Measuring your epoxy batch is the first step after opening the two component bottles. Although it's a straightforward process, a few things can go wrong if you're not aware of the details.
Since proper measurement is a key aspect to achieving a optimal finish, we want to ensure our readers understand how to do it correctly. This will help to avoid issues later on.
In this article, we'll discuss four common mistakes that inexperienced epoxy users often make when measuring their epoxy batches.
The Top 4 Mistakes Epoxy Users Make When Measuring
Below, we've listed 4 specific missteps that many users make without realizing. Each of these is something that might seem minor but can definitely mar the resulting finish.
Here's the list we'll be discussing:
- Using the Wrong Ratio for the Components
- Measuring the Components by Weight Instead of Volume
- Attempting to Use Components While They're Too Cold or Warm
- Combining the Components in an Unsuitable Container
Once you understand how each mistake can occur, you'll easily be able to avoid making them yourself in your epoxy endeavors.
Let's take a closer look at each item in the list, one by one.
Measuring Mistake #1: Using the Wrong Ratio for the Components
Epoxy starts off as two separate components: resin and hardener. To generate the chemical reaction that causes epoxy to harden, these components must be measured accurately and thoroughly blended together.
When it comes to measuring accurately, the most common mistake people make is using the wrong ratio when adding their epoxy resin components. Since different types of epoxy resin have unique mixing ratios, it's essential to know the specific proportions your chosen epoxy requires for proper curing.
For example, our epoxy resins have the following mixing ratios:
- Primaloc Bar & Table Top Epoxy: 1:1 ratio, resin to hardener.
- Primaloc Deep Pour Epoxy: 2:1 ratio, resin to hardener.
As shown, there is a significant difference in the mixing ratios between the two types of epoxy. Our Deep Pour Epoxy, which is thinner and less viscous, requires less hardener than our Table Top Epoxy.
Avoiding This Mistake
To prevent this mistake, always check your resin's mixing ratio before measuring your epoxy batch and identify which component is which by reading the bottles carefully.
This will ensure you use the correct amounts of each component.
Measuring Mistake #2: Measuring the Components by Weight Instead of Volume
Another mistake often made by inexperienced users is measuring the epoxy components by weight instead of volume.
The two components of epoxy are resin and hardener, and each of them has different density, which means they weigh different amounts at equal volume. For instance, 1 quart of hardener will be lighter by weight than 1 quart of resin.
Because of this concern, measuring epoxy components by weight is often too imprecise, potentially leading to problems during the mixing and curing steps.
Avoiding This Mistake
Avoiding this issue is very simple. When measuring your epoxy, go by volume, not weight. We recommend the use of graduated mixing containers, which feature measuring lines on their interior to make it much easier to reach a specific volume.
When pouring your components into the container, do so slowly, and watch carefully as it fills so you can stop at the right amount.
Here's an example:
Primaloc Deep Pour Epoxy has a 2 to 1 mixing ratio of resin to hardener. This means you'll add twice as much resin as hardener. So, for instance, if you wanted 1 gallon of Deep Pour Epoxy, you would measure out 2/3 gallon of the resin component and 1/3 gallon of the hardener component.
Measuring Mistake #3: Attempting to Use Components That Are Too Warm or Too Cold
Third from our list of mistakes is the act of mixing together epoxy components while they're too warm or cold.
Once cured, epoxy is able to withstand a wide range of temperatures. In fact, one of its benefits is how well it withstands temperature change and preserves sensitive substrate materials such as wood.
However, before this happens, it must be able to cure from its liquid state. When it's in a liquid state, however, epoxy needs to be within a certain temperature range before it can be safely used. Room temperature is typically the goal.
In most cases, the mixing and pouring can be done at a reasonable temperature, but for proper curing, the epoxy needs to be in an environment of about 75°F. This is the ideal temperature for achieving a crystal-clear finish with a perfect cure.
Avoiding This Mistake
To prevent this from being a problem, make sure the epoxy components are at room temperature in a controlled environment before using them. If they aren't, give them time to adjust before you begin.
Measuring Mistake #4: Combining the Components in an Unsuitable Container
The final mistake from our list involves using an unsuitable container for measuring, mixing, and pouring your epoxy resin. Though this issue is less common, it's worth addressing because of how much of a mess it can cause.
Below are some examples of containers you should not mix your epoxy in:
- Uncoated Paper or Cardboard Cups—These types of cups have high absorption, meaning the epoxy components can soak into the material, negatively impacting your mixing efforts.
- Polystyrene (or Syrofoam) Containers—Resin components can have behave strangely around these materials. It's best to avoid using them.
- Dirty/Wet Containers—Containers that are dirty or wet can contaminate the epoxy resin, causing problems later on after you've applied it and are letting it cure.
- Contained Which Have Uncured Resin—As a rule, containers should not be reused. If a container already has bits of uncured resin, it should be disposed of and a fresh container used for the next batch. This is the only way to ensure that the epoxy is blended cleanly, without any residual substances ruining the batch.
Avoiding This Mistake
When measuring epoxy resin, the ideal container is one that is clean, dry, and made of plastic or silicone. For small batches, you can also use little plastic cups.
In the Tools and Supplies section of our store, we have high-quality mixing containers with graduated mixing lines to make the measuring process easy.
See them here:
Both of these containers are exceptinoal for mixing up epoxy batches, whether for seal coats or flood coats, and intended to be used in a wide range of projects, including epoxy bar tops, countertops, and table tops.
Preparation Is Key to Success
The number one method to ensure you attain that beautiful, crystal-clear epoxy finish is to take the time to understand your epoxy instructions before you begin. Knowing what to do and when will allow you to follow through on each step of the process until you've achieved your epoxy finishing goals.
When you have questions, it's a good idea to contact the dealer for your epoxy resin. They should be able to clarify any confusion.
Primaloc Epoxy: Premium Epoxy for Premium Results
With our premium Bar & Table Top Epoxy and our Deep Pour Epoxy, Primaloc gets the job done. Our epoxy resins are premium-grade, with high performance in every category, including:
- Unmatched Strength: A Primaloc finish won't buckle, even under high pressure.
- Long-Lasting Resilience: Primaloc epoxy lasts for many years with minimal care, and can endure high-traffic environments with ease.
- A Crystal-Clear Coating: With its pristine, transparent appearance, looking at a cured Primaloc coating is like peering through a window.
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.