Best tips For Epoxy Resin Projects

Tips for Epoxy Resin . Whether you’re just a beginner or are an experienced woodworker, working with epoxy can be exciting and a big challenge depending on your experience. If you search on social media, there are tones of different projects. From river tables & furniture, epoxy coasters or charcuterie boards, resin jewelry, epoxy flooring or bar tops and so much more…

Epoxy resin is a versatile and durable material that is commonly used in a wide range of applications, including woodworking, jewelry making, and even art projects. However, working with epoxy resin can be tricky, and it’s important to know a few tips and tricks to ensure that your projects come out looking great. Here are some of the best tips for using epoxy resin:

1. Measure carefully: Epoxy resin is a two-part mixture that needs to be mixed in the right proportions to ensure it cures properly. Be sure to measure the parts of resin and hardener accurately, and mix them together thoroughly.
2. Use a low-heat source: Some epoxy resins can be sensitive to heat, so it’s important to use a low-heat source, such as a hair dryer, to remove any bubbles that may form during the curing process. Avoid flames, torch and heat guns.
3. Protect your work surface: Epoxy resin can be difficult to remove from certain surfaces, so it’s a good idea to protect your work surface with plastic sheeting or a drop cloth.
4. Use release agents:  Use a liquid Silicone release agent on the surface before pouring the resin.
5. Be patient: Epoxy resin takes time to cure properly, so be sure to give it enough time to harden completely before moving or handling your project.
6. Practice: Epoxy resin can be tricky to work with, and it can be frustrating if your first attempt doesn’t come out exactly as planned. But with a bit of practice and patience, you’ll soon be able to master the art of working with epoxy resin and create beautiful and durable projects.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating high-quality projects with epoxy resin. Remember to always read the manufacturer’s instructions and take all necessary safety precautions before starting a project. Epoxy resin is one more material to add to your collection that will, no doubt, take all of your pieces to the next level.

Epoxy is a material that once mixed Part A Resin + Part B Hardener will go from a liquid form to a solid one within hours  or days after being mixed.  The CHILL EPOXY products can sand, cut, carved, CNC and polished. As you will understand working with epoxy takes a bit of practice but over time, you will become more and more comfortable.

Tips for Epoxy Resin – How to Use Epoxy Resin

1.    Filling and Repairing Wood

This is a great way to highlight the character of your favourite wood essence. Filling little cracks, voids and knot is an excellent way to salvage or create a smooth surface. In order to fill small cracks, voids, pin holes, we recommend using our Ultra Fast-Setting Epoxy – CHILL FIX™ (2:1) ratio. This ultra-fast setting is ideal for small repairs. With only 13 mins of pot life, those small pours will cure in no time. Move on the next step and sand the epoxy in less than 3-6 hours.

2.    Art Projects, Ocean and Beach Scenes

More and more artists are now using Epoxy resin on canvases or on wood pieces to create stunning projects. When looking to create effects, mix pigments, lacing and doming effects, we recommend using our CHILL 3D™ (1:1) ratio medium viscosity countertop & Art Epoxy.

3.    Sealing Wood

Low viscosity epoxy resin is a great sealant for wood. Our Clear Epoxy Fast-Drying Seal Coat Kit – CHILL SEALER™ is an excellent Fast-setting epoxy. Especially formulated to stabilize and reliably waterproof all substrates. Cures in only 4 to 6 hours. A new layer can be applied after 3 hours. Use to seal Live Edge, wood boards, tabletop and more.

How to Use Epoxy Resin on Wood

1.    Prepare the Wood and Form. 

Before even considering to pour epoxy, it is important that the wood is flattened and sanded. Make sure it is free from contamination, dust and dirt. For a river table project, use either melamine, HDPE to create the form. You will need to use Red Tape ( Tuck Tape) or Tyvek tape and cover the whole surface. Epoxy will stick to almost everything. HDPE is one of the materials that epoxy won’t stick to. Seal with silicone caulk all cracks, angles and corners to prevent any epoxy leaks.

2.    Mix process

When buying one of our CHILL EPOXY kits, the epoxy will include both Resin – Part A and the Hardener – Part B. Epoxy is a chemical reaction created by different raw materials. Follow the instructions and mix the epoxy according to the TDS and instructions on the packaging/boxes. Make sure to wear the proper equipment when using epoxy resin.

3.    Pour 

When pouring the epoxy into your project, it is recommended to pour slowly and steady. This technique will create fewer bubbles. Pour from one corner or edge and let the epoxy run into your mold connecting with your wood. When doing a river table, we recommend to bring the epoxy to the very same height as the wood. The thin layer of epoxy poured over the wood will take longer to cure than the 1.5-2″ full-size river. For river tables we recommend to use one of our Low Viscosity – Casting Systems extended pot life. Based on the thickness, select the right system from our online store – here.

4.    Air bubbles 

Even though the CHILL EPOXY products have phenomenal bubble release properties, it is possible that some bubbles remains. If they are not gone after 10-15 min after pouring, a air dryer can be used to pop the remaining ones. We do not recommend using a torch. When using thermoset resins, which will generate heat, the last thing you want to do is add heat/stress at the surface. A quick pass 4-6 inches over the pour is enough to get rig of the bubbles.

5.    Cure time

Each product is different. If you are using our casting systems, please refer to the TDS. Take note that the Pot life will have a direct impact on the cure time. Room temperature will also have a direct impact on the epoxy curing faster or slower. We always recommend pouring at 72F/22C. All systems have been designed, formulated and lab tested at 72F to offer the best results. A system like CHILL ICE 1 (1/2-1.5″ thick) will cure faster than the CHILL ICE 2 meant for a full 2″ thick

6.    Final Finish and Sanding process

Using professional-grade fine-grit sandpaper remove any imperfections, marks or unwanted cured epoxy present. If you are looking for a satin or mat look, sanding and using your favorite wood oil ( VOC Free) will do. For a glass shiny finish, you will need to polish the surface. Wet sanding using high quality pads will help. Climbing up to 3000-5000 grit ( wet sanding) and buffing will give you the best results. Especially with clear epoxy projects. Use a high-quality wood oil like Odie’s Oil for the best finish.

G U A R A N T E E
In conclusion, having no control over the use and application of this product, the manufacturer and/or distributor cannot guarantee the result obtained. The warranty is therefore limited to the replacement of a product that the user has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the manufacturer and distributor that it is actually defective. Before using this product, the user must ensure that the product is suitable for its intended use.

Only the user assumes the risks related to this use. The user must ensure that this product meets his
needs by conducting tests in the short, medium and long term to validate the results and in the conditions of use and according to
the instructions provided. This limited warranty excludes all liability for consequential, incidental or special damages.

Except as described above, the user expressly acknowledges and accepts at the time of the purchase of this product that the manufacturer
and / or distributor disclaim any other liability and any other express or implied warranty of quality and an implied warranty of
quality of the material is expressly excluded.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating high-quality projects with epoxy resin. Remember to always read the manufacturer’s instructions and take all necessary safety precautions before starting a project. For more Tips for Epoxy Resin, please visit our Resin Technical Center.