Top 5 Mistakes Beginners Make with Epoxy Resin and How to Avoid Them
If you’re new to working with epoxy resin, you’re not alone! It’s an exciting and creative material, but it also comes with a learning curve. Many people jump into their first project only to find bubbles, sticky surfaces, or unexpected results. Understanding common epoxy resin mistakes can save you time, money, and frustration.
In this article, we’ll go over the top five mistakes beginners make when working with epoxy resin — and how to avoid them. By the end, you'll feel more confident and ready to create beautiful resin art, jewelry, or home décor pieces without the usual beginner hiccups.
1. Not Measuring Resin and Hardener Accurately
One of the most common epoxy resin mistakes is not measuring the resin and hardener correctly. Epoxy resin is a two-part system: the resin and the hardener must be mixed in a precise ratio, and this ratio varies depending on the specific type of resin you’re using.
What goes wrong:
Guessing or using the wrong ratio can result in a sticky, soft, or uncured surface that won’t harden properly.
How to avoid it:
When using Artline Epoxy Resin, follow the correct mixing ratio based on the product:
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Crystal, Honey, and Extra Honey: mix in a 2:1 ratio (2 parts resin to 1 part hardener by weight).
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Wood PRO: mix in a 3:1 ratio (3 parts resin to 1 part hardener by weight).
Always measure using scales and never estimate by eye. Even a small mistake in proportions can lead to curing issues. Take your time, double-check your measurements, and mix carefully to ensure the best results.
2. Mixing Too Quickly or Not Enough
Another big issue for beginners is mixing the resin and hardener too fast or not long enough.
What goes wrong:
Fast stirring can introduce air bubbles, while under-mixing can lead to areas that never cure. These are classic epoxy resin mistakes that affect the final finish.
How to avoid it:
Mix slowly and thoroughly for 3-5 minutes, scraping the sides and bottom of your mixing container. You want the mixture to be completely blended and free of streaks. If you're unsure, transfer the mixture to a new cup and stir again — this is called “double-cup mixing.”
3. Pouring Resin in Too-Thick Layers
It might be tempting to pour a thick, deep layer to finish your project quickly — but this is one of the most problematic epoxy resin mistakes.
What goes wrong:
Thick layers can overheat as they cure, causing warping, cracks, or yellowing. Resin heats up as part of a chemical reaction, and pouring too much at once can lead to unwanted results — or even damage your mold or surface.
How to avoid it:
Pour in layers. If you need a thicker coat, pour no more than 1–2 cm at a time, letting each layer cure before adding the next. This keeps the temperature under control and results in a smoother, bubble-free finish.
When working with Artline Epoxy Resin, be sure to follow the maximum recommended pour depth for each type:
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For Crystal, Honey, and Extra Honey, the maximum pour depth is up to 1.5 cm per layer.
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For Wood PRO, you can safely pour up to 6 cm in a single layer.
Following these guidelines will help ensure your resin cures properly and stays crystal clear.
4. Working in the Wrong Environment
The environment plays a major role in how your resin cures. Beginners often overlook the importance of temperature, humidity, and dust.
What goes wrong:
Working in a cold room slows down curing, while high humidity can cause cloudy or tacky surfaces. Dust or pet hair might land in your resin as it sets.
How to avoid it:
Work in a clean, dust-free area. Ideal temperature is around 22–25°C (72–77°F), with low humidity. If your room is too cold, use a space heater to warm it up before pouring.
5. Not Sealing Porous Surfaces Before Pouring
When working with wood, MDF, or other porous materials, skipping the sealing step is one of the most overlooked epoxy resin mistakes.
What goes wrong:
Unsealed surfaces can release air into the resin during curing, creating unwanted bubbles. This can ruin the glass-like clarity of your finish. Additionally, porous materials may absorb the resin unevenly, leading to blotchy spots or a dull appearance.
How to avoid it:
Always seal porous surfaces before the main pour. A thin seal coat locks in air and prevents bubbles from forming during the curing process.
For best results, use Artline Crystal Epoxy Resin as a seal coat. It’s ideal for this step thanks to its clarity, low viscosity, and excellent adhesion to wood and similar materials. This is especially important when working with Artline Wood PRO in deeper pours — sealing first with Crystal helps ensure a smooth, bubble-free result and enhances the final look of your project.
Let the seal coat cure fully before proceeding with the main pour.
These Artline Epoxy Resins were used in the article:
Everyone makes mistakes when learning something new — and epoxy resin is no different. The good news? Most epoxy resin mistakes are easy to avoid with a little preparation and knowledge.
Here’s a quick recap:
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Measure resin and hardener accurately.
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Mix slowly and thoroughly.
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Pour in thin layers to avoid overheating.
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Create a clean and stable environment.
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Always seal porous surfaces.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can avoid the common pitfalls and focus on the fun, creative side of working with epoxy. Whether you're making jewelry, river tables, coasters, or abstract art, the key to success is patience and practice.
Happy resin crafting — and may your next project be smooth, shiny, and mistake-free!
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