1. How much resin am I going to need?
To find out how much ArtResin you will need for a single coat, use the calculator provided by ArtResin here.
2. What Makes ArtResin Safe To Use?
ArtResin has been evaluated by a certified toxicologist at the American Society for Testing and Materials as being non-toxic when used as directed (conforms to ASTM D4236). It is formulated using the highest quality materials and therefore produces no VOCs or fumes. It is a clean system, meaning there are no solvents or non-reactive diluents—everything in it reacts so nothing is free to become airborne and cause health issues. It is also non-flammable in its liquid form. For all these reasons, it is therefore classified as a non-hazardous material and is shippable by air. Furthermore, many curatives have a powerful odor, however, ArtResin has only a low odor and is applicator friendly.
Find all technical and safety-related data sheets of the product here.
3. Does yellowing occur?
ArtResin is derived from museum conservation-grade materials to ensure its water-clear clarity is preserved for decades. Many resins contain a UV stabilizer to help delay the epoxy's natural yellowing process, however, this alone is not enough to prevent yellowing from happening. ArtResin contains both a UV stabilizer as well as an advanced additive called HALS (hindered amine light stabilizer) that interrupts the yellowing process before it can begin. The result is that it stays clear both in the bottle and once cured.
4. Is ArtResin food safe?
Yes, once ArtResin is cured, it is fully inert and can be safely used as a food contact surface. ArtResin has been vigorously tested by a third party for leaching and migration across worldwide standards and passed every test: when used as directed, cured ArtResin will not leach any substances into food that comes into contact with it.
5. Can I do a second coat or multiple coats?
Yes, you can do a second coat of ArtResin. You may choose to do this to repair the first coat, for example, if there is a bubble, hair, dust, or other small imperfection in your cured resin. To apply a second layer, you will prepare and apply the resin exactly the same way as the first; however, you must sand out the imperfection first, and then give the entire piece an overall sanding to provide some tooth so the second layer can adhere properly. Sanding will cause the first layer to look scuffed but don't worry; when you pour the second coat on, the scuff marks will become invisible.
You can also pour multiple layers of ArtResin if, for instance, you need to cover areas of high relief, if you're pouring into a mold or if you simply like the look of a thicker coat. It's important to remember that the ideal pour is 1/8" - if you pour any thicker, the bubbles will not be able to escape. You can layer ArtResin in multiple coats, as high as you'd like, as long as you pour in 1/8" increments.
You have two choices when pouring multiple layers:
the first is to pour your first layer, torch out the bubbles, cover and wait 3-5 hours until your resin reaches a jelly-like stage. At this point, you can pour on your next 1/8" layer, torch out bubbles, cover, wait for 3-5 hrs and repeat until you reach the height you desire. This method is especially handy when pouring into a mold or a dam.
The second option is to allow your first layer to fully dry, then give the overall piece a light sanding and pour on your next 1/8" layer. Torch out bubbles, cover, and let this layer dry. Repeat these steps as many times as you'd like.
Keep in mind that our recommendation of a 72hr cure time is based on a 1/8" layer. The thicker your layers are, the longer the cure time will be. It could take up to 10 days for a full cure, depending on how many layers you've poured.
6. What safety precautions should I take when using ArtResin?
ArtResin is considered a non-hazardous material and is non-toxic when used as directed, however, there are some common sense safety precautions that every user should follow:
7. Can ArtResin be tinted?
Yes, ArtResin can be tinted with ResinTint™ pigment, as well as acrylic paint or ink. Simply drop color into the mixture while stirring for an all-over-saturated color. Acrylic paint will produce a more opaque look and often greatly decreases the working time. Inks such as alcohol ink can pose a significant flammability risk when torched.
TIP: Whichever colorant you choose, be sure not to add more than 6% of the total volume of mixed resin and hardener.
Adding more than 6% colorant may interfere with the delicate balance necessary for the epoxy resin's chemical reaction to take place, thereby preventing your ArtResin from curing properly.
8. What is ArtResin's heat resistance?
The maximum temperature that cured ArtResin can tolerate is 120F or 50C.
At temperatures as high as that, the cured pieces may become a little flexible but once they cool off, they will harden up once again. Typically, the heat generated from a hot mug will not damage the resin surface on a coaster, but if your cured resin is exposed to temperatures beyond 120F or 50C, however - for example, you place a hot dish right out of the oven on a resined surface or you leave a cured piece in a hot car - it could cause irreparable damage.
9. What can/can't I use ArtResin on?
ArtResin epoxy resin will bond well to every medium, with the exception of wax paper and plastics including silicone (i.e. materials that repel water). It works extremely well on wood, photographs, inkjet prints, acrylic, oil paint that has completely dried, watercolor, spray paint, encaustic, ink, paper collage, oil pastel, sculpture, flowers, rocks, and other found objects. You may want to avoid pouring it over loose materials (this may include chalk pastels); anything that is not completely adhered to the surface of your work could potentially mix into the resin in its liquid form once it's poured and float around. Some lower-quality papers absorb resin rather than allowing it to sit on top, in which case a sealant should be used over the paper first to avoid seepage. The best thing to do is experiment and have fun!
10. How to use ArtResin
Specifications:
Helpful tips and tutorials:
Like most craft supplies, ArtResin is an extremely versatile material that has its own learning curve. For more answers, as well as videos and hints & tips about the use of ArtResin we encourage you to use visit ArtResin.