The epoxy resin is widely used and versatile because it finds primary use in a lot of sectors, from making crafts to manufacturing. The vital elements of precision and correct techniques can cause a perfect finish when using epoxy resin dispense systems. Even at this professional level, some mistakes or conditions may be caused to result undoubtedly in a bad finish. To keep you from these issues, here are the five common mistakes you should be keen about while handling epoxy resin dispense systems.

1. Wrong Mixing Ratio

The most common fault with epoxy resin or multicolor gelcoater is off-mixing ratios. Most of the foregoing consist of two components, resin and hardener. The ratio of components has to be very accurate for proper curing. Too much resin and it will be sticky or soft; too much hardener and it could cure too fast or be brittle. Never underestimate the manufacturer’s recommended mixing ratios, and to avoid mistakes, you should use the proper measuring devices accurately. Failing to do so can spoil the whole project.

2. Inadequate surface preparation

Another common mistake is inadequate surface preparation before applying epoxy resin. The surface must be clean, dry, and free of dust in order for the resin to bond perfectly. Any contaminants such as oil, dirt, or moisture might cause the resin to separate or create bubbles, which will result in an inconsistent finish. When dispensing the epoxy, ensure that the surface is cleaned, sanded if needed, and free of debris. Surface preparation has a big impact on your project, so take this step seriously.

3. Dispensing Epoxy Using the Wrong Technique

Everything lies in how a person dispenses epoxy resin for the appearance and performance of the finished product. For example, if epoxy resin is being dispensed at a very quick flow rate, air bubbles can be entrapped. These air bubbles can remain entrapped and will form a defect in the cured epoxy. So, the resin should be dispensed at a slow and steady flow rate to enable it to flow freely. Also, don’t move the nozzle around too fast or wildly to avoid unequal distribution. If they do occur, you can lightly blow them away using a heat gun or torch before the resin dries.

4. Insufficient Curing Time

Curing time is an essential feature in epoxy resin, and the common mistake in using the resin involves rushing the curing process. The curing period for an epoxy might vary from some hours to some days, depending on the type of epoxy and prevailing environmental conditions. If an attempt is made to manipulate or apply additional coats on the resin before it is completely dry, meanwhile it might be tacky, incomplete, or even the structural finish might be completely ruined. So let the resin dry in a proper way, as recommended by the manufacturer, taking into consideration other factors like temperature and humidity that affect drying time.

5. Ignoring the Environmental Factors

Besides not taking enough environmental factors into consideration, there is a high probability of environmental conditions causing a huge impact on the epoxy resin material. Typical application mistakes include the application of resin in either too cold, too hot, or too humid an environment. Low temperatures retard the hardening process, while higher temperatures increase the resin’s rate in hardening. High humidity introduces moisture to the resin and creates cloudiness or failure to harden. These problems never occur if you always work in a closed space with optimum temperature and humidity levels, as specified by the instructions of the epoxy resin to be used.

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