When working with a fluid substance like epoxy resin, issues can occur along the way. Having issues and learning from them is all part of the creative process, and can sometimes be really rewarding figuring out what's happened and rectifying it.
Lines or streaks in a resin project are fairly regular issues that we hear about at Craft Resin, but they can also be very easy to fix so that future projects don't have the same issues.
Let's go through some of the main reasons lines and streaks appear below, and then we'll talk about how you can fix them if they do occur:
1 - You haven't used the resin mix quickly enough.
2 - The surface you poured the resin mix onto isn't flat/even.
3 - You've moved your work during the curing phase.
4 - You haven't mixed your resin and hardener for long enough.
5 - You've layered incorrectly.
How to fix or avoid these issues happening again:
1 - Lines or streaks in your work can usually happen when you haven't used the resin mix quick enough, and then when you have applied it it doesn't properly self level. To avoid this make sure you apply the epoxy resin within the pot life time which is normally about 40-50 minutes. If you try to spread it after this time it can leave textural lines in it.
2 - Ensure that the surface you are pouring the epoxy resin onto is completely flat, any bumps or lines below the artwork/mold will show in your finished work. You can use a simple tool like a spirit level to check that the surface below is completely flat, and not leaning to a certain side too.
3 - Avoid moving your work during the curing phase, try to pour the resin mix in the area that you will then be leaving it to cure to avoid any lines or uneven layers appearing if you move your project.
With the above three issues you might be able to remove or even out the lines because they usually occur on the surface of your projects if they do. To do this you'll simply need your resin project to fully cure, and then sand the project down getting into all the grooves, and then apply another layer of resin mix on top which will self level and fill in the groves the lines have left.
Make sure you remove all the sanded debris and your project is dry again before applying the next level of resin, or different issues will occur.
4 - When you mix the resin and hardener together you will see streaks appearing in your resin mix, if you haven't added any colour and if your mixing container is clear. You need to make sure that you mix your resin and hardener for at least 3 minutes, but longer still if the streaks are still visible.
Mix until the streaks are completely gone, which can vary time wise depending on how much resin and hardener you are mixing together. It may help to mix the two without colour till these streaks are gone and then add any colourant towards the end if using colours.
It may also help to warm your resin and hardener in there bottles before mixing together because the lines can take longer to disappear if the resin/hardener is too cold, being too cold can also make it look cloudy and makes it harder to mix.
To do this leave the bottles to warm for 10-15 minutes in a sink full of warm water. Make sure the bottles are kept done up and that the water doesn’t go past the level of the Craft Resin label. Wipe the bottles dry before then opening and using them. If any water gets into the bottles other issues will occur.
5 - If you have layered incorrectly then you won't be able to remove these lines as they have been cast into the epoxy resin project. The only thing you can do in that instance is to learn how to correctly layer so that it doesn't happen again in future projects.
There are two ways in which you can add layers:
1 - Wait between 3-5 hours and pour another layer straight over the top of your first. Remove any bubbles from this new layer as you did your first, then cover to protect it and leave it to cure. The resin will be uncured enough at this point for the second layer to bond with the first.
Or...
2 - Wait till your first layer has fully cured, then sand your project down with a sandpaper of between 80-120 grit, wipe off any sanding residue, if you have used a damp cloth make sure your work is fully dried, then add another layer to your project.
Your project will look scuffed and a bit messy if you choose the sanding option, but don't worry the marks will disappear once you pour your resin mix over the top.
You can repeat these steps as many times as you would like to achieve your desired look. However please do increase your curing times with the more layers you add.
As we mentioned at the start, using epoxy resin is a learning process and issues can occur. Most issues can be fixed or creatively covered over, so don't panic if issues do occur.
If you have an issue with your project and you are unsure what can be done about it please contact us through the contact form and our team will be happy to help. You might be out there creating by yourself, but we have lots of support on hand should you need it so you're never fully alone!
We also have an incredible community of resin artists in our Facebook Community Group. Within the group educational information is shared weekly and members work together to help resolve any issues that may occur sharing their personal advice with such matters. If you'd like to join the community group and have this extra support on hand, click the link below:
Craft Resin Facebook Community Group
Keep learning, creating and growing in the resin world, you'll be blown away by your artwork if you just keep going!
Topic Of The Week Giveaway:
We have attached a giveaway to these Topic Of The Week announcements on our Instagram platform, this is helping us to spread the knowledge of how to use epoxy resin further, but also enabling anyone who helps us share this information to win free resin and mica powders.
To enter the weekly giveaway please see the latest post pinned to the top of our Instagram feed and follow the instructions to enter:
Team Craft Resin
