Do not wear protective equipment

Epoxy resin is a product with chemical components. Therefore, its handling should not be done without some protective accessories. For example, when working with this type of resin, it is recommended to wear a respiratory mask, protective glasses and nitrile gloves. Be careful not to choose latex gloves as this material does not protect against epoxy resin.

Not matching the choice of product to its use

There are several types of epoxy resins and each product has different properties. It is therefore recommended not to use the same resins whatever the nature of your project. Depending on the technique used, some epoxy resins will be more suitable than others. For example, it is not advisable to use the same product to make a varnish and an embedding.

Neglecting storage conditions

It is important to know that epoxy resin has a short shelf life. In fact, from the moment it is manufactured, its quality and properties diminish after 12 months of storage. Moreover, it is recommended to keep the resin in a room where the temperature is between 10 and 30 degrees.

Neglecting preparation conditions

Epoxy resin is very sensitive to the conditions in which it is processed. The quality of the product can be impacted if you do not respect certain provisions during its handling. It is recommended to use epoxy resins at a temperature between 20 and 25 degrees. Indeed, this product is very sensitive to the ambient temperature. If the temperature is too high, the resin will harden too quickly. On the other hand, if the temperature is too low, the product may have too high a viscosity, preventing it from curing properly.

Neglecting the dosage of the products

The dosage of the products (resin and hardener) is a very important step to obtain a quality resin. There are two techniques for dosing the mixture, the weight technique and the volume technique. Whichever one you choose, you must follow the instructions on the labels of the components carefully.

Making a bad mixture

In order to make a homogeneous mixture between the resin and its hardener, there are specific accessories. A wooden stick will not do. Furthermore, you should not mix the components too quickly, as this may cause air bubbles to appear that are difficult to remove afterwards.

Making a bad dye of the epoxy resin

Colorless in its natural state, epoxy resin requires specific pigments for its coloring. The mistake of buying dyes that are not adapted to this product will have the consequence of harming the quality of the final mix. Indeed, it is important to know that epoxy resin does not appreciate water or humidity. As an alternative, some powdered pigments can be used, but these are generally quite difficult to mix. 

Using the wrong method to remove bubbles from the mixture

In spite of all the necessary precautions, it happens that the final preparation leaves some bubbles. The trick of removing them with a blowtorch or hair dryer is very bad. On the other hand, the use of a heat gun can help you to burst the bubbles on the surface.

Forget the top coat   

Even if you're happy with the final result, epoxy resin has a weakness: its resistance to UV light. Without protection, the product will yellow and lose transparency. To avoid this natural phenomenon, a top coat of varnish will give it even more transparency close to the appearance of glass and will protect it against UV.

Do you have an upcoming project? Do you want more information about epoxy resin? Don't hesitate to ask us for advice!