Epoxy Resin Guide (3)
Information about Different Viscosities:
Layer Thickness
Thicker layers can easily be cast with particularly low-viscosity resin variants. Since this resin does not heat up as much during curing, thicker layers can also be cast. You can remove air bubbles from the still liquid epoxy resin layer by gently blowing with a hot air dryer or a suitable Bunsen burner.
More viscous resin such as laminating resin should not be poured thicker than about 1 cm. Air bubbles rising in the material are very difficult to get to rise and escape because of the highly viscous consistency.
Tip: You can usually find the most important information clearly stated in the manufacturer’s information on the product packaging. As a rule, this information should also tell you what total amount of material can be used in one operation without problems.
Processing Time
A very important factor when working with epoxy resins is the so-called processing time. It is also called pot life or open time by some people. These terms are used to describe the time span within which the resin can be processed after mixing the two components (resin and hardener).
At a certain point, a phase finally sets in during which the resin becomes thicker and more viscous. At this point, it should not be processed any further (except perhaps in special cases), as it does not level out to a flat surface by itself and cannot be colored homogeneously.
Short Processing Time
Pros Cons
- Certain effects can be achieved when dyeing these resin variants
- Increased bubble formation in difficult venting situations
- Faster layer build-up: several layers can be poured on top of each other at shorter intervals
- Under UV radiation a certain yellowing can often occur
Long Processing Time
Pros Cons
- In case of a longer working time there is enough time to mix several different colors and to work them in peace
- More individual materials such as mixing bowls and spatulas are required for casting several layers
- The transitions from one layer to the other are hardly visible when several transparent layers are stacked on top of each other
Curing Time
The curing time of epoxy resin is defined as the time span after which a state of absolute hardness and durability is reached after mixing the components. Usually, the curing time is also related to the processing time: If it has a short processing time, the resin is usually completely cured and hard even after a comparatively short period of time.
How much do different products differ in terms of processing time?
- Products with a rather short working time of about 20 minutes to 1 hour should be completely cured after about 24 hours.
- Products with a working time of up to 12 hours allow more complicated processing and effects, but also need up to 1 week for complete curing.
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