Creation of decorative surfaces using epoxy resin. Stylish furniture in the interior: why you should choose a table made of epoxy resin

Various items can be made from epoxy; it is actively used in industry and construction. Unusual jewelry is made from such material, they are poured into prepared forms, and after a day the material hardens thanks to the hardener.

Benefits of epoxy

Epoxy objects have a number of advantages, first of all, they are distinguished by good resistance to acidic environments and chemical compositions. After hardening, the workpiece does not emit toxic substances and does not shrink. The items are durable and have a low level of moisture absorption. The resin has a long service life, that is, increased wear resistance.
It takes time for hardening, when adding a larger portion of the hardener, the process does not go faster. In order for the resin to harden quickly, the material is heated, increasing the temperature by 10 degrees of the prescribed indicator.
Some material can solidify without heating. The speed of curing is influenced by the temperature and the type of material with which you have to work.

Using epoxy to pour on various objects?

In order for the composition to freeze, it is necessary to perform work at a certain temperature of -5, +190 degrees. That is, resins can be of two types, cold and hot solidification. When doing work with your own hands, they usually use a cold solidification material, this makes it possible to make products if it is impossible to perform heating for some reason.
In order for the manufactured items to be resistant to aggressive substances, it is necessary to perform work by heating.
Epoxy resin is used in different directions, it is used to impregnate fiberglass, which is used in mechanical engineering or radioelectrics. The material can serve as an excellent waterproofing layer, so the resin can provide reliable protection for basements, swimming pools or flooring. Resin is used to make various decorations for rooms to give originality to the interior.

Correct preparation of the composition

For the manufacture of resin products, it is necessary to prepare the materials, that is, epoxy resin and hardener. When working, it must be borne in mind that when a lot of resin is heated, a lot of heat can be generated.
There are several types of resin that can cure instantly or after mixing with a hardener. When working with such material, it is necessary to follow the correct technology, otherwise the resin may boil and deteriorate. Therefore, when choosing a material, you need to consult with the seller about the method of preparing the resin. After hardening, a transparent uniform workpiece should be obtained.
To make large or bulky objects, a plasticizer is put in the composition, and the temperature is raised, heating the material, the viscosity of the epoxy becomes lower. The resin is heated in a water bath, then the material is dipped in a bowl of water and cooled to 50 degrees. This heating method can increase the hardening of the resin. If the composition boils, foam will appear on top, and the liquid becomes cloudy. Such a mixture is not used, it is necessary to reduce the viscosity of the material, for this a solvent is added, but this will affect the quality of the product.

Water must not get into the resin or hardener, otherwise the composition will begin to cloud. A plasticizer is added to the resin, gradually heating the material. To thoroughly mix all the ingredients, use a special electric mixer or drill with a nozzle. The plasticizer is added in an amount of up to 10 percent.
Then the hardener is poured, the resin is cooled in advance to 30 degrees. In this case, a ratio of substance and resin of 1 to 10 is used. All components must be well mixed in order to obtain a high quality product. The hardener is poured in gradually to avoid boiling of the resin.

Self-fill items

When performing work, it is necessary to act consistently, adhering to a certain technology. The manufactured item must be of high quality and be transparent, it must not contain air bubbles. It is necessary to achieve uniform curing of the resin from the inside and outside.
The resin is poured into prepared molds, which are lubricated with petroleum jelly so that the workpiece can be easily removed. To give the workpiece a certain color, various dyes are used in powder form. Three hours after pouring the mold, the resin begins to solidify. Complete solidification of the product occurs within a week.
Then they start trimming and grinding the product. When using dyes, the powder in the composition must be thoroughly mixed so that the staining is uniform. The coloring elements must be of high quality, otherwise the resin may become cloudy.

Resin safety rules

When working, it must be remembered that the resin emits toxic substances during heating, therefore, all protective equipment should be used.

1. When performing work, do not use food utensils, which will later be used for food. Such containers are considered unsuitable for food purposes.
2. Hands must be protected with long gloves to avoid burns or allergic reactions. Goggles are worn to protect the eyes, and a respirator will ensure the safety of the respiratory system.
3. The resin is stored for about a year, and then it is considered unsuitable for the manufacture of products, so the material must be used during this period.
4. If the resin gets on the skin, wash it off with plenty of soapy water. This must be done immediately so as not to get burned.
5. If the composition is prepared indoors, then it should be well ventilated.
6. All components must be at hand to get the job done quickly. Molds can be made by yourself or purchased in stores.

