What Does Epoxy Resin Not Stick to?

Epoxy resins are a definition of beauty primarily when used as a finish on wooden structures. They are perfect for woodworking crafts, DIYers, and other projects. So why do most woodworking professionals love epoxy? They are durable and can resist scratch, especially when used on surfaces that see a lot of traffic. Epoxy resins are not compatible with all surfaces, so what does epoxy resin not stick to?

There are many materials and surfaces that epoxy does not stick to. They include Wax Paper or Parchment, Tuck Tape, Rubber, Silicone, Vinyl, Hot glue, Plastic, Polyethylene Plastics, Most Plastic Containers, Sandwich Bags, and a lot more.

There may be several other surfaces that epoxy won’t stick to that I might not have mentioned above. Even so, it would be best if you used your epoxy finish for the right reasons so that you don’t end up wasting your resources on the wrong surfaces.

Materials that Epoxy Won’t Stick to?

This section will have a detailed discussion on the surfaces that epoxy will find hard to stick to. If you are a woodworker or DIYer, you know how to go about your projects, especially if it involves epoxy resins.

• Sheathing Tape

Amongst the most common uses of Sheathing Tape includes permanent seaming and sealing of joints during foam insulation. This material significantly benefits securing lap edges in house wraps and several other vapor barriers, repairing rips and tears when doing roll and batt insulation. Additionally, it is used in construction films and membranes. 

You can make this material as large as you need. The sheathing tape is a very affordable material that works well. As long as you can make it properly, you can use the sheathing tape more than once. It allows you to make a variety of shapes for flexibility, and above all, it leaves a shine.

One problem with this material is that it leaves a lot of seams. Even so, you can rectify this, but you will have to buff and sand it after. 

• Most Plastic Containers

Some of the most common examples of plastic containers include Tupperware, bowls, and plastic cups. Most of these plastic containers are very cheap and readily available around the house. They make a good mold for those looking for a unique shape.

If you are doing different woodworking projects and have an idea of what you require, you can use a standard plastic container that fits your desires. Plastic containers make attractive options if you are looking to make large bowls to use for woodturning.

As much as there are a variety of plastic containers out there, you cannot customize them. Therefore, you cannot use them for large pieces of projects such as a table.

• Rubber, Vinyl, Silicone

Silicon molds, for instance, are in most cases used by people looking to craft smaller items like coasters, jewelry, or items with unique shapes. This material lets you make any shape or form that you’d love. You get the flexibility to create your mold.

What’s fascinating about these materials are their affordable prices and their ability to resist heat. 

As much as these materials come with a lot of desirable features, they still have some downsides. For example, It’s practically impossible to get a silicone mold for bigger items like furniture. 

Additionally, it is crucial that you read reviews of molds and always make it your best interest to use polished molds with a shiny coat. Mostly, the purpose of a lot of molds is the usage as an ice tray.

Alternatively, they are used for baking, which means that you should try to get a mold specifically meant for epoxy resin because these will be polished. However, you can still choose to use the standard types of molds, but the molds will only serve you once more often than not.

• Hot Glue

In most cases, you will find hot glue useful on top of river tables because it helps prevent overflow of the formula near the area you are pouring. Hot glue does a wonderful job in sealing any forms of cracks present on wood surfaces and making molds.

Note: Using hot glue on rough wood is a little hard to remove and does leave marks.

• Parchment and Wax Paper

It’s one of the most affordable options for molds. You can use it to make a simple mold for the items like a smaller table. Alternatively, you can use it to cover under a live edge pour.

Even though the material is affordable, the paper created from parchment or wax comes with some limitations. Once you remove the epoxy, you will often realize that it is not clear compared to what you would get if you use an alternative method. 

The reason for it not being clear could be because the wax is passing through the paper and getting into the epoxy surface; this would lead to a foggy like effect on the epoxy. One other drawback about the wax paper is that it does not securely hold into place. It’s always likely that the wax moves during setting, causing complications in the process.

