How to Mix Resin and Hardener - Expert Guide for Beginners

Have you wanted to try your hand at resin projects, but are not sure how to mix resin and hardener properly? Mixing these two materials can be a bit tricky, but with the right technique, it's easier than you might think. 

In this article, we guide you through the process of mixing epoxy resin and hardener, sharing tips and techniques along the way to ensure your resin creations turn out perfectly every time. Now, let's start!

Step 1: Gather List of Necessary Materials for Mix Resin and Hardener

Are you willing to discover how to mix resin and hardener? Well, before we get started, let's double-check that we have all of the required items on hand.

Materials	Usage
Rubbing Alcohol	Clean and prep the surfaces that will be mixed with the resin and hardener Remove any dust, dirt, or grease that might interfere with resin adhesion
Mixing Cup	Measure and mix precise amounts of resin and hardener
Mixing Sticks	Stir and mix the resin and hardener thoroughly
Gloves	Keep your hands safe from any potential allergic reactions or skin discomfort when using resin

Step 2: Setting Up a Suitable Workspace

Creating a proper work environment is key to ensuring a successful resin mixing experience, so let's take a moment to get everything ready.

One essential step is to cover your working table with freezer paper. This not only protects your table from any potential resin spills or drips but also allows you to easily move your molds around without any sticky situations.

Next, you should have all the materials ready on the tables. Resin tends to dry rather quickly, so you surely don't want to be scrambling around searching for that one missing tool or ingredient. Having everything within arm's reach will help keep your work more organized and focused.

Lastly, ensure you're working in a well-ventilated space. Resin can emit fumes that may not be pleasant or safe to inhale. Opening a window or turning on a fan will help circulate fresh air and keep you comfortable throughout the process.

Step 3: Determine Resin and Hardener Mixing Ratio

The ratio of resin to hardener must be carefully considered since it significantly impacts the curing process and the final result of your project. If the ratio is incorrect, it can result in various issues such as incomplete curing, weak bonds, or even a sticky and tacky finish. If your resin surface encounters accidentally this situation, you can refer to our article to learn how to fix sticky resin properly!

So, what is the correct resin and hardener mixing ratio? Typically, the most common mixing ratio is 1:1, implying an equal mix of resin and hardener. However, not all resins mix the same way because different resins have different formulations and properties. 

Some products may require a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio, while others may call for a 5:1 ratio. So, how do I mix resin and hardener? Before you start mixing, you should read and understand the instructions provided with your epoxy resin. We have compiled more than 10+ different types of resins used frequently in your DIY projects.

You can see that adding color to resin projects enhances their visual appeal and allows for your creative expression. Color can evoke emotions, create contrast, and highlight specific details in the finished piece.

So, if you want to add color, how to mix resin and hardener with color? The ratio between the colorant and the resin and hardener mixture follows the 6% rule. It follows that you shouldn't add any more than 6% of the total combined volume of resin and hardener. We will provide an example to demonstrate this:

Suppose you have a total combined volume of resin and hardener of 100 milliliters. According to the 6% rule, you should not add more than 6 milliliters of colorant to this mixture.

Step 4: Measure the Resin and Hardener

There are two convenient ways you can measure resin and hardener correctly: measuring by volume or by weight. We will now go over each measuring method in detail!

Measure by volume

Step 1: Find the resin-to-hardener ratio by following the manufacturer's recommendations or the packaging of resin and hardener kit. This ratio is typically given in terms of volume, such as a 2:1 ratio of resin to hardener.

Step 2: Pour two parts of epoxy into a graduated measuring cup first.

*Note: Make sure that the meniscus of resin (the bottom of the curved liquid surface) aligns with the desired measurement line as it represents the true volume of resin.

Step 3. Once the epoxy is settled, carefully pour one part of the hardener to complete the mixture.

Looking for a visual guide on measuring resin and hardener by volume? Click here to watch the video and become an expert in no time.

Measure by weight

Alright, now that we've already measured the resin and hardener using the weight method, let's move on to the next method we'll be trying out.

Step 1: Determine the mixing resin and hardener ratio according to the manufacturer's instructions. For example, if we need 33 grams of epoxy resin and mix them in a 2:1 ratio, we will need to weigh 22 grams of epoxy resin and 11 grams of hardener.

Step 2: Turn on the scale and select the desired unit of measurement (grams or ounces) for weighing the hardener and resin. Press the Tare or Zero Scale button to reset the scale to zero after placing the mixing cup on it.

Step 3: Slowly pour the desired amount of epoxy resin into the mixing cup while keeping track of the amount poured. In this case, we will slowly pour 22 grams of epoxy resin into the mixing cup.

Step 4: Pour the calculated amount of hardener directly from the bottle into the mixing cup containing the epoxy resin. Be careful to pour it slowly and accurately to ensure the correct measurement. Now we have a 33 grams mixture of resin and hardener. 

Are you unsure about how to measure by weight? Don't worry, we have a video tutorial just for you.

Step 5: Mix Resin Thoroughly

After getting the precise amount of resin and hardener from step 4, it is time to mix them thoroughly. So, do you know how long to mix resin and hardener and how will we do it? 

