| SYMPTOMS |
ISSUE |
SOLUTION |
| Table Top Epoxy did not cure - the epoxy is still soft |
- Improper mix ratio
- The epoxy is still curing.
- Cooler ambient conditions than specified for application
- Contamination
|
- Ensure that the ambient temperature is within the specified range for cure. Wait 24 hours. If the epoxy has not cured to a hard, tack-free material, remove the soft areas.
- Mix another batch of TableTop Epoxy, taking extra care to avoid any potential sources of contamination.
- Use the 2-cup mixing method to mix the epoxy to ensure a good mix.
- Reapply TableTop Epoxy.
|
| Some areas did not cure |
- Poorly mixed resin and hardener
- Improper mix ratio of resin and hardener
- Contamination of the epoxy
|
- Ensure that the ambient temperature is within the specified range for cure. Wait 24 hours. If the epoxy has not cured to a hard, tack-free material, remove the soft areas.
- Mix another batch of TableTop Epoxy, taking extra care to avoid any potential sources of contamination.
- Use the 2-cup mixing method to mix the epoxy to ensure a good mix.
- Reapply TableTop Epoxy.
|
| White spots |
- Moisture contamination
- Other forms of contamination
|
- Mechanically remove the epoxy that has white spots.
- Take extra care when performing the surface preparation.
- Reapply TableTop Epoxy, taking extra care not to apply when moisture is present, or may become a factor throughout the cure.
- Take precautionary measures to prevent any other contaminants from affecting the cure of the epoxy.
|
| Bubbles in the epoxy |
- Bubbles were whipped into the epoxy while mixing.
- No action was taken to release any bubbles from the liquid epoxy.
|
- Mechanically remove cured epoxy, as needed. Reapply, taking more care not to whip any unnecessary air into the epoxy while mixing.
- Do not use a drill mixer or any other tool that would induce more air while mixing.
- Only pour TableTop Epoxy to the advised thickness; pouring it thicker may make it difficult to release any bubbles.
- Slowly waving a heat gun or small torch over the wet epoxy will bring bubbles to the surface to release them by convection, and help to level the surface of the epoxy.
|
| Swirls, striations on the epoxy surface |
- The epoxy was poorly mixed.
|
- If the two components are mixed thoroughly, they will not form streaks, striations, or swirls. If required, remove the affected epoxy and start over, taking extra care to mix thoroughly.
- Use the 2-cup mixing method when mixing the epoxy. Start in one cup and then pour it into a second cup and continue stirring until there are no streaks or striations in the epoxy, before pouring it into the desired location.
|
| Dull or hazy looking epoxy surface when cured |
- Excessive humidity, moisture, or another contaminant was present before the epoxy cured.
|
- Only pour liquid epoxy when the epoxy is not prone to excessive moisture (over 60% relative humidity). Take extra care to prevent any other dust, debris, or contaminants from falling onto the epoxy until it has sufficiently cured.
- The epoxy surface can be wet-sanded and buffed to achieve a glossy surface, or the surface can be scuff-sanded prior to reapplying another layer of epoxy.
|
| Epoxy did not cure smooth and level |
- Epoxy was applied at a lower ambient temperature than specified.
- Epoxy was not spread evenly when first dispensed.
- Mixed epoxy was not poured into the desired location quickly enough.
|
- Always mix and apply TableTop Epoxy under the advised temperature and humidity conditions.
- Stir slowly and carefully, but work quickly when pouring the epoxy into the desired location so the epoxy can self-level.
- Use a spreader or squeegee to spread the epoxy evenly over the desired surface.
- Use a heat gun or torch and quickly wave it over the surface of the poured epoxy. This will help bring bubbles to the surface to pop, and work to level the epoxy.
|
| Colors mixed with the epoxy did not achieve the desired finish |
- Always perform test samples of any colors, tints, or special effects prior to using them on the final project.
|
- Remove any epoxy that did not achieve the desired finish.
- Perform test samples until the desired finish is achieved, prior to using on the final project.
|
| Epoxy resin and or hardener are very thick to pour |
- Warm the epoxy resin and hardener components to 75-80°F prior to dispensing and mixing.
- If the resin appears cloudy or white, or the hardener has small chunks or solid pieces in it, it may have crystallized.
|
- Always store TableTop Epoxy under the advised environmental conditions, and close the caps thoroughly to prevent crystallization.
- Dispensing epoxy that is cooler than recommended will make each component very thick and tough to work with. Always bring the liquid epoxy components up to the proper working temperature for application.
- If the epoxy has crystallized, place each affected bottle into a warm water bath, replacing the water, as needed, until the material inside reaches 140-150°F.
|
| Epoxy finish was glossier than desired |
- Properly applied and cured epoxy should achieve a high-gloss finish.
|
- Wet sanding the cured surface of the epoxy can provide a frosted or satin finish depending on the wet sandpaper grit. The range of sandpaper grit for this purpose is usually 2500-grit or higher.
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