Common Epoxy Resin Terms

A solvent that breaks down epoxy resin and is commonly used to clean wet tools. Acetone is highly flammable and should be kept well away from a flame torch. Always wear gloves when handling acetone. Do not use acetone to clean resin from your hands. 

💡 How To Clean Up Epoxy Resin

See Geode.

A solvent that breaks down epoxy resin and is commonly used to clean wet tools. 

Isopropyl alcohol (also known as rubbing alcohol) and denatured alcohol, (which is ethyl alcohol with additives) are two types of alcohol that can be used interchangeably for cleaning resin tools. Both types of alcohol are highly flammable and should be kept away from a flame torch. Always wear gloves when handling alcohol. Do not use alcohol to clean resin from your hands. 

💡 How To Clean Resin From Your Hands

💡 How To Clean Up Epoxy Resin

A highly fluid, deeply saturated, alcohol based colorant. 

Alcohol ink can be used to paint on non-porous materials such as Yupo paper or dropped into resin to create the colorful squiggles and tendrils of petri art.  Also see Yupo paper and Petri Art.

💡 Shop ArtResin's Alcohol Ink

When resin cures in humid conditions, a greasy film can develop on the resin surface from the amines in the hardener.

To remove it, wipe the surface with a damp cloth and warm water mixed with a grease-fighting liquid dish soap like Dawn. The amines are water soluble and should wash away easily. However, if any residue remains, you may need to use something more abrasive like a scouring pad, which could scuff the resin surface. In this case, once the surface has dried, sand the surface down with some coarse sandpaper, wipe away the sanding debris and apply a fresh coat of resin on top to restore the gloss.

💡 How Does Moisture Affect Epoxy Resin?

The standard set by the American Society for Testing and Materials to clearly indicate health hazards on the labels of art materials intended for home use.

ArtResin was tested by an ASTM designated toxicologist who found it meets D-4236 requirements:  it contains no harmful, toxic, hazardous or dangerous components, is considered safe when used as directed, and ArtResin's label accurately reflects this.

💡 How Is ArtResin Non-Toxic? When Is It NOT Non-Toxic?

When the resin has cured dry to the touch, but is still flexible.

Most often, the resin simply hasn't finished curing yet and needs more time to harden, particularly if there is no substrate under the resin. If the piece still remains bendy after several days, there may be another issue responsible for preventing the resin from curing properly, such as too much colorant, inaccurate measuring, or under mixing.

💡 Why Is My Resin Bendy?

A small frame, typically metal, used to make jewelry items such as pendants, rings and brooches.

Bezels can be closed (with a backing) or open (no backing). Clear or tinted resin is poured into the bezel, with or without items embedded in it. 

A handheld rolling tool, commonly used in printmaking.

A brayer serves a valuable purpose when mounting a print onto a panel that you plan to resin. A brayer removes air pockets between the print and the panel, minimizing the risk of air bubbles escaping into the resin. It also ensures the print is adhered evenly and securely to the panel, preventing resin from seeping underneath.

💡 What Type Of Glue Should I Use To Mount Paper To A Surface Before I Resin?

Trapped air in resin presents as bubbles. Some bubbles are to be expected as a result of mixing the resin and hardener together. These are easily removed from the resin surface with a flame torch.

Some bubbles occur deep in the resin and cannot rise to the surface to be torched out. These bubbles can cure right into the resin. Factors such as whipping the resin mixture, using cold resin, pouring thick layers at once, or applying resin on porous materials like wood, paper, or dried flowers that release trapped air can contribute to the formation of these deeper bubbles.

💡 Tips To Prevent Resin Bubbles

The phenomenon whereby epoxy resin, while appearing water clear in small volumes, can take on yellowish appearance in larger, or bulk, quantities. 

It's similar to how the ocean may appear blue, but a cup of water looks clear. A larger kit of ArtResin may seem less clear compared to a small kit from the same batch because you're seeing it in bulk. This can also happen in thick layers of cured epoxy resin. 

A type of epoxy resin with a low viscosity designed for deep pours of up to 2" thick. Its thin consistency allows bubbles to rise to the surface and pop, but takes more time to fully harden. Also see Epoxy Resin.

