We thought we'd put the wording Don't Panic at the very start of this blog, because we know when things go wrong with epoxy resin this is usually the first thing people do. But try not to if you can help it, panicking can sometimes make a situation worse, so instead of worrying about what's happened let's delve into what can be done about it.
Different issues can occur when working with a substance like epoxy resin, it is a good idea to do your research before you begin creating to avoid these issues occurring in the first place, if you can. Later in this blog we'll share where you can find lots of how to use Craft Resin guidance so you can learn more about the techniques to use before you get started.
Some issues that occur can actually be fixed and sometimes your resin project can be saved, so try not to worry too much if issues do occur, fixing them is all part of the learning process.
A lot of issues that do occur are related to temperature issues, so as a first port of call we would advise you to check that your work area is kept between the consistent temperature of 21-24C or 70-75F. The temperature needs to be between these whilst working on your project and also during the curing phase.
Temperature can cause issues like your resin project not curing, curing too fast and flash curing, curing with imperfections like amine blushing, or even ripples or an orange peel kind of effect forming on your work. If you notice any of these occurring head to the learn section on our website and search temperature to find out what has gone slightly wrong during the creative process and how to then fix them.
Some issues can occur because the resin/hardener is too cold when you first mix it together. If you notice that your resin/hardener is cloudy looking, then this means it is too cold and needs warming up before using. Search cloudy in the learn or blog section to find more guidance on warming your resin/hardener up.
Lines or streaks can occur in your work when you haven't mixed the resin/hardener for long enough, or when you've taken slightly too long to pour the resin mix once mixed. It could also be due to a kink in your mold or surface you're pouring the resin onto. Search lines and streaks n the learn section, if you'd like to learn more about these.
If your project cures unevenly, then this could mean that the surface the mold was on or the mold itself wasn't level. Craft resin is a liquid and self levels, so it moves with the surface area and cures in the position it is resting in. You can read more about this by searching uneven coat in the learn section.
If your project has repelled the resin in any areas, this could be down to oils/wet areas, these will cause the area to repel the resin mix and it won't settle or cure on that area. Make sure that when creating projects covering artwork, that the paint used is completely dry before applying resin to it, drying enough can take weeks.
Epoxy resin doesn't always go right, even the most experienced artists still make mistakes along the way. Resin needs very specific margins of techniques to cure perfectly , and it's easy to get these margins slightly incorrect from time to time, don't beat yourself up when this happens, it's all a learning curve. Different projects require different techniques, different brands of resin require different techniques, and when you add things to the resin you might need to tweek techniques slightly too. Lets also add to the mix that we now have two different epoxy resin's on the market, so both of these work slightly differently too, what works for our Low Viscosity Resin won't always work when using our Deep Pour Resin.
Making mistakes with your techniques while working with epoxy resin does not make you a bad resin artist, it just means that you need to learn more about the project you are creating, even the top resin artists that you see on instagram with thousands of followers, creating the most incredible resin projects made mistakes, and they still do.
We do have lots more how to information on our new YouTube channel. These videos that are being released weekly cover lots of different topics related to resin, and over time there will be every technique and issue that can occur explained. Head to our YouTube channel to learn more:
Craft Resin YouTube
We also created our Craft Resin Facebook Community group so that there was a safe space to share, learn and educate between members on all things related to creating with epoxy resin. Members are actively encouraged to help and support each other, and questions are always welcomed in the group and anyone with experience in that area will answer them to help other members out with any issues that do occur in their projects. If you haven't already joined our group you can through the link below:
Craft Resin Facebook Community Group
Please don't hold back from asking questions in this group because of the fear of what will others think of me. Everyone needs to learn, and questions and learning from others experience is the only way to improve and learn more.
Working with epoxy resin is a creative process, sometimes the best creations come from the mistakes we make as artists, so have fun and enjoy the process!
As well as the above guidance we also release regular guidance in the form of Blogs, and have our Learn section on the website for any regular issue that we've come across:
Blogs
Learn
If you ever feel like you need any extra advice on your projects or any issues do occur that you need help with, our team is available to talk through what may be happening and help you with techniques that can fix the issues. Please don't hesitate to send us a message through our website contact form if you have any queries.
We want you all to enjoy creating, we want you to expand your skills and get better and better over time. If our team can help in any way we will.
Topic Of The Week Giveaway:
We have attached a giveaway to these Topic Of The Week announcements 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 share this information to win free resin and mica powders.
To enter the weekly giveaway please see the latest post #CRWEEK16 on our Instagram feed/highlights and follow the instructions to enter:
Team Craft Resin
