Curing epoxy resin is a unique process that combines epoxy resin with a hardener. Once the two elements are mixed together, a chemical reaction occurs, causing the liquid ingredients to transform into solid material. After applying epoxy resin to your projects, you may wonder how long cured epoxy resin lasts. If this question has come to mind, you have come to the right place to find the answer.
Generally, if the project was properly cured, epoxy resin will last for several years. Once epoxy resin transforms from liquid ingredients to solid material, it will remain solid for years to come. Certain projects, such as epoxy resin on wood, can last for up to 20 years when cured properly.
With this being said, there are many factors to consider when determining how long cured epoxy resin lasts. Today, we’ll take a closer look at the average lifespan of cured epoxy resin when used on projects. Additionally, we’ll cover everything you need to know about maintaining cured epoxy resin and how long unopened epoxy resin lasts.
How Long Will Cured Epoxy Resin Last?
Because epoxy resin has such a beautiful and attractive appearance, it is often used for countertops, jewelry, artwork, flooring, and other projects. If you’re considering using epoxy resin for your next project, you may wonder how long cured epoxy resin typically lasts.
Although there are many factors to consider, cured epoxy resin generally lasts for several years. In many cases, the epoxy resin may last as long as 20+ years, such as when used on wood. Of course, proper maintenance is essential for extending the life of the cured epoxy resin.
Oftentimes, the quality of the epoxy resin determines how long it will last once applied to wood or other materials. Inferior epoxy resin products are more likely to have a shorter lifespan than high-quality brands. Additionally, using a low-quality epoxy resin can result in major issues such as bubbling. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to only buy high-quality epoxy resin from reputable companies.
Another factor to consider is the temperature when applying the epoxy resin. In order for the epoxy resin to cure, the temperature should generally be between 75 to 100°F. However, every brand is different and may require different temperatures during application. Always read the epoxy resin’s instructions before attempting to use it on any project.
In addition to monitoring the epoxy resin’s temperature, it’s important to understand how much heat the epoxy resin can tolerate. Even after curing, many epoxy resin products cannot handle extreme heat. For this reason, it’s important to keep cured epoxy resin away from direct sunlight and high temperatures.
Finally, when curing epoxy resin, make sure you correctly measure both the epoxy resin and the hardener. Incorrect chemical chemistry can result in a number of issues, including a short epoxy resin lifespan.
How to Care for Epoxy Resin Projects
An epoxy resin’s lifespan greatly depends on the maintenance it receives. Maintaining cured epoxy resin will extend the resin’s lifespan while preventing certain issues from occurring. Additionally, caring for epoxy resin will keep your projects appearing new and shiny, even after several years of use.
There are several key factors to consider when maintaining cured epoxy resin. The environment, temperature, and cleaning routine of epoxy resin all have an impact on the project’s lifespan. Whether you’re using wood, metal, ceramic, or concrete, understanding how to care for epoxy resin is important for keeping your projects in top condition. Here, we’ll take a closer look at how to care for epoxy resin and ways to extend its lifespan.
Create a Regular Cleaning Routine
Cleaning cured epoxy resin is essential for extending the lifespan of your projects. Without regular cleaning, epoxy resin will lose its shiny appearance and may become worn out as a result. When cleaning your epoxy resin projects, it’s important to use gentle cleansers and a warm, damp rag. Never use harsh chemicals on cured epoxy resin.
To clean the item, gently wipe down the entire surface of the cured epoxy resin. Avoid scrubbing or scraping the epoxy resin, as this can make the surface appear dull. For stained areas, spray a gentle cleaner and allow it to sit for several minutes. The heat and moisture will help the stain wash off easier with a rag.
In addition to washing your epoxy resin projects, regular dusting helps extend the cured epoxy resin’s lifespan. Similar to dusting a shelf, brushing your epoxy resin projects will improve the resin’s appearance. You may also use a glass cleaner to bring back the shine to your epoxy resin items.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
After placing epoxy resin projects in sunlight, you may notice a yellow appearance on the surface. Also known as polymer degradation, yellowing occurs when the epoxy resin is exposed to UV light. While you may not mind the slightly yellow appearance, sunlight can do much greater harm than this small discoloration. In fact, direct sunlight can cause the epoxy resin to lose its strength over time. As a result, your epoxy resin projects may have a shorter lifespan.
To prevent UV damage from occurring on your epoxy resin items, avoid placing your projects in direct sunlight. Even strong indirect sunlight can lead to discoloration and damage. Always be mindful when choosing a spot for your epoxy resin projects. When possible, place them in an area that sunlight cannot reach them.
What Is the Shelf Life of Epoxy Resin?
Before you use epoxy resin on your projects, it’s important to understand an epoxy resin’s shelf life. Using epoxy resin beyond its expiration date may affect the epoxy resin’s durability after applying to materials such as wood.
Generally, epoxy resin will last up to 2 years when tightly sealed and kept at room temperature. Avoid putting epoxy resin in direct sunlight or hot temperatures. After opening the epoxy resin, be sure to use it within one year of opening it.
When exposed to high heat and direct sunlight, epoxy resin will become brittle and difficult to work with. Thus, it is important to keep the epoxy resin in cool temperatures away from UV light. When stored correctly, epoxy resin can last 2 years or longer, depending on the brand and quality of the resin.
Compared to other types of resins, epoxy resin has a fairly long shelf lifespan. Of course, epoxy resin will dry out over time, which is why you should use it as soon as possible after opening the container. After opening, epoxy resin typically lasts one year.
Understanding an epoxy resin’s shelf life is important when applying resin to your projects. When the proper products are used, you can rest assured your projects will last for many years to come.