💡 Casting Resin vs Epoxy Resin

The component of the hardener that prompts it to cure with the resin.

When something catalyzes, it undergoes a chemical reaction. When liquid resin and hardener catalyze, the two components bond together to form a solid. Also see Cure.

The lacy effect that occurs when pigments of different densities come into contact with one another. 

For example, in ocean art, white-tinted resin applied over blue-tinted resin creates cells that replicate crashing waves. A heat source like a torch or a heat gun, can enhance cell formation. Cells can also be created with a small amount of silicone oil, but be aware that it will repel the resin, leading to bare spots in the final cured piece. Also see Silicone Oil.

💡 How To Create Lacing And Cells In Resin

A strong, durable, medium-viscosity epoxy resin designed to be a thin, protective layer on the outer surface of a substrate, such as artwork, wood, metal etc.  Also see Epoxy Resin.

💡 Can I Apply A Second Coat Of Epoxy Resin? Can I Apply Multiple Coats Of Epoxy Resin?

A liquid or powder art material used to tint epoxy resin. No matter which colorant you use, don't add more than 6% of the total combined volume of resin and hardener or ArtResin may not cure properly.

• For best results, start with a small quantity of a highly concentrated, pigment-based colorant, such as mica powder or a tint designed for use with resin. Add more as necessary.
• Water-based colorants, like acrylic paint, may react with the resin and/or dull the shine.
• A flame torch should never be used with solvent-based colorants like alcohol ink.

💡 How To Color Clear Epoxy Resin

💡 Shop ArtResin's Colorants

The process in which the resin and hardener catalyze and transition from a liquid to a solid.  Also see Catalyze.

💡 How Long Does ArtResin Take To Cure?

The time required for the resin to fully dry all the way through. 

An ⅛” or 3 mm coat of ArtResin is dry to the touch at 24 hours and fully cured at 72 hours.

💡 How Can I Make Epoxy Resin Cure Faster?

When the resin has separated or peeled away from the surface to which it was applied. 

This can occur when resin has been applied to smooth, non-porous surfaces like plastic, plexiglass, fiberglass, or even cured resin. To ensure proper adhesion, rough up the surface with coarse sandpaper before applying the resin. 

The satisfying process of removing your cured resin casting from a mold.

To ensure ease of demolding, it is recommended to do so within the 24 hour mark, before the resin has fully cured.

💡 Shiny vs Matte Silicone Molds

See Alcohol.

An additive used in epoxy resin to thin out the formula.

Diluents used in some epoxy resins can be harmful, non-reactive solvents: they don't bond with either the resin or hardener and instead evaporate into the air as fumes or VOCs. They can leach into food after the resin cures, posing health risks if ingested. ArtResin is formulated without solvents and non-reactive diluents. Also see Filler.

💡 How Dangerous Is Your Epoxy Resin?

See Surface Contamination.

💡 How Can I Avoid Getting Dimples In My Epoxy Resin?

See Surface Contamination.

Nudging the resin to the edges of your piece so it sits neatly on top without going over the sides.

ArtResin’s viscosity makes it a perfect doming resin.

💡 What Is Doming Resin?

A protective device placed over a project while it cures to prevent dust, hair or other airborne contaminants from landing in wet epoxy resin. A clean cardboard box (with the flaps cut off), a plastic tote, or a deli tray lid works very well. For larger projects, create a tent by propping up a large piece of cardboard on stands over your project, and then place a plastic drop sheet over top. 

💡 How Can I Protect My Resined Work From Dust?

A type of fluid art in which multiple colors of acrylic paint mixed with pouring medium are blown around on a canvas to create lacing, cells, ribbons and other interesting effects. The technique was originated by Dutch artist Rinske Douna, hence its name "Dutch Pour".

💡 Learn 2 Dutch Pour Techniques

Placing an object into resin.

You can embed photos or artwork into resin, or inclusions such as dried flowers, gold leaf, shells, glass shards, crystals, coins, beer caps, or rocks to make coasters, keychains, jewelry and more. Also see Inclusions.

💡 Can I Embed Objects In Resin?

A clear liquid plastic composed of two parts: the resin and hardener, often called Part A and B, or the base and catalyst. When these parts are mixed, a chemical reaction occurs, transforming the mixture from a liquid to a solid within approximately 24 hours. 

