Introduction and Basics of Epoxy resin (Education)

 

In this easy and quick educational article, we will introduce you to epoxy resin in Palestine and the art that lies within it. Before starting this profitable project, you will learn what resin is and what are the important points 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 resin field from today.

What is epoxy resin?

 Epoxy is a chemical system Liquid consisting of two main substances, which we refer to as resin and hardener (the curing agent) in our field.

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

The Art of Resin in Palestine

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

If you love experiments, art, and learning about things, you will love working with resin. You can create amazing art pieces based on the field you want to start in, where you can make river tables, coasters and distributions, home decorations, or preserve and memorialize materials within the substance for eternity. You can enhance the beauty of any canvas painting projects and make them look three-dimensional, for example!

The essential materials you need to start with resin

Here is a short list of the essential products you need to start your resin art project and make money! All materials are available with delivery service to all areas.

1.  Raw resin resin
2. sensitive electronic scale
3.  flame torch
4. mixing cups
5. Colors and dyes
6. Silicone molds

• Resin and hardener are the basis of the work, the two materials are mixed together in specific proportions according to the product.
• Sensitive balance epoxy resin is a very beautiful but sensitive material and therefore the two materials must be mixed in specific ratios to achieve a high-quality glossy and transparent product.
• Colors and Dyes Why not? If you want to add colors and life to your handmade pieces!
• Flame torch is used to eliminate bubbles, i.e., invisible and unwanted particles from your artistic work.

How to work with epoxy resin?

Working with epoxy resin is not as complicated as it is promoted, but it requires special care when working with it.

For Woodberg's resin epoxy products, specific mixing ratios are determined according to the product marketed through our store.

The mixing ratio of Traclear epoxy resin 1500 ml and 750 ml is: For every 100 ml of resin, we add 50 ml of hardener (the hardener for this product should be half the amount of the resin).

Example: 70 ml resin we add 35 ml hardener (mixing ratio of the Ultra Clear epoxy resin)

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

Example: 70 ml resin we add 28 ml hardener (mixing ratio of the Ultra Clear epoxy resin)

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

"The ratios and quantities must be added accurately, as they work better with our products, and that is 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 curing process. However, it will re-release heat during curing and may cause your project to crack, break, or change colors."

Adding more resin to the hardener will slow down the curing process, which may last for more than 3-4 days, or it may not cure at all.

"For this reason, 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 into any mold. 

Resin working area

• "The work with the resin resin must always be done indoors."
• A dust-free, clean, and well-ventilated room.
• Room temperature is 20-23 degrees Celsius. (Very important, explained below)
• Wear gloves when working with resin, our product is eco-friendly but it may stick to your hands.
• If you are working with large projects, such as tables and large pieces, make sure to wear work clothes.

Safety measures when working with resin

Resin is a sticky, viscous material that hardens completely at room temperature after a certain period. Therefore, care should be taken to protect your furniture and clothing from resin stains. On the other hand, precautions should also be taken to protect your health.
 Even if you are using resin certified as non-toxic and harmless, resin can cause skin irritation if it comes into contact with the skin. 

"Therefore, it is important to wear disposable nitrile gloves and long-sleeved clothing. In addition, you should refrain from eating and drinking in the area immediately adjacent to the resin." 
"Smoking should also be avoided, as the synthetic resin is partially flammable. Additionally, it is recommended to use a respiratory protective mask when heating the paint/synthetic resin."

How do you prevent resin from getting too hot?

Just mix the amount of resin you need for your work.
 "The warmer the room temperature, the faster the resin starts to 'boil.'"
 "If you notice that the epoxy is very hard and hot in the cup, you should pour it onto paper. Because you cannot process it anyway and it can cool down again. On hot days, I recommend that you do the resin in the morning or move it to a cool room."
"Increasing the amount of mica in the resin beyond its allowed ratio may accelerate the reaction process."

What do you do against air bubbles?

"Air bubbles in resin cannot be avoided. Stir the mixture slowly and heat the resin with a flame torch."
"Leaving the mixture to rest also helps in getting rid of the 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 using a hot air dryer or preferably using a butane torch."

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

Curing time of resin (drying)

"The drying time depends on the room temperature and the type of resin used. When using our Epoxy resin products at a room temperature of 22 degrees Celsius, you have about 15-20 minutes of working time before drying begins." 

The resin hardens after 24 hours, and we recommend not working with your pieces again until 24 hours have passed.

Conclusion

As you can see, making a piece of resin requires a lot of preparation. But if you hold a successful resin artwork in your hands, you will see the beauty of the work with these magical materials.

"For beginners, I can definitely recommend attending a resin course. There you will learn to understand the technique from A to Z - with all its specifics 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 Ramallah (Al-Masayef neighborhood, Energy Authority Street).
Additionally, there is a simple instructional video that explains the basics through the link below: 

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

Enjoy the resin experience!