Heat Cured Resin is formulated with low residual monomer and multiple curing options to accommodate each technician’s system. This resin saves time in production and provides quality results with an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
The temperature of your resin and working area are important factors in determining how well the project will cure. This is especially true during warmer months, as the heat of summer can cause the resin to warm up faster than normal and jump start the curing process.
When resin and hardener are mixed they generate their own heat which helps to initiate the cure process. This is called the exothermic reaction. The higher the temperature, the faster the curing process will occur.
However, if the temperature is too high it can result in premature thickening and cracking of the finished product. This can be a big problem for anyone working with resin and it is important to keep the temperature at a safe level. To avoid this issue, it is recommended to warm your bottles of resin and hardener in a water bath or place them in a warm room prior to using them. This can also help to get rid of any micro bubbles that are trapped in the resin mix and may cause a cloudy appearance in your final work.
Humidity is a little harder to sense and monitor as compared to temperature changes, but it is just as important for resin creations. Moisture can cause amine blush (which is an oily-looking surface layer) in your resin project and lead to a loss of clarity in the final result. This can occur during pouring or even during curing.
The best way to combat humidity is to warm up your resin and hardener bottles in a container of hot water before using them. Make sure the bottles are not filled past the level of their labels, as water will effect the resin.
You can also try running a working air conditioning system in your work space, or run a dehumidifier to assist with the moisture in the workspace. Following the standard heating instructions for both your work environment and the product is an easy and effective way to prevent issues with your epoxy resin curing. Keeping the temperatures stable will ensure your resin cures to a beautiful, crystal clear finish.
When resin and hardener are combined they start a chemical reaction that gradually changes the mixed ingredients from liquid to solid. This process, called curing, must reach a prescribed temperature in order to fully crosslink the components and achieve the desired physical properties.
Once the resin and MEKP have been thoroughly mixed they must be transferred to a roller pan or impregnator as quickly as possible in order to maximize their working time. If the mixture is not transferred quickly enough it will begin to gel and cure before it has been properly mixed and reaches the desired temperature.
It is also important to remember that even a fully cured piece of resin art can be affected by temperature fluctuations, especially when it is sitting on a surface that can retain heat, such as a metal coaster. This can cause the liner to soften and shift.
While storing epoxy resins, it is important to maintain high temperatures. A resin that is stored at too low a temperature can crystallize and become unusable. A simple way to avoid this is to store the resin in a warm place, such as a garage or workshop. If a heated storage solution is not available, drum and tote sizes can be warmed using other techniques such as drum band heaters that continuously blend the resin.