Properly mixing resin a critical element of a successful pour. If you encountered resin that is soft or sticky or experienced micro-bubbles, improper mixing was the likely culprit. This guide will educate on proper techniques, understanding mix ratios and how to troubleshoot common mixing problems.
What is the mix ratio?
MAS Epoxies has a vast product line with a few different mix ratios. Knowing the ratio and accurately measuring is absolutely critical. Measuring resin by volume is the most common method. If you need help measuring by volume with pre-mark mixing cups check out
https://masepoxies.com/easiest-way-to...
With that said, measuring by weight is the most accurate. If you decide to mix by weight, keep in mind the density of the resin and the hardener is different. This means weight of the two will be different so the ratio will be different than by volume. Worry not! We made some cool epoxy resin calculators that can help mixing by volume or weight!
https://masepoxies.com/resin-calculator/
Factors to Consider
The amount of time you spend mixing can vary on the epoxy resin system you are using, the viscosity of the two components, the ambient air temperature and the epoxy resin temperature, as well as the volume of resin you are mixing. Mixing two parts together seems simple enough right?! Well, in reality there is a bit more to it so lets take a moment to explain why those variables play a factor.
Viscosity
Epoxy with low viscosity has a low resistance and flows quickly, tends to be a bit easier to mix and bubbles release more readily. It will penetrating into cracks and crevices with it’s reduced surface tension.
High viscosity epoxies move sluggishly, have a heavier body which can sometimes trap air, but possess other properties that make it desirable. Uniform self-leveling and vertical edge adhesion are some of the benefits of a high viscosity resin.
Temperatures
70F-80F is the ideal working temperatures for epoxy resin. Every workspace is different so you will need to consider the air temperature as well as the material temperatures to get consistent results. Epoxy is a temperature sensitive material. When cool, it’s thicker and sets slower. When warm, it’s thinner and sets faster.
When working in conditions or with material below 70°F, some high viscosity resin may become too viscous to properly release air and self level. Working in conditions or with material above 80°F, most epoxies may set too quickly and exotherm which could cause it to yellow, distort or crack. To learn more about exothermic reactions check out
https://masepoxies.com/why-is-my-epox...
A good rule of thumb, raising temperature 18°F (10°C) will cut your gel time in half. Conversely, decreasing temperature 18°F will double your working time, however if the temperature is too low you can stall out the chemical reaction. A similar rule applies to mixed viscosity. Raising material temperature 18°F will cut the mixed viscosity in half, while decreasing temperature by 18°F will double it.
What is the best way to mix epoxy resin?
Now that we understand the viscosity and temperature factors, we can dive into the good mixing etiquette. Our preferred method is mixing by hand in a clear mixing container but some projects call for a large volume so hand mixing becomes too laborious.
Best practice for beginners | Hand Mixing
Find a suitable size container. Use an appropriate sized cup so your epoxy only fills 3/4 of the way to the top.
Combine resin and hardener at recommended mix ratio.
Mix for 3-4 minutes while scraping sides and bottom of container until no streaks or striations.
Transfer to second container mix 1-2 minutes again until fully blended
Let sit for 1-2 minutes to allow air bubbles a chance to start rising to surface, and then use immediately.
Paddle Mixing with a Drill
We prefer Helix Style paddle mixers, the design reduces the amount of air that can be whipped into the resin.
In larger volumes, paddle mixers make short work mixing epoxy resin. It is important to MIX SLOW on the LOWEST SPEED setting on your drill
If you whip a lot of air in, it will turn white, milky or frothy. There is no way to recover that epoxy. The micro bubbles created have a very low density and will never be able to rise to the surface to burst regardless of what measures you take.
What can I mix epoxy resin in?
Clear SOLO brand disposable cups made of polypropylene (resin code 5, PP) work quite great. If a large mass cures in them they can melt a little, but they do not dissolve in epoxy resin or hardener.
Wax free paper cups and metal cans also work well. In addition, MAS Epoxy resins and hardeners are packaged in high density polyethylene (resin code 2, HDPE) containers, so most anything made of that should work well too.
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