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Glow in the Dark Resin Epoxy

GLOW IN THE DARK RESIN EPOXY

DO IT YOURSELF, BRIGHTER & BETTER!

One of the most popular uses of our glow in the dark powder is the creation of glow in the dark resins and glow epoxies. Techno Glow powder works well with about all resins and epoxies. This guide will serve as a useful resource to help you achieve optimal results.

PRODUCTS

Resin & Epoxy

The two most common resins we see used with our pigments are two-part table top resins and clear casting resins. Table top resins are typically clear, heat and water resistant coats that are equivalent to nearly 50 or more layers of polyurethane. They can be used to create a beautiful protective barrier over virtually any surface and work especially well for filling gaps and cracks in wood surfaces. Casting resins are typically clear or white and are poured into some type of mold to create a casted object. Clear resins usually take a day to completely cure, but its transparency makes it ideal for mixing with glow powder. A quick cast, or fast cast, resin will harden within ten minutes and will cure white. Because it cures white it will not glow as bright as a transparent resin when pigment is mixed in, but some may still prefer this option for its fast setting time.

Glow in the Dark Powder

Techno Glow powders come in a variety of bright, eye-catching colors and mix well into resin or epoxy. Natural pigments are white/off-white, opaque, odorless powders. Daytime colors have a fluorescent pigment tint added to the natural glow pigment for a splash of color. Green Day, for instance, will appear as an opaque green powder in normal light and glow green in the dark. This daytime pigment acts like a resin dye when mixed into resin or epoxy causing it to take on the daytime color. Always use a non-encapsulated pigment when mixing into a resin or epoxy. Once the resin cures it encases the pigment, making it waterproof. This works in your favor as non-encapsulated powder tends to glow slightly brighter than encapsulated powder. Larger micron sizes will tend to settle to the bottom of the glow resin. This is exceptionally handy for filling gaps and cracks in wood. The pigment makes its way into the crevices and leaves a layer of resin above that can be planed, sanded, or buffed without losing pigment in the process.

Transparent & Opaque Dye

Resin dye is another way to add interesting color effects to your projects similar to mica powder. We carry a variety of different dyes that we've found work best with our resins and epoxies. For the best results in conjunction with glow powder we recommend using a transparent resin dye. Opaque dye can be used in some instances and a decent glow may still be achieved, but an opaque dye will ultimately give you a much duller glow than a transparent dye would. This is because the opaque pigment blocks UV light rays from reaching the glow powder to charge it. Both transparent and opaque resin dyes are in liquid form and may be be combined to create unique new color combinations.

INSTRUCTIONS

+ Preparation

Before we go any further and explain the next steps we highly recommend that you read these instructions and do a test sample first. This is the best way to ensure you will be getting your desired result without wasting time or resources. It is best to take precautionary measures by laying down drop cloth and wearing coveralls when working with glow resin or gow epoxy. Use disposable containers and utensils for mixing as the resin will be extremely difficult to clean off of anything once it has cured to a hardened state. Gloves, respirators, and eye protection are encouraged. Also, ensure your surface or casting mold is clean and free of dust, oil, or residue. Consult the instruction manual included with your particular resin or epoxy.

+ Mixing Resin

We suggest mixing pigment at a ratio of one part pigment to four parts resin or epoxy (1:4) by weight. Pigment can be added into either part of a two part resin prior to mixing or once they have been combined. Be sure to mix the pigment thoroughly into the resin to ensure the best results. Typically you have a twenty minute work window before resin begins to get sticky. If you are using a quick dry or fast cast resin, you have about three minutes to mix, pour, and release bubbles, which we will cover in the next step. It is normal for the glow epoxy to become warm during this process. This is merely a result of the chemical reaction occurring.

+ Bubbles & Cure

As the curing process begins you may notice the accumulation of air bubbles at the top and around the edges of your glow resin or glow epoxy. This too is a normal result of the reaction occurring between the resin and the hardener. To remedy this we recommend using some type of heat source periodically over the top of the resin as it is curing. The heat will pop the bubbles, giving you a smooth unblemished surface. We've had the best results with a candle lighter, small propane torch, or heat gun on low fan setting. Note: It is carbon dioxide, not heat which removes the bubbles.

+ Cleanup & Finish

We recommend mixing all resin or epoxy in a disposable container, such as our mixing cups with wooden stir sticks. If spilled the epoxy or resin will be very hard to remove, especially when cured. Alcohol or other solvents may help remove resin or epoxy pre-curing, but not much can be done once resin has hardened. It is best to take precautionary measures. If spilled on a flat surface resin or epoxy could be scraped or sanded off. Keep both bottles capped tightly to ensure the resin will not dry out in the bottle. Keep area clean and dust free while the resin sets.

Related Products

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW MUCH POWDER AND RESIN EPOXY DO I NEED?

Mixing Ratio for Resin Epoxy and Glow in the Dark Powder

We suggest mixing pigment at a ratio of 1:4. One part pigment powder to four parts resin or epoxy by weight. Pigment can be mixed into either part of a two part resin prior to mixing or to both parts upon combining them. Be sure to mix both parts and the pigment thoroughly to ensure the best results. Typical working time before the resin dries is around twenty minutes, unless you are using a quick dry or fast cast resin, which typically allows about three minutes work time before beginning to cure.

Mixing Glow in the Dark Powder Resin Epoxy

CAN I MIX RESIN IN BULK?

Mixing Large Quantities & Heat Expansion

Mixing large quantities of resin or epoxy can be a daunting task and should be approached differently than procuring a few ounces. Take into consideration the container in which you will be mixing. The resin will expand upon mixing the two parts together and create heat and expansion. If the resin sits too long and starts curing in the container it can create a lot of smoke and be too sticky to use and pour. Read the manufacturers instructions carefully before mixing 2 parts epoxy resins.

DOES ALL GLOW POWDER SETTLE?

Tell Me More About Pigment Settling

Pigments above fifteen microns will naturally settle to the bottom of resin. This typically isn't a problem for anyone using the resin to coat something like a table top, bar top, or engraved sign for instance. The pigment will settle nicely into the grooves and leave a layer of resin over it thick enough to plane, sand, or buff off. Pigments under 15 microns will mix in and stay somewhat suspended in resin giving the end product an even consistency. Bigger particle sizes can absorb and store more light and therefore glow longer and is available in Green, Aqua and Blue.

Glow Powder Settling in Epoxy Resin

HOW TO MAKE A CAST GLOW IN THE DARK OBJECT WITH EPOXY RESIN?

Estimated Reading Time: 30 Minutes
How to make Glow in the Dark Resin Epoxy with Glow Powder?
  • Last Update: April 15, 2023
  • Publisher: Techno Glow Products
  • How to Make Glow in the Dark Resin Epoxy with Glow Powder?