Once cured, epoxy resin is hard, durable, and resistant to moisture. Numerous epoxy brands and formulations exist, tailored for specific purposes such as art, coating, and casting, each with different levels of quality and non-toxicity. 

💡 Types of Resin and Their Uses

💡 Shop Epoxy Resin

The chemical process that occurs when the resin and hardener are mixed, producing heat.

The exotherm is why the mixed product feels warm. Exotherm increases in large masses, so it's advisable to mix multiple small batches instead of one large batch. If the exotherm gets too hot, it can lead to an uncontrolled exothermic reaction (also known as a flash cure) when the epoxy resin overheats and cures prematurely, sometimes instantly. Also see Uncontrolled Exothermic Reaction. 

Indicates that a product has undergone testing and has met the requirements of the United States Food and Drug Administration’s health and safety standard FDA 21 CFR 175.300, and “may be safely used as the food-contact surface of articles intended for use in producing, manufacturing, packing, processing, preparing, treating, packaging , transporting, or holding food.” 

ArtResin is FDA compliant epoxy resin: third party migration tests confirmed that fully cured ArtResin that was prepared according to the instructions meets FDA 21 CFR 175.300 health and safety standards. In other words, ArtResin was not found to release harmful components into food and is safe for direct contact. Also refer to Food Safe.

💡 Food Safe: A Guide For FDA Compliant Epoxy

A material added to some epoxy resin brands to stretch out the ingredients and reduce the cost.

The fillers in some epoxy resins can be harmful solvents and non-reactive, meaning they don't bond to components in either the resin or hardener, instead evaporating into the air as noxious fumes or VOCs. In addition to potential health hazards when inhaled, fillers can cause the cured epoxy to shrink once they've evaporated. ArtResin contains no filler, no non-reactive diluents, and no solvents in its formula. Also see Diluent.

💡 Does ArtResin Shrink?

See Surface Contamination.

See Uncontrolled Exothermic Reaction

A layer of epoxy resin poured onto a substrate that will naturally self-level to approximately 1/8" or 3 mm.

Flood coats are applied one at a time. Usually, one flood coat is sufficient, but if you want a thicker resin coating, you can layer them by pouring a new coat every 3-5 hours, or by waiting 24 hours and sanding between coats. Before applying a flood coat, you may choose to apply a seal coat to the substrate first.  Also refer to Seal Coat and Layer.

Flow art, also known as fluid art or pour painting, is a technique that uses a liquid art material's natural flow to create an abstract design. Flow art can be made with tinted resin or with acrylic paint mixed with a pouring medium. The colors are then poured in an organic pattern onto a surface to create a colorful, finished piece of artwork.

💡 How To Create Resin Flow Art

See Flow Art.

An epoxy resin is considered food safe when migration testing demonstrates that the fully cured product is chemically inert and does not leach substances into food upon contact.

Some epoxy resin formulas contain solvents and non-reactive diluents to stretch the materials, which can release out of the product and into food, posing health risks if ingested. To ensure an epoxy resin is food safe, consult the Safety Data Sheet, ask the manufacturer for their migration test results, and carefully follow the recommended mixing and curing instructions.

ArtResin has been tested against 13 different worldwide food safety standards, and has successfully passed each one, ensuring its safety for use with food.

💡 ArtResin Passes Food Safety Tests

The point in the transition from liquid to solid when the epoxy resin reaches a soft, sticky, taffy-like consistency. This usually happens about 3-5 hours after mixing.

A technique using crushed glass/crystals and tinted resin to recreate the look of natural rock formations. The resin is tinted with pigments and mica powder to create a resin geode in any color palette you wish. Resin geodes also feature decorative elements like glitter and metallic paint for a luxurious finish. 

💡 How To Make Resin Geode Art

💡 Resin Geode Art Tips & Tricks

Compounds added to an epoxy resin formula that help protect against the damaging effects of light exposure.

In ArtResin's proprietary formula, specially chosen HALS additives act as a shield, absorbing harmful UV radiation to interrupt yellowing. This helps to maintain ArtResin's clarity and durability. Also see UV Light Stabilizers.

💡 What is HALS and UV Light Stabilization?

