What are Resins?

Resins are versatile, solid or highly viscous substances derived from plants or synthetically produced. They are commonly used in a variety of applications, including adhesives, coatings, and as a component in composite materials. Resins can be natural, such as those obtained from pine trees, or synthetic, like epoxy or polyester resins, which are engineered for specific industrial and commercial uses. They are valued for their adhesive properties, durability, and resistance to environmental factors.

epoxy resin

Discover the versatility and durability of epoxy resin at Skeels Direct, your go-to destination for high-quality hardware supplies. Our extensive range of epoxy resin products is perfect for a variety of applications, whether you're a professional craftsman, a DIY enthusiast, or an artist looking to create stunning pieces.

Epoxy resin is renowned for its exceptional adhesive properties, making it an ideal choice for bonding, sealing, and coating. It provides a strong, long-lasting finish that is resistant to water, chemicals, and heat, ensuring your projects stand the test of time. From repairing and reinforcing surfaces to creating beautiful, glossy finishes on countertops, tables, and art pieces, epoxy resin offers endless possibilities.

At Skeels Direct, we offer a selection of epoxy resins tailored to meet your specific needs. Choose from clear, coloured, or speciality resins designed for specific applications such as casting, coating, or flooring. Our products are easy to use, with detailed instructions to guide you through the mixing and application process, ensuring professional results every time.

Whether you're working on a small craft project or a large-scale renovation, our epoxy resins provide the reliability and performance you need. Explore our collection today and find the perfect epoxy resin to bring your creative visions to life. With Skeels Direct, you can trust that you're getting top-quality products at competitive prices, backed by our commitment to customer satisfaction. Transform your projects with the strength and beauty of epoxy resin from Skeels Direct.

casting resin

Explore our premium casting resin, designed for both beginners and professionals. Perfect for creating jewellery, art pieces, and crafts, our resin offers clarity and durability. Easy to mix and pour, it cures to a high-gloss finish, enhancing your creations. Trust Skeels Direct for quality and reliability in every project.

polyurethane resin

Skeels Direct offers a wide range of polyurethane resin products designed to meet your needs. Our polyurethane resin is perfect for various applications, providing durability and versatility. Whether you're working on crafts, industrial projects, or home improvements, our polyurethane resin ensures high-quality results. With its excellent adhesive properties and resistance to wear and tear, polyurethane resin is an ideal choice for both professionals and hobbyists. At Skeels Direct, we prioritise quality and customer satisfaction, ensuring that our polyurethane resin meets the highest standards. If you have any questions about our polyurethane resin or need assistance, please feel free to contact us. Our team is here to help you make the most of our polyurethane resin offerings. Choose Skeels Direct for all your polyurethane resin needs and experience the difference in quality and service.

Benefits of Resins

• Durability: Resins provide a strong and long-lasting finish, ideal for high-traffic areas.
• Water Resistance: Excellent for waterproofing applications, protecting surfaces from moisture damage.
• Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of applications, including flooring, countertops, and coatings.
• Adhesion: Strong bonding properties make resins effective for repairs and construction projects.
• UV Resistance: Many resins are formulated to resist yellowing and degradation from sunlight exposure.
• Ease of Application: Can be applied with minimal tools and expertise, making it accessible for DIY projects.
• Customisability: Available in various colours and finishes, allowing for aesthetic flexibility.
• Chemical Resistance: Protects surfaces from damage by chemicals and solvents.
• Cost-Effective: Offers a durable solution that can extend the life of surfaces, reducing replacement costs.

What are the different types of resins available?

Resins are versatile materials used in various applications, and there are several types available, each with unique properties and uses. The main types of resins include:

1. Epoxy Resin: Known for its strong adhesive properties and resistance to chemicals and heat, epoxy resin is commonly used in coatings, adhesives, and composite materials.

2. Polyester Resin: Often used in fibreglass applications, polyester resin is cost-effective and offers good mechanical, chemical, and weather resistance. It's popular in marine and automotive industries.

3. Polyurethane Resin: This type is known for its flexibility and durability. It's used in coatings, foams, and elastomers, providing excellent abrasion and impact resistance.

4. Acrylic Resin: Acrylic resins are used in paints, coatings, and adhesives. They offer clarity, UV resistance, and are easy to work with, making them ideal for outdoor applications.

5. Phenolic Resin: Known for its high heat resistance and mechanical strength, phenolic resin is used in circuit boards, brake linings, and as a binder in wood products.

6. Silicone Resin: With excellent thermal stability and water repellency, silicone resins are used in high-temperature applications and as sealants.

Each type of resin has specific characteristics that make it suitable for particular applications, so it's important to choose the right one based on your project needs.

How do I properly mix and cure resin?

To properly mix and cure resin, start by ensuring you have the right materials: resin, hardener, mixing cups, stir sticks, and safety gear like gloves and goggles. Begin by measuring equal parts of resin and hardener according to the manufacturer's instructions. Pour them into a clean mixing cup. Stir the mixture slowly and thoroughly for 2-3 minutes, scraping the sides and bottom of the cup to ensure even mixing. Avoid stirring too quickly to prevent air bubbles.

Once mixed, pour the resin into your mould or onto your project surface. Use a heat gun or torch to gently remove any air bubbles that rise to the surface. Ensure your workspace is dust-free to avoid particles settling on the resin.

For curing, place the project in a stable, level area. The curing time can vary based on the resin type and environmental conditions, typically ranging from 24 to 72 hours. Maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level as fluctuations can affect the curing process. Avoid touching or moving the project during this time to ensure a smooth, even finish. Once fully cured, the resin should be hard and clear, ready for use or further finishing.

What safety precautions should I take when working with resin?

When working with resin, it's crucial to prioritise safety to prevent health risks and accidents. First, always work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling harmful fumes. If possible, work outdoors or use a respirator mask designed for organic vapours. Wear protective gloves, preferably nitrile, to prevent skin contact, as resin can cause irritation or allergic reactions. Safety goggles are essential to protect your eyes from splashes.

Ensure you have a clean workspace free of clutter to avoid accidental spills or contamination. Keep resin and hardener containers tightly sealed when not in use to prevent spills and limit exposure to fumes. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing and curing times to avoid improper handling.

In case of skin contact, wash the affected area immediately with soap and water. If resin gets into your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with water and seek medical attention. Store resin products out of reach of children and pets. Lastly, dispose of resin waste according to local regulations to minimise environmental impact. By following these precautions, you can safely enjoy working with resin.

How can I prevent bubbles in my resin projects?

To prevent bubbles in your resin projects, start by ensuring your workspace and materials are at room temperature, as temperature fluctuations can cause bubbles. Before mixing, warm the resin and hardener bottles in a warm water bath for about 5-10 minutes to reduce viscosity, making it easier for bubbles to escape. When mixing, stir slowly and steadily to minimise air incorporation. Once mixed, let the resin sit for a few minutes to allow bubbles to rise to the surface.

Pour the resin slowly and in thin layers, which helps prevent trapping air. Use a heat gun or torch to gently pass over the surface of the resin after pouring; the heat will help pop any surface bubbles. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can cause other issues. If working with moulds, consider using a mould release spray to reduce surface tension.

For intricate projects, use a toothpick or a fine needle to manually pop stubborn bubbles. Additionally, using a vacuum chamber or pressure pot can effectively eliminate bubbles, especially for larger or more detailed projects. Practice and patience are key, so take your time to achieve a bubble-free finish.