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What is Epoxy Resin?

Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders

Epoxy resins are created by transforming liquid polyethers into infusible solids through a special curing process. In most cases, resins are the result of a chemical reaction between epichlorohydrin and bisphenol-A. Overall, the creation of epoxy resin is part of an industry that generates over $15 billion US Dollars annually.

Epoxy resins have many different uses. For example, resins that are cured through exposure to ultraviolet light are commonly used in fiber optics, optoelectronics, and dentistry. Industrial tooling applications use them to make laminates, castings, fixtures, and molds. In the electronics industry, they can be used to make insulators, transformers, generators, and switchgear.

Epoxy resin comes in two tubes that is mixed right before use.
Epoxy resin comes in two tubes that is mixed right before use.

Around your home, epoxy resin can be valuable for repairing china, pottery, glass, wood, metal, and leather objects. It has a very strong and highly durable bond after it has set properly. These resins can be used as repair material for marine applications, but they should not be applied on the outer layer of a boat because UV light exposure will eventually cause the resin to deteriorate.

Epoxy resin may be used in marine applications, but should not be applied to a boat's outer layer because UV light exposure weakens its hold.
Epoxy resin may be used in marine applications, but should not be applied to a boat's outer layer because UV light exposure weakens its hold.

Additionally, epoxy resin is valuable as a crafting supply. People who enjoy making miniatures sometimes use this material to simulate water when creating beach and ocean scenes, although smaller amounts of resin can be used to design replicas of soups, liquid drinks, and fishbowls to be used in a child's dollhouse. Jewelry makers use epoxy resin to create necklaces, pins, bangles, bracelets, earrings, and rings that feature embedded glitter for a fun effect.

Epoxy resin can be purchased from most craft stores, hobby shops, hardware stores, and marine supply outlets. Most types are clear, but you can tint the mixture with oil paints if desired.

When using epoxy resin, it's important to follow certain safety precautions. You should work in a well-ventilated area and avoid inhaling the product's fumes. You should also wear goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and skin.

Rubbing alcohol can be used to clean up spills or wipe excess resin from your tools when your project is complete. Vinegar is also safe to use as a solvent to clean epoxy from your tools, brushes, or skin.

Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders

Dana holds a B.A. in journalism and mass communication from the University of Iowa. She has loved being part of the AboutMechanics team ever since discovering the joys of freelance writing after her son was born. Dana also hones her writing skills by contributing articles to various blogs, as well as creating sales copy and content for e-courses.

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Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders

Dana holds a B.A. in journalism and mass communication from the University of Iowa. She has loved being part of the AboutMechanics team ever since discovering the joys of freelance writing after her son was born. Dana also hones her writing skills by contributing articles to various blogs, as well as creating sales copy and content for e-courses.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon154442

Is epoxy resin resistant to alcohol once cured?

Denha

@anon65487, there are many different products on the market with epoxy resin in them that can be used to fuse together cracks in concrete pavement and similar materials. You should probably look around and ask for advice from experienced people in the field before you buy.

anon65487

How can cracked concrete pavement be repaired with the help of liquid epoxy resin?

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    • Epoxy resin comes in two tubes that is mixed right before use.
      By: Andrzej Tokarski
      Epoxy resin comes in two tubes that is mixed right before use.
    • Epoxy resin may be used in marine applications, but should not be applied to a boat's outer layer because UV light exposure weakens its hold.
      By: RG
      Epoxy resin may be used in marine applications, but should not be applied to a boat's outer layer because UV light exposure weakens its hold.
    • Jewelry makers use epoxy resin to create necklaces, pins, bangles, bracelets, earrings, and rings that feature embedded glitter for a fun effect.
      By: Monkey Business
      Jewelry makers use epoxy resin to create necklaces, pins, bangles, bracelets, earrings, and rings that feature embedded glitter for a fun effect.
    • Epoxy resin may be valuable for repairing leather objects.
      By: Sergey Len'
      Epoxy resin may be valuable for repairing leather objects.