ArtWorks Resin is a very high quality resin developed primarily for artwork, with added HALS & UV inhibitors.
ArtWorks epoxy resin produces a crystal clear coating, and high gloss on many types of surfaces. It cures very hard (does not become pliable after cure).
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ArtWorks Resin can be used to create amazing artwork, tumblers, used on wood, concrete, glass, ceramic tile, laminate, cork, formica, quartz, Corian & granite & more. Some smoother surfaces may need to be lightly sanded to create better adhesion. It can be used to coat and protect photos & other memorabilia in mixed media.
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Since ArtWorks Resin is a fast curing resin, it's fantastic for use in mixed media projects requiring many layers as well.
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ArtWorks has UV protection plus has HALS for added UV protection. HALS = Hindered Amine Light Stabilzers, which are chemical compounds that are used as UV stabilizers in plastics and polymers. They're used to protect from the effects of photo-oxidation and thermal stabilizers.
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No VOC's
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FDA Compliant (FDA21CFR175.300)
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Work time (pot life) 40 minutes average
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Fast curing resin, in only 8 to 12 hours (temperature & humidity dependent)
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Heat tolerance up to 266 degrees fahrenheit / 130 Celsius (after 3 weeks curing) - Rating is not for direct contact.
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Two-part resin with a 1:1 ratio
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Medium viscosity (thick like syrup) for excellent coverage & flow
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No foul odour, but has a faint scent
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100% Solid Systems Epoxy
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Scratch resistant
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Cures very rigid and rock hard (Shore Hardness Rating D83)
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Cures crystal clear like glass
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Very high gloss finish
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12 month shelf life
INSTRUCTIONS for ARTWORKS RESIN
If you do not have a product brochure for ArtWorks, there is a copy of it in our Blog section.​
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ArtWorks Resin uses a 1:1 ratio of resin to hardener. Measure equal parts of resin and hardener into a mixing cup. ArtWorks Resin should be measured by volume. (example: if you need a total of 2 oz, you would mix 1 oz of Part A plus 1 oz of Part B). To see estimate of total needed, see our handy Resin Calculator page.
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In round container, pour hardener (Part B) first, then resin (Part A ) into hardener. Mix thoroughly but gently for 4 minutes. Stir gently, be sure to occasionally scrape along sides & bottom of container as well. A plastic or silicone mixing tool works great for stirring the resin. It's very important that epoxy is at proper temperature (approx 72-78 degrees F) before mixing. If the epoxy is too cold the molecules are too small to make a complete chemical reaction to make it an inert final product, plus you will notice many more bubbles. If you have mixed for 4 minutes, but still see striations (like strings while stirring), than you mix a little longer until there are no more striations.
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If you are adding colourants to the resin, the general rule of thumb is to start with about 3% colourant ratio to resin, and only add more if needed, (you can check opacity on your stir stick), but never exceeding 8-10% colourant to resin ratio. Glitters are the exception to that ratio rule, since they don't colour the resin. See important note in red below.
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Pour epoxy resin over desired and (already pre-leveled) surface, and spread to thoroughly cover. Ensure your project is level before you mix your resin, so you don't waste pot life work time, trying to level your project.
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If you happen to see any bubbles, lightly pass over the project with a heat source (ie: a butane or propane torch) to help release air bubbles. Ensure the flame doesn't touch the resin, as you slowly move the heat source around your project. Keep the heat source moving, because if you leave it in one spot too long, you may over-heat the resin, which can cause fish eyes, or film or other curing issues. The flame from a torch sucks the oxygen (degases bubbles) from the resin, holding flame about 20 cm above resin. Using a heat gun for too long only boils the resin (it will release bubbles as well), but resin heats itself to cure, & using a heat gun too long & too close, can potentially weaken curing of all resins & cause premature yellowing. Try to not over-heat, and only use as much heat as required.
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ArtWorks Resin has a pot life (working time) of 30-40 minutes (this can be effected by environment, temperature, humidity, any additives and length of time left in cup). See important note in red below.
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ArtWorks Resin will initially cure in 8 to 12 hours depending on temperature in environment and any additives added. Ideal temperature of room is about 23-25C (72-77F), throughout cure.
