Epoxy resin processing polishing. How to work with jewelry resin: grinding and polishing. Decoration is all that epoxy resin can do
How to achieve shine in epoxy resin products? How and with what to polish epoxy resin products?
Let me make a reservation right away that in this article, we'll talk only about products made from brand resins.
It is possible that completely different solutions will be valid for other resins;)
So!
Suddenly an unpleasant situation arose, the mold was old, beloved, and you, even knowing that you risked getting a product with flaws, still used it.
The result is that the product is not perfect(
Throw it away?
No, because so much work and soul was invested in this little miracle!
Correct?
Yes!) Of course, fix it)
Let's look at the situation using the example of such a cabochon
I did what I always do in such situations)
Construction sharp knife I cut off all the excess (burst), and then removed all significant flaws with round cloth-based sandpaper from MIRKA P320. I use exactly this kind of sandpaper because it doesn’t leave deep scratches, suitable for manual labor) and it can be rinsed without harming the skin itself. And also - she is very tenacious)
Our product has become matte, but already quite smooth.
Now let's get back to transparency) Let's polish!
We take paper for 1000
Carefully polish our cabochon with some water. I do this for about 5 minutes... And move on to the next sheet, with grit P1200
Well, the last thing)
This is exactly what everyone likes to ask each other about and what they like to keep secret)))
Polishing epoxy resin with polishing paste!!!
Tadams!
Car polishing paste by weight 5041 3M
Before this, we tried polishing with GOI paste. It’s terrible, the product is dirty, the whole thing is dirty, and the effect is almost zero(
Then we tried carnauba wax. I was left with a double feeling... It seems to be polishing, but it’s so difficult, it takes so long. Definitely not my option.
We purchased some other polishing compounds, but they were not at all up to par, and they didn’t even leave their names in my memory)
Mirka polishing pastes also performed very well for bringing the surface to a uniform matte finish and removing small marks and as a finishing polishing paste
I hope this article was useful and illustrative.
PS: with large products everything is the same;) We just work with a grinding machine.
ATTENTION!
In our workshop you can order a polishing service for an epoxy resin product or a training workshop on polishing. To do this you need to contact us via
We wish you success and creative inspiration!
Team Composite and K
Finally you filled last layer epoxy glaze on your pendant and wait impatiently for it to harden. And this is the moment when you can take the pendant in your hands and admire... But what is it on the other side?
Unfortunately, situations often occur when the epoxy manages to drain, forming “growths” on the back side. Disappointment has probably befallen many... But it doesn’t matter, everything can be fixed!
The issue of grinding also sometimes arises when using molds. For example, when using molds for bracelets and rings, when cured, the epoxy seems to shrink, resulting in the formation of a groove on the pouring side.
Sanding can be avoided only when pouring into ready-made bases.
Below I will look at some grinding methods that I use myself. I will try to note the pros and cons of each.
By the way, when pouring medallions, if reverse side If you stick adhesive tape, then there will be no problems with epoxy that has “run away” and hardened in the wrong place, since all the resulting smudges can be easily removed along with the adhesive tape. But, if for some reason you did not use tape, then do not rush to throw away the damaged product, try sanding it and refilling it.
So, how can you polish the product...
1. The simplest and in an accessible way sanding is the use of sandpaper with different sizes grains You should start with the roughest one and gradually move to the less abrasive one.
But in my opinion, for these purposes it is more convenient to use ordinary manicure files. They are more comfortable to hold in your hand and the product is ground more evenly. This method is especially convenient for processing products with a flat side or lens, since it is the uniform grinding of the damaged layer that is important.
The disadvantages of this method are that a lot of dust is generated during grinding. Firstly, you must always work in a respirator or mask so as not to inhale small particles. Secondly, you need to be prepared for the fact that workspace everything around you will be covered in dust. Another disadvantage of this method is that sanding this way takes quite a lot of time.
By the way, I noticed that if after sanding you plan to fill the product with a new layer of epoxy (rather than varnish it), then it is not necessary to sand the product with several files (or sandpaper) of different abrasiveness. It is enough to process it with one (I process it with the coarsest nail file that I have, 80/80), since when pouring a new layer of epoxy, no traces of scratches will be visible. It was as if they never existed. The same cannot be said about varnishes - at least I haven’t found any. If the product is to be varnished, it is better to sand more thoroughly, gradually moving from coarser to finer grains. But, to be honest, I myself prefer to simply fill it with a new layer of epoxy if the shape of the product allows it...