How to make resin jewelry?

To make earrings you need resin and dried flowers of forest grass. First, the epoxy composition is prepared, using the instructions, all the ingredients are mixed, after which the material is left to obtain the required viscosity, this takes about 2 hours. After this time, air bubbles will disappear from the mixture.

1. Stencils of any arbitrary shape are drawn on paper; they can be round, oval or unusual.
2. Then you need to prepare the surface, it is covered with oilcloth. There should be no grains or dust particles on the surface. And its structure should be even without drops and flaws.
3. Stencils are laid on the film, ordinary files are placed on top. Resin is poured onto the file and spread over the entire stencil, the edges are formed with a toothpick. The fill is made up to 3 centimeters high, and the top is covered with a dome of oilcloth to prevent dust from entering the surface of the product.
4. Then the molds are left for a day to harden. After that, the workpieces are removed from the film and shaped with a nail file or sandpaper. Thus, the processing of the edges of the product is carried out.
5. Now you need to prepare a new portion of the composition, and decompose the dried flowers. To do this, a little resin is applied to the product and dry blades of grass are glued to it, left to dry, and again covered with epoxy resin. Give the product its final shape with sandpaper.
6. At the tip of the product, a hole is drilled into which an eyelet is threaded. After that, the product is considered finished.

To make a bracelet out of resin, you must use a special mold, mold. At the same time, the pouring is performed slowly, the more accurately the work is done, the less polishing needs to be done. Twigs are laid in a circle, and leaves of dried flowers, straighten them with a toothpick. To remove air from the product, the mold is placed in the oven for 15 minutes, while the temperature should not exceed 80 degrees. Then the mold is taken out, and the product is left to solidify.

When the bracelet is completely frozen, it is taken out of the mold, all uneven areas are sanded with sandpaper. To make the surface of the product shine, it is coated with an acrylic-based varnish. Also, countertops are made from epoxy resin, for this it is necessary to prepare the old surface, build formwork around the edges, and pour the composition evenly. Dried flowers, coins or other decorative elements can be placed inside the resin. With the help of resin, they make an original bathroom floor with shells, starfish or other unusual decorations. For a beautiful picture, printed drawings are used. You can also make unusual decorative decorations for the room, which will emphasize the interior.

We will send the material to you by e-mail

If you want to get an original one that does not look like the standard options, pay attention to such an unusual piece of furniture as an epoxy table. Such products are always a masterpiece that will grab the attention of your guests. The editors of the site have prepared for you an overview of the most interesting design techniques and detailed instructions for self-production.

Epoxy makes exclusive products with a unique design

Epoxy resin is a chemically complex multicomponent product that has recently become actively used for decorative purposes. The advantages of this material attracted the attention of furniture manufacturers:

• high strength and resistance to deformation and ultraviolet light, no chips and cracks during operation;
• relatively low price for the source material;
• the surface is resistant to the destructive effects of moisture;
• ease of care;
• the possibility of the most diverse processing and filling;
• visual expansion of space due to a glossy finish.

Epoxy tables have their drawbacks:

• high price for finished products. Most of the works are of the author's origin, so the price is determined by the master;
• special requirements for manufacturing technology. The slightest mistake leads to irreparable defects.

Illustration	Description of action
	Before starting work, decide on the type and brand of the fill. Try different compositions in combination with your chosen wood and choose the best one.
	An important condition for high-quality casting is an even shape with sides and a coating that does not stick to the resin. The installation of the form must be checked with the building level.
	In order to prevent dust from settling on the resin during the drying process of each layer, you will need to prepare a cover for the mold, for example, a sheet of plywood.
	Wood for pouring must be processed, sanded and covered with wood stain and varnish.
	Lay the tree in shape and check its location with a building level. Fix the material securely.
	The process of mixing the fill does not tolerate fuss. Use a drill attachment for mixing, repeatedly pour the composition from bucket into bucket so that no unmixed components remain on the walls.
	Gently fill in the first coat of epoxy.
	Check the fill thickness with a ruler. The manufacturer's instructions indicate the maximum thickness. If exceeded, the resin may boil or deform during drying.
	Air bubbles formed in the process are expelled with a plastic fork or needle.
	After the first layer has frozen, the surface is wiped from dust with a cloth with acetone.
	Perform the second and subsequent fill layer in the same algorithm.
	The last layer is the thinnest, it is applied with a brush.
	Once fully cured, the edges of the countertop can be trimmed and sanded.

