Bubbles in resin can ruin the smooth, glossy finish of your artwork. Understanding how to prevent bubbles will help you achieve professional-looking results. Follow these steps to minimize and eliminate bubbles in your resin projects.
1. Choose the Right Resin
Different resins have different viscosities. Thinner resins produce fewer bubbles than thick ones. Read the product label and select a resin designed for fewer bubbles.
For resin artwork with a maximum pour depth of 1/8" per layer, this is my favorite resin. For deep pours (2-4 inch depth), I like the Let's Resin Deep Pour Epoxy Resin.
2. Warm Your Resin Before Mixing
Cold resin is thicker and traps more air. Place the resin bottle in warm water for 10–15 minutes before mixing. Ensure the cap is tight to prevent water contamination. Warm resin flows better and releases air more easily.
WARNING: If you forget to warm up the resin before mixing with the hardener, you will most likely get tons of bubbles which will be nearly impossible to get rid of. So make sure you warm it up!!!
3. Mix Slowly and Steadily
Fast or aggressive mixing creates air pockets. Stir resin and hardener slowly and in a steady circular motion. Scrape the sides and bottom of the container to ensure even mixing without excessive bubbles.
4. Let the Resin Rest After Mixing
After mixing, let the resin sit for 5–10 minutes. This allows some bubbles to rise to the surface and pop on their own before pouring.
5. Pour in Thin Layers
Pouring thick layers traps air bubbles. Instead, pour in thin layers and allow bubbles to escape before adding more resin.
6. Use a Heat Gun or Torch
A heat gun or torch helps pop surface bubbles. Hold it a few inches above the resin and move it in sweeping motions. Avoid staying in one spot too long to prevent overheating and burning the resin.
Burnt resin will yellow!
7. Use a Toothpick for Small Bubbles
If tiny bubbles remain, use a toothpick or pin to pop them manually. This is especially useful for detailed resin work.
8. Apply a Seal Coat on Porous Surfaces
Wood, canvas, and other porous materials trap air. Apply a thin seal coat of resin and let it cure before pouring a thicker layer.
9. Work in a Warm Environment
Cold temperatures thicken resin, making it harder for bubbles to escape. Work in a room between 70–75°F (21–24°C) for best results.
10. Use a Pressure or Vacuum Chamber
For deep molds or detailed pieces, use a pressure pot or vacuum chamber to remove air bubbles before the resin cures.
By following these steps, you can significantly reduce bubbles and achieve a flawless resin finish. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for your projects.