10 Questions You Should Ask Before Purchasing Epoxy Resin

When comparing epoxy resins from manufacturers, it is important to select the right product for your project. Epoxy resins are widely used in the building and construction industries. It can be used for outdoor coatings, resin countertops, artistic paintings, and high-performance and decorative flooring like epoxy terrazzo (Our epoxy resins are best used for terrazzo floors!).

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Duote.

In need of epoxy resin? Here are some of the questions you should ask manufacturers before ordering.

1. Will the resin work for your project?

Figure out whether the epoxy resin you are researching is a good fit for your project. Buying an epoxy resin product only to learn that it won't work can cost you your time and your money. Ask the manufacturer representatives how their epoxy resins work and how they can be used.

For example, TERRAZZCO epoxy resins are used for epoxy terrazzo floors. It would not be a good fit when designing epoxy floors, resin countertops or artwork.

2. What is the Cure Time, Pot Time, and Mixing Ratio of The Epoxy Resin

Common questions you should ask an epoxy resin manufacturer is how long can you work with the resin per mix, how long will it take to cure, how to mix the epoxy resin properly, and how much coverage you can get per mixed batch.

In doing so, this will help you compare manufacturer resins and determine which product would be most useful in completing your project.

3. How qualified are you to use the epoxy resin?

Epoxy resins are complicated to use especially if you are a beginner. DIY projects often fail due to improper measurements and mixes, or the pot time expired.

For those interested in using TERRAZZCO epoxy resins for terrazzo projects, we recommend that only qualified contractors purchase the epoxy.

4. Ask for a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the resin product.

Manufacturers can provide safety data sheets that provide you information on how the ingredients of each epoxy product, any safety precautions and hazard warnings, and how to properly store and dispose of the material after use.

If working on a sustainable building project, safety data sheets can indicate whether epoxy resin products are non-toxic.

5. Does the manufacturer supply clear resin or colorful resins.

When purchasing epoxy resins, know the color options you will need for your project. Most manufacturers are capable of developing epoxy resins in any color. Before ordering products, ask the manufacturer whether their clear resin will yellow over time.

TERRAZZCO Epoxy Resin can be manufactured in virtually any color. The design flexibility of epoxy terrazzo allows for some of the most beautiful floor designs seen around the world. In addition, our clear resin does not yellow.

6. Should I be concerned about pinholes when using epoxy resin products?

Pinholes are caused by air bubbles formed in the epoxy resin during the curing process.

When installing epoxy terrazzo, pinholes are common after the floor has been grinded. This is often fixed by having the installer fill in all voids using colored epoxy.  TERRAZZCO's Groutless® EZpour Epoxy has been tested to have fewer pinholes than other manufacturer products, which can save contractors time and cost to complete a terrazzo floor.

7. Can you use epoxy outdoors?

Using epoxy resins has its limitations. One limitation is the use of epoxy resin products for outdoor applications. Discoloration can occur if epoxy resins come into direct sunlight outdoors. Generally, epoxy resin is not UV protected and is sensitive to temperature.

When speaking with architects and designers, we always point out that epoxy terrazzo is best suited for indoor applications only. If terrazzo is desirable outdoors, we recommend that they specify a rustic cementitious terrazzo system instead of epoxy terrazzo.

8. How Thick Will the Coating Be Applied?

There is a wide range of coating thicknesses for epoxy resins depending on the product and application. Thicker coatings tend to be more expensive.

Epoxy terrazzo is a thin-set system that can be troweled at 3/8' or 1/4' thickness. Thinner than traditional terrazzo systems, it is generally stronger and more durable.

10. Ask the manufacturer for installation instructions 

To get the best results for your project, ask the manufacturer to provide a step-by-step instruction guide on how to use the epoxy resin product.

In the terrazzo industry, epoxy terrazzo is typically installed similarly from project to project, but a manufacturer's instructions come in handy at times. A manufacturer representative should be available to give you the technical support necessary to obtain the best outcomes of your project.

You've got a project in your head, and epoxy resin is what you need to bring it to life. Now you're on a mission to buy resin and need someone (or something) to guide you to the right one.

Because you don't have endless resources or an endless pocket for this project. You want to get it right the first time.

Or maybe you've already tried making things with epoxy only to create a sticky, soft, bubble-filled mess.  (Been there done that!)

You can learn from my mistakes instead of making your own and use the right epoxy resin from the beginning, saving you time, money and your sanity.

Here's what I know now'

BUT WAIT.