Important points in working with epoxy

In order for the tabletop to turn out the way you intended, you need to monitor the implementation of some of the recommendations during work:

• epoxy hardens faster in warmth;
• do not heat the fill from above, it can deform;
• during curing, limit access to sunlight so that the resin does not turn yellow;
• keep in mind that the composition is very toxic, take protective measures;
• when mixing the fill, do not make sweeping and sharp movements so that bubbles do not appear;
• do not leave the flooded countertop in the cold - it will exfoliate;
• so that the resin does not release toxins, cover the finished layer with a protective varnish.

Read more about how to make an epoxy countertop with your own hands in the video below:

Rules for the care of epoxy tables

Wipe these countertops with a soft cloth only. Do not allow nail polish remover, alcohol or hairspray to come into contact with the surface.

Where can you buy a table made of wood and epoxy resin

There are several online stores on the network that offer mass-produced products. It is better to choose those that are located in your city. Long-term transportation of such items is usually bad for their condition.

Prices for tables made of wood and epoxy resin: from handiwork to factory models

Tables and tables with epoxy filling on one of the most famous sites of handicraftsmen cost from 20,000 rubles, as of October 2018. The price depends on the complexity of the work. There are many options with complex inlay and multicomponent design; it will be possible to buy such tables made of epoxy resin for a price of 50,000-150,000 rubles. As for the factory models, for example, the price of Estwood tables starts at 36,000 rubles. and reaches 140,000 rubles, depending on the size and purpose.

Designers and needlewomen have learned to preserve whole worlds frozen in glass. In fact, all these shells, tiny buds, leaves and insects are forever frozen not in glass or amber, but in a simple and accessible to everyone epoxy resin. And you don't need to have a laboratory or a separate room to create one yourself. Today we will learn how to create epoxy resin with our own hands, and then make your own masterpiece with it.

Advantages of epoxy and how it differs from epoxy glue

Despite the fact that the name contains the word "resin", you will not find natural ingredients in its composition, because it is a completely synthetic product created in laboratories for many areas - from construction to handicraft.

Epoxy resin Is a mixture of two components: the hardener and the resin itself. Depending on the ratio of the parts of the hardener and the resin included in it, it can be thick, liquid or even dense. Therefore, it is very important to follow the instructions on the labels when mixing epoxy at home.

Epoxy resin properties

Epoxy resin is great for making jewelry, decorative items and even covering large surfaces. It has the following properties:

• it is very durable
• not subject to abrasive wear,
• transparent,
• well waterproofed,
• absolutely non-toxic after curing.

Do not forget that you can also find epoxy glue on store shelves, which is completely unsuitable for us. To begin with, the glue itself is a resin derivative. It contains not only epoxy resin, but also a solvent, plasticizer, hardener and filler. Therefore, it is also robust, not subject to wear and tear and firmly holds the parts to be glued.

Differences between resin and glue

There are significant differences between resin and glue, which reveal disadvantages that are unacceptable for our purposes:

1. The glue has a specific cure time that cannot be controlled, while the cure of the resin can be accelerated.
2. The resin retains its transparency for a long time, while the glue begins to turn yellow rather quickly.
3. Epoxy is less elastic and hardens faster, while resin is more malleable and allows you to work with it more accurately.
4. Glue can only be used for joining parts, and resin is suitable for making beads and other shapes of a given shape.
5. Depending on the proportion used when mixing resin and hardener, we can get the right consistency that suits our needs, the glue is sold as a ready-made mixture.

Resin safety rules

In order not to get harmed by the vapors that are formed when the hardener and resin are mixed (the polymerization process entails a significant generation of heat), it is necessary to follow some safety rules.

1. Arm yourself with gloves.
2. Wear a face shield or respirator to avoid hurting yourself.
3. Ventilate the room while working.
4. Warn household members not to enter the room while you are busy, or be sure to wear a mask.
5. Before starting work, organize your workplace so that afterwards you will not be distracted.

