Among the many factors to consider when working with epoxy resin is your workspace’s temperature during the curing process. Because resin does not harden in temperatures too hot or too cold, it’s essential that you keep your workspace at an ideal temperature throughout the application process. Additionally, it’s important to understand what temperature resin cures at before you begin working on your project.
In general, the ideal temperature for resins to cure properly is 75 to 85°F or 24 to 30°C. This is slightly warmer than room temperature. The actual resin will heat up higher than this, commonly reaching 120°F during exotherm, and in unfortunate scenarios of too much heat, 400°F or more.
In addition to keeping your workspace between 75 and 85°F, it’s important to only use resin at room temperature. Because cold resin can be thick and difficult to work with, it is best to use a resin that has had time to warm up. If you’re still curious how temperature affects epoxy resin, continue reading to discover the importance of maintaining a safe temperature throughout the curing process.
What is the Ideal Temperature for Curing Resin?
Temperature is everything when it comes to curing epoxy resin. When temperatures drop too low, the resin will take much longer to harden. However, when temperatures rise above 85°F, the project is at risk of curing too quickly. To ensure your project cures at a steady pace, it’s crucial to maintain a safe temperature in your workspace during the mixing and curing process.
Ideally, the temperature for curing resin should be between 75 to 85°F (24 to 30°C). Additionally, it’s best to keep a humidity level of 50% to 80%. To encourage a proper curing time, be sure your workspace maintains a steady temperature for the first 24 hours your project cures.
The first 24 hours of a resin cure is extremely critical for your project. Without a stable room temperature, the entire project is at risk of not curing properly. To ensure there are no dips in temperature, avoid moving your project to different locations. Not only can it slow down the curing process, but it can cover your piece with imperfections.
Temperature swings often occur when resin projects are placed near windows. Although the sun may help the resin dry during the day, the low temperatures at night can affect the resin’s ability to cure. As a result, the resin may crack, bubble, or never fully cure.
Another factor to be aware of is the resin’s temperature. Before working with epoxy resin, be sure to place the resin at room temperature. Because cold resin can develop microbubbles under the project’s surface, it’s important to properly warm the resin before applying it. If the resin is still too cold to work with, you may need to place the resin bottles in warm water for 15 minutes.
Will Epoxy Resin Cure in Cold Temperatures?
While it is possible for epoxy resins to cure in cold temperatures, it is best to maintain a workspace temperature of 75 to 85°F. You should keep the temperature no lower than 72°F, as colder temperatures can slow down the curing process. When this happens, the resin will remain sticky for several days. In some cases, the resin may not cure at all, particularly if the room experiences dips in temperature. For this reason, it is best to only work with resins at room temperature.
When working with resins during the winter, consider using a space heater to heat up your workspace. Be sure to use room temperature resin, as colder resin may cause bubbles to form on your projects. After applying the epoxy, continue to maintain a consistent temperature in your workspace for the first 24 hours.
Will Epoxy Resin Cure in Hot Temperatures?
Applying epoxy resins in temperatures higher than 90°F can cause major issues during the curing process. Because the resin will cure much faster in hot weather, the surface may crack or develop bubbles. To prevent this from occurring, it is best to apply the resin in temperatures no higher than 90°F. The ideal temperature for epoxy resin is between 75 to 85°F.
When trying to maintain an appropriate temperature range, it’s important to always follow the product’s application instructions. Because every brand and type of resin is different, some resins cure best at specific temperatures. Furthermore, many epoxy products require a certain curing time in order to harden properly.
What is the Best Temperature for Epoxy Resin Storage?
Oftentimes, the temperature you store your epoxy resin at will affect the resin’s ability to properly mix and cure. To ensure your resin remains safe for application, it’s important to maintain an ideal storage temperature. Maintaining a consistent environmental temperature will make the application much smoother, which results in an appropriate curing time.
For best results, it is recommended to store epoxy resin products in a dark room with a temperature of 70° F. Avoid placing the resin in a location that experiences significant temperature swings. Moreover, never store resins in temperatures too cold. If the resin becomes too cold, it may crystalize or develop a milky appearance.
Before using your epoxy resin, be sure to warm it up by either placing it in warm water or setting it at room temperature. To warm the resin with a water bath, carefully set the bottles in a container of warm water for approximately 15 minutes. Keep the lids on the bottles, as water can cause a cloudy cure if it should mix in with the resin. Avoid using water too hot, and only heat the resin bottles if they are too cold to work with.
While applying epoxy resin may seem daunting to some, few issues should occur if the resin cures properly. By creating a warm temperature in your workspace, you can promote an appropriate curing time for your epoxy projects. As a result, you can ensure your resin pieces will remain durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing for years to come.
