Epoxy performs greatly in terms of gluing stuff together. Besides gluing, epoxy can give a glossy finish to the surface and many more usages. If you’re new to epoxy, you may end up making some mistakes & that’s totally fine.
Don’t push yourself down if you’ve committed mistakes with epoxy. If you’re asking yourself – is it possible to fix epoxy mistakes or how to fix epoxy mistakes, then this article is for you. In this article, I’ll be covering some of the major epoxy mistakes & the correct way to fix them.
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Can You Fix Epoxy Mistakes?
Yes, you can fix epoxy mistakes following the right methods. Working with epoxy isn’t the easiest task & mistakes can occur knowingly or unknowingly. However, don’t feel down just because you’ve done something wrong.
You can always fix an epoxy mistake if you know the correct way through articles like this one. Before starting the solution part, let’s dive into the common epoxy mistakes you may already have made.
What Are The Common Epoxy Mistakes?
Using epoxy is a great solution for gluing tumblers, metal, plastic & so on. You can also use epoxy to give your wooden furniture a glossy look. However, we often make mistakes while fixing something consciously or unconsciously. Here are some of the common epoxy mistakes you should be aware of:
Wrong Product Selection
This part is the most crucial. You have to be 100% sure about the product you’re buying and using. Epoxy resin can be used for various purposes & one type of epoxy isn’t capable of satisfying every need. So, do your homework right & read the product label thoroughly before you make the purchase.
Wrong Temperature Count – Storing & Applying
Whether you’re storing epoxy or applying epoxy resin on the surface, you’ll have to double-check the room temperature. Epoxy isn’t capable of operating in too cold or hot temperature & it has to be leveled. The ideal temperature of storing & applying epoxy is around 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wrong Surface Preparation
Before applying epoxy, you must prepare the surface well if you don’t want to counter any epoxy errors. Wash & clean the surface thoroughly with soapy water & dry it well with a towel or anything you find around. Avoid applying epoxy on dirty & oily surfaces.
Beware of a porous material such as wood, fabric, or any soft paper structure. These material types hold lots of moisture and air inside & cause bubbles after applying epoxy if you’re not well-aware of the right procedure.
Wrong Resin-Hardener Mixing Ratio
Mixing resin & hardener wrongly is the most common mistake beginners make. Epoxy comes in two-part: resin part & hardener part. You’ll have to mix both of these elements just before applying. The correct ratio of resin & hardener is 1:1 or 1:2. Don’t go beyond this limit & you should be doing fine.
What Elements Do You Need To Fix Epoxy Mistakes?
Even after taking proper measures, you may end up making some mistakes. You can’t just fix your epoxy mistakes barehanded, right? You’ll need certain products or elements to fix epoxy mistakes. Here are some of the elements you should be stored to fix mistakes:
- Right Type Of Epoxy Solution.
- Fine-Grained Sandpaper (120-150 & 650 Grit).
- 205 Fast Curing Hardener (Optional, not every DIYer needs this).
- Patience – The Most Important Part.
How To Fix Epoxy Mistakes?
You fix epoxy mistakes in various ways. The reason I said ‘various’ is because you may find yourself making various mistakes with epoxy. Fair enough, not all of them require the same fixing procedure.
However, I won’t let you go with an empty hand. In this article, I’ll be covering some of the major epoxy mistakes & the right procedure to fix them. For your clear navigation, here is the list of the topic I’ll be covering – Fixing the fisheye effect, Fixing & preventing uneven epoxy finish, fixing waves & ripple surface finish.
I bet you won’t face any problem solving your epoxy mistakes if you follow the method & steps correctly. Without further ado, let’s get started with our solution part.
How To Fix Fisheye In Epoxy Coatings?
If you’re working on a porous material like wood or fabric, it’s common to have a fisheye epoxy effect after the applying period. It happens because these things hold lots of air & moisture. Even after applying epoxy, they still want to breathe and cause bubbles, also known as the fisheye effect.
This problem is solvable in one way only & that is – removing the epoxy coating of the affected area. You can use sandpaper or an automatic sanding machine to do this. Make sure to use 120-150 grit sandpaper while sanding out the epoxy coating. Later on, apply the epoxy again the correct way. Here’s the correct way:
- Step 1: Apply a minimal amount of epoxy & it is called the seal coat. This coating will prevent the bubble from coming out.
- Step 2: Apply the second layer & this is the final coating. In this way, you won’t suffer from the fisheye effect anymore.
How To Fix An Uneven Epoxy Finish?
Epoxy is known as a self-leveling element. It means it can level itself after being properly applied. However, if it doesn’t & remains uneven, it can be a problem. Like every other epoxy problem, it has a solution too. Here’s the solution of uneven epoxy finish:
You will find an uneven epoxy finish in two conditions – Fully Cured & Not Fully Cured. Two conditions require two different treatments. Let’s start with the fully cured uneven epoxy finish.
- Scenario 1: If It’s Fully Cured
Use fine-grained sandpaper to sand the surface. Don’t go too rough with the sanding process—sand down the uneven part only. Later on, apply the second coat of epoxy & let it dry itself. After the drying period, you should see the epoxy finish is fully even.
- Scenario 2: If It’s Not Fully Cured:
You don’t have to do any sanding if it’s not fully cured. All you have to do is put another layer of epoxy on the existing uneven epoxy coating. As epoxy is a self-leveling element, it should level itself with the previous epoxy coating. In this way, you can fix the uneven epoxy finish.
