Introduction and Basics of Epoxy resin (Education)

 

In this quick and easy educational article, we will introduce you to epoxy resin in Palestine and the art behind it. Before starting this profitable project, you will learn what resin is and what are the most important points that you should pay attention to when working with resin.

You will also get a general idea about the important and main products, and how to distinguish between the different epoxy resin systems in the market, to start in the field of resin from today.

What is epoxy resin?

 Epoxy is a liquid chemical system consisting of two basic materials, which we refer to as resin and hardener in our field.

When the two materials are mixed (resin + hardener), the end result is a highly transparent, clear, and solid piece like crystal, which we can use in various types of arts such as wood tables, making accessories, distributions, and ornaments, making models, and many unlimited artistic ideas. 

Resin art in Palestine

Globally, the art of resin started in the United States of America, Canada and Australia. As for Palestine the art of resin has been known since 2016 through our company, and we proudly presented the art of resin in Palestine to all our customers with free courses for all Palestinian regions, whether in the West Bank or in Israeli Areas , through our German experience that has lasted 10 years to this day.

If you love experiments, art, and knowing things, you will love working with resin. You can create amazing pieces of art depending on the field you want to start in. You can make river tables, coasters and distributions, home decor, or save a physical memory inside the material forever. You can enhance the beauty of any canvas painting projects and make them look 3D for example!

The basic materials you need to start with resin

Here is a short list of the most important basic products that you need to start your artistic project with resin and make money! All materials are available with us, with delivery service to all regions.

1.  Epoxy resin raw materials
2. Sensitive electronic scale
3.  Flame torch
4. Mixing cups
5. Colors and dyes
6. silicone molds

• Resin and hardenerwhich are the basis of the work. The two materials are mixed with each other in specific proportions depending on the product.
• Sensitive balance Epoxy resin is a very beautiful but sensitive material. And thus The two materials must be mixed in specific proportions to achieve a high-quality, glossy, transparent product.
• Colors and dyes Why not? If you want to add color and life to your handmade pieces!
• A flame torch is used to remove bubbles, any invisible and unwanted particles from your artwork.

How to work with epoxy resin?

Working with epoxy resin is not as complicated as it is advertised, but it does require special care when working with it.

For Woodberg Epoxy resin products, specific mixing ratios are required depending on the product you purchase through our store.

The mixing ratios for Ultra Clear epoxy resin 1500 ml and 750 ml are: For every 100 ml of resin, add 50 ml of hardener (the amount of hardener for this product should be half the amount of resin)

Example: 70 ml resin add 35 ml of hardener (mixing ratios for Ultra Clear epoxy resin )

Mixing ratios for Crystal Art epoxy resin 1400 ml : For every 100 ml of resin, add 40 ml of hardener (the hardener for this product should be 40% of the resin quantity)

Example: 70 ml resin add 28 ml of hardener (mixing ratios for Ultra Clear epoxy resin )

The quantities from the examples above may vary depending on the size of the pieces you want to work with and the sizes of the molds.

Ratios and quantities must be added accurately, because they work best with our products and that's why you need a sensitive digital scale.

What happens if the mixing ratios are incorrect?

Adding more hardener to the resin will speed up the hardening process. But they will reheat the fire and possibly make your project crack, break or change colors.

Adding more resin to the hardener will slow down the hardening process, and it may continue for more than 3-4 days, or even not harden at all.

That's why we recommend using the recommended mixing ratios for each product.

Product (A) is the resin and Product (B) is the hardener. The material must be mixed well for 3-5 minutes before pouring it into any mold. 

Resin work area

• Working with epoxy resin should always be indoors.
• Dust-free, clean and well-ventilated room.
• Room temperature 20-23°C. (Very important, explained below)
• Wear gloves when working with resin, our product is environmentally friendly but may stick to your hands.
• If you are working with large projects, such as tables and large pieces, be sure to wear work clothes.

Safety precautions when working with resin

Resin is a viscous, viscous material that hardens completely at room temperature in a given time. Therefore, you must be careful to protect your furniture and clothes from resin stains. On the other hand, you should also take precautions to protect your health.
 Even if you use resin that is certified non-toxic and harmless, the resin can cause skin irritation if it comes into contact with the skin. 

Therefore it is important to wear disposable nitrite gloves and long-sleeved clothing. In addition, you should refrain from eating and drinking in the immediate vicinity of the resin. 
You should also avoid smoking, as synthetic resin is partially flammable. In addition, it is recommended to use a protective respiratory mask when heating the paint/synthetic resin.

How do you prevent resin from getting too hot?

Mix only the amount of resin you need for your job.
 The warmer the room temperature, the faster the resin will begin to “boil.”
 If you notice that the epoxy is solid and very hot in the cup, you should pour it onto paper. Because you can't process it anyway and it can cool down again. On hot days, I recommend that you make the resin in the morning or move it to a cool room.
Increasing the colors of mica in resin beyond the permissible percentage may speed up the reaction process.

What do you do against air bubbles?

The formation of air bubbles in the resin cannot be avoided. Stir the mixture slowly and heat the resin with a flame torch.
Letting the material rest after mixing also helps get rid of bubbles, so bubbles should not be a problem.
 The heat will cause the bubbles to rise to the surface and burst. Heat the resin on the top surface regularly with a hot air dryer or better yet with a butane flame torch.

Keep the heat source about 10cm away from the epoxy art and move the flame torch in quick movements over the plate. 
Otherwise the resin will start to boil and clump. If the resin is colored white, this can be seen by the fact that it turns yellow. If this happens to you, you should remove the caked resin from the surface and pour it again.

Resin curing time (drying)

Drying time depends on the room temperature and the type of resin used. When using our epoxy resin products at room temperature of 22°C, you have about 15-20 minutes of working time until it starts to dry. 

The resin hardens after 24 hours, and we recommend that you do not work again with your pieces until 24 hours have passed.

Conclusion

As you can see, making an epoxy resin piece requires a lot of preparation. But if you hold a successful resin artwork in your hands, you will see the beauty of working with this magical material.

For beginners, I can definitely recommend taking a resin course. There you will learn to understand the technique from A to Z - with all its peculiarities and precautions. You will be accompanied step by step through the individual stages: from preparation and design to cleaning and post-processing.

We have free 30-minute courses for all our customers, when they visit our workshop located in the city of Ramallah (Al-Masayef District, Energy Authority Street).
In addition, there is a simple educational video that explains the basics through the link below: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nqj5szsINPE 

Enjoy the resin experience!