Bubble Free Epoxy! How To Get a Perfect Finish with UV Poxy
NO BUBBLES in Epoxy Resin!
Understanding the secret to a perfect "glass-like" finish using EcoPoxy UV Poxy, or other epoxy resin for coating, is easy. Following a few simple steps to prevent air bubbles is essential. Then I will explain how to properly use heat to de-gas, or remove, the bubbles after your pour.
MOST COMMON CAUSES OF AIR BUBBLES: All of these can be avoided!Overheating - No seal coat - Humidity - Temperature - Improper mixing - Layer too thick or too thin
TEMP and HUMIDITY:
First, make sure your work space is indoors and climate controlled. Temperature and humidity are HUGE factors in achieving epoxy resin success. The ideal room temperature is 72° - 75° F. (but 68°- 80°F will suffice) The humidity should be under 60%. You can add a dehumidifier to control excess moisture. Use a hydrometer to measure the levels in your workspace. Acclimate your materials to room temperature and maintain both temp and humidity levels throughout the entire process.
UV Poxy is a very viscous epoxy. This makes it the PERFECT choice for clear coating (topcoats) many surfaces. This is a quick curing epoxy that reaches gel stage in 20- 45 minutes, so timing is everything!
I like to warm my resin to 100° before mixing. I use sink of hot water or a heating pad on LOW to gently warm both Parts (A & B) to make the resin thinner, easier to mix and this eliminates the air bubbles. *WARNING: Do not overheat! This will shorten your work time.
MIXING:
Measure UV Poxy Parts A & B precisely, then mix thoroughly, but NOT vigorously, for 3 minutes, scraping the sides and bottom repeatedly. Do NOT "whip" air into your mixture. (Keeping the bottom of your stick on the bottom of the container will prevent excess bubbles).
Mix by hand and avoid mixing too much epoxy at one time. The more you mix, the less work time you will have.
Once mixed, let your mixing container sit for 30-45 seconds. This allows any air bubbles to rise to the top and then remove the the foamy layer with a heat gun (5-7 sec).
Immediately pour your mixture onto the entire surface to be coated in a spiral from the outside to center, evenly distributing the epoxy. Continue to smooth over every inch using a spreader or rubber spatula, pushing epoxy back and forth to coat area and break surface tension. Next pull the epoxy over the edges, again, breaking the surface tension. This should be done QUICKLY, leaving a layer thickness of 1/8". Do NOT spread too thin!