• Polyethylene Plastics

This plastic type makes a great option because it is usually of a high-quality. It is sturdy and reusable. If, for instance, you are doing a table mold, you should never think twice about picking this item for your project.

Polyethylene plastic is arguably the most “high-end” option and is the first choice of many professionals and DIYers, especially those who specialize in epoxy river tables. Polyethylene plastic is, in most cases, used to make cutting boards.

Unfortunately for most of the users, polyethylene plastic remains the priciest option. Even so, it would help if you had a bit of experience to determine the proper density and size that you will need for your respective projects.

• Plastic Sandwich Bag

The plastic sandwich bag also works, especially if you don’t have other options for your different projects. Even though it remains a viable option, you should only consider it if you have to; otherwise, you should explore other alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Epoxy Resins

As much as we all love using epoxy resins, most people love it for its beauty, even though it offers a lot more than just that. Now and then, a lot of readers flock to my space with a lot of questions regarding this fantastic product. In this section, I will discuss and give concrete answers to the most asked questions around epoxy resins.

Will Epoxy Stick To Already-Cured Epoxy?

No, you will have to sand down the surface of the cured epoxy resin so that the new layer can adhere to the cured one. Even though the two will form a bond, it will not be as strong and will not stand a chance against substantial impacts. Additionally, the finish will not last long as it should.

So if you are going to apply an epoxy formula over a cured epoxy, you will need a wood sander and 180-grit sandpaper; use the sander to roughen the surfaces evenly. After sanding, ensure that you clean off the surface to remove traces of dust that can compromise the final finish. 

Sanding allows for forming chemical bonds between the surfaces in play, which will give you a seamless epoxy project.

How Can I Keep Epoxy Resin From Sticking to the Mold?

As your epoxy formula cures, it generates heat. Too much heat from this formula can result in it sticking to the mold. So how do you prevent that from happening? Well, you need to apply a mold release spray or wax so that it covers your mold’s surface before you pour the resin. This step will make it easy for you to remove the epoxy once as soon as it cures.

Does Resin Stick to Aluminium Foil?

Yes, epoxy resin finds it easy to adhere perfectly to the surface of aluminum foil.

Is Epoxy Waterproof?

There are particular types of epoxy resins with waterproofing abilities. They are the best epoxy formulas to use in surfaces and areas that see many moistures, such as baths, kitchen jobs, and showers. These are reputable for sealing and offering protection to the surfaces while blending and beautifying them simultaneously.

Is Resin Suitable for Outdoors?

Well, I have stated that there are waterproofing epoxy resins; those can be used in outdoor environments. Not all epoxy formulas come with waterproofing features; hence you must remain vigilant about your choice for epoxy, especially if you are looking to use them outside. 

When you use epoxy on outdoor furniture, it will help if you ensured that your formula has anti UV features so that your structure does not discolor following prolonged exposure to the sun.

How Do You Keep Resin from Sticking to the Mold?

Well, you can use cooking sprays; cooking sprays keep foods from sticking to cookware; that’s their primary use. However, you can also use them in keeping other substances from sticking together. Nonstick cooking spray, for example, is available in most grocery stores; they work as a reliable resin mold release agent. What’s even about these sprays is that they are nontoxic and do not pose any harm to the resin or the mold.

Conclusion

There’s no doubt that you love epoxy products and likely that you’d love to have such a finish in your structure if you do not have one already. If you are a DIYer, it means you don’t love ready made products and trust your creativity to do it yourself. If you use epoxy resins, you should know the products that will not bond with your epoxy. So…

What Does Epoxy Resin Not Stick to?

Some of the items that your epoxy will not stick to include: Sheathing Tape, Plastic containers, wax paper, Polyethylene Plastics, Plastic Sandwich bag, and a lot more.

As I wind up this post, I hope you have many questions answered regarding What Does Epoxy Resin Not Stick to? If you have any general suggestions or observations, please share them with me in the comment section below. Sharing is caring!