We will thoroughly stir the mixing cup containing both resin and hardener for 3 - 5 minutes until the mixture becomes clear. A lot of the material will stick to the mixing stir and the container's edges, so you should scrape the sides of the cup and the mixing stick multiple times while mixing.

At the beginning of the mixing process, your resin may appear wavy, but there is no need to worry as the streaks will gradually fade away as you continue to mix.

*Some notes: 

• To ensure an accurate ratio and have sufficient materials, avoid mixing in small quantities
• To prevent bubbles, it's best to stir the resin slowly. However, larger volumes of the mixture may make bubbles unavoidable
• Utilize a heat torch to eliminate any bubbles after pouring and distributing the resin

Do you want to know how to mix resin and hardener thoroughly? Check out this short video tutorial for step-by-step instructions.

Common Resin Mixing Mistakes & Solutions

If you're new to learning about how to mix resin and hardener, it is critical to be aware of several typical mistakes that might occur. But don't worry, we have got some easy solutions to help you out!

Incorrect Ratio

Some people mistakenly believe that adding more hardener to the mixture will speed up the cure time. However, this won't work. It can throw off the delicate 1:1 mixing ratio and your resin won't cure properly, and you'll end up with a sticky mess instead of a beautifully finished project. So, how long does resin take to cure? Read our guide to understand the correct time for each type of resin you use.

You need to remember that different resins may have different ratios, such as 2:1 or even 5:1. To avoid this mistake, take the time to precisely measure out the correct amounts of resin and hardener and follow the recommended ratio.

Vigorous Stirring

While thorough mixing is important to ensure a consistent mixture, being too vigorous can lead to unwanted air bubbles. So, how to mix resin and hardener without bubbles? It's best to stir slowly and gently to minimize bubble formation. In this manner, you may get a smooth and bubble-free result in your resin projects. A bit of patience is quite beneficial in getting that perfect resin mix!

Using Dirty or Wet Tools

One common mistake when working with resin is using dirty or wet tools. Some people may think that a little moisture or foreign particles won't make much of a difference, but it can have a big impact on the resin's curing process and the final clarity of your project. 

To avoid this, it's important to ensure that your mixing containers, measuring cups, and stirring sticks are clean and dry before you start working with resin.

Ignoring Environmental Factors

Another mistake is to overlook the environmental factors when working with resin. For example, ambient cure epoxies like CCR and CLR are highly sensitive to humidity and temperature. Therefore, you should not use these epoxy resins for hot-coating and laminating in cold temperatures or high-humidity conditions.

Working with epoxy in a humid environment can lead to inconsistent resin products, as moisture can enter the mixture. When applying epoxy, make sure the epoxy and the surrounding environment are as dry as possible. Ideally, the humidity level should be lower than 85%.

Besides, cold temperatures can cause the resin to thicken and develop tiny air bubbles, making it difficult to achieve a smooth finish. To avoid this, you should take precautions during the cold winter months, such as using a space heater or working in a warmer area. 

On the other hand, hot or warm temperatures can cause your resin to cure too quickly, leading to uneven finishes or even yellow, cracked, or distorted. Overall, the ideal working temperature to work with resin is between 75 - 85 °F or 24 - 30 °C. This temperature range ensures optimal results for your project.

Impatience

You have just finished the steps about how to mix resin and hardener and can't wait to see the final result. But hold on a moment! Rushing the curing process by applying heat or removing your project from the mold too soon can lead to a whole range of issues.

Deformation and warping are just a couple of the difficulties you may face. Therefore, you should take the time to let your project cure properly so that it may maintain its shape and integrity.

Using Glass Tools

Using glass tools such as a resin mold or mixing container is a big mistake when you work with resin, because epoxy resin has a strong bond with the glass and can make it difficult to remove the resin from the glass mold once it has cured. 

In this case, you could use plastic containers and plastic stirring sticks which won't react with the resin instead. Consequently, you'll be able to effortlessly mix and mold resin without the worry of it sticking to your tools or containers.

Conclusion

So there you have it, the simple yet crucial steps about how to mix resin and hardener properly. By following these guidelines and avoiding common mistakes, you'll be well on your way to creating beautiful and durable resin projects. With a little perseverance and commitment, you'll quickly be a resin mixing pro!

FAQs

Do you mix resin and hardener together?

The mixing of epoxy resin and hardener is a vital step in every resin project to activate the curing process.

How much resin and hardener do I mix?

If you don't have pumps, you'll often need to weigh or measure the resins and hardeners to get the correct ratio of two-part resin to one-part hardener.

How long to mix epoxy resin and hardener?

You should thoroughly mix the hardener and resin for 3 to 5 minutes using a mixing stick. In case the quantity is larger, the mixing time should be extended accordingly.

Do you mix resin or hardener first?

When mixing resin and hardener, the general rule is to mix the resin first and then add the hardener. This is because the resin is typically less viscous and easier to mix on its own.

What happens if you mix resin wrong?

Some problems involving incomplete chemical reactions, poor adhesion, and unpredictable qualities can occur if you mix resin wrong.

What happens if you mix more hardener than resin?

If you mix more hardener than resin, you may end up with a very sticky and uneven mixture. Excess hardener might cause the resin to cure too rapidly, leading to a brittle and weak final product.