If you do not have a special surface for work, you can use a film or a simple file so as not to worry about the table and what may happen to it during work.

How to make DIY epoxy

After reading the instructions, having prepared all the materials and the workplace, as well as following safety precautions, you can start creating epoxy for your ideas.

So, to create an epoxy resin with our own hands, we need:

• resin and hardener,
• disposable syringes or measuring cups,
• stirring stick (toothpick, skewer or other piece of wood suitable for the length).

Carefully read the instructions for the components of the epoxy resin

First, we mix the components in one small container.

It is necessary to mix the components while observing the temperature regime not exceeding + 25 ° C.

It is most convenient to measure the required amount of resin and hardener with disposable syringes, so you will know the exact proportion and will not lose a drop when pouring them into a common vessel. Or use measuring cups, considering that from now on, they cannot be used for anything else.

Do not try to make stocks, as the mixture polymerizes and becomes unsuitable for further use.

Gently mix the resulting composition in a circle to reduce the likelihood of bubbles appearing, because they can ruin the appearance of the epoxy resin craft.

If the bubbles cannot be avoided, then they can be dealt with. To do this, you first need to let the mixture settle, and then warm it up. The bubbles will surely rise to the surface, which will allow us to carefully remove them. After that, the mixture can be used for your ideas.

Post-hardening resin processing

After the resin has set, it may be necessary to process it as the composition may appear cloudy or uneven. Thanks to the elasticity of the composition, we can bring it to mind, and not be disappointed to throw it into the trash can, believing that nothing came of it.

The resin became cloudy after solidification

For grinding the product, sandpaper, or even a nail polish router, is suitable.

Since there will be a lot of dust during grinding, it is worth wearing a respirator, and it is best to moisten the sandpaper with water.

In this master class from DreamWorkshop, you will find step-by-step photos of the resin making process and some great tips on how to make cured resin transparent and smooth using the simplest tools.

DIY epoxy crafts

So, we learned how to get epoxy on our own, talked about precautions and organization of the workplace. It's time to try your hand further. After all, creating crafts from epoxy resin with your own hands is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance.

To begin with, it is worth noting that a material such as epoxy resin is quite versatile and can be used in needlework in different ways. From it, both individual jewelry and accessories are created, which are complemented by works made in other techniques. It is great for figurines, cabochons and even stained glass windows.

Crafts making with molds - molds

The most common form of resin use is filling silicone molds with it. The resulting blanks can be further used as pendants, beads, pendants on or, key rings, etc. The variety of molds allows you to create even rings and bracelets from epoxy resin.

Such molds should be made of high-quality platinum silicone, which will be resistant to the poured solution and will make it easy to remove the frozen product from it.

Advantages of Moldova

The advantages of such casting forms are precisely that:

• nowadays they can be bought at any craft store
• they are plastic
• do not react with resin
• do not stick to it

What decor to use when creating crafts

Molds are great for pouring dried flowers, foliage, moss or shells into them - any volumetric element. To do this, you only need epoxy resin, a suitable silicone mold, and pre-prepared decorative elements.

Be sure to pay attention to preparation! Leaves, flowers and buds must be thoroughly dried so that over time they do not turn black, spoiling the finished product with their appearance. Shells, crystals and stones are best degreased with alcohol or solvent, and then dried too.

Not only dense decorative elements can be added to the resin, but also leaf, shine and even stained glass paint, but a little (so as not to spoil the ratio of the main components and not to violate the given consistency).

Epoxy crafts can be decorated with plants ...

... sparkles ...

With this method of filling, decorative elements are most often unevenly distributed over the shape of the product. This is clearly seen in the example with the bracelet:

In the case when the decorative elements are small, heavy and / or you just want to place them in the center of the mold, it is first recommended to fill the mold with resin, and then immerse the necessary decor in it - leaves, small shells, dried berries - whatever your heart desires!

Method 2. When the resin has settled, pour it into the mold in a thin stream, distribute it evenly over the entire mold, and then immerse the selected decorative elements in it, helping yourself with a toothpick.

If you are limited in time or are afraid of the appearance of bubbles, you can send the form to the oven, preheated to 80 ° C (off and ventilated) for 15-20 minutes. After that, let the workpiece stand in the mold for at least 24 hours so as not to damage the resin surface. Gently remove the bracelet, sand it from the top side and varnish it to keep it safe.

