![]() ![]() And, you’ll probably lose a little to mixing or overflow. How are you handling the edges of the surface? You will need more if you are allowing epoxy to run over the edges, compared to building a dam or wall. Porous surfaces that require a seal coat will increase the amount of resin needed. ![]() It’s best to consider any epoxy coverage calculator a good starting point, but there are other factors and variables that might impact how much epoxy you will need. Curing epoxy generates heat, so do not use foam or glass mixing containers. Use the flat end of the mixing stick to reach the inside corner of the pot. Then, scrape the sides and bottom of the pot as you mix. In cooler temperatures, add an extra minute to the stirring. Stir the two components together thoroughly. Grease, oil, wax, or any other foreign materials are considered contaminants and can leave irregular textures on the surface, a fish eye effect, or drastically slow the cure. Resin or hardener rich areas will not cure properly, and usually stay sticky, or leave a different surface texture than properly cured epoxy. It is imperative to dispense the proper amount of epoxy resin and hardener, whether it is by weight or by volume, and the two components must be completely mixed together. ![]() Most problems related to the curing of the epoxy can be traced to mixing the resin and hardener at the wrong ratio, a poor job of mixing the two components together, or some outside contaminant. Do not allow the epoxy to sit in the mixing cup any longer than it needs to, as the cure reaction has already started at the time the two components were mixed together. As soon as the epoxy has been completely mixed, it should be poured or applied. If any unmixed material remains on the side of the container and falls onto your surface while pouring, it will leave an uncured wet or sticky spot.If any pigments, tints, thickening agents, or other additives are to be added, dispense them into the mixed epoxy, and mix in thoroughly prior to pouring. This reduces the chances of any resin or hardener rich areas. Mix in one cup, then pour into another one and continue until it is completely mixed. It is strongly recommended to use the 2 cup mixing method. Always scrape the bottom of the mixing cup and the sides ensure a good mix. MIXING: The epoxy needs to be completely and thoroughly mixed for a proper cure, but avoid lifting and whipping, as it adds air bubbles into the epoxy. Do not mix or apply the next stage until the previous pour has started to harden, the exothermic reaction has occurred, and it has started cooling down. For larger pours, divide the required amount of epoxy by the maximum pour amount. The manufacturer bases this on giving the user the greatest amount of working time, while avoiding generating too much heat from slab pours, or castings. Do not dispense more than the manufacturer’s maximum recommended amount of epoxy. This will help ensure that the mix ratio has been dispensed accurately, promoting the best possible cure of the epoxy. Make sure that you are mixing more material than the manufacturer’s recommended minimum of epoxy. Glass mixing cups are not recommended due to the potential danger from exothermic heat build-up from the reaction. DO NOT use glass or foam mixing cups as the epoxy can dissolve many types of foam materials such as styrofoam. Only dispense the epoxy resin and hardener into a clean plastic, metal, or unwaxed paper mixing cup. ![]()
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