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Category: Resins

Home / Composite Blog / Resins
July 7, 2022 BY
IN Composite Blog, Epoxy Resin, Resins

Epoxy vs. Polyester Resin:  Everything You Need to Know

When you’re working on a resin-based project, you’ll encounter several crucial decisions that you’ll need to make. Perhaps the most significant of these choices is what kind of resin you’re going to use. There are various types of resin available today, each with its own composite mixture. The type of material that you should use will depend on the nature of your project.

Today, we’re going to look at the difference between epoxy and resin made with polyester so that you can make an informed choice.

Epoxy Characteristics

You can find many types of resin on the market, all of which are designed to be flexible and versatile. The most popular choice for projects is either epoxy or polyester resin. Let’s start by examining the characteristics of epoxy resin.

  • High-strength design with excellent flexibility
  • Fantastic shelf life of up to a few years with proper storage
  • No option to vary the cure time of epoxy resin
  • Slightly more expensive than polyester resin
  • Does not shrink when cured like different types of resin
  • Perfect for applying as a thin film
  • Very little odor – doesn’t usually require the use of a mask
  • Resistant to cracking, wear, peeling, and corrosion
  • Moisture-resistance
  • Great bonding strength up to 2,000 PSI

Polyester Resin Characteristics

To decide between polyester resin vs epoxy, you need to know how each product works. So, what is poly resin? Polyester is one of the more common kinds of resin available today due to its affordability. Characteristics include:

  • Brittle design prone to small cracks
  • Shelf life ranging from six months to a year
  • Options to adjust the cure time by adding MEKP catalyst
  • Less expensive than epoxy resin
  • Significant off-gasses and flammable fumes
  • Does not cure well as a thin film
  • Water permeable when cured
  • Bonding strength of less than 500 PSI
  • Does not bond to epoxy resin

The Different Types of Resin

Knowing the difference between polyester resin vs epoxy ensures that you’ll use the right product for your project. However, in some circumstances, neither of these two options is suitable. In this case, you may need to consider one of the other resins on the market.

If you need to go beyond the debate of epoxy vs polyester resin for your project, here are some of the types of resin you should consider: 

  • Phenolic resins: A thermosetting resin that is heat-resistant, strong, and corrosion-resistant.
  • Alkyd resins: Made with thermoplastic polyester, these resins are excellent for electricals.
  • Polycarbonate resins: These are thermoplastics with a high refractive index, ideal for metal replacement.
  • Polyamide resins: Strong and resistant, these are great for gears, tires, and sutures.
  • Polyurethane resins: These are very versatile and can adhere well to substrates.
  • Silicone resins: Ideal for oxidative and thermal stability.
  • Acrylic resins: Created with acrylic acid, these resins are ideal for structural panels.
  • Polypropylene resins: Frequently used with electronic components and toys.

Though epoxy and polyester resins are common choices for many repairs and jobs, you may find a better option depending on the unique needs of your project. 

Epoxy vs Polyester Resin

Deciding on whether to use epoxy resin vs polyester resin can seem tricky at first. However, when you carefully consider your project and your intended goals, you can start to move in the right direction. 

For example, polyester resin is ideal for projects that involve fiberglass layup techniques, like when you’re building a boat. Polyester resin doesn’t cure when it’s aired out. Therefore, it’s perfect for jobs when every resin application needs to bind to the previously applied layer. 

However, if you’re looking at polyester vs. epoxy resin for a repair, polyester resin might be versatile and durable, but it’s not going to withstand a lot of pressure. Epoxy resin is stronger and can adhere well to cured polyester, while polyester cannot adhere to epoxy.

If you can use either type of resin for your project, you may want to consider the costs of each. Epoxy resin is a lot more expensive than polyester, making it less accessible for a larger job or repair. If you’re in a hurry, epoxy resin cures very fast if you’re using the right techniques.

Choosing the Right Resin

Now that you know the difference between polyester and epoxy resin, you can make an informed choice for your next project. At Plastic Materials, we have been manufacturing products to aid resin crafters for years. If you have any questions about epoxy vs polyester resin, get in touch!, We’d love to answer your questions about epoxy resin, polyester resin, and more.

With over 50 years of experience in the composite and fiberglass industry, you can trust us to provide you with high-quality resin at competitive prices. We’re committed to helping businesses large and small create the best products on the market. 

