Epoxy Resins

Epoxy resins - basic division

• Casting (casting resin / casting resin) - casting resin or casting epoxy resin is used for the production of epoxy tables  (tables made of epoxy resin and wood) for casting jewelry made of resin, epoxy art (geode, paintings) and for creating decorative objects from resin such as epoxy lamps or resin clocks
• Coating - is a self-leveling resin that protects and preserves table tops , epoxy tables, bar tops, counters and kitchen counters. Also referred to as Table tops epoxy or Countertops resin
• Stabilizing resin - clear low-viscosity resin for wood stabilization. The base is a special resin with low viscosity, which flows well into the wood
• Penetration resin - penetration is an epoxy resin that is used on absorbent surfaces to prevent the escape of air bubbles into the casting epoxy resin

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What to look for when choosing a resin?

If you are just starting to work with synthetic resins, you may be discouraged by the rather high cost of many components of epoxy resin. However, you should not look for the cheapest resin. There is a possibility that especially cheap epoxy resin has a lower quality, which will adversely affect the result of your work and may demotivate you. In addition, some products may also contain solvents that are harmful to health and evaporate during the curing process. Some inexpensive resins also do not have crystal clear transparency and appear slightly yellowish during processing. This yellowish tinge can later be enhanced by sunlight and the low resistance of the resin to UV radiation. 

When selecting a suitable epoxy resin, it is necessary to focus on UV resistance , workability time, maximum layer thickness, working temperature, mixing ratio and maximum casting volume. Also check the food contact certificate, which is suitable for the production of epoxy dining tables, serving boards and the like.

Epoxy resins - the most important parameters

• Resistance of the resin to UV - the property of the resin to resist the effects of UV radiation, which can result in a color change over a period of several years. This is a very important property of epoxy resin
• Workability time - determines the time for which the mixed components can be processed. For example, the epoxy can be inserted into a vacuum pump and bubbled
• Maximum layer thickness - determines the maximum thickness of the casting that can be cast at once without the risk of an exothermic reaction
• Ideal operating temperature - determines the temperature range at which the epoxy resin must be cast. If the temperature is lower, the epoxy resin cures for a very long time or even not at all. This temperature should be maintained throughout the curing process
• Resin mixing ratio - determines the ratio of component A - resin and component B - hardener in which the epoxy resin must be mixed to cure properly
• Maximum casting volume - determines the maximum amount of resin that can be cast per casting without the risk of an exothermic reaction
• Resin gelation time - determines the time when the epoxy thickens and it is possible for the pigment to maintain the shape that is drawn into the epoxy
• Recommended full cure - time of full cure of the resin casting. After this time, the resin product can be ground, polished and finished.
• TG Ultimate (glass transition temperature) - is one of the most important properties of all epoxies. It is the temperature range where the polymer transitions from a hard, glassy material to a soft rubber material

Other important parameters of the resin

• Tensile strength - the final strength is, under the given conditions, the greatest possible stress in the material during stretching, which the material as a whole withstands without breaking
• Compressive strength - is such a value of uniaxial stress at which complete failure of the sample occurs. Compressive strength is obtained experimentally from the results of the pressure test 
• Flexural strength - the ability of epoxy resin to withstand loads when the material is supported and the force acts outside these supports 
• Resin shrinkage - is the loss of volume of epoxy resin during curing. 
• VOC (volatile organic compound) - is an organic compound that is able to react with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight to form substances that can damage human health or the ozone layer.
• Resin viscosity - the flowability of the epoxy resin helps the epoxy resin to flow well into the mold when casting objects. It helps to remove bubbles in good time.

Tip: We recommend buying only the highest quality epoxy resins to always achieve the best results.

Resistance of resin to UV radiation - which one to choose?

Epoxy resins are available in a wide range of UV-resistant designs. From very low resistance, where it is possible to observe a change in color very early to highly resistant, which will retain their crystal clarity for a very long time. So what resistance to choose? For commercial and professional use, we recommend always using a resin with high UV resistance.

• Resins with low UV resistance - epoxy resins may in a few years to change its color slight yellow tinge. It is a natural property of all epoxy resins. It is good to color these resins deep with an opaque pigment or a large amount of metallic pigment powder. The addition of more color pigment suppresses the visual appearance of yellowing.  
• Resins with high UV resistance - Epoxy resins  with high UV resistance are specially designed epoxy resins to resist the effects of UV radiation and thus suppress unwanted color change over a period of several years. This discoloration is manifested by yellowing of the epoxy resin.

The right resin for maximum layer thickness and casting volume?

Depending on the type of product, it is necessary to choose the right epoxy resin. Thanks to this, it is possible to save a large amount of time when curing the resin or also money when degrading the product. 

• Casting resin for small castings - used mainly  for the production of jewelry, jewelry made of resin and wood or small decorations with wood. Casting thickness typically up to 2 cm and casting volume maximum 2 liters
• Casting resin for medium castings - used mainly  for the production of coffee tables made of wood and epoxy resin , epoxy serving boards , larger decorative items , epoxy lamps and small resin furniture. Casting thickness typically up to 5 cm and casting volume up to 10 liters 
• Casting resin for large castings - used for the production of large dining tables made of resin and wood , the production of coffee tables made of wood and epoxy resin , epoxy serving boards, large decorative items, solid epoxy lamps and solid furniture such as headboards. Casting thickness typically 5+ cm and casting volume 50 and more liters 

Are synthetic resins toxic or dangerous?

Epoxy resin and hardener contain substances that are not applied directly to the skin. Direct contact with the skin can, as with many other substances, cause skin irritation or even allergic reactions. We recommend working with epoxy only in well-ventilated rooms. In addition, you should always protect your eyes with suitable goggles and, if possible, also wear a respirator with a filter. It is important to follow the manufacturer's safety instructions on the packaging or in the data sheet.

When working with epoxy resin should observe the following precautions í

• Wear safety goggles that completely close the eyes
• Wear old long-sleeved clothing (or protective clothing)
• Only work in a well-ventilated room
• Wear undamaged nitrile gloves
• Wear a breathing mask with an integrated filter
• When mixing the ingredients, do not fill the container to the brim, otherwise the mixture may easily overflow over the brim during mixing

Epoxy resin dyeing

Casting resins, casting resins and transparent resins can be dyed very well and colored resins are formed. Pigment pastes, pigment solutions are used for this purpose. Mica pigment powders are also used to color the crystal resin, which form a beautifully shimmering resin that resembles metallic patterns.

• Mica pigment powders - used to create shimmering metallic colors resembling liquid metal. With the right amount of pigment, they create very effective 3D reflections and structures 
• Pigment pastes - used to create rich, opaque colors. Very good for epoxy resins with low UV resistance
• Pigment solutions - used to create transparent transparent colors of epoxy resin