Resin Prep Secrets: The Best Epoxy Cure Temperature
Upstart Epoxy is your #1 source for high quality epoxy you can trust. In today’s tutorial, we're going to show you how you can prep your epoxy resin beforehand to easily achieve that perfect finish. You’ll learn how keeping an eye on the temperature as you start to work helps your epoxy successfully cure later on. Follow along now!
Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate/Expert
Estimated Working Time: N/A
What You’ll Need:
Upstart Epoxy Table Top Resin
Temperature’s Big Effect on Epoxy
Epoxy resin combines two parts together, creating a chemical reaction. That might sound intimidating, but the most important thing to remember is to harbor it in an environment that is conducive to the chemicals. For example- if the area you work in is too cold, your project may not cure properly. On the other side, if your product is kept in an environment that is too hot, it will also not yield perfect results. That’s why it’s important to prep your epoxy before you pour to ensure it will give you a guaranteed great result!
Staying Warm for An Easy Pour
Upstart’s table top epoxy resin formula has a 1:1 ratio with two parts, and Part A is usually very gummy with a thick, jelly-like consistency. You'll want to warm up Part A for at least 30-45 minutes before starting to work with it. Doing this makes the epoxy a lot more pliable and workable, and trust us, you'll definitely notice the difference when you're pouring it!
After it’s warmed and it’s time to stir it, we like to put our epoxy resin in front of a small heater, but not too close so that you run the risk of burning the container. Six to 10 inches away is our sweet spot- at this distance, the heat hits the bottle and warms up its contents without overheating.
Alternatively, you can warm up your epoxy by boiling a pot of water on your stove and placing your epoxy bottle inside. If you choose this method, please pay close attention to the epoxy and do not walk away, as you might burn the underside of the container if you’re not keeping an eye on it. That’s going to make a heck of a mess, and it’s a huge waste of epoxy. However, the choice is yours folks! Try whichever warming method feels right for you.
Curing Epoxy in The Right Environment
Now, let's talk about room temperatures. The ideal room temperature for working with epoxy resin is between 65-80 degrees. These are perfect temperatures for your epoxy to cure to a perfect result, and for the two chemicals to combine seamlessly.
Typically, table top epoxy will cure to the touch in about 12-14 hours at ideal temperatures. It’ll need a little more time to cure completely, and then you’ll need to finish it off by sanding and planing if you’d like to, adding a few more hours. This will make your working time about 24-30 hours.
Remember, future epoxy experts- heating your epoxy before use and working within the ideal temperature makes your work easier, and gives you the results you deserve in the end. Always prep your epoxy before starting out on a new piece!
