How to Fix Wrinkled Resin: 10 Tested Simple Solutions and Tips

"Wrinkled resin" typically refers to an undesirable outcome in resin-based projects, which occurs when the resin doesn't cure smoothly and results in a wrinkled or uneven surface. As difficult as it may seem, fixing this issue depends on the severity of the issue and the stage of the curing process. This blog would tell you ways to how to fix wrinkled resin with useful solutions and tips to address the problem easily. 

Besides sticky resin, wrinkled resin is also one of the most common issues that demands lots of time and energy to handle. The table below provides a quick overview of some of the most popular methods that help to fix epoxy resin wrinkle. 

Method	Steps	Application
Sanding and Polishing	Sand down the wrinkled areas  Rub the sanded surface  Continue buffing Clean the surface	For wrinkles on the surface of the resin
Applying a Second Coat	Sand the surface Mix the epoxy resin and hardener  Apply the second coat of epoxy resin Let the epoxy cure	For shallow, small, or less visible wrinkles
Applying Heat	Choose a heat source  Direct the heat towards wrinkled areas Monitor the resin while applying heat  Allow the resin to cool and cure	For bubbles or wrinkles forming during the curing process
Using a Resin Filler	Prepare the surface of the cured resin Mix the resin filler and the epoxy resin Apply the mixture to the resin surface  Allow the resin filler mixture to cure  Use sandpaper to sand the surface Repeat the filling and sanding process if necessary Apply a clear coat or polish	For deep and stubborn wrinkles or bubbles

Method 1: Sanding and Polishing

One of the most important factors in making it successful to fix wrinkled resin is choosing the right sandpaper with increasingly finer grits used for sanding epoxy resin, and you might need to start with a rather coarse grain, depending on how much sanding was done. Attempt a 400 grit start, followed by 600, 800, 1000, 1200, 1500, and 2000 grit in that order. Follow these steps to make the perfect sanding and polishing processes:

• Sand down the wrinkled areas with coarse-grit sandpapers 
• Rub the polishing compound gently onto the sanded surface 
• Continue buffing until achieve the desired shine and smoothness level
• Clean the surface with a mild detergent and water

Remember that after sanding, you can start over with the next grit because it will remove all of the particles from the previous sanding, or just immediately move on to the next step of polishing epoxy resin.

Pros	Cons
Effective surface smoothing and enhancement Effective wrinkles and bubbles prevention Improve gloss Maintain durability	Time and effort consuming Skill and technique required Brush marks is obligatory

Method 2: Applying a Second Coat

Applying a second coat of epoxy resin is a common practice in epoxy projects with worse wrinkles, requiring a smoother finish and an additional depth and durability layer. Order the below steps to successfully apply the second coat to the resin:

• Cure the first coat with fine-grit sandpaper 
• Combine the resin and hardener as per the manufacturer's recommendations
• Add the mixture to the surface by evenly distributing it with a foam brush or roller

  

Pros	Cons
Gloss and durability improvement Bubble and wrinkle prevention Smooth and fine finish	Time and effort consuming Specific materials requirement: hardener

Method 3: Using a Heat Gun

A heat gun is best suited for tacky or gel-like resin and can effectively remove wrinkles. It is not recommended to set the heat gun at the highest heat or apply this method to fragile or soft resin pieces, as it could cause resin to melt, warp, bend, or bubble. Here is a three-step guide for optimizing heat guns in a resin project. 

• Keep the heat about 2 to 3 inches away from the wrinkled area 
• Set the heat gun from low to medium heat settings
• Move the gun circularly to avoid overheating and prompting additional wrinkles

Using a heat gun or torch to remove wrinkles or bubbles that appear on the surface of epoxy resin can be effective, but it requires caution and control to avoid damaging the resin or creating new problems. Between 200 and 250 degrees, the epoxy may become too hot and lose its chemical structure, and then it can be charred or burned. Therefore, it is advisable not only to use the temperatures within the range but also to read more for further understanding of epoxy resin’s properties.