If you need products that clean, protect, polish, and shine a wide variety of surfaces, choose Plastic Materials. 
June 9, 2022 BY
IN Composite Blog, Epoxy Resin, Resins

How to Mix Epoxy: A Step-by-Step Guide 

Epoxy resin has been gaining popularity due to its versatility and ability to produce stunning art of all kinds. However, the compound can be overwhelming for a beginner who is just getting started with the techniques and tools of the craft. 

One especially intimidating procedure is epoxy mixing, a procedure that can make or break the success of the outcome of the product. The process demands careful measurement and mixing to produce a properly cured piece. However, it gets easier with the right directions and practice. 

Here’s a guide on how to mix epoxy that will ensure you get it right every time.  

How Does Epoxy Resin Work? 

As mentioned, making epoxy resin can be tricky for DIYers. It’s important to get the mixing right and follow the manufacturer’s directions if you want to get it right. This is because epoxy resin is a type of plastic made of two parts that you combine to create a single substance: A resin and a hardener. 

Essentially, mixing resin with hardener causes a chemical reaction that begins as a liquid but hardens with time. This process of hardening is known as curing, and the result is a solid finish that can either be clear or come in a variety of colors.  

Measuring the resin and hardener accurately and thoroughly mixing the epoxy resin is crucial to achieving a perfect product. Improper measurements could result in an epoxy mix that hasn’t cured properly and is either soft or sticky or has bubbles. 

Mixing Epoxy: Supplies and Equipment 

Ready to get started? Here’s what you’ll need: 

  • Eye protection, rubber gloves, and a respiratory mask 
  • Clean silicone mixing cups 
  • Clean mixing sticks
  • A kitchen-style digital scale or a silicone measuring cup 
  • Plastic spoons 
  • Surface covering 
  • A silicone mold (or the surface you plan to make your art on, such as artboards, canvases, and tiles)

Mixing Epoxy Resin: A Step-by-Step Guide 

With everything ready, let’s get into how to mix epoxy resin. 

Step 1: Prepare Your Surface 

Some resins take longer to dry than others, but hardening usually starts to occur quickly and can leave you without wiggle room to get everything ready. As such, it is important to prepare the surface before you start. 

If using a mold, make sure it is wax-free before applying a new coat of epoxy release agent. Surfaces other than silicone molds should be clean and dry.  

Step 2: Measure Your Resin 

Choose a high-quality epoxy and carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions before you start. Depending on the brand, epoxy resins are designed to work in a specific hardener ratio to resin mixture. Most require a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio, measured either by weight or volume. You perform your measures using a measuring cup or digital scale. 

Make sure to measure to the exact specifications. 

Step 3: How to Mix Resin 

After pouring the two parts in the correct ratio, mix thoroughly for about 2–3 minutes with your mixing stick. Do this for longer if mixing larger quantities. Make sure to scrape the sides, corners, and bottom as you mix to get all the resin and hardener. 

The mixture is ready when it takes on a single consistency without streaks. 

Step 4: Pour The Resin 

Pour the resin directly into your mold immediately after mixing it. If pouring onto a surface, consider dispensing it in stages, spreading each pour into a very thin layer, and then smoothing it out with a brush. 

Add things into your epoxy resin mixture in between these layers and before it begins to tack. 

Step 5: Curing 

Epoxy slowly turns from a liquid to a gel state before it reaches a solid state. This process is what is known as curing and is ​​faster when the epoxy is warmer and longer when the epoxy is cooler. It’s best to let your mix cure at room temperature. 

If bubbles appear during the process, eliminate them by passing a heat gun over the resin on the low setting. This will bring them to the surface, where the trapped air is released. 

There you have it — your resin should be crystal clear and ready for treatments such as sanding and adding a finishing top coat. 

Epoxy Mixing Tips 

Attention to detail is key to a successful epoxy project. If you do not know how to mix epoxy or are just starting, here are a few tips and facts you should be aware of: 

  • If using a measuring cup, choose one with the smallest usable increments possible to enable accurate measurement. 
  • Avoid moisture contamination by making sure your mixing tools are clean and dry and the environment is not too humid. Water can prevent your mixture from curing. 
  • Only use compatible resins. These are either products from one manufacturer or brands that are intended for each other. 
  • Make sure your resin hardener is not cold before mixing. A temperature of 75 degrees F or warmer is ideal. 
  • Don’t mix your epoxy too fast or irregularly to keep air incorporation to a minimum. This is what causes the bubbles to form during curing. 