2. My husband once gave me an amateur manicure cutter. I have never used it for its intended purpose, but for grinding it suited me perfectly. This speeds up the sanding process a little, but does not solve the problem with dust... And yes, if you decide to use your router for both epoxy and manicure, then, obviously, you should get separate attachments for these purposes.
3. Another useful device for this is a Dremel. It comes with many different attachments (including attachments of different abrasiveness) of different shapes, which is very convenient as it allows you to process products various shapes. There are various drills available for sale for Dremel, which are very convenient for drilling holes in pendants.
On the plus side, it significantly reduces processing time.
There are cheaper Dremel analogues on sale. These are engraving machines made in China. I successfully use exactly this one - it was taken away from my husband for permanent use :-)
Among the disadvantages I can name is that (at least for my model) even at minimum speed, the speed of revolutions is high enough to process such soft materials like epoxy resin (compared to my router, for example) and when processing products small size, it happened to me that either the machine itself slipped over the product and scratched it where I didn’t want it at all, or the high speed of revolutions caused the product to jump out of my hands - which is also not very desirable. Therefore, for very small products that are difficult to hold in your hand, it is better to use a machine with lower speeds or just nail files.
Another drawback is that using such engraving machine It is difficult to control uniform grinding. In any case, I often develop either depressions or bulges. I use this machine when I need to process edges, for example, or trim small area. Those products where the surface is flat and it is important that it be uniform, I prefer to file with saws or using the method below.
4. I saw this method in this video tutorial http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51kSn5Xqfw8 It should be noted that it is very convenient and (surprisingly!) quick way grinding.
Video lesson in English. For those who don’t know the language, the point is that you will need pieces of waterproof sandpaper of varying abrasiveness.
The advantages of this method are that: it completely solves the dust problem; allows you to sand the product absolutely evenly; The product sands very quickly. Very good for polishing bracelets and rings. The only negative is that it is not convenient to sand small items in this way - they tend to slip out of your hands.
Even the most experienced craftsman in making jewelry epoxy resin products may still have smudges, protruding edges, and unevenness on the surface. Grinding and polishing can get rid of such defects and give products a noble appearance.
You can remove irregularities manually or mechanically. In the first case, a nail file and fine-grained sanding paper will do. This is how pendants and small jewelry are processed. Larger objects are sanded with coarse-grain sandpaper. A Dremel, a tool with different rotating attachments, allows you to mechanize the process. It is optimal for eliminating large defects. Experienced craftsmen They use the additional functionality of the tool - they make holes in jewelry.
The next step in making it smooth and transparent is polishing. Can be used:
- GOI paste. Apply a little product to a soft cloth and rub until a shine appears on the surface of the product;
- polishing pastes for plastic automotive parts. For processing, you need to use a foam rubber circle; it does not have to be branded. Recommended rotation speed – 1000 rpm;
- means for polishing car headlights;
- water-based parquet varnish.
Processing is enough high quality can be done without special tools using a manicure set. Use a file to file away surface irregularities. Then sanding is carried out with fine-grained sandpaper. It is convenient to do this with water to reduce the amount of dust. Final stage work - rubbing in the selected polishing agent with a cotton pad.
The effect of absolute smoothness of the surface is achieved by using gel polish, which after application is dried with a special lamp.
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Epoxy resin is a type of synthetic resin that is widely used in both household, and on industrial production. This material is so popular due to its universal consumer properties.
Epoxy resin - what is it?
Epoxy resin is an oligomeric compound that is not used in its pure form. Its miraculous characteristics become noticeable only after polymerization as a result of contact with the hardener.
If you use different ratios of substances, you can get a lot of materials that are not at all similar to each other.
Epoxy is distinguished by its strength and is not afraid of any acids, alkalis or halogens. This substance is no different unpleasant smell and has insignificant shrinkage.
What is a hardener?
Epoxy countertop
Epoxy contains 2 ingredients that polymerize when in contact with each other. It is this polymerizing substance that is called the hardener.
The proportional ratio of resin and hardener has many variations, and their polymerization reaction is irreversible (after contact, the resin can no longer be dissolved or melted).
What affects the rate of hardening?
If too much or too little hardener is added to the epoxy solution, this will have a bad effect on the texture of the material. Such negligence can lead to a decrease in strength, resistance to high temperatures, moisture, etc.