Pros	Cons
Effective removal of bubbles and wrinkles on the surface Immediate results	Potential for damage or overheating Limited use on heat-sensitive resin like Polyester or Polyurethane

Method 4: Using a Hairdryer

So, how to fix wrinkled resin if you do not have a heat gun? Hairdryers is the answer! It can also be an alternative to smooth out wrinkles. Though the normal hair dryers typically produce lower temperatures compared to a heat gun, they are still effective in eliminating wrinkles.

Just like with a heat gun, it's best to wait until the resin has partially cured before using a hairdryer, set the hairdryer to the lowest heat setting available (ranging from around 140°F to 180°F or 60°C to 82°C) and hold it several inches away from the surface to avoid overheating.

The hair dryer produces too much air flow, especially as you keep the heat gun moving around, literally chasing resin waves. Therefore, be sure not to make so much strong or sudden movement when using this tool to remove wrinkles and bubbles on the surface of epoxy resin. 

Pros	Cons
Gentle and gradual heating Ease of use Safer option than heat gun	Limited heat output Slower process Less versatility and precision  Less effective on heat-sensitive resin like Polyester, Phenolic  or Polyurethane

Method 5: Using a Resin Filler

To fix wrinkled resin, you can also use a resin filler. This technique involves applying an additional layer of resin mixed with a filler material to smooth out the surface. There are some popular fillers that can be used for resin projects, such as Silica Thickener, Milled Glass Fiber, Microballoons, and Wood Flour. These fillers not only help achieve the desired consistency for specific purposes but also effectively remove wrinkles in resin. 

Remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines when working with epoxy resin and filler materials, including proper ventilation and protective equipment. It's essential to consider the nature and extent of the imperfections and choose the most appropriate method for achieving the desired finish.

Pros	Cons
Smooth surface Durability Versatility Customization	Toxicity Strong odor Cost, time and effort-consuming Skill and experience required

Method 6: Use Boiling Water

Boiling water is an effective method to remove shallow bubbles and wrinkles on a resin surface of small size. However, this method can only be applied to completely finished resin objects to ensure that there are no missing sections that will be distorted when exposed to heat.

You will need a pot of boiled water on the burner. Before lowering the resin piece into the saucepan, carefully bring the water to the boil. To prevent it from hitting the bottom of the pot and warping, you might need to use a pair of tongs.

When seeing the wrinkles disappear, take the resin out of the saucepan and set it on a heat-resistant surface. The heat from the object will force the resin to shrink, perhaps eliminating any creases as it cools. You can try doing it again if your piece is still wrinkly.

Additionally, excessive heat can potentially damage or deform the epoxy resin, so it's crucial to proceed with caution and monitor the process closely. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first to assess the effectiveness and safety of this method before applying it to the entire surface.

Pros	Cons
Cost-effectiveness No chemicals Gentle method Ease and convenience of use	Limited effectiveness Uncontrollable heat Risk of burns or fire if not used properly The resin size will be limited according to the pot or container containing boiling water

Method 7: Using a Flat Iron

Another method to fix wrinkled resin is to make use of a flat iron at home to smooth out any wrinkles in your resin work. You may need an ironing ruler to be placed right upon the resin as a heat-resistant layer to protect the resin surface. After a few seconds of flat ironing the wrinkled region, check if the wrinkles have disappeared. If so, keep stroking the entire piece with the flat iron until all wrinkles are eliminated.

Testing a small, inconspicuous area first allows you to gauge the efficacy and how the epoxy resin reacts to the heat from the flat iron, ensuring that you can assess any potential risks or adverse effects before applying the method to the entire surface. Besides, maintaining a gentle touch and closely monitoring the process throughout is essential to prevent overheating or damaging the resin.

Pros	Cons
Controlled application of heat  Quick results Ease of use No chemicals	Limited effectiveness Risk of damage Safety concerns about fire hazard  Not suitable for deep wrinkles

Method 8: Use a Clothes Steamer

The clothes steamer is another effective tool for answering the question of how to fix wrinkled resin. As steamers use hot water to soothe the fabric's fibers, the same process can be applied to resin with the aim of removing wrinkles. To apply steam to your resin piece, just place the steamer over the wrinkled region and allow the steam to penetrate the resin.

Before observing any effects, you might need to continue doing this for a few minutes. After the wrinkles begin to relax, you can use your fingertips to gently smooth them out. In some cases, a handheld steam iron can function as good as a clothes steamer.

