What is the difference between small volume resin and large volume resin?

Epoxy resins are systems that dry by exothermic reaction typing. This type of reaction is defined as the generation of heat in the system, and the heat produced by the system is variable. These variables are; product types, application thicknesses and differences in ambient temperatures can be defined in general terms.

The expression that is meant to be stated when talking about large volume resins includes resins that can be poured thicker than 2 cm based on the thickness measure to be applied. What is meant to be specified in the expression of small volume includes epoxy resins with a casting thickness of up to 2 cm at most. While determining the volume expression, all ambient conditions were considered constant and the naming was done by emphasizing the application thickness.

The change in ambient temperature, which is one of the other variables in the reaction process of epoxy systems, and contractions in the volume to be cast will cause a direct change on the thickness. In such cases, in order to determine the most suitable thickness for use, you will need to make several different trials according to your ambient conditions and casting volume and determine the optimum casting level and which type of resin you should use.

What mixing ratio should I mix?

Epoxy systems can be produced in different mixing ratios, the manufacturer should have specified the most accurate mixing ratio for the system he created on the product label, and the user should use these ratios. In epoxy systems, there is no single truth to this situation. The mixing ratio is determined by the properties of the resin and hardeners used by the manufacturer in production, and this ratio may vary in different types of epoxy systems.

If the mixing ratios are determined by weight, the mixture must be made using a balance. If the mixing ratio is determined as volume, mixing can be done using volume containers. Because epoxy resins and epoxy hardeners have different specific gravity, it is not accurate to measure using volume containers in a system that needs to be calculated by weight. The amount of hardener should not be used less or more than the specified ratio. Increasing the hardener ratio does not cause faster drying, on the contrary, it may cause the system to remain flexible by disrupting the reaction calculation.

Mixing ratios are generally; It is indicated as 1:1 / 2:1 / 3:1 … or 100:100 / 100:50 / 100:33, and the first number is the epoxy resin, the second number is the epoxy hardener. Whatever ratio is specified on the label of the product you use, you should base that value as the multiplier of the mixture you will prepare.

Example 1: Resin To Use = Resin Slim

Labeled Mix Ratio = 2:1

The amount of resin and hardener required for 90 grams of total mixture;

A Component (Epoxy Resin): 60 grams

B Component (Epoxy Hardener): 30 grams

Example 2: Resin to be used = Resin Mass

Labeled Mixing Ratio = 2,5:1

Required amount of resin and hardener for 21 kg of total mixture;

A Component (Epoxy Resin): 15 kg

B Component (Epoxy Hardener): 6 kg

With what should I measure the mixing ratio (amount)?

Mixing ratio in epoxy systems is calculated by two different measurement methods as weight and volume. Since epoxy resins and epoxy hardeners have different specific weights, the calculation made by weight and the calculation made by volume will not give the same result. For example, it is not correct to mix 2 cups (A) and 1 cup (B) at a mixing ratio specified as (A) Resin: (B) Hardener = 2:1 by weight. Therefore, the most accurate measurement method is the method using digital precision scales based on the weight calculation.

The point to be considered in the use of precision balances is the measurement accuracy of the balance and the correct weighing of the balance. First of all, to make sure that the balance is weighing correctly, weigh a sample scale on your balance that you are sure of the weight and observe the correct value on the screen. If the sensitivity of your balance is low, you will have a high probability of error in weighing very small quantities. Therefore, you should mix as many products as possible together in order to avoid sensitivity errors. For example, 1 g. If you are measuring on a precision scale, 150 gr. Try not to mix less than

Do I have to use a precision balance?

If the mixing ratios are determined by weight, the mixture must be made using a digital precision balance. If the mixing ratio is determined as volume, mixing can be done using volume containers.

