Successful Resin Techniques:
How to Prevent Bubbles in Resin
Are you about ready to begin creating your crafts from Epoxy resin? Well, if you’re like most, I bet you cannot wait to see the final result. So maybe you have already started mixing the components, carefully following all the steps some qualified professional previously told you about.
However, in the end, what you have acquired is tons of bubbles that seem to never disappear from the resin surface. I’m going to share a few tricks and successful techniques on how to prevent bubbles in resin.
After pouring your heart out on your project, there is nothing more frustrating than seeing those annoying micro-sized bubbles that make the resin look cloudy. So, what is inevitable when it comes to epoxy resin is that bubbles are the main issue that stands against an otherwise perfect result.
And with some epoxy brands, this situation can be hard to avoid. When working with epoxy resin, you will see that some brands are hands-down better than others; some may need to be applied in thinner layers, while others have more viscosity.
Whether you are going to make resin jewelry or try to pour your coasters, the primary concern of this is still the bubbles that appear in resin pours. And I couldn’t agree more. Luckily for you, here are some great tips and tricks you can apply when it comes to preventing bubbles or fixing them when necessary.
11 Simple tips to improve the final look of your future resin projects
#11 Bubble Prevention:
Don't Pour Resin In Low Temperatures
The first thing you should keep in mind is slowing down the resin flow, if you rush this process, the bubbles will multiply. Moreover, did you know that epoxy resin loves warm temperatures, and it is easier to work with this material once the temperatures are warmer?
The perfect temperature that is ideal for making resin arts and crafts is to be slightly warmer than the room temperature. This is somewhere around 70*F-85*F or 24-30 degrees Celsius. When you reach these temperatures, the resin will have a crystal clear appearance, and the consistency will be honey-like. At this stage, the liquid will spread nicely and quickly, even at the corners.
On the other hand, if the resin is cold, under 50*F, it will be thicker and more challenging to work with. Moreover, even the appearance of this epoxy won’t look great for you, as the surface will look all milky and cloudy.
You will know immediately if the resin is too cold by the taffy-like consistency. Don’t forget to bring the resin to room temperature, or even warmer, by using some warm water bath. My favorite way to warm up resin is to use a heat gun, simply warm the outside of the resin container.
#10 Bubble Prevention:
Choose a Resin That Is Low Viscosity
If you will be casting into the mold, choosing a resin type initially created for casting is essential. These types come in a thinner viscosity, making it harder for the bubbles to form within the resin.
Even if these air bubbles appear, they will release easier when the hardener mixture is thinner. On the other hand, it is more likely that those thicker resins, ready to be used for doming projects, will hold hold bubbles.
#9 Bubble Prevention:
Measure and Stir A & B Components Separately, Then Give Them A Rest
Mixing resin with the hardener is where the magic happens. As you will be stirring, the chemical reaction will immediately appear, and you will see how the substance goes from clear to a cloudy liquid form then back to a clear one.
So once you mix the A and B components, it is always wiser to let them combine and sit for somewhere between 3 to 5 minutes, maybe even more. This sitting time will allow the resin to start degassing and the bubbles to pop on their own. Remember that this short break will cut into the pot time, so always be sure to know what your pot life is.
#8 Bubble Prevention:
Resin Pour Style
A) Pour Slow
Although you will need to mix the two parts, meaning the resin and the hardener, when creating your ideal project, you want to ensure that you don’t create more bubbles than you have to.
Fast pouring will induce more bubbles than necessary. So just keep in mind that you should pour slow and steady.
B) Pour into the side or corner casting molds
When you start pouring the epoxy resin into the mold, for less bubbles, pour a slow and steady stream of resin into one corner of the mold.
#7 Bubble Prevention:
How to Mix Resin without Bubbles
A) Stir Slow In Circles, Do NOT Whip Or Zigzag
When mixing the resin with the hardener, use slow moves to reach all the sides and bottoms of the container. Do not make whipping or zigzag moves, as this will create much more bubbles. If you notice some visible bubbles during the mixing process, start pushing them up against the side of the mixing container. This move will pop the bubbles.
B) Do NOT Lift Your Stirring Stick or Paddle out of the Resin
Keep the moves in the same direction, avoiding lifting up the stick or the paddle. You will only help the air going through all the resin and form all those annoying bubbles.
#6 Bubble Prevention:
Heat Your Resin To Get More Flow
Once you warm up the resin, the substance will beautifully flow and spread all over the surface you want to cover. You can place the bottles of resin and the hardener into some warm water. The water should not be too hot but only reach the temperature of a baby’s bath.
Since you already know that heat will only accelerate the curing process, make sure you warm the bottles right before you measure and then mix the ingredients to avoid premature curing. Leave the caps of the resin container on, so the water does not accidentally mix into the resin.
#5 Bubble Prevention:
Embedding Objects in Resin: HowTo Prevent Trapped Bubbles
One of the most common objects that people will embed into the resin is flowers or miniature plants. Others will prefer to put some old photos inside their resin arts and crafts. Make sure you will dry the plants before use and seal them with a spray sealer.
You should seal all these objects to prevent discoloration. If you are going to use resin dyes or pigments, only add a small amount at a time.
Step 1: Slide flat object in standing up rather than in flat
Slide these flat objects in their standing up point slowly slide them in and not in a flat to avoid the bubbles.
Step 2: Smooth object out while holding it to the bottom to release the bubbles underneath
This is another tip that comes from experts. To release all the bubbles once placing the object into resin, hold them to the bottom so the bubbles underneath will pop.
#4 Bubble Prevention:
Release Surface Tension
Before pouring the first layer of resin, you should first spread a thin coat of this material. Make sure you apply the resin little by little in thin layers. Depending on the resin you are using, pour it with small flexible cups so it is easier to control the flow.
#3 Bubble Prevention:
Prep with a Primer Coat to Create a Less Porous Surface
It is imperative to seal any porous surface before, you pour the Epoxy; make sure you lock it with a barrier. This way, you will prevent the trapped air from releasing and create tons of bubbles into the resin.
#2 Bubble Prevention:
Using a Mold Release will Reduce Bubbles
Some organic, porous surfaces, such as leaves, fabric, wood, or paper, outgas or release air. So once you cover these materials in resin, air bubbles will immediately appear. Sometimes in seconds, other times after hours you have poured and torched the resin, the bubbles will start making their presence.
To help you prevent these air bubbles from releasing into the resin, use a mold release or seal the surface with a brush or a spray sealant.
#1 Bubble Prevention:
Most Important: Do the Surface Prep
You will learn from experience, if you want to prevent bubbles in resin from forming, it is essential to seal the surface before coating. You can use brush on a thin coat of resin, use an Ultra-Seal product or other clear-drying water-based glue. Moreover, for the best adhesion, before you begin sealing the surface, make sure there are no dust or dirt particles on the surface.