Best Ways to Get Bubbles Out of Resin

Working with resin to create beautiful pieces of art or functional items can be an extremely rewarding hobby. However, one of the most frustrating problems that resin artists face is dealing with bubbles in their finished pieces. Bubbles not only look unsightly but can also weaken the structural integrity of the resin. Luckily, there are several tricks and techniques you can use to get bubbles out of resin for a smooth, flawless finish.

Why Bubbles Form in Resin

Before diving into bubble removal methods, it’s helpful to understand what causes bubbles in resin in the first place. There are a few common culprits:

• Air introduced during mixing – Vigorously stirring or mixing resin and hardener can whip air bubbles into the mixture.
• Temperature – If the resin is too cold, it can trap air bubbles that have a hard time rising to the surface. Ideally, resin should be room temperature before mixing.
• Improper pouring – Pouring the resin from too high above the mold can introduce bubbles.
• Contaminants – Dust, oil, or other contaminants on the mold can cause foaming and bubbles in the resin. Always ensure your mold is clean before pouring.
• Thick layers – Pouring very thick layers of resin can make it hard for bubbles to fully rise and pop at the surface before hardening.

7 Tips for Degassing Resin

Here are 7 of the most effective ways to get rid of pesky bubbles in your resin projects:

1. Let It Sit

After you’ve mixed and poured your resin, give it 5-10 minutes to sit undisturbed before further bubble removal. This allows time for air bubbles to naturally rise to the surface and pop. However, not all bubbles will surface on their own, so you’ll likely need to take additional steps.

2. Use a Torch or Heat Gun

One of the most popular bubble removal techniques is to use a small torch or heat gun to actively pop surface bubbles. Hold the flame 1-2 inches above the surface and sweep it slowly and evenly across the resin. The heat will cause trapped bubbles to expand and burst. Work in small sections.

3. Stir Slowly and Gently

When mixing resin and hardener, avoid vigorous stirring. Instead, stir slowly in a folding motion, moving the stick up and down to incorporate the two components. This minimizes the amount of air worked into the mixture. Avoid moving the stick in circles.

4. Tap the Mold

After pouring the resin, gently tap the sides of the mold with a rubber mallet or gently slap the back of the mold with your hand. This helps dislodge bubbles so they can float to the top.

5. Use a Straw

Pucker your lips around the end of a straw and carefully blow across the surface of the resin. The air stream will help break bubbles free so they can pop. This takes practice to master.

6. Brush with Denatured Alcohol

Use a clean brush dipped in denatured alcohol to sweep the surface and sides of the resin. This helps grab and lift bubbles so they can pop. Be gentle to avoid creating ripples.

7. Vacuum Degassing

For professional, bubble-free results, use a vacuum chamber to actively extract air bubbles from the resin mixture prior to pouring. This specially designed equipment removes virtually all bubbles from the resin before curing.

Getting Rid of Bubbles After Curing

If bubbles still managed to remain after your piece has hardened, there are a couple of options:

• Sand bubbles flush – Use fine grit sandpaper to gently sand down domed bubbles to be flush with the surface. Be careful not to damage the surrounding resin.
• Fill with clear resin – Mix a fresh small batch of clear resin and use a syringe or toothpick to fill individual bubble cavities. Allow to fully cure before sanding smooth.

With patience and practice using these tips, you can learn how to properly mix, pour, and degass resin to produce stunning creations free of unsightly bubbles. Don’t get discouraged if your first few pours have issues – removing bubbles is a skill that takes time to master. The results are worth it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you remove bubbles from resin after it has cured?

It is very difficult to remove bubbles after resin has fully hardened. The best way is to sand them down flush with the surrounding surface using fine grit sandpaper. You can also fill larger bubbles with a clear epoxy resin using a syringe.

What ratio should resin be mixed at?

Most epoxy resins are formulated to be mixed at a 1:1 ratio by volume, meaning equal parts resin and hardener. Always check manufacturer instructions, as mixing ratios can vary. Improper mixing ratios can prevent resin from curing properly.

How can you prevent bubbles when mixing resin?

Stir resin and hardener gently and slowly in a folding motion rather than vigorously whipping. Scrape the sides and bottom of the container while mixing to incorporate all product. Avoid plunging the stir stick up and down, which introduces air.

Is a butane torch or heat gun better for removing bubbles?

Both torches and heat guns effectively work to break surface bubbles via heat. Heat guns allow more controlled, broader heat while torches offer more precise pinpointing of bubbles. Use caution with both to avoid overheating the resin.

Can you pop bubbles with a lighter instead of a torch?

Yes, a basic disposable lighter can be used to lightly pass the flame over the surface of poured resin to help pop bubbles. Keep the lighter 1-2 inches from the surface and be extremely careful handling flammable materials.

Conclusion

Removing bubbles from resin may take some trial and error but is an essential skill for resin artists and DIYers. Pay close attention to your mixing technique, pouring, layer thickness, and environmental factors like temperature. During and after pouring, utilize helpful degassing methods like heat, vibration, alcohol, and vacuums. Catching and addressing bubbles early allows you to achieve a flawless, glass-like finish on your resin pieces.

Last modified: November 20, 2023