To get started, prepare the clay - roll or twist the strips of the desired length using a paste machine, rolling pin or extruder. After that, wrap the resulting blank into the shape you like to make a frame, and send it to the oven, following the instructions indicated on the clay pack.

When the frame for your future jewelry has cooled down, free it from the mold and you can start pouring it with epoxy resin.

For more details on the technology of making frames from polymer clay, see the master class of the author Rusalina.

Method 2: wire frame

If you are familiar with the basics of the Wire Wrap technique, then wire will come to your aid, which can be twisted into any frame or base to surprise those around you with your author's vision of jewelry.

Method 3: working with wood

Working with self-made molds allows you to go beyond the frames invented by hardware manufacturers. But still, such a combination of techniques requires more perseverance, accuracy and time, since now you yourself create frames and frames, which is a laborious, but at the same time very interesting process.

Natural wood is natural ...

…the beauty…

…and style

However, such products are not so easy to make, moreover, they require a whole arsenal of special tools, since the tree itself needs to be fully processed and cleaned so that the result does not disappoint.

But if difficulties and hard work are your passion, and the house already has tools for woodworking, then be sure to try yourself in the unique technique of creating crafts from epoxy resin of various sizes and purposes.

Is jewelry all that epoxy can do?

And yet, despite the fact that these days most often we find epoxy only as decoration, it continues to be popular in other directions as well. So it is used to fill the handles of knives, to decorate flash drives, key rings and even pens.

Experienced craftsmen went even further by using epoxy to fill large surfaces. Tables with an incredible imitation of water in the middle or a simple and even surface, from under which an original image protrudes, more resistant to fading, is a reality created by those who love to challenge their talent.

Wooden table top with transparent epoxy resin insert

The table top is completely filled with epoxy resin

Those who remain faithful to small forms also found their own author's style: pocket mirrors and even articulated dolls! It turns out that resin can realize any of our ideas.

As you can see, epoxy is capable of a lot and is limited only by the imagination of those who are seriously interested in working with it. Try it and you will go from your first cabochons and beads to masterpieces worthy of the world's museums of epoxy crafts!

One type of synthetic resin is an epoxy-based material. The versatility of this material determines the breadth and popularity of its application. How to make products from polyester resins, we will consider further.

Epoxy Acrylic Resin Products - Material Features

If we consider the structure of the resin from a chemical point of view, then it consists of synthetic oligomeric compounds. Epoxy based materials are widely popular in various industries and life. However, in order to obtain a polymerized material, a hardener will be required. With its help, the resin takes on a solid form.

If you combine different kinds of resin-based materials with each other, you can get substances of different kinds of density. Among the advantages of epoxy resin are:

• resistance to acidic environment;
• resistance to all kinds of chemicals such as halogens, alkalis;
• after hardening, the resin does not emit harmful substances, has a slight shrinkage.

There are two main elements of an epoxy compound. If they are mixed together, then the polymerization process begins. By combining different sorts of resins with hardeners with each other, it is possible to obtain materials with a hard, rubber or soft texture.

The use of phenols, tertiary phenols makes it possible to obtain resin polymerization. The type and amount of resin hardener is determined by its composition and the desired cure result. Epoxy resins are thermosetting plastic, the process of connecting the hardener with the resin is irreversible. After polymerization, the cured resin cannot be dissolved or melted.

If you add a large amount of hardener to the resin, or vice versa, add too little of this substance, then the quality of the resulting polymer will be insufficient. There is a risk of reducing its strength, resistance to heat, chemicals or water. If too little hardener is added, the resulting polymer will be tacky, as the resin will not be sufficiently bonded. Excess polymers gradually come to its surface. The amount of hardener is determined individually, and is indicated in the instructions for use of the epoxy resin. Most often the ratio of resin to hardener is one to one or one to two.

Please note that the curing process takes some time and you should not add too much hardener to speed it up. In order to accelerate the polymerization, it is enough to heat the material to a certain temperature. If the temperature of the composition is increased by ten degrees, then the polymerization will take place two, three times faster.

Some epoxies also cure cold. However, the decisive factors on which the speed of hardening depends are the temperature of the work and the type of substance with which the hardening is carried out.