Get Started on Your Next Project 

There you have it: with the right measurements and materials, you should be able to create a beautiful piece that will last a lifetime. Plastic Materials Incorporated has all the materials you’ll need to create your epoxy resin castings. Contact us today to learn more about epoxy resin castings, or visit our shop to view our complete selection.
September 22, 2021 BY
IN Composite Blog, Composite Industry News, Epoxy Resin, Resins

Your Questions About Sanding Epoxy Resin, Answered

 

When working on home improvement or art projects, a question arises: can you sand epoxy resin?  In this article, we’ll look at the issues surrounding sanding epoxy resin. Epoxy is an incredibly popular material to work with, and sometimes sanding it is a necessity, such as when a second layer of epoxy will be applied. 

We’ll also talk about whether dry or wet sanding epoxy resin in various situations is a good idea, what issues you can expect to run into, and what tips and tricks can make this process easier. So, let’s look at sanding epoxy resin, and attempt to answer these questions.

Can You Sand Epoxy Resin?

Yes, you can! However, several special considerations need to be kept in mind when you attempt to sand epoxy resin as part of a project. Here, we’ll show you how to sand epoxy resin, but let’s discuss setup first.

There are several setup steps to follow. Below are our recommendations for art projects, but the same general instructions should work for larger-scale projects (such as tables).

You will need:

  • A dust mask. Resin particulates can be carcinogenic, and protecting your respiratory system is crucial.
  • A supply of various sanding papers, from 400 to 1000 grit. If you are wet sanding, you’ll need waterproof sandpaper of the right grit ranges. Generously stock sandpaper for your needs.
  • A hard-surfaced area you can work in that will allow you to use water and can be easily cleaned. Even wet-sanding results in sand, resin particulates, and other debris. Make sure the area is also closed off to pets and kids.
  • A rubber hand sanding block. Do not use an electric sander if you are water sanding, it’s unsafe.
  • Eye protection for airborne particulates. Even if you’re not working with a powered sander, sand and resin particulates can harm your eyes.

Wet vs. Dry Sanding Resin

When working with epoxy, it’s recommended that you wet sand. While dry sanding may be unavoidable, wet sanding is preferable for these reasons:

  • The quality of sandpaper lasts longer when used wet than when used dry. Dry sandpaper abrades very quickly when used on epoxy and you’ll consume dry sandpaper much more quickly.
  • Much less dust is produced with wet sanding, keeping the area safer for your lungs.
  • Due to the binding of dust to surfaces, irregularities in the surface are more readily apparent and can be sanded appropriately.
  • If you are working with an orbital sander, you may have no choice but to dry sand. Usually, wet sanding is done by hand. However, generally, wet sanding is easier and safer than dry sanding.

What is the Best Sandpaper for Working with Resin?

When wet sanding, waterproof sandpaper with a grit between 60 and 4000 is the best sandpaper for resin. Be careful of what level of grit you use because sandpaper with a low grit rating can leave marks on the current layer. Make sure you sand with a grit rating of 1000 or above if you are applying a new layer of epoxy resin.

How Do I Sand Epoxy Resin?

Once you have your supplies ready and have created a space to work, follow these steps:

1)     Make use of a hard rubber sanding block. As stated above, using an electric sander is dangerous if you are wet sanding. Also, wear eye and mask protection. Switch to a curved sanding block when you need to sand curved surfaces.

2)     Use a container with warm water. Both a bucket and a spray bottle are helpful.

3)     As you proceed to sand, frequently remove debris, and check the surface, removing sandy residue with a cloth or paper towel. Be careful,  as you switch to finer grades of sandpaper grains from coarse paper, debris may remain and become trapped when you apply your next coat of epoxy. Take care when you are sanding epoxy resin between coats. 

4)     As you proceed, switch in finer and finer grades of sandpaper until your epoxy surface reaches the level of smoothness that you want.

5)     Sanding only achieves a certain level of luster and shine. Your resin surface may need to be polished once you reach the final coat.

If you follow these directions on how to sand resin, your project should look great and be done in no time.

Dry and Wet Sanding: Plastic Materials Helps You with the Answers

Do you have further questions about how to sand epoxy? We at Plastic Materials work with artists, small business people, and devout hobbyists every day to achieve their project goals. Contact us with your questions about sanding epoxy resin, or any other questions about working with epoxy. We can also assist you with any questions you may have about polyester resins, vacuum bagging, orbital sanders, and more. 

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