Is your epoxy resin white, flaky and no longer usable?
Note these crystallization instructions!
Crystallization of epoxy resin – causes and typical signs
First, the good news: The crystallization of epoxy resin is completely reversible and leaves no residue. Similar to water that freezes and thaws, epoxy resin only changes its behavior in cold or extreme temperature fluctuations – its quality remains intact.
How do I recognize crystallized epoxy resin?
Typical signs of incipient crystallization are:
slight clouding of the resin
suspended particles in the container
Crystal deposits on the floor or walls
in the advanced stage, complete consolidation
Since the resulting crystals have a higher density, they sink to the bottom and form milky-white accumulations that can spread throughout the container over time.
Does crystallization occur with every epoxy resin?
The answer is: partly yes, partly no.
Resins with high purity and low viscosity are particularly susceptible to crystal formation – especially at low temperatures or sudden temperature changes.
In other cases, there is only a slight clouding without the entire resin crystallizing completely.
What to do if epoxy resin crystallizes?
After opening the A component (resin), its condition should always be checked. Especially in the fall and winter months, low temperatures during transport can cause the epoxy resin to crystallize.
Instructions: Heat resin correctly
If crystallization is detected, we recommend placing the closed container of component A in a water bath :
Start with a water temperature of max. 60 °C .
If the crystallization does not dissolve after about 1 hour, the temperature can be increased gradually – but not more than 100 °C.
To speed up the process, you should turn the resin lump regularly and stir it well.
Depending on the amount of epoxy resin, this process may take some time.
Important NOTE
Once all the crystals have disappeared, the epoxy resin must cool to room temperature before it can be used as usual.
Professional tip for resin processing
For accurate temperature measurement, we recommend an infrared thermometer.
This allows you to keep a perfect eye on the temperature at all times and avoid processing errors.
How can crystallization of epoxy resin be avoided?
To prevent your epoxy resin from crystallizing, it should always be stored at optimal room temperature (15°C – 20°C) . This ensures that the A component (resin) remains permanently liquid and ready for immediate use.
If storage in this temperature range isn't possible, we recommend placing the resin in a water bath before use as a precautionary measure – as described above. This will prevent any surprises while working.
Good to know:
High temperatures have no negative effects on the resin component.
There is no impairment of quality or curing , as the reaction only takes place in conjunction with component B (hardener) .
Service note
If you experience any problems during processing, please contact us before use . Our support team will be happy to assist you.
Conclusion: Crystallized epoxy resin is no cause for concern
Don't panic if your epoxy resin suddenly appears cloudy or lumpy —it's just a temporary crystallization . With a little patience and the right heat treatment, the resin can be completely regenerated and reused without any problems.
It's important to ensure proper storage (15–20°C) and careful heating in a water bath . This ensures your epoxy resin is optimally prepared at all times – for clear, bubble-free results on your next project.
With the right handling, nothing will stand in the way of your creativity!