Epoxy resin products photo:

Among the advantages of using epoxy resin are:

• high strength of the joints;
• minimum shrinkage rate;
• low level of moisture absorption;
• high resistance to abrasive wear;
• excellent physical characteristics.

Polyester resin for molding products: application features

In order to harden the temperature resin, it is enough to use the material at a temperature of -5 +190 degrees, in relation to the composition used. There are two types of resins:

• cold solidification;
• hot polymerization.

In domestic conditions, a resin with a hardener of the first type is most often used. In addition, the use of this material is relevant if it is not possible to carry out heat treatment.

In order to make products that are highly durable, good resistance to high temperatures and chemicals, a hot curing resin should be used. In this case, it is possible to form a denser network of temperature conditions. There is a variant of epoxy resin that can cure even in seawater.

We offer you to familiarize yourself with the scope of use of epoxy resin:

1.With the help of these resins, fiberglass or glass fiber is impregnated. These materials, in turn, are used in the electrical, radioelectric, mechanical engineering and aviation industries.

2. Performing a waterproofing function. With the help of this material, basements, swimming pools, floors and walls are protected from moisture.

3. Manufacturing of coatings that are distinguished by chemical resistance. Epoxy resin is a part of paints and varnishes used in the process of interior and exterior decoration of buildings. In addition, this material is part of the compounds that protect wood, metal, concrete from damage.

4. In household use, in the design sphere, volumetric products are made from resin, which are an excellent decoration for the interior, exterior and household.

Most often, the use of epoxy is associated with its performance as an adhesive. With help. epoxy resins can bond materials that have a porous or flat surface.

In addition, some of the epoxy compounds function as an adhesive, as they have high adhesion to various substances. These formulations also have a high level of rigidity and elasticity.

Some of the cold cure hardeners are easy to use because they do not need to be diluted in a certain proportion.

The epoxy-based adhesive is primarily distinguished by its strength and reliable connection of parts to each other. Therefore, it is widely used in various industries.

In order to prepare this substance, a little hardener should be added to the epoxy resin. The approximate ratio of the ingredients is one to ten. The components are connected together manually.

DIY resin products: how to make resin

In order to prepare epoxy at home, you will need the resin itself and the hardener itself. Please note that when making large quantities of resin, a lot of heat is generated during the polymerization of the material.

There are some epoxy options that cure instantly after adding a hardener. If you do not follow certain technologies for the manufacture of resin, then there is a risk of boiling, smoke and spoilage of the finished product. In some cases, the resin can catch fire.

Therefore, in the process of purchasing material, consult the seller about the technical properties of the material, the scope of its purpose. After polymerization, a transparent, uniformly solidified raw material should be obtained from the resin.

If we consider the process of making resin and glue, then these technologies differ from each other. Before adding a plasticizer to the resin, for the manufacture of bulk products, its temperature should be increased by heating. In addition, in this way it will be possible to reduce the viscosity of the material. To heat the resin, use a water bath, then dip the resin into a container of water and cool to fifty degrees.

Note that this heating method will also help increase the time for the resin to cure. In the process of boiling the resin, white foam appears on its surface, and its color becomes slightly cloudy. This composition is not suitable for use, therefore, in order to reduce its viscosity, a solvent must be added to it. However, it should be taken into account that the presence of a diluent in the resin negatively affects its strength, so the quality of the material in this case remains at a low level.

Water should not be present in the resin or in the hardener. When moisture gets into the resin, it begins to cloud. The resin preparation procedure begins with the addition of a plasticizer to its composition. At the same time, the composition is gradually heated.

In order for the ingredients to mix well with each other, you should use a construction mixer or a special attachment on an electric drill. In the instructions, you should look at the amount of plasticizer added to the resin, most often it is from five to ten percent in the composition.

Further, after adding the plasticizer, the process of introducing the hardener into the composition follows. In this case, the resin must be cooled down to thirty degrees. Since the mixture should never boil. The ratio between resin and hardener is one to ten. In order for the quality of hardening to remain at the proper level, all components of the composition should be well mixed together.

To obtain a homogeneous composition, pour in the hardener gradually and very slowly. Please note that if you slightly exceed the proportion of the hardener, then the resin begins to boil. In this case, its further use is unacceptable. To cook a lot of resin, use a drill to mix it.

There is such a term as the life of the resin, which means the process starting from the moment the hardener is added to the resin, and ending with the complete polymerization of the material.