One of two liquid components that make up epoxy resin. 

When you purchase epoxy resin, you will receive two components: a resin and a hardener (sometimes called Part A and Part B.) The hardener contains the catalyst, the ingredient that prompts and controls the curing process. Once mixed, the hardener reacts with the resin to form a solid. Also see Resin.

💡 How To Measure and Mix Resin and Hardener

We typically recommend using a flame torch, however there are three exceptions when a heat gun or a hair dryer is preferable:

• When working with alcohol ink: alcohol is flammable and a flame torch can pose a fire risk. The alcohol in the ink will typically pop many bubbles in resin on its own, but if you need an extra boost, please use a heat gun.
  
• When working with silicone molds: the intensity of a flame can risk damaging silicone, so a heat gun is a good alternative when working with molds.
  
• For creating cells and lacing in flow art or ocean art: use a heat gun or hair dyer on low to gently push the layers of tinted resin, creating fun effects. Finish off with a quick pass of a flame torch to pop any bubbles. 
  

💡 Why Use A Torch To Get Rid Of Bubbles On Epoxy Resin?

The ability of a resin coating to withstand heat from an object placed on it without causing damage to its surface.

Cured ArtResin has a maximum heat resistance of 120º F/50º C. This means it can handle the heat from a hot cup of coffee or tea, but it may not be suitable for direct contact with a hot dish from the oven. In some cases, a temporary mark may appear on the resin surface when exposed to heat, but it should disappear once the resin cools down.

💡 What Is ArtResin's Heat Resistance?

A measurement indicating the level of moisture in the air, usually expressed as a percentage.

While working with epoxy resin and during the curing process, excess humidity can lead to the formation of amine blush, which appears as a cloudy film on the resin surface. To prevent this, to keep humidity levels below 80%, and preferably below 50%, for best outcomes. Also see Amine Blush.

💡 How Does Moisture Affect Epoxy Resin?

Various objects that can be added into resin, such as glitter, gold leaf, beads, bottle caps, or natural items like shells, rocks or flowers. 

It's important that any item you add is completely dry or it can rot and/or cause the resin to cure cloudy. Porous items may contain trapped air and should be sealed first to avoid the release of bubbles into the resin.

💡 Can I Embed Objects In Clear Resin?

Also see Alcohol Ink.

Ink Sinker is the name of ArtResin's white alcohol ink, and it's the secret to creating "petri dish" art. Ink Sinker is notably denser than most other alcohol inks. Its name comes from its unique ability to push alcohol ink colors down through the resin, resulting in cool effects like tendrils and squiggles that appear to be "petrified" in the resin.

💡 Shop ArtResin's Ink Sinker

See Alcohol.

A level is used to ensure that a substrate is perfectly horizontal before pouring resin on it. Epoxy resin is self-leveling, so even a slight slant will cause it to run off the sides.  Either a spirit or bubble level can be used, or a mobile phone level app. 

💡 How Do You Use Your Phone As A Level?

A shimmering, metallic powder widely used as an epoxy resin colorant. Mica powder is made by adding finely ground mica minerals to pigment powders and imparts a sparkling color to epoxy resin.

The vessel in which the resin and hardener are combined. For best results, choose a mixing container that is made of plastic or silicone for easy clean up, is 1.5-2 sizes larger than the amount of resin you'll be preparing to avoid splashes while mixing, and has graduated lines on it for accurate measuring (provided the resin you're using is measured by volume and not weight).

💡 How To Measure And Mix Epoxy Resin

The specific proportions of resin and hardener that need to be combined to ensure a properly cured outcome.

Different epoxy resins have different mixing ratios. For example, ArtResin follows a 1:1 ratio by volume, meaning that equal volumes of resin and hardener are required for curing. Always consult the label instructions to determine the correct mixing ratio and whether the components need to be measured by weight or volume. Also see Volume and Resin Calculator.

Strong, chemical resistant gloves without the allergenic compounds often associated with latex.

Resin is sticky and the best way to keep your hands clean is to wear disposable gloves, changing them out for a clean pair as often as needed. 

💡 How To Clean Resin From Your Hands

A technique that replicates the look of ocean waves. It involves pouring layers of resin tinted in various shades of blue, then finishing with a layer of white resin. The white resin gets pushed onto the blue layers with a hairdryer to create a lacing effect reminiscent of sea foam. 

