When it comes to creating an epoxy project, there will be at the very minimum 2 layers of coating and in most cases multiple layers. It is important to allow each coat to set up prior to adding another coat.
If you are needing to raise the height of the final coat by very much at all, it should be done in increments of only 1/8 of inch at a time, allowing for each coat to cure. This is true except in cases which you maybe attempting to fill a large deep dish style area of your material.
When applying multiple coats of epoxy to your project, allow for it to set and dry 4-6 hours before adding the next layer. It is also best to immediately start the next layer as soon as possible after this time frame, then repeat the process until all layers have been completed. Waiting an excessive amount of time between coats will cause extra work because you will need to sand down the surface again before adding another layer.
Place An Epoxy Sealant Coat First
After you have your carpenter project ready for epoxy coating, don’t start with flood coats rights away. You will first need to make coat for the epoxy to seal into the wood or material being used. This is a thin layer of epoxy that has been mixed properly and covers every inch of the material.
You need to be sure the sealant coat covers all areas that air can get into such as cracks and miniature holes. This is an important first step to insuring your project lasts a lifetime. Be sure and check out our other article which explains how to seal epoxy on your project for more details.
Calculate Approximate Amount Of Epoxy Needed
Before beginning your epoxy coat measure the length, width and depth of the material being used and multiply it to determine the exact volume you need to start your layer.
- Determine how many square feet needs to be covered. 1 Gallon of epoxy is enough to cover an entire 1600 square footage area.
- Divide the square footage that needs to be covered into 1600. This will give you a percentage of how much of 1 gallon of epoxy is needed to complete your coat.
You have needs to do a 12 foot x 12 foot by 1.8 inch thick coat, the following formula would help determine the square footage you need to cover.
It is best to covert your feet into inches for the initial calculation, then return it to square footage afterwards to get the best result.
144 inches X 144 inches 1.8 = 37324.8 inches. Next divide the final number by 144. 37324.8 / 144 = 259.2 square feet. That equals to 16% of 1 gallon or about 2.5 cups of epoxy.
Once you have determined how much is required, you can begin mixing your epoxy resin and hardener together. Do this by adding 2 parts of epoxy resin to 1 part of hardener and mix well for at least 2 minutes.
Place Coat On Project
Apply your epoxy once mixed well onto your wood or material by gently pouring it out of the container. Using a brush be sure and get the coat evenly to about the 1/8″ depth.
Be sure and think about any stylish designs you may want to incorporate before pouring if you wish to make a kaleidoscope or other symmetric style on top of your project.
Allow the coat to dry for 4-6 hours after you are satisfied with your results.
Add Additional Layers As Necessary
After the waiting period, repeat the same process over and over until you have reached the desired depth and style of your epoxy project. It is however important that you avoid waiting long periods of time between layers and try to complete your project in a timely manner continuing it after about 6 hours between each layer.