FAQ

There are many types of epoxy resin products manufactured by EcoPoxy, INC. but the 2 main products most people use are UV Poxy and FlowCast.

Here's the difference: One coats, the other fills. So, one you pour "onto", the other "into"

Liquid Plastic is no longer available. It has been replaced by FlowCast 2:1 Ratio Casting 

• UV Poxy is a fantastic resin that should be used like most standard epoxy resins. It is a 2 part epoxy, 1:1 ratio with approx. 25- 45 minute pot time, dry to the touch in 6-8 hours and 24 hr cure time*. This is the product commonly used for resin art, jewelry making, table tops, molding, counter tops or clear coating surface

• FlowCast 2:1 ratio mix is recommended for resin tables, river tables and woodworking projects that are limited to 2" deep layers. It is a 2 part epoxy, mixed at a 2:1 ratio of 2 parts resin to 1 part hardener.
  

(*average times based on optimal conditions and recommended volume). 

NEVER mix the resins and hardeners from different brands or types of epoxies!

ALWAYS follow the manufactures instructions and mixing guidelines exactly.

If you are new to epoxy resin, please research, read instructions, follow ALL recommendations, then practice, practice, practice!  Do not shortcut, rush, pour or cure in uncontrolled environment, temperature and humidity. 

Careless use or misuse of some epoxy resins can be toxic, and even dangerous. No to mention your chances of failure are greatly increased.

Please read my BLOG POSTS for detailed info, instructions and more

EcoPoxy's Clear Resin and Hardener is an incredibly hard and durable laminating epoxy resin. It's uses include sports equipment, surfboards and composite parts manufacturing. Resistant to chemicals, water, impact, scuffs and scratches  make it the choice for boats and marine applications In addition, it is a great selection for woodworking projects that require a tough finish for high traffic areas. 

I recommend adding top coats of Clear Resin and Hardener, which can be applied by hand or sprayer, over the Liquid Plastic on a river table or encased live edge wood table, bar or furniture that will be in a public space, meeting rooms, bars or restaurants where heavy use, high traffic, cleaning solvents and exposure to the elements is anticipated.

FlowCast, the new casting epoxy from EcoPoxy, is replacing Liquid Plastic 2:1 ratio. So if you have used Liquid Plastic 2:1 Ratio in the past, FlowCast is the product you will need.

FlowCast is specifically designed for woodworkers, pouring river tables, casting, molding and any project that requires a deeper layer. (maximum depth depends on total volume, temperature and humidity)

FlowCast is similar, in use, to Liquid Plastic 2:1 ratio, in terms of depth of pour, pot life, gel time and curing times, however, the improvements in this new casting formula are outstanding!

• _{Clarity - crystal clear water-like}
  

• ^{Viscosity - thinner formula improves air bubble release, flow easily into cracks, easily absorbed into wood for improved strength, improved mixing}

• ^{Durability - cures to a harder finish, improved scratch-resistance, doesn't require a top coat}

• ^{UV stability - added stabilizer, resistant to UV light, non-yellowing}

• ^{Bio-Content  -  at a record setting 82%, makes it the highest YET! Safest, greenest epoxy}

• ^{Anti-crystallization formula - resistant to crystallization, improved shelf life}

If you haven't tried FlowCast yet, what are you waiting for?

• If you are pouring epoxy on to a surface, you need to calculate square inches or feet. This is for UVPoxy and Clear Resin & Hardener. Then the coverage depends on the thickness of the applied layer. The self-leveling depth for UVPoxy is 1/8" and a seal coat is 1/16"

L x W = in²     (in² ÷ 144 = ft²)

DEPTH      1 LITER               1 GALLON  

1/16"     12 - 15 FT²         48 - 60 FT²

1/8"             6 -  8 FT²         24 - 32 FT²

1/4"      3 -  4  FT²         12 - 16 FT²

WARNING: epoxy resin can not be poured over 1/2" deep layers.

• If you are pouring epoxy into a mold, void or depth exceeding 1/4" deep, you need to calculate cubic inches or feet. This is for Liquid Plastic
  

L x W x H = in³     (in³ ÷ 1728 = ft³)

Coverage = 61 cubic inches per liter

There are several things that will affect the total usage of epoxy. These variables should be considered when calculating the amount of resin to purchase for your project. Calculate total area to be covered & add 10%

• The dryness of the wood (or surface). Thirsty wood may soak up several thin seal coats.
  