💡 How To Make Ocean Resin Art

The gas (air) released by a material into the resin in the form of bubbles.

Natural materials, such as wood, flowers and paper, typically off-gas the most. Sealing these objects prior to applying resin creates a barrier that will prevent trapped air from releasing. Also see Sealing.

A pitted finish on the resin surface, resembling orange peel. 

This is often caused by a temperature drop in the first 24 hours of curing.
Also see Surface Imperfections.

💡 How Does Cold Weather Affect Resin?

When the flame of a torch is held too closely to the resined surface, or held for too long in one place. Over torching leads to dimpling or rippling in your cured resin, and possibly even yellowing or discoloration. 

💡 Is It Possible To Over Torch My Epoxy Resin? 

A reaction with oxygen which, over time, causes the amines in the hardener to become yellow.

As air exposure continues, the color of the hardener will deepen over time, similar to how an apple browns when cut and exposed to air. The yellowing in the hardener becomes noticeable approximately 6 months after opening the bottles or 12 months if unopened. Oxidation is different from yellowing caused by UV light damage. Once ArtResin cures, it is resistant to oxidation.  

💡 What Can You Do With Yellowed Hardener?

See Stands.

Petri Art is made by dropping alcohol ink colors into resin in a silicone mold, followed by white alcohol ink. Known as Ink Sinker, white alcohol ink is heavier and is able to push the colors down into the resin creating colorful "petrified" squiggles once cured. See Ink Sinker and Alcohol Ink.

💡 How To Create Petri Dish Art

A plastic liner protects your work surface and floor from resin drips or spills. A clear, smooth vinyl shower curtain makes an inexpensive, sturdy liner that can be re-used again and again: resin drips can either be wiped clean with paper towel and isopropyl alcohol or, if allowed to dry, can be peeled off the next day. For smaller projects, a silicone mat or kitchen parchment paper works very nicely.

From stir sticks to spreaders to plastic drop sheets, plastic tools work well with resin for a very good reason: epoxy resin doesn't adhere to plastic and this makes for easy clean up.

You have two choices when it comes to cleaning off plastic resin tools:

1. Spritz wet tools with isopropyl alcohol and wipe dry with paper towel. Repeat this step to remove all traces of resin. When there is no more resin residue, wash tools in hot soapy water and allow to dry thoroughly before using them again.
   
2. Lay wet tools on a plastic surface overnight and allow the resin to cure. The next day, the resin will peel right off.

Either way, you can use plastic tools over and over again making them a smart choice when working with resin.

💡 How To Clean Epoxy Resin Mixing Containers and Cups

A type of resin commonly used in the production of automobile parts, boat hulls, surf boards, swimming pools, ponds, molds, models, and certain medical devices. 

While it offers high strength, rigidity, and water resistance, it's also known for its noxious odor, toxic fumes, and corrosive ingredients. To ensure safety, wear the appropriate personal protective equipment, including chemical-resistant gloves and respiratory protection when working with polyester resin.

💡 Types Of Resin And Their Uses

The speed at which the resin and hardener catalyze or react.

Also known as working time or open time, it’s how long you have to pour and spread the resin before it gets too thick to work with. Once mixed, ArtResin’s pot life is about 40-45 minutes. Since heat accelerates curing, warming the resin in a water bath or working on a hot day will reduce the working time by about 10 minutes. 

💡 What Is The Working Time Of ArtResin?

A sealed chamber used to remove bubbles from liquid epoxy resin. Compressed air is introduced into the pressure pot, creating pressure that forces bubbles out of the resin. Also see Vacuum Chamber.

One of two liquid components that make up epoxy resin, often referred to as Part A. When combined with a hardener, or Part B, resin undergoes a chemical reaction that transforms it from a liquid into a solid state.

The term resin also refers to resins in general. Resin is a versatile material with various formulations and properties tailored for different applications, from artistic to industrial. While there are different types of resin available, such as UV Resin, Polyester Resin, and Polyurethane Resin, epoxy resin is most commonly meant when people refer to resin. Also see Epoxy Resin.

💡 Types Of Resin And Their Uses.

