ArtResin Clear Epoxy Resin - Commonly Asked Questions (2024)

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Art Resin Top Questions

Here are some of the most common questions about Art Resin, answered by the manufacturer's themselves.

Please note: Whilst the manufacturer states there are no fumes or VOCs when working with this resin, we still recommend you do your own research, and make your own decisions on any precautions you need to take. Read the SDS and get advice if needed. We suggest ensuring you have good ventilation, and protect your skin and eyes (we recommend you always use nitrile gloves, don’t use latex with resin). If you work with the resin in more than a domestic hobby use, say in large amounts, you work with it often, or you heat it or add certain additives, you might want to invest in a VOC filtered face mask.

1. What makes ArtResin safe to use?

   • What Makes ArtResin Safe To Use?
   • ArtResin has been designated by the American Society for Testing and Materials as non-toxic when used as directed (conforms toASTM D4236). It is formulated using the highest quality materials and therefore produces no VOCs or fumes. It is a clean system, meaning there are no solvents or non-reactive diluents—everything in it reacts so nothing is free to become airborne and cause health issues. It is also non-flammable. For all these reasons, it is therefore classified as a non-hazardous material and is shippable by air. Furthermore, many curatives have a powerful odour, however ArtResin has only a low odor and is applicator friendly.
   • ArtResin Epoxy Resin is Non-Toxic and Safe for Home Use!

2. Does yellowing occur?

   • Laboratory Test Results Measuring Yellowing of Commercial Epoxy Resins
   • ArtResin is derived from museum conservation-grade materials to ensure its water-clear clarity is preserved for decades. Many resins contain a UV stabilizer to help delay the epoxy's natural yellowing process, however this alone is not enough to prevent yellowing from happening. ArtResin contains both a UV stabilizer as well as an advanced additive calledHALS (hindered amine light stabilizer)that interrupts the yellowing process before it can begin. The result is that itstays clear both in the bottle and once cured.
   • Advanced Non-Yellowing Technology: Yes, it's Possible.
   • Will ArtResin Epoxy Resin Stay Perfectly Clear Over White Artwork?

3. What is HALS and UV stabilization?

   • Epoxy resins are prone to yellowing and other degradative effects from UV light, so stabilization additives are used to help mediate the damage. A UV stabilizer works to protect against gloss loss, cracking, chalking and de-lamination, and to some extent yellowing. A UV stabilizer merely delays yellowing in resins, so ArtResin has aHALS (hindered amine light stabilizer)added for extremely efficient long term yellowing protection.
   • Why Do Some Brands of Epoxy Resin Turn Yellow?

4. Is ArtResin food safe?

   • Is ArtResin Food Safe?
   • Yes! Once ArtResin is cured, it becomes safe for direct food contact as perFDA 21CFR175.300
   • You can check out ArtResin'sSDSfor further details.

5. What kind of coverage can I expect?

   • See ourResin Calculatorfor your specific coverage needs
   • How Much Resin Do I Need?
   • On a flat surface, ArtResin epoxy resin will naturally self-level to a thickness of 1/8".
     OurResin Calaculatorand the recommendations below are all based on a 1/8" layer.
   • The ArtResin 2 gal Kitis 1 gallon resin + 1 gallon hardener and covers about 64 sq ft (e.g. an 8' x 8' piece).
     The ArtResin 1 gal Kitis a half gallon of resin + half gallon of hardener and covers about 32 sq ft (e.g. a 4' x 8' piece).
     The ArtResin 32 oz Kitis 16 oz resin + 16 oz hardener and covers about 8 sq ft (e.g. a 4' x 2' piece).
   • If you want your resin to look thicker, multiple 1/8" coats can be applied. You will need more ArtResin to cover the same surface area.
   • Can I Pour A Thick Layer Of Resin On My Artwork?

6. What is the shelf life of ArtResin?

   • Does Epoxy Resin Expire?
   • ArtResin will stay fresh for about 6 months in opened bottles, or 1 year unopened.