• The thickness of the resin. UV is thick, LP is thin
• A seal coat uses approx. 2 oz per ft²
• A flood coat uses 4 oz per ft²
• 4 ounces of LP is going to going to cover more surface because it is so thin. UV is much thicker

Sealing the surface forms a barrier 

1. which helps to prevent leaks in your mold
   
2. prevents the wood from absorbing the flood coat
   
3. your color won't bleed into the wood
   
4. prevents air bubbles (oxygen from being released into the flood coat)
   
5. smooths the surface for a glass-like finish w/ the flood coat
6. covers imperfections, cracks and weak spots
7. strengthens the substrate

YES! For professional results and a stress free experience, always seal the surface, and any objects to be covered with resin, with a light coat of epoxy resin

 Epoxy resin was designed to be applied in 2 coats:

• The 1st coat, the "seal coat", will prevent air bubbles from being released into your 2nd coat, the "flood coat", by forming a air-tight seal over your material/substrate. 

• Also, it will prevent any color bleeding into your surface. This coat can be a light, thin layer and can be applied with a brush, spreader or foam roller. 

• Embedded objects need to be sealed as well. and glued into place (use the seal coat for that too)

• AND.....A seal coat will seal your form/mold! If you have any leaks...this will save your ass

• More than one seal coat maybe needed. If your wood absorbs the 1st coat, add another when the 1st coat is barely tacky or first dry to touch. 

• No sanding needed, but clean with 91% isoprophyl alcohol and dry thoroughly!!

• UV Poxy is perfect for the seal coat because it will be dry-to-the-touch in approx. 6- 8 hrs, but you'll need to work quickly to cover a large area.

Your flood coat, using FlowCast or UV Poxy, will be poured on and you can can add color if desired.

EcoPoxy epoxy resin products will differ in weight for Part A & Part B. Therefore, the correct way to measure is by volume. I suggest using plastic  containers with printed measurements. These are made for baking/cooking or painting and are readily available in almost any store. (Always choose disposable cups)

Absolutely! EcoPoxy makes pigments and mica powders that blend beautifully with both types of resin to produce a wide variety of colors for your resin projects. You can mix EcoPoxy resins with other brands of pigments, inks, dyes and acrylic paints.

• Resin Pigment Color Kits contain 8 colors, which may be mixed together to make other colors, and are designed for coloring epoxy resin only. (not to be used alone). 
• Start with a drop or 2, then add more for desired opacity. 
• I recommend mixing with Part A or B first before mixing Part A and B. Saves pot time!
• Resin pigments are very dense colors. A little bit goes a long way!
• Never exceed 5% pigment in your epoxy mix.
• Each kit contains: Red, blue, green, yellow, orange, brown, black and white
• I do offer all resin pigment colors individually, in several sizes
• Metallic Kits are a collection of mica powders in 30 metallic colors. Use them separately or together for amazing effects.
• Metallic mica powders are available in 15 color, 15 gr kits (2 kits total) OR 10 color sets of 5 gr color packs (3 packs total) or individual colors (15 gr jars only)

Most orders are processed and shipped the same business day if received** before 3 PM EST (12 PM PST). 

• You will receive an email with tracking # when your order has shipped

• Small kits will ship USPS Priority Mail (1-3 Days) Large kits ship UPS Ground  

• Business days are Mon - Fri except for US holidays. We are located in Atlanta, GA

• Holiday shipping is often delayed by the carriers. I can not guarantee delivery times.

• FREE shipping applies to the contiguous 48 United States and DOES include insurance.

It does not include UPS additional charges (PO Boxes, out of area, rural routes, residential, etc...) Fees outside of the standard UPS charges will be invoiced.

We ship every order as quickly as possible, and in the event of a delay, be assured that we are working hard to get your order shipped promptly. 

Due to order volume during holidays, we cannot guarantee that all orders placed can ship on the day after the holiday closure.

Once a shipping label is created, packages are picked up by the carrier and we have no control. Carrier websites and tracking information is often not updated, deliveries are delayed, severe weather, etc...These conditions can not be controlled. 

We do EVERYTHING possible to package all orders for safe arrival. In the event that they are damaged by the carrier, we will do our best to get you a replacement or partial refund ASAP. It is CRUCIAL that you contact us immediately and DO NOT discard anything. Please photograph the outside of the package as delivered, as well as, all contents, packaging materials, damage, etc...Send all photos to us by email

**Orders are received when he payment is processed and confirmed.**  **We have no control over this. We get the order when it is sent to us by Shopify, Square or PayPal, usually that is immediately.

