Frequently Asked Questions

If you choose to build a mold, we recommend using melamine, medium density fibreboard (MDF), or smooth plywood for the base and walls. Visit EcoPoxy’s support website for the tutorial on how to build your own casting mold. If you are wondering about other materials for your mold surface, see below for a list of materials that epoxy will and will not stick to.

Epoxy will stick to:

• Wood
• Glass
• Aluminum

Epoxy will not stick to:

• EcoPoxy Epoxy Mold Release Tape
• High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
• Teflon
• Polyethylene
• Polypropylene
• Nylon
• Mylar
• Silicone

EcoPoxy has three different pigment product lines; Liquid Color Pigments, Metallic Pigments and Color Glitters. Each are available in a variety of colors and each creates their own unique effect. To decide on the pigment line needed, first you will need to determine the effect you are going for.

• Liquid Color Pigments are used to attain a uniform opaque or translucent color effect.
• Metallic Pigments are a fine metallic powder that creates a multidimensional pearlescent or iridescent effect.
• Color Glitters are different from metallic pigments. They are larger flakes of colored glitter that settle to the bottom of the epoxy.

Consult your product’s application guide or product webpage for how much of each pigment to add to achieve the desired effect.

Yes, EcoPoxy products can be applied in multiple layers. However, each resin system is formulated to have a different reactivity level to be suitable for a certain type of project.

We recommend you consult your product’s Technical Data Sheet for recommendations on working temperatures, application thickness, or maximum volume for each layer. Consult your product’s Application Guide for advice on how to do multiple layers.

Also, keep in mind other factors that affect cure. These include resin volume and geometry, the temperature of the resin and hardener, ambient conditions, and the ability of the mold to release heat.

EcoPoxy products are not FDA compliant for direct contact with food.

All epoxies yellow over time. To combat this, we add UV stabilizers to some of our products, especially those that are used as transparent or translucent systems. UV stabilizers absorb UV light to prevent damage to the polymer but are consumed in the process. Over longer periods of time, the absorbers lose their effectiveness. Discoloration will happen over extended periods of UV exposure even if you pigment your epoxy, though it will be less noticeable.

All epoxies yellow over time due to the ultraviolet component of natural daylight. To combat this, we often formulate our products with UV stabilizers, especially those that are used as transparent or translucent systems. UV stabilizers absorb UV light and prevent damage to the resin. Eventually, the stabilizers will lose their effectiveness. Adding metallic or liquid pigments to epoxy will help it resist yellowing better than if it is left transparent. Completed projects should not be kept outdoors.

We do not recommend our clear casting and coating resins for outdoor applications even when they are pigmented. Keeping epoxy projects outdoors can result in issues with discoloration from UV light, water marks from moisture exposure, and separation and cracking from thermal expansion and contraction with temperature changes.

EcoPoxy works hard to increase bio-based materials in individual products and source more raw materials from annually renewable resources instead of petroleum-based sources. Our products are tested for bio-based carbon content by a third-party tester (ASTM D6866). The test method evaluates the percentage of carbon content from bio-based sources relative to total organic carbon content in the system. Bio-content varies across the EcoPoxy product range and can be found on our products’ Technical Data Sheet.

Over time, crystals can develop in epoxy resin (part A). This can cause your resin to appear cloudy and eventually solidify. Resins with signs of crystallization should be heated to remove the crystals before use.

To heat the resin, bring a water bath to 50°C (122°F) and place the jug of resin inside. Do not submerge the jug. Do not heat resin above 50°C (122°F). Resin should be heated throughout; otherwise, remaining crystals will cause recrystallization. For larger volumes, hold resin at 50°C (122°F) for 1-3 hours, for smaller volumes, less time is required. Do not leave any EcoPoxy kit at elevated temperatures for longer than 8 hours.

When you remove the resin from the heat, it will be at an elevated temperature. If the resin is used immediately, it will cure faster and have a shorter working time. In some applications, this can result in entrapped air. We recommend allowing the resin to cool to 20-25°C (68-77°F) before beginning work. Working times for these conditions will be closer to that specified on the product Technical Data Sheet.

EcoPoxy products are good for 2 years in an unopened container. Once opened, part A and part B should be used within 3 months. Avoid mixing part A and B from old and new batches.

Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location out of direct sunlight. Protect from freezing and physical damage. Do not store in a location subject to frequent temperature changes as the product may crystallize. Use product as soon as possible after opening. If storing remainder of product for another project, keep container tightly closed. Recommended storage temperature is between 15-25°C (59-77°F).

During the curing process, epoxy resins and hardeners form crosslinks that cannot easily be broken. Technologies are being developed to break down these types of plastics for recycling, or via other biodegradation methods, but none are readily accessible. Practically, this means that all epoxy resin systems are neither biodegradable nor recyclable.