7. Can I do a second coat or multiple coats?

   • Can I Apply A Second Coat Of Epoxy Resin? Can I Apply Multiple Coats Of Epoxy Resin?
   • Yes, you can do a second coat of ArtResin. You may choose to do this to repair the first coat, for example if there is a bubble, hair, dust or other small imperfection in your cured resin. To apply a second layer, you will prepare and apply the resin exactly the same way as the first; however you must sand out the imperfection first, and then give the entire piece an overall sanding to provide some tooth so the second layer can adhere properly. Sanding will cause the first layer to look scuffed but don't worry; when you pour the second coat on, the scuff marks will become invisible.
   • You can also pour multiple layers of ArtResin if, for instance, you need to cover areas of high relief, if you're pouring into a mold or if you simply like the look of a thicker coat. It's important to remember that theideal pour is 1/8" - if you pour any thicker, the bubbles will not be able to escape. You can layer ArtResin in multiple coats, as high as you'd like, as long as you pour in 1/8" increments.
   • You have two choices when pouring multiple layers:
     the first is to pour your first layer, torch out the bubbles, cover and wait 3-5 hours until your resin reaches a jelly like stage. At this point, you can pour on your next 1/8" layer, torch out bubbles, cover, wait 3-5 hrs and repeat until you reach the height you desire. This method is especially handy when pouring into a mold or a dam.
     The second option isto allow your first layer to fully dry, then give the overall piece a light sanding and pour on your next 1/8" layer. Torch out bubbles, cover and let this layer dry. Repeat these steps as many times as you'd like.
   • Preparing A Resin Dam With Metal Tape
   • Can I Pour A Thick Layer Of Resin On My Artwork?
   • Keep in mind that our recommendation of a 72hr cure time is based on a 1/8" layer. The thicker your layers are, the longer the cure time will be. It could take up to 10 days for a full cure, depending on how many layers you've poured.

8. What safety precautions should I take when using ArtResin?

   • What Safety Precautions Should I Take When Using ArtResin Epoxy Resin?
   • ArtResin is considered a non-hazardous material and is non-toxic when used as directed, however there are some common sense safety precautions that every user should follow:
   • Wear gloves. Epoxy resin is very sticky in its liquid form, so gloves will protect the user from a mess, as well as skin irritation. Clean skin promptly with soap and water if it does come in contact with the product.
   • If the product somehow comes in contact with your eyes, flush with water repeatedly and do not rub. Promptly seek medical attention.
   • Work in a well ventilated area. Wear a respirator if ventilation is poor.
   • For detailed health information, please see theArtResin SDS.
   • ArtResin conforms to ASTM D-4236, meaning ithas been evaluated as safe for home use.

9. Why use a torch with epoxy resin?

   • Why Use A Torch With Resin?
   • How To Use A Torch on Epoxy Resin
   • Torches ( e.g. a butane-filledArtResin™ Artist's Torchor anArtResin™ Artist's Propane Torch Head) work extremely well to eliminate bubbles because they produce a flame which can easily be controlled and directed at an area of bubbles. When the resin is heated, it thins out which enables it to de-gas more easily. Heat guns can also work, however they are harder to direct heat to where you want it to go. An added benefit of the flame is that it will burn off tiny dust particles that may have landed in the resin. Of course, common sense and caution should be used when operating any torch or heat gun.

10. Can ArtResin be tinted?

    • How To Resin ResinTint.
    • How To Color Clear Epoxy Resin.
    • 5 ResinTint Videos With Josie Lewis!
    • Yes, ArtResin can be tinted with ResinTint™ pigment, as well as acrylic paint or ink. Simply drop color into the mixture while stirring for an all over saturated color. All24 ResinTint™ colorantsare crafted for compatibility with ArtResin epoxy resin: this colorant will preserve the glossiness and translucency of the resin and will not cause a flammability risk when torched. Acrylic paint will produce a more opaque look and often greatly decreases the working time. Inks such as alcohol ink can pose a significant flammability risk when torched.
    • TIP: Whichever colorant you choose, be sure not to add more than 6% of the total volume of mixed resin and hardener.
      Adding more than 6% colorant mayinterfere with the delicate balance necessary for the epoxy resin's chemical reaction to take place, therebypreventing your ArtResin from curing properly.