An online tool to calculate the required epoxy resin quantity based on your project's dimensions. ArtResin's resin calculators are based on a single coat and provide guidance on selecting the appropriate kit. If you plan to apply additional coats, simply adjust the quantity accordingly.

💡 ArtResin Resin Calculator
💡 ArtResin Circle Calculator

A protective face mask equipped with replaceable cartridges designed to filter out airborne particles, including fumes and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by certain resins.

While many resin brands on the market require the use of a respirator, ArtResin is a clean system and does not release fumes or VOCs. For this reason, ArtResin does not require a respirator while using it as directed and in a well-ventilated area. Of course, the choice to wear a respirator is yours, and we encourage users to take precautions that ensure their comfort while working with ArtResin.

 💡 What Safety Precautions Should I Take When Using ArtResin?

Sanding is a necessary step for fixing small imperfections in cured resin, such as bubbles, dimples, or dust.

Sanding not only removes surface flaws, but also improves adhesion of a fresh resin coat. Whether you use sandpaper, a sanding block or an electric sander, use a coarse 80-grit sandpaper over the entire surface, paying particular attention to sand down the problem area. It’s going to look like a mess, but don’t worry: once you wipe away the sanding dust and pour your fresh coat, it’ll look good as new.

Sanding resin can also help achieve a matte finish. Start with a coarse grit, working your way to a very fine, high-grit sandpaper for a smooth surface. After sanding, apply beeswax or finishing oil and polish to achieve clear, matte finish.

TIP: Always wear a mask when sanding to avoid breathing in fine resin particles.

💡 Can I Apply A Second Coat Or Multiple Coats Of Epoxy Resin?

💡 How To Get A Matte Resin Finish

The (Material) Safety Data Sheet.

ArtResin’s SDS is found at the bottom of the website's home page. It contains information on ArtResin's ingredients, safe handling, transport and disposal measures, personal protective information and first aid procedures. 

💡 ArtResin's Safety Data Sheet

An initial, thin layer of epoxy or sealant applied to the substrate before applying the main resin flood coat. 

A seal coat creates a protective barrier between the substrate and the resin flood coat. It fills holes in porous materials, preventing resin absorption and the release of trapped air that can create bubbles in the resin flood coat. The seal coat helps to achieve a clear, clean, and glass-like finish in the final resin flood coat.  Also see Flood Coat and Sealant.

A material applied to create a protective barrier between the resin and the substrate. Sealants are most commonly used on porous materials like wood or paper to prevent resin absorption or air bubble release. While a thin layer of epoxy resin can be used as a sealant, there are specialized sealants available in spray or brush-on forms. It's important to select a sealant that dries clear and preferably offers UV protection.

💡 Should I Seal My Artwork Before I Resin?

Applying epoxy resin to specific areas of your piece to highlight a feature, rather than covering the entire surface. A paintbrush, a foam brush, a toothpick or a small spreading tool can be used to apply the epoxy resin exactly where you want it. 

💡 How To Selectively Embellish Artwork With Epoxy Resin

If left alone, epoxy resin will naturally spread out to a thickness of approximately 1/8" or 3 mm after being poured onto the surface. 

However, to move the resin with ease and efficiency, use a flat object like a spreader to guide it to the edges of your piece.

💡 Is ArtResin Epoxy Resin Self-Leveling?

How long you can expect the epoxy resin to remain clear, unchanged, and usable.

ArtResin's shelf life is 6 months once opened and 12 months unopened from the day of manufacture.

💡 How Long Does Epoxy Resin Last?

The reading that measures the hardness of a material.

ArtResin's Shore Hardness is 78 on the D Scale for hard and rigid materials. Also see Technical Data Sheet.

A flexible, rubbery material that is highly resistant to moisture, temperature and chemicals, including epoxy resin. Since resin doesn't adhere to silicone, it's an ideal material for workspace liners, mixing tools. and molds. Silicone is highly durable, meaning tools and molds can be used over and over again.

ArtResin offers silicone coaster molds and a non-toxic, food safe Mold Making Material kit to craft your own reusable, custom molds.

💡How To Use Mold Making Material

A material often used in conjunction with epoxy resin to create interesting cell work in resin art.

