MAS Epoxies has a vast product line with a few different mix ratios. Knowing the ratio and accurately measuring is absolutely critical. Measuring resin by volume is the most common method. If you need help measuring by volume with pre-mark mixing cups check out The Easiest Way to Measure Epoxy Resin by Volume

With that said, measuring by weight is the most accurate. If you decide to mix by weight, keep in mind the density of the resin and the hardener is different. This means weight of the two will be different so the ratio will be different than by volume. Worry not! We made some cool epoxy resin calculators that can help mixing by volume or weight!

The amount of time you spend mixing can vary on the epoxy resin system you are using, the viscosity of the two components, the ambient air temperature and the epoxy resin temperature, as well as the volume of resin you are mixing. Mixing two parts together seems simple enough right?! Well, in reality there is a bit more to it so lets take a moment to explain why those variables play a factor.

Epoxy with low viscosity has a low resistance and flows quickly, tends to be a bit easier to mix and bubbles release more readily. It will penetrate into cracks and crevices with it’s reduced surface tension.

High viscosity epoxies move sluggishly, have a heavier body which can sometimes trap air, but possess other properties that make it desirable. Uniform self-leveling and vertical edge adhesion are some of the benefits of a high viscosity resin.

70F-80F is the ideal working temperatures for epoxy resin. Every workspace is different so you will need to consider the air temperature as well as the material temperatures to get consistent results. Epoxy is a temperature sensitive material. When cool, it’s thicker and sets slower. When warm, it’s thinner and sets faster.  

When working in conditions or with material below 70°F, some high viscosity resin may become too viscous to properly release air and self level. Working in conditions or with material above 80°F, most epoxies may set too quickly and exotherm which could cause it to yellow, distort or crack. To learn more about exothermic reactions check out Why is my Epoxy Resin Hot and Smoking?

A good rule of thumb, raising temperature 18°F (10°C) will cut your gel time in half. Conversely, decreasing temperature 18°F will double your working time, however if the temperature is too low you can stall out the chemical reaction. A similar rule applies to mixed viscosity. Raising material temperature 18°F will cut the mixed viscosity in half, while decreasing temperature by 18°F will double it.

Now that we understand the viscosity and temperature factors, we can dive into the good mixing etiquette. Our preferred method is mixing by hand in a clear mixing container but some projects call for a large volume so hand mixing becomes too laborious.

1. Find a suitable size container. Use an appropriate sized cup so your epoxy only fills 3/4 of the way to the top.
2. Combine resin and hardener at recommended mix ratio.
3. Mix for 3-4 minutes while scraping sides and bottom of container until no streaks or striations.
4. Transfer to second container mix 1-2 minutes again until fully blended
5. Let sit for 1-2 minutes to allow air bubbles a chance to start rising to surface, and then use immediately.