resin and hardener.

Double check that the workspace temperature is 72-85°F (The closer to 78°F the better). Check the resin storage temperature, if the bottles are cool, use a warm water bath to raise the bottle temperature. Lastly, be precise with the 1:1 ratio of resin to hardener.

A common practice when applying resin to canvas is to insert small pieces of wood to the corners of the frame, between the canvas and the frame, to increase the surface tension.

Another approach is to apply a thin layer of resin mixture with a sponge brush to help stiffen the canvas. Once the first layer has cured, apply additional layers to reach the desired thickness.

Bubbles do pop on their own, but bubbles can cause small cavities on the surface of the coated piece. Achieve a clear, glass-like finish by using a torch after applying each resin coat. Wait about 2 minutes after each pour. Then use a torch to remove bubbles. Keep an eye on the piece for the next couple of hours, because bubbles may continue to rise.

After resin has been poured, bubbles will form up to an hour after. Use a torch, toothpicks, or even blow through a straw (but be careful not to inhale!), to remove these bubbles. An artist’s torch is the preferred source of heat to remove bubbles after a pour, because it is very precise.

All epoxy resin formulas will yellow over time with direct exposure to sunlight, however, our formula contains both HALS and UV stabilizers for superior protection against yellowing caused by UV rays.

Also, all resin systems will yellow if left in the bottle for too long as they interact with oxygen. Our resin will stay crystal clear in the bottles for at least 6 months. We recommend you buy no more resin than you expect to use in 6 months to ensure it is crystal clear when you use it.

Absolutely, just sand down the entire piece with 80 grit sandpaper, wipe it down with a damp cloth, repour the resin mixture, and then torch!

Art ‘N Glow Epoxy Resin is thermosetting, meaning that it heats up as it cures. This is totally normal, and is the reason why, when pouring in high volumes, resin should be poured in thin 1/4” layers, or a 6 oz pour.