Transparent resin products: how to do it yourself

In order to make a large resin material, you will need to adhere to a certain technology for working with this material. As a result, the finished item should be particularly transparent and air bubbles should not be present in it.

In this case, the resin should harden evenly, both inside the product and outside. With a product thickness of more than two millimeters, the material is applied gradually, only after the first layer has solidified.

There is an option of pouring resin into specially prepared molds. In order for the product to be easily removed from the mold after polymerization, it should be lubricated with petroleum jelly or any fatty substance before pouring.

For coloring the product, special dyes are used in powder form. After pouring, the product is kept at a certain temperature, after two or three hours, it begins to polymerize. In order to speed up this process, we recommend placing the product in the roasting hour for five hours. The complete polymerization process takes over a week.

Further actions at the expense of an epoxy resin product are based on its mechanical processing, cutting, grinding. In the process of making products from epoxy resin, preference should be given to foreign-made resin, since domestic materials are characterized by low and uneven polymerization, especially inside the products.

To prepare a colored epoxy composition, you should use special dyes. Please note that the color dye should be evenly distributed throughout the composition. Otherwise, the product will turn out to be colored unevenly.

Please note that only high quality pigments should be used, as otherwise there is a risk that the resin will become cloudy or lose its attractiveness. Products made of polyester resin and fiberglass are characterized by high practicality and good adhesion. However, due to their high cost, they are not common.

It is possible to combine epoxy with polyester. However, please note that contact of these two liquids without a polymerizer is not allowed.

Learn that the use of epoxy resin in liquid form is highly toxic, therefore, the process of making jewelry from jewelry resin must be carried out in compliance with certain safety rules.

We suggest that you familiarize yourself with them:

1. It is forbidden to pour resin into the dishes, which will be further used for storing food products.

2. To avoid getting burned or dermatitis, it is imperative to wear special clothing, gloves, and a protective mask.

3. The term of storage of the resin is one year, after this period, it becomes unusable.

4. If resin gets on exposed skin, wash it off with soapy water.

5. If working with the resin is carried out indoors, then there must be a good ventilation system.

Epoxy resin products video:

Epoxy has unique characteristics that allow you to create aesthetic and incredibly practical things, from small decorations to floors in an apartment or house. Epoxy resin is also used for pouring countertops.

Such a coating is not afraid of mechanical and chemical damage and looks really impressive, especially when using decoupage technique or something similar to it. The whole process will require personal protective equipment and accuracy, but no special tools or special skills are needed. Read more about the fill method in our article.

Material features

Two-component epoxy worktop potting pot containing hardener and resin. After hardening, the substance does not decrease in volume and does not become covered with cracks, it perfectly fills small irregularities. The material is resistant to moisture, it cannot be scratched, but melts when exposed to high temperatures.

Usually, epoxy is an expensive material, but it turns out to be cheap when compared with analogues for surface treatment with increased abrasion, moisture and mechanical damage. The price of epoxy potting as of 2018 varies between 200 and 800 rubles per kilogram, the wholesale price will be even lower, 180-190 rubles.

When the countertop is poured with epoxy, the wood is stabilized: its pores are filled with resin. As a result, the tree becomes invulnerable to ultraviolet radiation, solvents, and organic matter.

In addition to operational, epoxy resin also has decorative advantages. With its help, patterns, decorations, imitations are created. For example, a table with a flowing river pattern. Epoxy resin is excellent for coloring, and it also allows you to create various shapes (the thicker the consistency, the lighter), although this applies more to the glue than to the pouring.

Advantages of an epoxy coated worktop:

1. After drying, the substance does not shrink.
2. After hardening, the surface becomes perfectly flat, like glass.
3. Resistant to damage caused by mechanical stress (dents, chips, cuts).
4. It is immune to moisture and aggressive household cleaning agents, therefore it does not need a special selection of care methods.
5. It is not destroyed under the influence of ultraviolet rays.
6. Looks impressive.

Epoxy resin for pouring countertops has its drawbacks:

1. To make a high-quality fill, you need to accurately observe the proportions of the components.
2. It is necessary to work, observing the safety rules as strictly as possible.
3. A sharp drop in temperature will lead to the appearance of white flocculent inclusions in the deep layers.
4. With strong heating, the material will release substances toxic to the human body.

