Although epoxy resin is fluid, there is the potential for unforeseen complications at any point in the process. Problems and their solutions are an unavoidable part of every creative attempt, and it may sometimes be gratifying to find out what went wrong and how to make things right again.
At Craft Resin, we frequently hear from clients that their resin project has lines or streaks, but these are typically easy to rectify so that the issue does not return in the future.
Following is a list of some of the most prevalent causes of lines and streaks, as well as some suggestions on how to deal with them in the event that they really manifest themselves:
- First, you haven't worked fast enough with the resin mixture.
- Two, when you were pouring the resin mixture, you did not utilize a completely smooth and even surface.
- Thirdly, you have moved your cured employment to a new location.
- The fourth issue is that you haven't waited enough for the epoxy resin art starter kit to mix completely.
- You have some issues with your layering.
The followings are some potential solutions or preventative measures:
- First, if the resin mixture is not used up soon enough, it will not be able to self-level as efficiently, which may result in the completed product having lines or streaks in it. You may prevent this from happening by working rapidly, ideally within the first 40 to 50 minutes of the pot life of the epoxy resin. Once this period of time has passed, spreading it might potentially create visible lines in the material.
- When the epoxy resin has been poured, any bumps or lines that are present beneath the artwork or mold will become apparent on the surface of the resin. A simple instrument like a spirit level may be used to check that the ground underneath is exactly level and not inclined in any way. This will verify that the ground is not uneven in any way.
- Third, to avoid the formation of lines or uneven layers as the resin dries, you should make an effort to pour the resin mix into the location where you will afterward be allowing it to cure.
It's possible that you'll be able to get rid of or at least smooth out the lines if you focus on the surface of the project, where the issues described above often express themselves. First, let the resin item you are working on completely harden, then sand it down until you reach the grooves. Last but not least, pour a second layer of the resin mixture over the top, and it will automatically self-level and fill in the lines as it cures.
Before moving on to the subsequent stage of applying the resin, you need to ensure that all of the sanding debris has been removed and the product has been allowed to dry completely.
- Fourth, if you haven't added any colorant to your resin mix and your mixing container is clear, you will notice streaks in your resin mix as the hardener and epoxy resin for moulding are combined. The least amount of time that is advised to mix resin and hardener together is three minutes; however, you should mix for even longer if streaks are still present.
While mixing the resin and the hardener takes as much time as is required in order to get rid of the streaks completely. If you want to eliminate the streaks, you might find that combining the two steps without adding any color until the very end of the process is helpful.
If your resin and hardener are on the cooler side, it may take longer for the lines to disappear, and it also may be cloudier and more difficult to mix; thus, warming the bottles may be of assistance.
It is recommended that the bottles be heated for at least ten to fifteen minutes in a washbasin that is filled with hot water. Maintain a secure grip on the bottle lids at all times, and make sure the water level in the bottles never rises over the marking on the Craft Resin container. Before you use the bottles, you must ensure they are totally dry. If water gets into the bottles, then there will be further issues.
- The lines will be cast into the epoxy resin project, and even if you arrange the pieces incorrectly, you won't be able to remove them. Getting familiar with the appropriate approaches for layering will prevent similar issues from arising in the future.
Adding depth can be accomplished in two ways:
- Pour another layer directly on top of the first one after waiting three to five hours. Similar to the first layer, any bubbles in this one must be removed before covering and curing. The resin has not yet fully hardened so that the second layer can adhere to the first.
Or...
- Let the first coat cure completely, then sand it down with 80-120 grit sandpaper, wipe away any sanding residue, and if you use a moist cloth, let it dry completely before proceeding with the next layer.
If you use the sanding method, your finished product will have a rough, unappealing appearance, but the scratches will disappear after the resin is poured.
To obtain a different appearance, simply repeat the procedures above. However, as the number of layers increases, the curing time must also rise.
We warned at the outset that there might be challenges in working with epoxy resin. Don't freak out if problems arise; they can usually be solved or covered up in some inventive way.
Please use the contact form to get in touch with us if you're having trouble with your project and would want some guidance. While you're out there making something on your own, know that you've got plenty of help if you ever need it!
Our Facebook group for resin artists is also home to a fantastic group of creative people. Each week, group members exchange a piece of instructional content and work together to address any problems that have arisen by offering each other their unique perspectives and recommendations. To join the community and gain access to this supplementary aid, please visit the following link:
Craft Resin Facebook Community Group
Keep learning, creating, and growing in the resin world; you'll be blown away by your artwork if you just keep going!
Topic Of The Week Giveaway:
We have attached a giveaway to this Topic Of The Week announcement on our Instagram platform. This is helping us to spread the knowledge of how to use epoxy resin further, but also enabling anyone who helps us to share this information to win free resin and mica powders.
To enter the weekly giveaway, please see the latest post pinned to the top of our Instagram feed and follow the instructions to enter:
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