While it is effective at creating cells, silicone oil should be used with caution. It has properties that repel resin, which can result in bare spots on the cured surface. Additionally, exposure to silicone oil can cause the resin to yellow.

💡 What Does Silicone Oil Do To Resin ... Besides Create Cells?

A liquid substance capable of dissolving other substances.

While most epoxy resins contain solvents as additives to reduce viscosity, it's important to note that these solvents make the product toxic, flammable, and pose potential health risks for users. ArtResin does not contain any such solvents in its formula.

Exercise caution when working with ArtResin and solvents such as alcohol and acetone. For safety reasons, wear protective gloves when cleaning tools with solvent materials and never use them near an open flame. Do not use a flame torch to remove bubbles if you've added alcohol ink to epoxy resin.  

💡 What Makes ArtResin Safe To Use?

A hard, flat edged object used to evenly and efficiently guide resin across the surface of a substrate.

Plastic spreaders are easy to clean and can be used over and over again. ArtResin's reusable spreader has different sized teeth along each side to control the flow of the resin as you spread it. 

💡 How To Pour And Spread Epoxy Resin

Plastic supports used to elevate objects up and off of the work surface while they're being resined.

Propping your piece up on stands allows excess resin to pool onto the lined work surface below. Plastic stands allow for easy clean up as the resin will easily peel off once cured. We like using painter's pyramids, found in the paint section of any hardware store or as part of ArtResin's Accessory Kit. Plastic shot glasses or large toy building blocks also work well.

A substrate is the surface onto which you apply resin: this could be a wood panel, a stretched canvas, metal, glass, or a piece of wood. 

💡 What Is The Best Supportive Surface To Use With ArtResin? 

Surface contamination causes imperfections in the cured resin surface including dimples, divots, fish eyes, voids, orange peel, waves, or ripples.

Surface contamination can be caused by a variety of issues including dust particles, temperature dips in the first 24 hours of curing, over torching, or oil, wax or grease that repels resin and prevents it from adhering. Luckily, these can be fixed by sanding down the entire resin surface with coarse sandpaper, wiping the debris clean and pouring a fresh coat of resin over top.

💡 Can I Spot Fix Small Imperfections In My Resin? 

A document that provides a summary of the technical characteristics of a product. 

It includes useful information such as performance and usage details, technical specifications and industry standards. While it may touch on safety aspects, it should not be mistaken for a Safety Data Sheet (SDS). An SDS is an industry standardized document that specifically informs users about any potential hazards associated with the product. Also see Safety Data Sheet.

💡 ArtResin's Technical Data Sheet

The ideal temperature at which an epoxy resin cures. 

Temperature is a crucial factor in the proper curing of epoxy resin. For optimal results, the recommended temperature range for both ArtResin and the workspace is slightly above room temperature, between 75-85°F or 24-30°C. If the temperature is too low, the resin may not harden properly, while excessively high temperatures can cause premature curing.

💡 How Does Cold Weather Affect Resin?

💡 How Does Hot Weather Affect Resin?

An indispensable tool for removing surface contaminants from wet resin or for detailed resin work.

After you've torched the resin, inspect it at eye level under a light source using your toothpick to pop stray bubbles or to fish out bits of dust or hair.

Toothpicks are also handy if you want to nudge small amounts of resin on your piece or to place inclusions like gold flake or dried flowers exactly where you want them. Also see Selective Embellishment and Embedding

The final layer of epoxy resin applied to a project.

In most cases, a single coat of epoxy resin is sufficient. However, if you require multiple coats, plan to paint or embellish in between layers, or use a colorant that may not be food safe, a clear topcoat of resin can be applied as the final layer. 

A handheld flame tool powered by butane or propane, used to remove bubbles from the surface of wet epoxy resin. 

A torch is the best tool for removing bubbles from epoxy resin. However, it's important to note two exceptions: First, avoid using a torch on silicone molds, as the flame may damage them. Second, do not use a torch if you have added a flammable material, like alcohol ink, to the resin mixture.  

💡 Why Use A Torch To Get Rid Of Bubbles In Epoxy Resin?

When epoxy resin overheats and cures prematurely, sometimes instantly. 