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Like all resins, ArtWorks Resin continues to harden for up to 30 days at which point it will reach the heat tolerance level of 266F, and be more scratch resistant. Note: This rating is not for direct contact, rather if item is left sitting in a hot vehicle for example, item will not go soft or bendy up to that temperature.
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Keep containers tightly sealed after opening. Do not leave lids off once liquid is poured out.
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All containers being used need to be thoroughly clean to prevent any contamination. To reuse containers & mixing tools, wipe them down with a paper towel before it begins to dry, & then an alcohol wipe. Any remaining residue can be removed using tape. Or if using a silicone cups, turn sideways with mix stick, then pull out once cured around 12 hour mark.
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If resin gets on skin, please do not use alcohol or vinegar. Wipe off what you can with paper towel, then use our epoxy scrub, or soap & water with salt or sugar for scrubbing, or some people have used WD40 or mechanics degreaser scrubs.
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If skin or eye irritation occurs, seek medical attention. First aid, call a physician. Remove contaminated clothing.
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Dispose of according to local regulations.
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MSDS is on website, at bottom of this page.
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For numerous additional helpful tips, and to learn to achieve best results on working with both our resins, please review the blog loaded with more helpful information (see Resin Info & Tips for ArtWorks & Liquid Diamonds).
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ArtWorks Resin Coverage Approximates
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64 oz Kit, is 32 oz of resin + 32 oz hardener, and more then covers approximately 16 sq ft (ie: 4' x 4' piece)
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1 Gallon Kit, is 64 oz of resin + 64 oz of hardener, and more then covers approximately 32 sq ft (ie: 4' x 8' piece)
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See our Resin Calculator page to figure out closest estimate on how much resin is needed for coverage on various substrates, and there is a 2nd calculator down the same page for casting projects..
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You can do multiple coats of resin, allow about 4 hours between layers. Use about 1/8" depth coat maximum per layer, and this is also minimum required for proper self leveling to take place.
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For Tumblers:
For beginners 1ml of resin per oz of cup (with no glitter or texture), is suggested amount of resin to use.
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On a 20oz tumbler, you can expect to use roughly 25-30ml, depending on the type of glitter used. Chunky glitter takes more resin. Many tumbler makers like to use about 2-3 coats for beautiful finish.
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ArtWorks Resin was developed as a coating resin, not a casting resin. Most non-casting resins designed for top coating, are meant to be poured in thicknesses of 1/8" depth. If you're trying to use a coating resin for casting in moulds, you need to do it in layers, allowing to cure enough to get to the tacky stage on each layer. If you do it this way, there is no maximum thickness for casting or coating. If you are casting and use a pressure pot, then you can cast as thick as you want.
Normal circumstances, due to it being a very thick viscosity resin, it's necessary to pop the bubbles in the 1/8" depth layers (since it would be too difficult to reach the bubbles to pop them in a 1/4" layer of coating resin in a mold). You can also warm up Part A (bottle) in a bowl of warm water, (or on a heating pad), and that may help with bubbles too. Keep in mind if you warm your resin, it may not be as thick, but warming any resin may also shorten pot life (work time).
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*Important Note: As mentioned above the general rule of thumb is to start with about 3% colourant ratio to resin, and only add more if needed, (you can check opacity on your stir stick), but never exceeding 10% colourant to resin ratio. Glitters are the exception to that ratio rule, since they don't colour the resin.
Note, adding anything in to epoxy resin, does effect the pot life (work time) of epoxy resins. However, just keep watch on any & all cups it's mixed in, if it's starting to warm up, it needs to be used ASAP. If it's not used quickly, and an uncontrolled exothermic reaction has begun in the cup, it will overheat and get extremely hot in your cup. When this occurs the resin will quickly yellow from burning, and will no longer be able to be used. Epoxy resin heating out of control can foam, smoke, give off dangerous vapors and generate enough heat to melt it's container or cause nearby items to catch fire. If this occurs, , safely remove the overheating cup on to a fire-proof surface (a metal tray or concrete) outdoors. Once cooled, you can dispose of it. To avoid this issue, it is always advised to get your mixed resin on to the substrate as soon as possible. When it's applied in a thin film (or topcoat), it does not build heat, so the temperature through the thickness of epoxy stays close to the ambient temperature of the room.