If there is a deficiency of the component, the mixture will have a sticky consistency, and if there is an excess, the hardener will be released on top of the polymer. When working with a substance, the proportion most often observed is 1:2 or 1:1.
There is a misconception that if you take much more hardener, the mixture will harden faster, but this is absolutely not the case. To speed up the process, it is enough to increase the temperature of the reacting mass. If temperature indicators rise by 10 0 C, the process will go 2, or even 3 times faster.
Now on construction market you can even find ready mixture, which already contains the necessary accelerators for the curing process. There are also compositions that are designed specifically for curing at low temperatures.
As you can see, the main factors that influence the rate of hardening of the material are the temperature and composition of the hardener itself.
Advantages and types of epoxy resin
This material has more than enough advantages:
- high level of strength;
- very small percentage of shrinkage;
- low level of moisture permeability in a frozen state;
- difficult to wear;
- has the best physical and mechanical characteristics.
The temperature range at which the resin begins to harden has a very wide range: from -10 0 C to 200 0 C. Temperature and time frames are shown in more detail in the table.
There are 2 types of resinous masses: cold and hot curing. Cold type We mostly use it in everyday life and in conditions where it is not possible to work with highly heat-treated material. The hot type is used in the manufacture of products that can withstand high thermal loads. There are also mixtures that easily harden in close contact with water, even sea water.
Where is the material used and how is it applied?
Countertop using epoxy
The first use of the substance was recorded in the last century, but today there is no limit to its use, and the material is used:
- for gluing glass fabrics (used in electrical engineering, the automotive and aviation industries, and shipbuilding);
- for waterproofing purposes;
- for coating chemically resistant coatings (to increase the level of durability of building finishes);
- in construction for the manufacture of fiberglass products;
- in design projects;
- in the household, etc.
Preparatory work
For correct application epoxy on the surface there are certain instructions and a number of rules:
Stage 1 – surface disinfection;
Stage 2 – polishing the glossy coating;
Stage 3 – coating (each new layer must be applied to a slightly sticky surface that has not yet hardened).
Epoxy paste preparation technology
For filling with epoxy resin
Before purchasing materials, it is better to consult with the seller what kind of work the mixture is intended for.
The technology for preparing a large amount of pasta is different from preparing a few grams. Before combining the components, the substance must be heated, which will reduce its viscosity.
Do not allow the resinous mass to overheat! Boiling it causes the mixture to acquire a white, cloudy color, and such a substance cannot be used for work.
The same can happen as a result of water getting into the finished solution.
Mixing of all components occurs only after a plasticizer is added to the solution, and so that all the ingredients are well combined with each other, you can use a construction mixer.
In order for the resinous mixture to come out of high quality, the hardener must be poured in a thin stream and mixed well all the time to avoid uneven curing.
How long does resin “live”?
Table cover coated with epoxy resin
“Life” is a relative concept. This is the name for the time period during which the mass is in a liquid viscous consistency and is suitable for use.
The duration of this interval is influenced not only by the type of material used, but also by the amount of hardener added, as well as the temperature at which the solution is mixed.
If you follow the instructions and mixing technology, the finished mass can be used for 30-60 minutes.
How to change color?
You can make epoxy in a specific color at home with your own hands. But, do not forget that adding a coloring pigment will reduce its transparency, and sometimes can even darken it.
Combinations of epoxy and polyester are often used. Remember that before applying epoxy, polyester resin must be in a well-frozen form, this is the only way they can contact each other. If the combination of epoxy and polyester paste is done in the reverse order, then in order for the layer to be better fixed, it must be cleaned with your own hands using sandpaper or use a solvent.
Precautions
If the mixture is liquid or viscous, it can be dangerous to humans, and some mixtures can cause dermatitis. It is especially dangerous when the mass is very hot, because this leads to frequent burns and damage to the respiratory tract.
When working with this substance, you must follow the following safety rules:
- You can work with the material only in special clothing and gloves;
- When sanding the surface, you must wear a respirator and safety glasses;
- if the mixture needs to be stored, select a container with a tight-fitting lid;
- If a drop of the prepared paste gets on your skin, wash it off immediately running water with soap, or use denatured alcohol;
- Only work in a well-ventilated area.
As you can see, it’s not for nothing that epoxy occupies a leading position among finishing materials. This substance is distinguished by its strength, long service life and resistance to damage and wear.
