Resin Epoxy and wood - a combination that lasts
Posted by faessi1 on July 7th, 2019
Epoxy resin and wood - how does it fit together?
Epoxy resin and wood go together perfectly. Wrapping wood with a layer of epoxy resin is easy and gives the wood a beautiful coating that accentuates the colour of the wood and makes the grain shine.
Different properties of resin products
Epoxy resin or resin is a two-component material that cures within a few hours when mixed together and can then be cut, ground and polished. In contrast to polyester resins and polyurethane resins, the epoxy resin shrinks significantly less during curing. All other products can therefore become detached from the wood by shrinking after a few hours or days and are therefore not suitable. Epoxidharz Holz is for example a very good brand for this. There are products for different applications and here it is important to choose the right product.
consistency
- Low viscosity epoxy resins for coating layers
- Viscous epoxy resins for molding or casting resin type images
Let's get started
The synthetic resin action can now begin with gloves on your hands. Mix the two components of the epoxy resin (resin and hardener) so that the liquid can cure later.
The exact mixing ratios are always determined by the manufacturer and must be strictly adhered to. Some manufacturers choose a 1:1 ratio between resin and hardener, others a 2:1 or even a 4:1 mixture.
Then carefully stir the liquid in your measuring cup with a wooden or plastic stick for at least one, preferably three minutes, until both substances have completely mixed with each other. Scratch several times with the stick along the edge and bottom of the measuring cup to stir in these parts carefully.
Pouring the epoxy resin onto the wood
Now pour the resin mixture centrally onto your wooden surface and distribute it carefully to all sides with a squeegee. Instead of a squeegee, you can also use a wooden stick or any other object that is suitable for pushing.
Depending on the manufacturer, the mass will start to become so viscous after about 30 to 60 minutes that you will hardly be able to work on it. Mixing and distributing the resin shouldn't take too long, but it shouldn't be hectic either.
Get out any bubbles of your resin
It is quite normal for bubbles to form on the wood when the epoxy resin is mixed, poured and distributed. As long as there are no larger inclusions, this is not a problem. Now pick up the flame burner and move the flame carefully and with circular movements from a safe distance towards the surface bubbles.
The flame should never come into direct contact with the epoxy resin. A distance of 5 to 10 centimeters is usually sufficient to burst the bubbles with the heat of the flame without roasting the surface.
Move the flame burner quickly over your work and do not hold it at one point for long. It is best to guide them from one side to the other with precise, rapid movements.
Once you've done the rough work with the burner, you can use a toothpick to remove the last bubbles from the epoxy resin layer by briefly pricking it. When working with the toothpick, you can also pull small hairs, dust or fluff out of the epoxy resin, which can collect inside or on top of the epoxy resin during handicrafts. If you don't find any residue in your resin layer, the result will be the best.
Leave to dry
The resin must cure for at least 24 hours until the last residue has dried. To ensure that nothing disturbs the surface during this time, you should cover the wood with a board. The board can be made of plastic as well as cardboard - it is important that it is very close to the epoxy resin layer without touching it, so that no lint or dirt will land on it.
The exact drying time again depends on the components of the mixture and the thickness of the resin layer. For more information, contact the resin manufacturer of your choice.
Usually, the resin is completely cured after 72 hours at the latest, so you can hang or set up your artwork at the latest.
