Top 5 mistakes beginners make with epoxy resin – and how to avoid them
If you're new to epoxy resin, you're not alone!
This versatile material offers countless creative possibilities—from jewelry to artwork to home accessories . However, beginners, in particular, quickly encounter typical problems: bubbles in the resin, sticky surfaces, or unexpected results.
The good news: With the right knowledge, these mistakes can easily be avoided.
In this article, you'll learn about the 5 most common mistakes when working with epoxy resin and get practical tips on how to avoid them step by step. This will save you time, money, and stress —allowing you to focus entirely on the joy of pouring, designing, and creating.
By the end, you'll be more confident working with epoxy resin and ready to create your own projects without the typical beginner problems.
1. Not measuring resin and hardener accurately
One of the most common beginner mistakes is estimating rather than measuring resin and hardener precisely. Epoxy resin is a two-component system — only the correct mixing ratio guarantees complete curing and a resilient, non-sticky surface.
What happens if you choose the wrong ratio?
If there is too much or too little hardener, the surface remains sticky or soft, the resin does not cure completely and the mechanical properties deteriorate.
How to avoid this mistake:
-
Always measure by weight (Art & Craft by volume). Use a digital precision scale with TARE function.
-
Weigh in clean, separate mixing cups: first resin, set TARE, then add hardener.
-
Product-specific mixing ratios (Crystal Clear Resin):
-
Super Gloss, Deep Casting, Artwork & Topcoat, Floor Coating Primer: 2 : 1 (2 parts resin : 1 part hardener) — by weight.
-
Casting, Deep Pour, Floor Coating Roll Coating: 3 : 1 (3 parts resin : 1 part hardener) — by weight.
-
Ocean Wave: 1 : 1 (1 part resin : 1 part hardener) — by weight.
-
Art & Craft, Fluid Art: 1 : 1 (1 part resin : 1 part hardener) — by volume.
-
-
Check the measurement results twice and only then mix. Small deviations can have a big impact.
-
After measuring, stir thoroughly, but slowly and evenly — also stirring the bottom and edges of the cup.
Always weigh accurately – never by eye!
Even small deviations in the mixing ratio of resin and hardener can cause the epoxy resin to not cure properly or remain sticky. Therefore, take your time, double-check your measurements and mix the components carefully to achieve the best result.
Tip: Use a digital scale with a TARE function for precise weighing – this will minimise errors and ensure perfect results.
2. Mixing too fast or insufficiently
Another common beginner's mistake when working with epoxy resin is mixing the resin and hardener incorrectly. Two things happen particularly often here: stirring too quickly or mixing too briefly.
What goes wrong:
Stirring too quickly: Many small air bubbles are created, which remain trapped in the resin and later cloud the finished project.
Inadequate mixing: The hardener and resin do not bond completely. This results in sticky patches or areas that never cure properly.
How to avoid this mistake:
Stir slowly and evenly – ideally for 3–5 minutes.
Make sure to thoroughly scrape the sides and bottom of the mixing bowl.
The mixture should be homogeneous and streak-free before you use it.
If you're unsure, try double-cup mixing . Pour the prepared mixture into a second, clean cup and stir again. This ensures that no unmixed residue remains in the container.
Pro tip: It's best to use a wooden or silicone spatula for stirring. Tools that are too small won't mix the material evenly enough.
3. Pouring resin in layers that are too thick
Many beginners want to complete their projects as quickly as possible
and therefore pour a thick, deep layer of epoxy resin. This sounds practical, but it is one of the biggest mistakes in processing.
What goes wrong:
-
Overheating: As epoxy resin generates heat during curing, applying too thick a layer can lead to excessive heat build-up.
-
Deformations & cracks: Overheated resin can warp, crack or damage the mould.
-
Yellowing: Heat can cause the resin to develop an unsightly yellow tinge that is permanent.
How to avoid this mistake:
-
Work in layers: It is better to pour several thin layers than a single thick layer. For normal applications with casting resin, a maximum layer thickness of up to 2 cm is recommended.
-
Allow intermediate layers to harden: Each layer should harden completely before the next casting to prevent overheating and tension in the material.
-
Note the casting depth: Different epoxy resins are optimised for different casting depths, for example:
-
Casting Resin → up to 2 cm per layer
-
Deep Casting Resin → up to 5 cm per layer
-
Deep Pour Resin → up to 12 cm in a single casting
By choosing the right type of resin and adhering to the recommended layer thicknesses, you can ensure that your project will cure clearly, stably and without yellowing.
Conclusion:
If you follow these guidelines, your epoxy resin will remain clear, bubble-free and stable, without heat damage or discolouration.
Pro tip: Work in a well-ventilated room and monitor the temperature. Use an infrared thermometer (also available in our shop) to keep an eye on the curing temperature.
4. Working in the wrong environment
The ambient conditions have a huge impact on the outcome of your epoxy resin project. Many beginners underestimate the importance of temperature, humidity, and cleanliness when working.
What goes wrong:
Room too cold: Curing slows down considerably, and the resin remains soft or sticky for a long time.
High humidity: Cloudy spots or permanently sticky surfaces may occur.
Dust & pet hair: Tiny particles settle on the resin during curing and ruin the finish.
How to avoid this mistake:
Clean work environment: Work in a dust-free room without drafts. Carefully cover your project with a covering (e.g., a cardboard box) while it cures.
Optimal temperature: Keep room temperature at 22–25 °C.
Keep humidity low: Ideally, humidity should be below 60%.
Help in cold weather: If the room is too cold, you can warm it up with a fan heater or infrared heater before watering.
A small thermo-hygrometer helps you keep a close eye on temperature and humidity – a useful tool for any resin workshop.
5. Do not seal porous surfaces before pouring
One of the most overlooked mistakes in epoxy resin projects is skipping the sealant coat , especially on materials like wood, MDF, or other porous surfaces.
What goes wrong:
Blistering: Open pores release air into the resin during curing – unsightly bubbles form.
Uneven absorption: Porous materials absorb resin unevenly, resulting in patchy areas or a dull finish .
Loss of clarity: Instead of a crystal-clear surface, the final product appears cloudy and restless.
How to avoid this mistake:
Always pre-treat porous surfaces with a thin layer of sealant .
This closes the pores, blocks trapped air and prevents bubbles from forming.
Use a Crystal Clear Casting epoxy resin – ideal because of its low viscosity, clear appearance and strong adhesion to wood etc.
Especially for projects using deep casting or deep pour epoxy resin (e.g., river tables), sealing beforehand is crucial. It ensures a perfectly smooth, bubble-free surface and takes the crystal clarity of your project to a new level.
Conclusion: Avoid beginner mistakes with epoxy resin
Everyone makes mistakes when trying something new—and epoxy resin is no exception. The good news: With a little preparation and knowledge, most problems can be easily avoided.
Here are the most important points at a glance:
Always measure resin and hardener precisely.
Mix slowly and thoroughly .
Pour in thin layers to avoid overheating.
Maintain a clean, stable environment .
Seal porous surfaces beforehand.
This way, you can avoid many common beginner mistakes when working with epoxy resin – and you're guaranteed clear, stable, and glossy results. Whether you're making jewelry, river tables, coasters, or works of art : the key to success is patience, precision, and practice.
In our epoxy resin shop, you'll find everything you need—from casting epoxy resin for thin layers, to deep casting epoxy resin and deep pour epoxy resin for larger casting projects, as well as practical accessories for perfect results.
Have fun resin crafting—and may your next project be smooth, shiny, and flawless!
Feel free to share your creations with us on social media and tag us – we look forward to your ideas!