Advice! The last two disadvantages are easy to deal with. To remove the white flakes that appear, heat the countertop to + 50-60˚ С. And so that toxins do not release during heating, cover the countertop with an additional protective transparent varnish.

There are several types of countertops made with epoxy:

1. Made entirely of resin, no support. This type is most often found in the manufacture of coffee or coffee tables, for which significant loads are not planned.
2. Made from board and epoxy coated as a protective layer. The role of the base can be played by a board made of any material: solid wood, multiplex, paneled surface, fiberboard, chipboard, OSB, etc. Before pouring, such countertops are often decorated (with a print, stencil painting, paper elements, according to the decoupage principle, mosaics, flowers, coins, shells - whatever).
3. Combined, when the resin is alternated with fragments of another material, most often wood.

The base can have any shape (square, rounded), it is important to make the sides of the required height so that after the pouring has solidified, the side surfaces of the tabletop are smooth and even.

Advice! When choosing a material for decorating a countertop, remember that the more embossed the decoration, the thicker the fill layer will have to be made to dry, it will take more time.

Brand overview

There are several popular varieties of epoxy resin that craftsmen use to create countertops:

• QTP-1130 perfect for creating a transparent desk top or coffee table, if the fill layer is no thicker than three millimeters. The resin is particularly transparent and self-leveling.
• "Art-Eco" is most suitable for the production of thin layers, especially when a sufficient amount of hardener is added. In addition, this manufacturer produces excellent colors that allow you to give epoxy to any shade. Reviews about "Art-Eco" on the forums are different, there are good and bad. Of the negative points, the appearance of a yellowish tint in the light and hardening is not mentioned until the end.

• "ED-20"- the main disadvantage is the increased viscosity of the substance, due to which it is very problematic to remove air bubbles from the mass. After some time, the ED-20 countertop loses its transparency and becomes yellowish. The forums of masters are filled with negative reviews about this material, the only advantage of which is its low cost.
• CHS Epoxy 520 (hardener 921OP) is suitable for working with complex fillers (herbarium, coins, lids) and is the best and most demanded material for making countertops.
• - differs in fluidity, and therefore is ideal for creating layers of small thickness and for working with fillers (coins, lids, flowers and grass), transparent.

• PEO-610KE- resin of Russian production, does not turn yellow over time in direct sunlight and under the influence of heat.
• EpoxAcast 690 - when hardened, it will not turn yellow, even if it is exposed to direct sunlight or near heating appliances.
• MG-EPOX-STRONG from company Epox is a popular and good quality product. On the forums, some recommend pouring the countertop exclusively with this resin.
• Epoxy CR 100 - has excellent chemical resistance, wear resistance, antistatic properties.
• - has strength, resistance to direct sunlight and water, is used in the manufacture of jewelry, pouring glossy coatings and 3D floors, creating decorative items.

Advice! When working with take one part hardener for two parts resin.

The quality of the filling will be different depending on the expiration date, there are fakes, and in some cases, factory defects.

As a rule, epoxy is mixed with a solvent immediately before pouring in a 2: 1 ratio.

In order for a do-it-yourself epoxy tabletop to turn out to be a real work of art, you should take into account several recommendations of professionals:

• the resin hardens faster in a warm room;
• to avoid deformation, do not heat the surface from above;
• next to a fire or in direct sunlight, the resin in a solid state begins to turn yellow;
• do not stir the hardener with resin at high speeds - otherwise bubbles will appear and subsequently voids;
• if bubbles remain in the layer after leveling, walk over the tabletop with a burner, the bubbles will come out - do not linger with the flame over one place;
• the hardened substance exfoliates under the influence of strong cold;
• it is imperative to cover the countertop with a protective varnish, otherwise, when heated, the resin will release toxins;
• if uncured areas or spots appeared during the pouring process, this indicates uneven mixing of the hardener with the resin due to the adhesion of the substance to the walls of the container;
• to prevent uneven distribution of components, pour the pouring mixture from one container to another several times while thoroughly mixing with a thick mixer, spatula or spatula. Try not to bring the tool to the surface of the mass, otherwise there is a high probability of air bubbles.

Oftentimes, epoxy for pouring countertops is criticized negatively. As a rule, problems arise when the rules for working with it are violated. Respect the proportions, take into account the advice of professionals, and the work will give an excellent result.