Epoxy resin

The main difference between standard epoxy resin and transparent epoxy resin is the level of clarity, visual finish, and the type of application they are designed for.

Transparent epoxy resin is formulated to achieve a crystal-clear finish with high transparency and better resistance to yellowing over time. It is commonly used for crafts, resin art, jewellery, molds, encapsulations, and river tables where appearance is especially important.

On the other hand, standard epoxy resin is more versatile and intended for general applications where absolute transparency is not the main priority. It offers excellent durability, adhesion, and resistance for a wide range of creative and technical projects.

Transparent epoxy resins usually provide:

• Higher UV stability
• Glossier finishes
• Reduced yellowing over time
• Better clarity for pigments and encapsulations

The best option depends on the type of project, the desired visual effect, and the finish you want to achieve.

To avoid bubbles in epoxy resin, it is important to control both the mixing process and the application. Most bubbles are caused by mixing too quickly, moisture in the wood, or temperature changes during curing.

For a clear and professional finish, it is recommended to:

• Mix the resin slowly and consistently
• Follow the exact resin-to-hardener ratio
• Use clean and dry containers
• Work at a stable temperature between 20 °C and 25 °C
• Slightly warm the resin before use to reduce viscosity
• Seal porous surfaces such as wood before the main pour

After pouring, small surface bubbles can be removed using:

• Heat gun
• Butane torch
• Bubble removal roller

It is also important to avoid deep pours if the resin is not designed for thick casting, as this may create trapped air and curing issues.

Low-viscosity epoxy resins usually produce fewer bubbles and provide better results for crafts, jewelry, and river tables.

If epoxy resin does not cure properly, it is usually caused by an incorrect mixing ratio, insufficient mixing, or unsuitable environmental conditions during curing.

The most common causes are:

• Incorrect resin-to-hardener ratio
• Insufficient mixing time
• Room temperature that is too low
• Excess humidity
• Using a resin not suitable for the applied thickness

To prevent curing problems, it is important to:

• Follow the manufacturer’s mixing ratio exactly
• Mix thoroughly for several minutes until fully homogeneous
• Work at temperatures between 20 °C and 25 °C
• Use clean and dry containers
• Avoid changing ratios or applying excessive heat to speed up curing

If the surface remains sticky after many hours, it may be necessary to:

• Remove the defective layer
• Clean the surface properly
• Apply a new correctly mixed layer

For deep pours or wood projects, it is important to use an epoxy resin specifically formulated for that application, since each system has its own curing time and maximum recommended thickness.

The drying time of epoxy resin depends on the type of resin, room temperature, pour thickness, and the hardener system used.

For most craft, jewelry, or woodworking projects, typical times are:

• Working time: from 20 minutes to several hours depending on the formulation
• Surface dry time: between 12 and 24 hours
• Full cure: between 48 and 72 hours

Slow-curing epoxy resins are recommended for deep pours, river tables, and large pieces because they reduce the risk of bubbles, cracking, and overheating.

For proper curing, it is important to:

• Work at temperatures between 20 °C and 25 °C
• Follow the exact resin-to-hardener ratio
• Avoid humidity and sudden temperature changes
• Do not exceed the maximum recommended pour thickness

Even if the piece appears dry after a few hours, it is recommended to wait for the full cure before sanding, machining, or exposing the resin to stress or moisture.

To achieve the best results with epoxy resin, it is essential to follow the correct mixing ratio between the resin and the hardener. An incorrect mixture can cause curing problems, sticky surfaces, bubbles, or loss of transparency.

For proper mixing, it is recommended to:

• Follow the manufacturer’s recommended ratio exactly
• Use clean and dry containers
• Measure both components accurately
• Mix slowly to reduce bubble formation
• Stir for several minutes until fully homogeneous
• Scrape the sides and bottom of the container while mixing

It is important not to change the mixing ratio in an attempt to speed up or slow down curing, as this can seriously affect the final result.

For crafts, jewelry, and clear castings, low-viscosity epoxy resins allow more uniform mixing and help reduce bubbles.

After mixing, the resin should be applied within the recommended working time and cured at a stable temperature between 20 °C and 25 °C.

Epoxy resin can be combined with different types of pigments and colorants to create decorative effects, artistic finishes, and custom pieces. It is important to use pigments that are compatible with epoxy systems to ensure proper curing and a homogeneous mixture.

The most commonly used pigments with epoxy resin are:

• Metallic pigments: ideal for marble effects, pearlescent finishes, and river tables
• Translucent pigments: maintain depth and transparency
• Opaque pigments: fully block light for solid colors
• Liquid dyes: provide intense and even colors
• Fluorescent or glow pigments: for luminous effects
• Glitters and decorative additives: popular for crafts and jewelry

For the best results, it is recommended to:

• Add pigments gradually
• Do not exceed the manufacturer’s recommended ratio
• Mix thoroughly before application
• Use pigments specifically designed for epoxy resin

For transparent projects and encapsulations, translucent pigments and alcohol inks help preserve depth and crystal-clear effects.

For river tables, decorative work, and artistic creations, metallic pigments are among the most popular options due to their visual effects and movement within the resin.

Epoxy resin and polyester resin are both widely used in crafts, composites, decoration, and fiberglass projects, but they have important differences in transparency, strength, ease of use, and final finish.

Epoxy resin is known for:

• Higher transparency and crystal-clear finish
• Better mechanical and chemical resistance
• Lower shrinkage during curing
• Stronger adhesion to wood, metal, and other surfaces
• More professional glossy finish
• Lower odor during application

Polyester resin is characterized by:

• Faster curing time
• Usually lower cost
• Frequent use with fiberglass
• Stronger odor during application
• Lower optical stability and higher tendency to yellow

For crafts, jewelry, encapsulations, decorative work, and river tables, epoxy resin is generally the preferred option because of its clarity, stability, and superior finish quality.

Polyester resin is still commonly used in industrial applications, marine repairs, and fiberglass-reinforced parts where cost and speed are key factors.

The amount of epoxy resin you need depends on the size of your project and the thickness of the layer you want to apply.

As a general guideline:

• 1 liter of epoxy resin covers approximately 1 m² at 1 mm thickness.

You can calculate the required amount using this formula:

Length × width × thickness = required volume

For example:

• A 50 × 40 cm piece with a 2 mm thickness requires approximately 0.4 liters of mixed resin.
• A river table with deep pours will require a much larger volume depending on the mold depth.

For crafts and jewelry projects, it is usually recommended to prepare a little extra resin to avoid running short during pouring.

If you are unsure about the right quantity for your project, our technical team can help you calculate it.