Over the years, we've been asked a lot of questions by aspiring resin enthusiasts and others interested in working with epoxy resin. Some of these are so common that we felt we should an article that answers them.
In this article, we'll answer 10 of the most common questions about epoxy resin.
Epoxy Resin FAQs
Question #1: How Long Does Epoxy Last?
A high-quality epoxy finish will last about 7 years upon curing, if it was applied properly. At any point, an epoxy finish can be refreshed with a light sanding and a fresh coating of epoxy resin.
Epoxy that is still in separate component containers has a shelf life:
- For sealed epoxy components - 1 year.
- For opened epoxy components - About 2 months.
Learn more about storing epoxy in our guide here.
Question #2: How Do You Remove Bubbles from Epoxy Resin?
To get bubbles out of epoxy resin before it has cured, you'll need a heat gun or torch. Simple activate the tool and hold it a few inches away from the epoxy surface while moving back and forth smoothly. Don't linger over any spot more than a second. Do a full pass, then check the surface closely to see if any are left. You can repeat if needed.
To remove bubbles from cured epoxy is less straightforward. Visit our guide below for more details.
Click here to learn more about removing bubbles from epoxy resin.
Question #3: How Long Should You Wait Between Epoxy Layer Applications?
In a decent environment, a good epoxy will need about 4 hours before being ready for another layer, which can simply be poured on. After 10 hours, however, you'll need to sand the epoxy a little to prepare it for the next layer.
Click here to learn more about applying multiple layers of epoxy.
Question #4: How Long Does Epoxy Take to Cure?
A full cure for a high-quality epoxy resin will take about 72 hours in a proper environment. If the climate isn't quite right (e.g., too cold), it may take longer, though it's rare that the epoxy is unable to cure entirely.
Still, we highly recommend maintaining a temperature of 75°F for optimal curing time and clarity.
Click here to learn more about curing times for epoxy?
Question #5: How Long Do You Need to Wait Before Sanding Epoxy?
For a full sanding, we recommend letting the epoxy fully cure. This takes about 72 hours from the start of the curing phase. From there, you can sand the surface to achieve a matte finish or to prepare it for a polishing.
Learn more about sanding in sanding guides:
Question #6: Can You Polish Epoxy?
Yes, epoxy can be polished after giving it a proper sanding. Learn more here.
Question #7: How Do You Clean Epoxy Surfaces?
Mild soap and warm water are all you'll need to clean epoxy surfaces in most cases.
You can also use a typical multi-surface cleaner or a glass cleaner. However, do not use potent vinegar, acetone, or lacquer thinner. Strong solvents in general will weaken the epoxy over time and should be avoided as they are also unnecessary.
Click here to learn more about cleaning epoxy surfaces.
Question #8: What Are Resins?
Resins are materials used in the creation of polymers. There are several relevant types here, each of which are synthetic:
- Epoxy resin
- Polyester resin
- Polyurethane resin
Synthetic resins like epoxy, polyester, and polyurethane each have distinct properties and uses, making them indispensable in various applications.
Epoxy resin, known for its superior strength and excellent adhesive properties, is widely used in the construction and automotive industries for coatings, composites, and as a bonding agent. Its resistance to chemicals and heat makes it ideal for use in protective coatings, flooring, and in the creation of high-strength fiberglass components. As a sealant/finish for fixtures and furniture, epoxy is second to none.
Polyester resin, on the other hand, is favored for its cost-effectiveness and ease of handling. It's commonly used in the manufacturing of fiberglass products, such as boat hulls, car bodies, and roofing materials, and is also a popular medium in arts and crafts for making castings, sculptures, and jewelry due to its clarity and ability to be easily colored. Polyester is seen more in mass production than in DIY use due to its lower strength and minor safety issues.
Polyurethane resin, known for its flexibility and durability, has a broad range of applications including in foam products (like mattresses and upholstery) and as a coating material. Its excellent performance in both high and low temperatures makes it suitable for outdoor applications, and its capacity for both rigidity and elasticity allows for a wide variety of uses, from industrial machinery parts to flexible molds in the crafting sector.
Question #9: Are There Materials Epoxy Can't Bond With?
Epoxy resin, despite its renowned adhesive properties, does have limitations and is not effective in bonding with certain materials.
Notably, it struggles to adhere to polyethylene, polypropylene, silicone, and Teflon. These materials are characterized by their non-porous, smooth, and often oily surfaces, which resist the formation of a strong bond with epoxy. Additionally, epoxy resin may have difficulty adhering to certain types of rubber and plastics that have a high degree of flexibility or elasticity. The inherent slick and resilient nature of these materials makes it challenging for the epoxy to penetrate and form a durable bond.
This limitation is particularly evident in applications where there is constant movement or stress, as the lack of adhesion can lead to peeling or detachment. Therefore, when working with these materials, alternative adhesives or bonding methods are often recommended to ensure a stable and lasting connection.
Question #10: What Causes Epoxy to Be Sticky?
If your epoxy resin is sticky after applying it, it probably means it wasn't fully mixed together before pouring. It can also mean that the ratio of resin to hardener was off when measuring.
Always be sure to follow the instructions for your chosen brand of epoxy.
Primaloc Epoxy: Premium Epoxy for Premium Results
When it comes to epoxy resin, Primaloc Epoxy gets the job done. Our epoxy resin is premium-grade, with high performance in every category.
Epoxy resin can be beautiful, strong, and long-lasting—which is why you shouldn't compromise on quality. With Primaloc Epoxy Resin, you get the ultimate finish in durability and visual appeal.
Protect your surfaces by giving them a rock-solid epoxy finish. Choose strong. Choose reliable. Choose Primaloc.