Before you continue, this is your red pill blue pill moment.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of ResinTranslucent Curtain Wall. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

If you're happy to continue the trial and error of making mistakes, then the blue pill is what you need.

But if you really want to understand resin (and never look at it the same way again), then you'll want to take the red pill.

Here's your Resin Obsession red pill moment:

There is no one-size-fits-all epoxy resin.

What works for one project can produce disastrous results in the next.

We guide you on buying an epoxy once we know more about how YOU want to use it.

How do we do that?

The simplest way is with our resin quiz. Answer two questions about how you're using resin, and it tells you which resin is the best fit for you!

You can take the quiz here:

Now that you know what resin you need for your resin project, you'll want more information on that specific resin. Our handy resin buying guide shares those details including

*pot time
*cure time
*mixing amounts

Click here to get the guide.

' Pro tip: If those terms sound like something from high school foreign language class, this resin dictionary explains what they mean.

If you've taken the quiz, you've got an answer for the resin you need to use for your project.

You can buy epoxy and get excited about making something beautiful. While you're there might as well throw some mixing cups, stir sticks and a heat gun in the cart as well. Can't have one without the other!

But, for you red pill resin nerds, I'm guessing you want to know why you need to use that resin.

And 90% of the battle is won when you answer this question:

Are you filling a space or coating a surface?

If you're filling a space, your resin of choice would be a casting resin.  Coating a surface, will require a doming resin.

If you're looking for a quick coating cure, you'll want UV Resin.

Casting Resins

Casting resins mix in a thin consistency. This makes them ideal for filling molds and spaces in wood river tables.  They release air bubbles easily and cure hard.  But, they don't coat surfaces well, meaning if you use them on a painting or tumbler, you'll get holes and fish eyes.

Doming Resins

Doming resins mix thicker. They self-level on surfaces like paintings, tumblers, jewelry blanks, tiles, countertops, and more.  Because they mix thick, they hang onto bubbles which is why you should pour them in thin layers no more than 1/8 inch deep. Once fully cured the epoxy is has a shiny even glossy finish.

UV Resins

Unlike traditional resins that require a long curing time, UV resin can set within minutes under a UV lamp. This resin is great for making jewelry, encasing objects, and casting small items because it dries shiny and clear. There is no mixing, making it ideal for resin projects that require small amounts of resin like pendants, earrings, and crafts.

Remember each epoxy resin and hardener serves its own purpose, so choose accordingly!

Choosing a Kit

Some of the things you need to consider are:

*minimum and maximum mixing amounts
*working time (also known as pot time)
*cure time

We've got all that information for you in our buying guide so you can compare one formula to another.

5 Tips for Epoxy Resin Success:

1.  Resin doesn't last forever.  Once you open it, you should use it within 30 days.

Otherwise, it starts yellowing.  Unopened epoxy is stable for a year or longer.

2.  Your work area needs to be a consistent room temperature for 24 hours, so you don't have curing issues.

Here's some advice on what temperature you should be mixing your epoxy.

3.  Exact measuring and proper mixing ratios are essential to success.

Here's the best way how to mix resin.

4.  Each resin kit has its own SPECIFIC directions.

Follow them carefully when mixing resin.

5.  Dispose of cured resins and uncured resins properly.

Here's how to dispose of epoxy.

Ready to Dive Deep into the world of epoxy resin? Need some project inspiration to help you too? Looking to spice things up and add colors with either alcohol inks or dyes?

We got you!  Here are some of the most popular articles that will have your mind swirling with all kinds of projects you can make.

Sunflower coaster

Keep those summer vibes all year long with a sunflower coaster.

Cover a photo collage

What do you get someone who has everything?  You create a photo collage board of some of their favorite memories, then give it a glossy coating.  These make great Mother's Day DIY gifts.

Keychain

Making an epoxy keychain might not keep you from losing your keys, but it can't hurt.  They make great gifts too and there's so many resin molds to choose from!

Once you're ready to buy resin, we can help you with supplies for your first or next jewelry, art, and crafting project.

Ready to try resin crafting but worried about making a mistake?

For less than the cost of a kit, you can get a copy of my ebook, Resin Fundamentals.  I've condensed my seventeen years of experience into the need-to-know information to help beginners make something beautiful from day one.  Buy the book now and a download link arrives in your inbox in minutes.

Unpublished Blog Posts of Resin Obsession, LLC © Resin Obsession, LLC

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Acrylic Resin Panels for Commercial Bar.