Increasing the temperature of your work area will reduce the time it takes for the epoxy resin to harden. Adding a space heater will work. However, this is NOT recommended because anytime you alter the natural curing process, you risk compromising the finished product. Curing too fast weakens the final product and can cause cracking, (immediately or much later)  If the epoxy is heated too much it will cause excessive air bubbles that can not be removed. Foaming on the surface can occur and additional layers may not adhere properly.

If you do add heat, keep the room temperature below 94°F 

NEVER heat epoxy resin above 120°F at any stage (for the same reasons listed above)
NEVER add more hardener! This will ruin your project
Best practice: ALWAYS follow the manufacturers instructions for measuring, mixing and curing.
NEVER mix epoxy resin brands or products! This is a fire hazard and can produce open flames and toxic fumes

Ecopoxy has not (yet) gotten FDA approval but in the FDA Food Safe Guidelines, the qualifications and standards are clearly listed. FDA Code of Federal Regulations

 UV Poxy is food grade safe. Most epoxies are. It is safe to use UVPoxy for drink ware, plates, cutting boards, serving trays, etc... or anything that will come in contact with food and beverages. It is not safe to ingest (liquid or cured)

UVPoxy is heat safe to approx. 130°F. Liquid Plastic to 120°F. It will easily withstand normal wear and tear. It is not oven safe or dishwasher safe. Items should be cleaned by hand with mild dish soap and water. Do not soak in hot water for extended periods of time. This will dull the surface/finish. 

Tables, counters and other things finished with EcoPoxy  epoxy resins will be extremely durable! They will withstand high traffic and use far above the normal everyday wear and tear. Just use common sense and do not place a frying pan fresh off the stove on top! Do not pour boiling water all over it and don't put burning cigarettes on it! If you would not do it to your other furniture...don't do it to epoxy furniture! 

In the event that it gets scuffed, scratched or whatever, then sand, use a polish or rubbing compound to fix it just like any other wood surface or your car.

All EcoPoxy resins should stored in a temperature controlled environment, away from direct sunlight and in sealed containers, our solvent-free products have a near-unlimited shelf life. If the containers have been opened and have been stored for more than a year, do a small test pour first.

Resins stored in temps over 90° F or below 50° F will most likely need to be discarded after 6 months. Contact us for more info.

RETURNS:

If there is a problem with your order please contact us, we are happy to help in every way possible!

Due to classification, and insurance restrictions, All epoxy resin sales are considered final and we do not offer returns or exchanges. 

In the event your order is damaged by mail carrier, contact us within 48 hrs of delivery, (The sooner we know, the faster we can take care of you). We will give you instructions, require lots of photos, and file a claim. We will issue a partial refund, store credit or replacement after damages are assessed.

Any returned, refused or 'non-deliverable' shipments must be received within 15 days of the purchase date. Must arrive undamaged, unopened, all seals in tact and in the original packing materials.  ALL shipping costs plus a 15% restocking fee will be be deducted from your full purchase price, the remainder will be issued as a refund to your original payment method.

Refunds will not be issued if products are used, opened, the seals are broken or are damaged during return shipping. (you assume all risk) 

It is illegal to ship Hazardous Materials materials through the mail w/out certification, knowledge and approval of the postal service provider

Please read the Refund Policy section for complete information,

EcoPoxy is a small company that is growing very fast.  Located in Canada, they manufacture but DO NOT sell the products. They have retailers in Canada and the US. I provide online ordering & shipping to anywhere within the United States. For a list of retailers outside North America, visit: https://www.ecopoxy.com/where-to-buy/

Besides the different viscosities, the easiest way to describe the difference is: 

UV Poxy is poured ONTO. Liquid Plastic is poured INTO

UVPoxy behaves like most standard epoxy resins, has a limited pot life, dry to the touch in a few hours, and generates a lot of heat during the exothermic process. UVPoxy is designed for clear coating surfaces and provides a very hard, durable finish. Limited to .25" deep layer. 

Liquid Plastic is designed for encapsulation and casting. It has a 3-day cure time and can be poured to any depth when used at 1:1 ratio. Liquid Plastic cures to a semi-flexible finish. It has an extended pot life and a slowed exotherm. 

Although there are similarities, these are very different epoxies, designed for different applications and results. For information about choosing the right product See my Comparison Chart