Tips For Using Resin Shop Epoxy Resin

This document provides specific guidance for working with Resin Shop epoxy resin. While most of the advice here applies broadly to all epoxy resins, please note that technical details such as mixing ratios and curing characteristics refer specifically to the ClearPox system.

🧪 Getting Familiar with Your Epoxy Resin

If you're new to using epoxy resin, we strongly recommend doing a small test mix before starting your main project. This helps you become familiar with the resin's characteristics and gain confidence before scaling up.

⚖️ Mixing Ratio

The majority of our epoxy resins are mixed by volume at a 2:1 ratio (2 parts resin: 1 part hardener).

• Always follow the mixing ratio on your product label.
• Full details are available in the product’s Technical Data Sheet (TDS), accessible via the [Product Page] on our website (or request the document directly from our team).

🌡️ Temperature & Humidity Considerations

Epoxy resin is temperature sensitive. For optimal results:

• Ideal room temperature: 25°C
• The resin, hardener, and the mould or substrate should also be close to this temperature.
• Humidity: Best results occur at <70% relative humidity
• Colder temps (<15°C) may lead to poor results including:
  • Cloudiness
  • Surface blushing
  • Reduced self-levelling
  • Dull or uneven finish

The resin can still perform well from 18°C and up, but avoid working in cold or damp environments.

⏳ Pot-Life & Resin Quantities

• Pot-life is typically based on a 200g mix at 25°C (refer to the product’s TDS).
• Larger volumes = shorter pot-life
• Smaller mixes are easier to handle and recommended for beginners.
• Warmer temps shorten pot-life, cooler temps extend it.

🕒 Cure Time

• Initial cure: ~24 hours at 25°C
• Full cure: 7 days
• Warmer temperatures will speed up curing, cooler conditions will slow it down.

🌀 Mixing Quality

Proper mixing is critical to success:

1. Combine resin and hardener – it may appear cloudy at first.
2. Stir until the mixture becomes clear and streak-free.
3. Scrape the sides and bottom of your container thoroughly.
4. For best results, transfer the mix into a second container and mix again.

🎨 Pigmentation & Effects

ClearPox epoxy works well with a wide range of pigments, including:

• Paste pigments
• Dyes
• Pearlescents
• Luminescent powders
• Metallic powders

Note: Metallic pigments may sink in long pot-life systems due to their density. Simulated metallic or lighter pearlescent pigments may remain suspended better.

Always test pigments on a small scale to achieve your desired effect and check compatibility.

📏 Casting Depth Guidelines

• Recommended maximum pour depth for ClearPox: 20mm per layer
• For deeper pours, wait until the first layer has cured before adding more.

Actual performance may vary based on temperature, shape, filler use, and the material you’re casting into.

🪵 Sealing Porous Surfaces

Before deep casting onto surfaces like wood or concrete, we suggest applying a thin sealing coat:

• Helps stabilize the surface
• Prevents air bubbles from escaping during the main pour
• Let the seal coat cure, then lightly sand and clean before the main pour