Pros	Cons
Gentle method Even heat distribution Quick result Lower risk of damage Versatility	Limited effectiveness Potential for water damage Safety concerns about fire and burn risks Cost-consuming

Method 9: Use a Heat Lamp

A heat lamp can also be used to eliminate wrinkles from your resin work. First, check that the project is entirely dry. Then, set the resin piece at a distance of six inches from the heat lamp and on a heat-resistant surface.

Next, switch on the heat lamp at that distance for fifteen minutes and verify whether the wrinkles have disappeared after that. You can try running the heat light for a few more minutes if it doesn't work.

Pros	Cons
Even heat distribution Quick results Versatility Lower risk of damage	Potential for overheating Safety concerns Limited effectiveness Cost-consuming

Method 10: Use a Soldering Iron

The last possible method on the list that you can apply to smooth out wrinkles in your resin piece is to use soldering iron, which is an unconventional method, but it can be effective in certain situations. First, heat up the soldering iron and place it against the wrinkled area for a few seconds, wait for the heat to soften the resin and make the wrinkles disappear.

The resin may warp if the soldering iron is held in one place for an extended period of time. Also, soldering iron is an extremely hot tool, therefore, remember to take cautions when carrying out the method. 

Pros	Cons
Precise heat control Quick results Versatility	Risk of damage Potential for overheating Safety concerns about fire, burns and electrical hazards Not suitable for all types of wrinkles or sizes of pieces Skill and experience required

Fixing Wrinkled Resin Tips

Fixing wrinkled resin can indeed be a bit challenging, but with the right approach, you can achieve smooth results. Here are some tips and warnings to guide you through the process:

• Set up a well-ventilated workspace since resin can be harmful if inhaled.
• Examining a limited space of wrinkle resin first.
• Put on gloves and other personal safety gear because the resin substance can be caustic.
• Use a blunt tool to try to flatten your resin if it's still wet.
• Resin can irritate human skin, so take care not to get it on it.
• Try heating the resin with a hairdryer or heat gun if it has already dried.
• Make sure the heat gun is pointed away from any combustible objects while using it.
• Exercise caution when handling resin, since it can become brittle if overheated.
• Sand down the resin and start over if all else fails.

7 Common Causes & Proven Prevention Strategies

People commonly wonder how to get wrinkles out of resin without taking the true cause of wrinkles into account. In fact, only by addressing these potential causes and taking preventive measures can you minimize the risk of resin wrinkles and achieve smoother results in your resin projects.

Improper Mixing Ratio

If the mixing ratio between resin and hardener is incorrect, the chemical reaction may not proceed as intended, leading to incomplete curing and potential wrinkling. 

How to prevent this?

To prevent this, it's crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions precisely. Use an adjustable mixing container to ensure the proper ratio, and thoroughly mix the resin and hardener without causing air bubbles. A heat gun or torch can help remove any air bubbles, but be careful not to overmix, as that may introduce more air. The most common ratio is 1:1, but other mixes like 2:1, 3:1, or 5:1 may be needed, so always use accurate measuring tools.

Incompatibility with Substrates

The compatibility among substrates is crucial to ensure a smooth resin surface. However, it is possible that resin may react with certain substrates, such as certain types of wood, plastics, or coatings,  interfering with the resin's curing process and causing moisture trapped content, leading to wrinkling or other surface imperfections.

How to prevent this?

To prevent this, it's important to ensure compatibility between all the materials, including additives, topcoats, and curing agents. Run a small test patch on a sample substrate and observe it for any adverse reactions before applying the resin fully. Taking these precautions can help you avoid incompatibility issues and get a flawless, wrinkle-free result.

High Humidity

In an environment with high humidity, resins remain in a liquid or semi-liquid state for a longer period of time. This leads to not only disrupted chemical reactions but also a higher probability of wrinkles due to a longer curing time.

How to prevent this?

It is advisable to set up the area and the epoxy as dry as possible and always keep the relative humidity below 80%.

Extended Open Time

Extended open time, or the duration that resin remains in a liquid or semi-liquid state before curing, can indeed impact the formation of wrinkles under certain conditions. Factors like temperature, humidity, and airborne contaminants can impact the resin's curing process, potentially leading to uneven curing and the development of wrinkles.

