Common Epoxy Resin Questions

What’s the best way to mix this?

You’ll want to make sure that you have 1 part base resin and 1 part curing agent measured precisely, by volume. Pour part A into Part B mixing bucket, and we recommend mixing by hand for at least 3 minutes and between 3-5 minutes or until it is fully mixed. Always scrape the sides while mixing. HOWEVER*** when pouring, do not scrape the sides or your may get that tiny amount of unmixed material. This can impart unmixed material that may cling to the side and has not been incorporated. Don’t worry about any bubbles in the mixture, they will all work themselves out.

WARNING: The longer the mixture remains in the pot the more chemical reaction. This chemical reaction can create an immense amount of heat. Be Cautious Not to Touch the Mixture with bare skin. 

Thermal temperature devices are a good tool to have.   

Remember that thermoset plastics are temperature sensitive.  Cold weather slows the curing process down, whereas heat speeds curing up.  Always try to mix chemicals at room temperature. 

What are the mixing directions for using a scale?

We recommend mixing by scale when mixing less than 50 grams of material. If mixing by weight / 100 parts resin : 85 parts hardener

 

How long does it take to cure, and what temperatures can I pour this in?

Our optimum environment temperature range is 70° - 80°F in a clean, temperature controlled environment. In that temperature range, it will begin to gel in 20-30 minutes, and cure rock hard within 24 hours. Temperatures under 70° will slow the curing process even more, and the closer you get to 60° the curing process will stop. Above 85°, it will begin to accelerate curing, leading to cracking, shrinking and other negative results.

Is your epoxy FDA Compliant?

The safe answer is, no. However, like most other well known epoxy resin brands... Once the resin has cured, it becomes safe, per FDA code, 21CFR175.300 which states "Resinous and polymeric coatings may be safely used as the food-contact surface of articles intended for use in producing, manufacturing, packing, processing, preparing, treating, packaging, transporting, or holding food" and can be used as a "functional barrier between the food and the substrate". 

When can I demould?

Our optimum environment temperature range is 70° - 80°F in a clean temperature controlled environment. In that temperature range, you can demould between 18 and 24 hours, and its optimal work-ability will be at 24-30 hours. At 30 hours it will sand and plane as easy as wood!

This product provides a fast cure and property development at ambient and low temperatures without accelerators and allows for a quick return to service. 

The typical pot-life on this item is roughly 45-50 minutes based on mass and temperature.  Thin-film set time (3mil. film) is roughly 5 hours at 78F.  Fast cure and green time while exhibiting low exothermic temperatures (120C.) makes this product ideal for all applications.  The full cure is 24 hours at normal conditions.

Can I pour Extreme Resin over a stain?

Absolutely, but there are some things to consider. First, you want to let the stain completely dry. It must be fully penetrated and dry before lightly sanding the surface. After sanding clean off any dirt and excess stain left on the surface with 99% isopropyl alcohol. Make sure the surface is extremely clean. If any moist stain is left, no matter how little, the epoxy will either not cure and/or adhere to your wood.

Can I use this on furniture meant for the outdoors?

Direct outdoor sunlight is not recommended for any epoxy. It will accelerate the yellowing much faster. It is left to the discretion of the user, but it should be fine in highly shaded areas that are kept from direct sunlight.

How much mica or pigment can I use?

We suggest only using epoxy resin color pigments, mica pigment powder, alcohol inks and dyes. Please try to get your desired look with less than 5% ratio of pigment to resin. Remember, the higher percent of color you add, the less chance of a perfect cure. If you go too high, your project will not cure. We recommend under 5%. Yes, more has been done... Please test. 

How do I store the epoxy resin? 

This chemical needs to be stored in a dry, safe, temperature-controlled environment.  Always keep the lids tightly sealed when not in use.  Remember, oxygen and moisture oxidize and can rapidly degrade the epoxy and hardener.  Moisture is also a potential issue.  Always keep the bottles sealed when not in use.  When applying this product, use gloves, goggles, and proper safety equipment.

When can I demould?

Our optimum environment temperature range is 70° - 80°F in a clean temperature controlled environment. In that temperature range, you can demould between 18 and 24 hours, and its optimal work-ability will be at 24-30 hours. At 30 hours it will sand and plane as easy as wood!

 

Contact us for more help at:
Extreme Resin
33175 TEMECULA PARKWAY SUITE A P.O. BOX 916
TEMECULA CA 92592
Phone: (951)265-8259

Email: extremeresin@gmail.com
Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm PST