How Thick Can You Pour ArtResin?
Channel: ArtResin
Date: 2018-06-08

https://www.artresin.com

"How thick can you pour ArtResin?"
This is one of the top questions we get asked here at ArtResin!

We get it.  
Sometimes you might need a thicker layer of ArtResin if you're making 
a coaster, or you're embedding objects into your resin, if you're painting in between layers for a multidimensional effect, or heck, maybe you just like the look of a thick layer!

You can do all of that with ArtResin, absolutely, but you need to follow a couple of steps. First though, it's important to keep in mind that ArtResin was designed as a surface coating for artwork, formulated to be poured in thin applications no thicker than 1/8" thick ( 3mm ).  

This is for a couple of reasons:  
1) ArtResin naturally self-levels to a thickness of 1/8" ( 3mm )
2) If you pour thicker than 1/8", bubbles won't have a chance to escape to the surface to be torched out and you might end up with trapped bubbles in your cured resin. 

Now, having said all of this, you certainly CAN get a thick coat, as thick as you like in fact,, but you must pour in multiple 1/8" ( 3mm ) layers.  

Here are 2 ways to do it:

1) The 3-5 hr method - this is particularly handy when pouring into a mold 
- Pour your first 1/8"/3mm layer 
- Torch out bubbles, cover and wait 3-5 hrs until the resin thickens to a gel like state
- Pour on your next 1/8"/3mm layer, torch and cover and repeat these steps as much as you'd like until you reach the thickness you desire.
No need to sand in between layers here ... the tackiness of the uncured resin will provide the tooth necessary for the fresh resin layer to bond to.

2) The 24hr method - this is a great method for artwork around which you've built a dam.
- Pour your first 1/8"/3mm layer.
- Torch out bubbles, cover and wait 24 hrs until your piece is dry to the touch.
- Sand with a coarse sandpaper ( we like 80grit ) to rough up the surface. The idea is to create some tooth for the next ArtResin layer to grab onto. 
- Wipe up all sanding residue with a damp paper towel and allow your piece to dry.
- Pour your fresh resin layer.  
- Torch out bubbles, cover and wait 24 hrs.  
- Repeat as desired until you reach the thickness you'd like.

Keep in mind that ArtResin's recommendation of a full 72hr cure time is based on a 1/8"/3mm layer. The thicker your layers are, the longer the cure time will be. It could take up to a week for a full cure, depending on how thick the final coat is.
 
So there you have it!  
Pour ArtResin in 1/8" layers and have fun creating!!