How Do You Fix An Uneven Epoxy Resin On A Tumbler?
Epoxy is mostly used on Tumbler or wood. Whether you’re fixing broken wooden furniture or just giving it a glossy look, epoxy is the solution. However, sometimes things can go otherwise & you may end up with an uneven epoxy resin finish on your tumbler.
To cope with this problem, you’ll have to check whether the coating is fully cured or not. Typically, epoxy takes 18 to 24 hours to dry on the tumbler & 72 hours to cure fully.
Don’t hesitate to put another layer of epoxy if it’s not fully cured yet. On the other hand, if it’s fully cured, then you’ll have to sand the epoxy coating & apply a second layer to it. By doing these things, you’ll fix the uneven resin finish for sure.
How Do You Prevent Uneven Epoxy Finish?
There’s an old saying – Prevention is better than cure. Well, it is true with epoxy too. No matter how hard you try, you’ll still find some minor imperfection once you’ve messed up. That’s why prevention should be the priority when we’re talking about epoxy. Follow these tips below to prevent uneven epoxy finish:
Choose The Right Product
You know why you’re using epoxy. You should also know that all epoxy can’t serve your needs with proper satisfaction. That’s why following the instruction manual thoroughly is unavoidable. Check the product label first; if it fits – buy it. Otherwise, look for another epoxy product that can do your job.
Prepare The Surface Well
Depending on the surface condition, you may have to clean or deep clean it. Don’t apply epoxy on a dirty or oily surface. If you do so, you’ll face unexpected problems & you may have to re-do the process from the beginning (again).
Maintain Correct Resin-Hardener Ratio
As I stated earlier, maintaining the correct resin-hardener ratio is the most crucial part. Don’t be ignorant while mixing epoxy’s resin part & hardener part. Maintain a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio to prevent uneven epoxy resin finish.
Maintain Proper Storage Temperature
Epoxy acts wild when the temperature fluctuates too much. It can form epoxy to the crystal, which isn’t a good sign. To avoid crystallization or solidification, maintain the proper storage temperature, which is 65 to 75 degrees. You can use ‘205 Fast Curing Hardener’ if the temperature is too low.
Procedure Of Repairing Epoxy Resin Countertop
You may have perfectly applied epoxy resin on your countertop & still find a problem after several years of use. Well, it’s common to have issues with countertop peeling off. In this segment, I’ll be discussing how you can repair the epoxy resin of the countertop. Without further ado, let’s get started with the steps-by-steps guide of the correct procedure of repairing epoxy resin countertop:
- Step 1: Clean The Surface Area Thoroughly
After using the countertop for a while, it’s obvious to have scratches or chips on the countertop. However, you can’t apply epoxy without fixing them. Fill the gaps with wood filler before proceeding towards sanding.
- Step 2: Sand All The Imperfections Using 650 Grit Sandpaper
In this step, you’ll have to sand the surface. You can use an automatic or manual method to sand the surface. If you’re using sandpaper, make sure to choose 650 grit sandpaper. Don’t forget to sand in parallel to cope with the imperfections.
- Step 3: Clean The Surface Maintaining 50/50 Rule
It’s time to clean the surface using a 50/50 rule. You’ll need two things to do the cleaning job – water & commercial cleaning solution. Don’t use the commercial cleaning solution entirely. Use 50% of the commercial cleaner & add 50% water. By doing this, you’ll keep your furniture safe from over-chemical exposure. Clean the surface thoroughly as we’ll be applying epoxy in the next step.
- Step 4: Apply A Thin Layer Of Epoxy
After doing all the hard work, it’s time for applying the epoxy. Don’t go bold while applying the epoxy. Apply a thin layer of epoxy & it should be enough to regain the clear glass finish and shine. Let the epoxy dry for 24 hours.
- Step 5: Clean The Surface Area Again
After the waiting period, check if the surface is dried properly. Give it several more hours if it still feels sticky. Later on, use a clean towel to clean out chips or any existing dirt on the surface. In this way, you can repair epoxy resin on the countertop.
Top 3 Tips To Get Rid Of Waves And Ripples Surface Finish
You may notice waves and ripples while working with epoxy. Though this epoxy attitude is common, you can implement these tips to get rid of waves and ripples surface finish:
- Maintain two-stage epoxy implementation – Seal Coat & Float Coat
- Apply seal coat first & the thickness should be around 3mm
- Lastly, apply the float coat & you shouldn’t see any waves and ripples on the surface anymore.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
Can You Pour Epoxy Over Cured Epoxy?
It would help if you didn’t pour epoxy over cured epoxy. If you need to pour epoxy again:
- Sand the surface thoroughly.
- Use 120-150 grit sandpaper to sand the surface.
- Later on, apply the epoxy layer again.
How Do You Smooth Out Epoxy?
You can smooth out epoxy with fine-grained sandpaper. Don’t go too rough with sandpaper. Mildly sand the surface with 60 to 80 grit sandpaper, and you’ll smooth out epoxy without any problem.
Is One Coat Of Epoxy Enough?
Yes, one coat of epoxy is enough. However, you may need to apply several coats of epoxy depending on your purpose & surface condition. Besides all of these terms, two coats of epoxy are advisable from experts.
Conclusion:
I hope this article was helpful enough to satisfy your queries regarding fixing epoxy mistakes. I’ve discussed many common epoxy mistakes in this article & the solution too.
If you’re trying to fix the epoxy by yourself, go on as it will save lots of money & you’ll learn many things along the road. Try following the steps thoroughly & you’ll be good to go.
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