How to prevent this?

You should work within the recommended open time specified by the manufacturer and to control the environment as much as possible. This might involve working in a climate-controlled space, protecting the resin from drafts, and making sure to apply the resin in thin, even coats.

Inconsistent Temperature

Temperature is another factor leading to the formation of resin wrinkles since this inconsistent heat across the resin surface can lead to uneven curing, where some areas cure faster or slower than others. This differential curing can cause the resin to shrink or pull away from certain areas, resulting in the risk of wrinkles. Additionally, overheating when removing bubbles with a heat gun or other heating devices can also worsen the resin wrinkles or wave density on the surface.

How to prevent this?

It is advisable to choose a warm and dry location with an ideal temperature between 70°F and 85°F (21°C - 29°C) for the best curing process and to prevent wrinkled resin. 

Inaccurate Curing Time

If the curing time is inaccurate and the resin is disturbed or manipulated before it has fully cured, it may remain partially uncured or in a semi-liquid state. Incomplete curing can result in a soft, tacky surface that is prone to wrinkling as it dries and contracts.

How to prevent this?

The easiest way to prevent this is to be patient and let the resin fully cure according to the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid touching, moving, or otherwise disturbing the surface during this critical curing period. This will help ensure the resin dries evenly and cures uniformly, avoiding wrinkles or other imperfections.

As a general rule, epoxy resins typically need at least 72 hours to fully open, dry, and cure. The table below will provide you with a detailed understanding of resin curing time applied to some particular types on the market. 

Resin Type	Curing Time
Epoxy Resin	48 - 72 hours
Polyester Resin	24 - 48 hours
Polyurethane Resin	24 - 72 hours
UV resin	30 minutes - 2 hours

Excessive Thickness of Resin Layers

Making an application of too much resin in one go can also result in an uneven surface since the top layer may cure faster than the bottom one. Particularly, thicker layers of resin can cure unevenly and form trap air bubbles within the material during application, especially if the heat generated during curing cannot escape efficiently. This uneven curing can result in areas of the resin curing faster or slower than others, leading to wrinkles as the resin hardens. 

How to prevent this?

To avoid this, it's best to apply the resin in thin, even coats, allowing each layer to fully cure before adding the next. This helps ensure a uniform curing process throughout the entire application. Taking the time to build up the layers carefully can go a long way in preventing wrinkles caused by excessive resin thickness.

Conclusion 

To reduce the possibility of wrinkle formation when dealing with epoxy resin and know how to fix wrinkled resin, it is crucial to carefully take these elements into account and apply the recommendable methods in this article. The above preventive measures, combined with careful consideration of the conditions that lead to wrinkle formation, will result in high-grade, wrinkle-free epoxy resin coatings that are both technically solid and aesthetically beautiful.

FAQs

Can I fix resin wrinkles without sanding?

Yes, since sanding may not be suitable for all situations, you can fix resin wrinkles with other methods, such as using a heat gun or torch, applying additional resin coat, etc.

How to Prevent Resin Wrinkles?

Here are the key steps to prevent resin wrinkles:

• Ensure proper mixing ratio: Carefully measure and mix the resin and hardener according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Check substrate compatibility: Test the resin on a small area to ensure compatibility with the substrate.
• Monitor open time: Work within the recommended open time to avoid issues from extended curing.
• Allow sufficient curing time: Be patient and let the resin fully cure before disturbing the surface.
• Apply thin, even coats: Avoid applying resin in thick layers that can cure unevenly.
• Control the environment: Maintain proper temperature, humidity, and airflow to optimize the curing process.
• Use accurate measuring tools: Utilize calibrated cups or scales to get the mixing ratio right.

Can applying a topcoat help smooth out resin wrinkles?

Yes, applying a topcoat can help smooth out minor resin wrinkles and improve the appearance of the surface to some extent, depending on the severity of the wrinkles and the type of topcoat used.

How long should I wait before fixing the wrinkled resin?

It's best to address any wrinkles or surface imperfections as soon as possible after they occur, while the resin is still somewhat malleable and before it fully hardens.