Several factors contribute to a flash cure, including time, temperature, volume and surface area. Pouring the resin too thick, high temperatures, or leaving a large quantity in the mixing cup too long after mixing can trigger a flash cure.

To prevent a flash cure, pour resin in thin layers of approximately ⅛", pour onto your surface or portion out into multiple cups for colorant immediately after mixing, and if warming the resin and hardener bottles in a water bath, use warm water instead of hot water. Also see Exothermic Reaction.

💡 Why Does My Epoxy Resin Feel Hot?

Additives used to mitigate the damaging effects of UV light on epoxy resin, such as yellowing, gloss loss, cracking, chalking and delamination. 

ArtResin's proprietary formula includes two types of light stabilizers. The UV Light Stabilizer effectively protects against most UV-induced damage, while the Hindered Amine Light Stabilizer (HALS) provides long-term defence against yellowing.  Also see Hindered Amine Light Stabilizer (HALS).

💡 What Is HALS And UV Light Stabilization?

A one-part synthetic resin that cures quickly when exposed to ultraviolet light. 

The most notable benefits of UV Resin are that it doesn't require mixing and has a long working time and fast dry time. However, it has a noxious odor and contains ingredients that pose health risks, so take appropriate safety precautions when handling it. It's also one of the most expensive types of resin and requires the purchase of a UV lamp. Because it can only be applied in thin layers over small areas, it may not be suitable for many applications.

💡 Types Of Resin And Their Uses

A sealed chamber used to remove bubbles from liquid epoxy resin.

By creating a vacuum, trapped air is drawn out, causing air bubbles to rise to the resin's surface and eventually burst. Also see Pressure Pot.

The measure of a substance's resistance to flow, indicating whether it is thick or thin.  

Viscosity is most commonly used to describe liquids. Low viscosity indicates a thin consistency (e.g., water), while high viscosity indicates a thicker texture (e.g., molasses). Casting resins designed for deep pours have a low viscosity, whereas coating resins like ArtResin, which are intended for shallow coats, have a higher viscosity.

💡How To Thin Out Epoxy Resin

See Surface Contamination.

Chemical compounds that easily evaporate into the air due to their high vapor pressure.

When these compounds become airborne and are inhaled, they can cause harm to human health. To ensure safety, ArtResin has undergone extensive testing conducted by board-designated toxicologists, and test results confirm that the resin and hardener (on their own, or while being mixed or during curing) produces no fumes or VOCs.

💡 What Makes ArtResin Safe To Use?

The amount in ml or fl oz of resin and hardener required to catalyze the mixture, which will take it from a liquid to a solid. 

When measuring the amount by volume, pour equal amounts of resin and hardener in milliliters or in fluid ounces, and not by weight. Always follow the label instructions accurately for the specific product being used. ArtResin, for example, was formulated to be measured in a 1:1 ratio by volume. Therefore, if you pour 50 ml of resin, you will need to pour 50 ml hardener.  Also see Resin Calculator.

💡 How To Measure And Mix Resin And Hardener

A container filled with warm water used to raise the temperature of resin and hardener slightly above room temperature.

A warm water bath is useful to bring cold resin up to a workable temperature. It also lowers the viscosity of resin, making it thinner and easier to work with, while also reducing bubbles. This is particularly helpful when pouring thicker layers of resin into silicone molds, where the use of a flame torch to remove bubbles is not advised.

It's important to warm the resin and hardener bottles in a water bath before measuring and mixing. Ensure the bottles are tightly capped to prevent water from entering them, and immerse them in a tall, narrow container to prevent tipping. Be aware that a warm water bath will reduce the working time by approximately 10 minutes.

💡 Why Do I Need To Give Resin A Warm Water Bath?

See Pot Life.

A change in color where a yellow or amber tint develops over time. Yellowing can occur due to various factors including exposure to UV light and high temperatures, oxidation, over torching or interaction with certain chemicals, such as titanium dioxide.

To mitigate yellowing, avoid placing your finished artwork outdoors or in direct sunlight, use the product within 6 months of opening or 12 months from the date of manufacture, give the resined surface a quick pass or two with the torch, keeping it moving at all times, and allow paint containing titanium dioxide sufficient dry time or seal it before applying epoxy resin. 

💡 Why Does My Cured Resin Look Yellow?