February 20, 2019
As long as you pour in 1/8" layers, you can get as thick an ArtResin coat as you'd like. There are two methods for applying additional epoxy resin coats: 1) sanding down your first layer after having let it dry for 24 hrs or, if you're in a hurry, 2) you can pour a new resin layer every 3-5 hrs. Either of these methods work very well, allowing for a very strong bond between resin layers. Show Let's take a closer look at each method: The 24 hour method:This method takes a little more time, but provides a very tight bond between layers. First, pour your initial coat of epoxy resin and wait 24 hours until the resin has cured. At this point, it will no longer feel sticky: it will feel smooth and dry to the touch so you'll need to rough up the surface with coarse sandpaper to create some tooth for
the second coat. After you've wiped away the sanding debris, pour the next coat overtop. The 3-5 hour method:
After you’ve applied your first coat of ArtResin, wait about 3-5 hours until it starts to thicken and reaches a gel like state. At this point, you can pour the next coat on top. T he stickiness of the resin will provide the tooth and the two layers will cure simultaneously, creating a very strong bond.💡TIP: If your resin room is warm, you may be able to pour your next coat of ArtResin at the 2-3 hour mark.
Check out our blog on How You Fix Epoxy Resin Drips. If you’ve worked with epoxy before, you may already know that you often have to pour more than one coat of epoxy in order to achieve your desired result. There are quite a few reasons why you may need a second coat, such as fixing scratches or other damages, fixing any mistakes made during the first coat, or even simply building up the surface to make it thicker and more durable. Don’t worry though, in this article we’ll go over how to determine if you need a second coat, how to prep for it, and how to pour it. Let’s get started!
Can You Epoxy Over Epoxy?Often times, you may start a project knowing that you’ll need to pour a second coat of epoxy. If your project is going to be quite thick, it may be ideal to go ahead and plan to pour two coats for proper curing and hardening. Refer to the directions on your personal bottle of epoxy in order to determine whether or not you’ll need more than one coat. In the directions, you’ll find a section that specifies what exactly your epoxy needs and the max thickness you should pour at a time. Remember - most table top epoxies require thin pours, meaning you'll need to apply multiple layers to achieve a thicker coat. If you’re looking over your current epoxy job and you are unhappy with the finish, then it may be time to consider pouring a second coat. If your epoxy ended up cloudy or discolored, it is unlikely a second coat will fix this problem. However, if there are a few scratches, bubbles or any damaged sections, pouring a second coat will fix these as if they were never there! Read more about how to fix uneven epoxy here. Prepping Your Epoxy for a Second CoatA lot of first-time users ask, “Can you sand epoxy?” The answer is, YES! This is the primary way to prepare your epoxy for a second coat. There are a few other steps to take first, so let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The first thing you’ll want to do is clean the epoxy and ensure there aren't any debris, sticky pieces, or dust particles on the surface.
If you have a large divot in your epoxy, then you’ll want to fill it in before beginning the second coat. Thoroughly mix a new bit of epoxy, and only cover that spot. Use something self-leveling, like this epoxy, so that you can spread properly and even out the surface! You can also utilize a trowel to help spread the epoxy across the project. Some projects are more porous than others and may need help spreading the epoxy effectively.
Then you’ll begin sanding epoxy resin between coats. Sanding epoxy isn’t hard, but you’ll want to be thorough! Sand the entire piece evenly. It will look terrible when you finish sanding it, but don’t worry. After you pour the second coat of epoxy, it will look good as new! Depending on the epoxy you’ve chosen to work with, you’ll have to wait between 4 and 24 hours before applying your second coat. Be sure to read your directions very thoroughly before beginning your project. Every epoxy is slightly different, so you need to know how to properly use your specific epoxy in order to get the best result!
How to Pour the Second CoatApplying your second coat of epoxy is going to be almost identical to applying your first coat, other than your prepping techniques of course. You’ll begin by ensuring you have everything you need close by so you can work quickly and efficiently. Then, you’ll read the directions on your epoxy as a refresher, so you don’t make any mistakes! Next, you’ll mix your epoxy and hardener according to the directions on your brand of epoxy. Then, you’ll begin pouring your epoxy the same way you poured it before--using a leveler to help you achieve a perfectly smooth and level finish! Finally, you’ll simply wait around for your epoxy to cure, harden, and dry. Typically, this takes a little bit longer with the second coat than the first. It is ideal to go ahead and give your epoxy 24 hours before really using it, just to ensure it is 100% ready to go. Then, you’ll have a beautiful masterpiece to enjoy for a long, long time! ConclusionIt’s definitely hard to work with epoxy at times. It can be finicky and hard to figure out. However, once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty easy to figure out! Pouring a second coat of epoxy is the exact same way. All you need to do is ensure that you know exactly how your epoxy is going to work for you, then have at it! However, you do need to make sure you properly clean and sand your first coat before going in for your second. While cleaning and sanding, it will leave the surface looking bumpy, rough, and unsightly but this is a very important step as it provides the second coat with a way to grip the surface without slipping off! I hope this guide helped you determine if your project needs a second coat and how you can properly do that for a gorgeous finish! Happy epoxy-ing! How long do I wait between epoxy coats on tumblers?There are two methods for applying additional epoxy resin coats: 1) sanding down your first layer after having let it dry for 24 hrs or, if you're in a hurry, 2) you can pour a new resin layer every 3-5 hrs. Either of these methods work very well, allowing for a very strong bond between resin layers.
How many coats of epoxy should you put on a tumbler?Our crafters wonder typically how many coats of epoxy is enough for their tumbler. It does depend on what you're creating, but the average is 2-3 coats. To properly seal all the layers beneath, we recommend using a topcoat of your resin.
How soon can I apply a second coat of epoxy?Depending on the epoxy you've chosen to work with, you'll have to wait between 4 and 24 hours before applying your second coat. Be sure to read your directions very thoroughly before beginning your project.
|
How long to wait for second coat of epoxy on tumbler
Related Posts
Copyright © 2024 ShotOnMac Inc.