Since epoxy resins and epoxy hardeners have different specific gravity, it is not correct to measure using volume containers in a system that needs to be calculated by weight. The amount of hardener should not be used less or more than the specified ratio. Increasing the hardener ratio does not cause faster drying, on the contrary, it may cause the system to remain flexible by disrupting the reaction calculation. Mixing ratios of resin in branded epoxy systems are determined on the basis of weight.

To calculate the weight, choose a digital scale as accurate as possible. Risks of mixing error may occur as the scale indicators reflect the values ​​in the sensitivity range by rounding them onto the screen. For example, 1 gr. You cannot see a decimal value such as 1.5 gr on the precision scale screen. All values ​​between 0.6 grams and 1.4 grams will be displayed as 1 gram, which means a deviation of more than 100%. 1 gr. Do not mix less than 120 grams on precision scales. Low amount of mixtures cause miscalculation of resin/hardener ratio due to balance sensitivity range and undesirable results in epoxy drying. At least 0.1 gr. to minimize the possibility of error. We recommend using a precision scale.

Also, calibrate your balance at certain intervals and make sure that it weighs correctly. You can obtain a fixed weight caliber scale for calibrating, or you can use an object of which you are sure of its weight to verify the balance.

At the time of weighing, check each time that the weight option such as grams and kilograms is selected on the scale screen. Thanks to the mode feature in digital scales, transactions can be made in different units. Overlooking this situation may cause you to prepare an incorrect mixing ratio and experience problems in drying.

At what stage should I mix the epoxy pigment?

First, mix the epoxy resin and epoxy hardener until a transparent and homogeneous appearance is obtained (approximately 2-3 minutes). (For detailed information about the resin mixture, you can review our article titled “How to Mix Epoxy”.) Add the pigment into the prepared mixture and mix the system again. Mix until you are sure that the pigment is completely dispersed in the mixture.

Can I use acrylic or a different paint to color it?

Epoxy color pigments must be used to color epoxy systems in the most accurate way. Epoxy pigments are specially produced for their compatibility with epoxy systems. The presence of a content contrary to the epoxy system in the contents of acrylic paints or other paints may adversely affect the reaction process of the system. In epoxies, which have a very special reaction process, the addition of any content that does not fit the system may cause undesirable results during and after the reaction.

In the Pigments section, you can examine the different types of colors specially designed for epoxy systems.

How much of the epoxy pigment should I use?

For ideal coloring, 1-2% by weight of the total mixture of epoxy resin and hardener should be used. Insufficient coloring may occur if less than the specified amount is used. Using more than the specified rate may cause results such as inability of epoxies to reach their final hardness and remaining flexible.

Attention please: Preparing very low amount of epoxy mixtures may cause the error of using more pigment than necessary.

Can I use epoxy pigments anywhere other than epoxy?

Epoxy pigments are only produced to color epoxy systems. After checking its compatibility with different systems other than epoxy, its use can be decided. This situation is completely under the control and responsibility of the user.

Attention please: Epoxy color pigments do not have a self-air-drying structure and therefore will not dry when used alone.

How many minutes do I need to mix the epoxy?

Mixing time should be minimum 2 minutes in epoxy systems. While determining this time, it was thought that the mixing speed should be at an average speed of 100 rpm. If the mixing speed is too slow, the 2-minute time will be insufficient. For more detailed information about the mixture, How to Mix Epoxy? You can read our article.

What can I do to polish the epoxy surface?

Epoxy systems can be used as a polish on many surfaces. You can polish and renew the epoxy surfaces that have lost their shine due to usage deformations or sanding by coating a thin layer of epoxy again. You can also polish these surfaces and polish the surface by using any polishing material other than epoxy.

In cases where the brightness of the newly applied epoxy surface does not meet your expectations, you can use another polishing polish external to the surface. The polish of your choice other than epoxy; It can be in solid, liquid or paste form.

The polishing ability of the preferred polish and its correct application are the main determinants of the result in positive or negative results arising from the choice of varnish. Therefore, the user should choose a polish in line with his experience.