How To Properly Mix Epoxy
As always, the most important thing to do is to READ THE LABEL of your selected epoxy. Some epoxy is designed to be mixed by weight. Other epoxy is designed to be mixed by volume. X number of oz. of the Resin (A) mixed with X number of oz. of the Hardener (B). This is an incredibly important distinction. Resin (A) is naturally and physically heavier than the Hardener (B).
Once you have read the label and determined the proper measuring technique, it is time for everyone’s favorite subject; math.
When doing a flood coat on river tables or designing a color coat or clear coat for countertops, there is an easy formula of 3oz per square foot = total oz needed. So if your total area is 10 sqft, take 10sqft x 3oz/sqft = 30oz total needed for that area.
1:1 epoxy is the easiest formula and easiest math. Equal parts of Resin (A) to Hardener (B). In keeping with the example above, total oz. needed is 30oz. For equal parts, divide by 2, so 15oz. of Resin (A) and 15oz. of Hardener (B).
2:1 epoxy has to go one step farther. If the total oz. needed is 30oz. for a 2:1 mixture, you need a total of 3 parts (2+1=3). Divide the 30oz. by 3 = 10oz. for each part. Since Resin (A) makes up 2 parts, 2 parts x 10oz. = 20oz. Hardener (B) makes up 1 part, 1 part x 10oz. = 10oz. Always double check you math, and 20oz. + 10oz. = the total required 30oz.
Now, for those not doing a simple countertop or flood coat, you get to do more math. Volume of your project is what is needed to find the amount of epoxy needed for your project.
Keep in mind, the volume amount you get is for total epoxy needed. You will then need to still do the division by either 2 or 3 in order to properly calculate how much Resin (A) and how much Hardener (B).
A clean container should always be used to mix your epoxy. Many containers such as the ones pictured below can be purchased at most hardware stores.
These can be used over and over again for multiple projects. Let the little bit of remaining epoxy harden in the buckets, and then simply peel it out when it is cured. Other people use disposable plastic cups, and toss after each use.
For mixing, you can purchase reusable plastic mixer, wooden craft sticks, paint sticks, or paddle mixers. When considering a paddle mixer, keep something in mind. Bubbles are introduced to the epoxy by mixing. You want to generally mix 1:1 epoxy slow. It is naturally thicker than 2:1 epoxy. If you decide to use a paddle mixer, use it on slower speed for 1:1 mixtures. 1:1 epoxy can foam up when using a paddle mixer on high for a few minutes. It then becomes harder to remove the bubbles unless you have a pressure pot.
When pouring the epoxy, always wear proper personal protective equipment; glasses, gloves, long sleeves, masks, and in a well ventilated area if possible.
Viscosity of the Resin (A) and Hardener (B) are different. That is why they have different weights and it is such an important factor to determine if you should mix by volume or weight. The Resin (A) is always heavier than the Hardener (B). For this reason, almost every video you watch of mixing epoxy, they add the amount of the Hardener (B) into the mixing container first, prior to adding the Resin (A). Once you add the Resin (A) into the mixing container, it will fall through the Hardener (B) and straight to the bottom. If you were to add the Resin (A) to the container first, it would likely sit on the bottom and not mix properly into the mixture.
Many people recommend that once your epoxy has been mixed thoroughly for a couple of minutes, pour your mixture into a new clean container and mix one more time. This would make sure and of the Resin (A) that was sitting on the bottom of your original container gets mixed in properly. When mixing, be sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the container to get as much Resin (A) mixed in as possible.
