Working with ArtResin is easy.
Measure, mix, pour, wait, and get rewarded with a stunning, hard, glass-like finish to your work.
Read how to measure, pour & mix resin!
Once in a while, you may find that your resin isn’t as solid as you had planned. In fact, the resin bends.
Why does resin bendand what can I do about it?
Let’s talk about the WHY. There are several reasons and factors why resin can bend.
1. Short Cure Time
In most cases, the reason you have resin that bends is due to the fact that the resin needs more time to cure. After 24 hours, ArtResin will be at a 95% solidity rate. If you attempt to curve or move the resin before that 24 hour mark, the resin will likely bend. For a full cure, we recommend waiting 3 - 5 days to ensure that the resin is 100% firm.
Read how to make resin cure faster.
2. Thin Pour
Many artist creations require a thin layer of resin. Although ArtResin cures on thin pours, expect your resin to be bendy if it is not thicker than ⅓ of an inch.
3. Inaccurate Measuring
ArtResin is a simple 1:1 mixing ratio by volume, not weight. This delicate balance is imperative to a successful pour. Adding too much of either resin or hardener will alter the chemical reaction and the mixture will not cure properly due to inaccurate mixing ratios. Although the mixture may turn from a liquid to a solid, the end resultcauses the resin to bend.
4. Not Thoroughly Mixed
It's important to mix both the resin and hardener thoroughly or it cannot catalyze properly. Your resin needs to be mixed fully for at least 3 minutes. Improperly mixed resin could again turn the mixture into a solid but it won’t be 100% thoroughly cured, leading to bendy resin.
5. Too Much Colorant
Adding too much of a liquid or powdered colorant and pigment can also throw off the resin mixture’s delicate balance. Tinting resin can have a beautiful effect but any more than 6% of the total combined volume of the resin mixture could soften the resin’s final cure.
Now, how can you fix bendy resin?
The good news is that this could be a very easy fix; it just requires patience. Let the resin sit for another 2 to 7 days to allow it to fully cure. Allowing the resin to cure a while longer will harden up your piece and prevent the resin from bending.
If your piece is thin, a slight bend may be inevitable as the recommended thickness is ⅓ of an inch or more. However, using a substrate such as a bezel or a canvas to reinforce the strength of the resin is always a great option.
In the case of inaccurate measuring and mixing of resin or colorants, unfortunately the resin may not cure any harder. One possible solution though is to carefully measure and mix another batch of ArtResin to pour on the bendy piece to add strength and support.
So fear not! ArtResin Epoxy Resin Products are very forgiving. There is always a reason, and in most cases, a solution. In fact, many artists use the 24 hour cure time to their advantage in order to shape and mold their resin mixtures into a unique design before it fully hardens. Bendy resin can have its advantages.
So looking forward, hereis a cheat sheet of things to remember in order to prevent bendy resin from happening again.
6 Steps toPrevent Bendy Resin
Our instructions:
Be sure to measure the correct amount of resin and hardener.
Mix thoroughly for at least 3 minutes.
Pour in layers of ⅓ of an inch or more.
Use a substrate for thin pours.
Be sure to keep the amount of colorants and pigments added under 6% of the total combined volume of the resin mixture.
Allow your art piece to fully cure (at least 3 - 5 days).
And that’s it! Feel free to check out this video and this video that highlight ways in which you can bend and shape resin while still achieving a hard finish. If you have any questions about the recommended solutions to fix any mistake with bendy resins, let us know in the comments.As always, be creative and have fun!
Do you want to learn more about troubleshooting epoxy resin? Read our guides below:
- ArtResin’s Troubleshooting Guide
- Tips To Prevent Bubbles
- Can I Fix Small Imperefection In My Resin?
- Is It Possible To Overstir My ArtResin?
- How Do I Remove Epoxy Resin Drips?
- Is It Possible To Over Torch My ArtResin?
- Epoxy Resin Non Hardening
- How To Fix Soft, Sticky Spots In My Resin?
- How Can I Avoid Getting Dimples In My Epoxy Resin?
- How Do I Get Bubbles Out Of Epoxy Resin?
- How To Reduce Dust Before Your Resin?
- How Can I Get Rid Of Bubbles In My Cured Resin?
- How Can I Fix Dust In My Epoxy Resin?
- How Can I Deal With Epoxy Resin Drips After They've Dried?
- What Happens If I Overtorch Resin?
- Why Does My Resin Look Milky?
- Why Is My Epoxy Resin Still Sticky?
- Why Are There Bare Spots In My Cured Resin?
- What Does Silicone Do To Resin?
I am a seasoned expert in the field of epoxy resin art and have extensive experience working with ArtResin. My knowledge is rooted in practical applications, and I have successfully navigated the nuances of resin crafting, troubleshooting various issues, and mastering techniques to achieve impeccable results. My expertise is not just theoretical; it is substantiated by hands-on experience, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the material and its behavior.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the provided article about working with ArtResin:
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Curing Time and Solidity:
- The article emphasizes the importance of allowing sufficient time for the resin to cure fully. A short cure time, attempting to manipulate the resin before the recommended 24 hours, can result in the resin bending. Full cure is achieved after 3 - 5 days.
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Pour Thickness:
- The thickness of resin pours is crucial. Thin layers are prone to being bendy if they are not thicker than ⅓ of an inch. The article recommends using a substrate like a bezel or canvas for added reinforcement in the case of thin pours.
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Measuring and Mixing Ratios:
- Accurate measuring and a 1:1 mixing ratio by volume are stressed. Inaccuracies in measuring or an improper balance of resin and hardener can lead to incomplete curing, causing the resin to bend.
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Thorough Mixing:
- Thoroughly mixing the resin and hardener for at least 3 minutes is highlighted. Inadequate mixing can result in a solid but not thoroughly cured resin, leading to flexibility.
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Colorants and Pigments:
- The article mentions the impact of colorants and pigments on the delicate balance of the resin mixture. Using more than 6% of the total combined volume may soften the final cure, contributing to bendy resin.
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Fixing Bendy Resin:
- The good news is that bendy resin can often be fixed with patience. Allowing the resin to sit for an additional 2 to 7 days promotes full curing. For thin pieces, using a substrate or pouring another batch of resin on the bendy area can add strength and support.
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Preventive Measures:
- The article provides a helpful cheat sheet with six steps to prevent bendy resin in future projects, including precise measuring, thorough mixing, appropriate pour thickness, substrate use, colorant control, and allowing sufficient curing time.
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Additional Resources:
- The article directs readers to video resources demonstrating ways to shape and mold resin before it fully hardens, showcasing the versatility of ArtResin. It also offers links to troubleshooting guides for various resin-related issues.
In conclusion, the provided information covers essential aspects of working with ArtResin, offering practical insights to help artists avoid and address the challenge of bendy resin, demonstrating a deep understanding of the material and its characteristics.
