QA

Question: What Causes Fish Eyes In Epoxy

When a coating is applied to a substrate that is contaminated with low surface energy particles such as oil, wax, grease, or silicone, fish eyes may develop in the coating as it is applied. These fish eyes are produced because the coating is unable to wet out the contaminated area.

How do you prevent fish eyes in epoxy?

This can be avoided by sanding with 120-150 grit. Allow the existing epoxy to cure hard and block sand flat using 120-150 grit until leveled. If the cratering is minimal, you can use a squeegee to fill in those areas with epoxy and then sand flat. Proceed by re-coating with epoxy.

What causes epoxy to fisheye?

Substrate contamination is the most common problem that causes fish eyes and pin holes in epoxy seal coats. Dust, dirt, wax, silicones, even the oil from your fingers when touching the part prior to sealing with epoxy will deter epoxy resins from laying flat and curing with a perfectly smooth surface.

How do you fix dimples in epoxy?

Whether your divots occurred during the pouring process of your countertops, or afterwards due to a soft cure, the solution is always to pour another coat of epoxy. You can pour directly over the previous epoxy pour within 24 hours of the first pour.

How do you fix fisheye?

SOLUTION Remove wet paint film with solvent, clean and refinish. Add the recommended fisheye eliminator and respray the affected area. If fisheyes appear in a basecoat, allow the color to flash then spray a mist coat over affected area.

Why is my epoxy repelling?

Bare spots, or voids, happen when something sitting on the surface of your artwork and repels the ArtResin, preventing it from adhering. It could be silicon residue or even something like lotion or natural oils from your hands that transferred onto your piece when you handled it.

How do you fix epoxy mistakes?

An uneven hardening of your epoxy resin can lead to dull, or even tacky spots. To fix an uneven epoxy finish, wait until the epoxy has dried thoroughly, and then sand it lightly with fine-grained wet sandpaper. After this, make sure to wipe down the surface, so it is entirely free of any sanding dust and other debris.

Why is my epoxy not sticking to my cup?

Mixing ratios can greatly affect how your piece will cure. If the mixing ratio is off or not completely mixed properly, this can cause the resin to remain tacky, or have soft spots. To ensure that you have the proper mixing ratios measured in measuring cups, and to ensure that you are mixing by volume.

How do you fix dried epoxy bubbles?

Yes, you CAN get rid of bubbles after your resin has dried! Simply sand down the entire surface of your piece, making sure you pay special attention to the areas with bubbles. Wipe away all the sanding residue with a damp paper towel. Apply a fresh coat of carefully measured and mixed ArtResin epoxy resin. Cover.

How do you smooth out epoxy?

Wet sanding with waterproof sandpaper is often the best approach to sanding cured epoxy resin. Wet sanding removes unevenness while you are sanding, reduces clogging of the abrasive paper and drastically reduces the amount of dust emitted into the air.

Do you have to sand between coats of epoxy?

Sanding will not only get out the imperfection but will also serve to provide some tooth between the first and second layers. It will look very scuffed in the short term but do not worry, once you pour the second coat over top, all of those sanding marks will disappear.

How do you prevent fish eyes from spraying?

The best way to avoid fisheyes is to make sure the job is performed properly from the start. The surface should be thoroughly cleaned before the paint job begins.

What causes fish eyes?

Fish-eye disease is caused by mutations in the LCAT gene. This gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT).

What do fish eyes look like in paint?

Paint “fisheyes” show themselves as a small round or circular shaped defect that can have a crater in the center. Fisheyes tend to show themselves as you apply a coating on the surface or immediately after the surface has been coated.

How do you remove uncured epoxy?

Remove uncured or non-curing epoxy as you would spilled resin. Scrape as much material as you can from the surface using a stiff metal or plastic scraper. Warm the epoxy to lower its viscosity. Clean the residue with lacquer thinner, acetone, or alcohol.

Can you pour epoxy over cured epoxy?

Can I put another coat of epoxy over cured epoxy? Yes. Since the epoxy has cured a chemical bond is not possible so what is called a mechanical bond is needed. This simply means that the cured epoxy has to be lightly sanded before the next coat is applied: the first coat should have a matt, almost white, surface.

Will acetone remove cured epoxy?

Gently rub the areas where epoxy needs to be removed with a clean, soft cloth dampened with an epoxy solvent, such as acetone. Keep the acetone in contact with the area to loosen the epoxy. Use enough acetone to soak into the surface a bit.

What dissolves cured epoxy resin?

Method 1: Soak the metal with the epoxy glue on it in a container of rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) or an acetone-based nail polish remover. Unwrap the item and scrape off the loosened epoxy with a scraper. If you notice a bit of a haze is left after cleaning, wipe it away with paint thinner and a rag.

Can you use a hair dryer to remove bubbles from resin?

In short, YES a torch is the best tool to get rid of bubbles in epoxy resin. A hair dryer or heat gun doesn’t get hot enough to remove bubbles efficiently and can blow dust all over your wet resin.

How do I stop resin bubbles?

A small amount of baby powder can work to reduce bubbles in resin. If you are using colored resin, you can even choose a powder that matches the color of the resin you are using. Use a delicate paintbrush to dust in the powder, then tap out any extra before pouring.

How do you seal wood before epoxy?

Before applying epoxy, sand smooth non-porous surfaces—thoroughly abrade the surface. 80-grit aluminum oxide paper will provide a good texture for the epoxy to “key” into. Be sure the surface to be bonded is solid. Remove any flaking, chalking, blistering, or old coating before sanding.