Epoxy Mix Ratio Guide
Why Accurate Mixing Matters
Epoxy works because resin and hardener react in a fixed balance. A small mistake can leave soft spots, cloudy areas, weak bonds, or excess heat. This calculator helps you plan the batch before you open containers. It supports ratios by weight or by volume, because product labels may use either method. Always follow the manufacturer label first.
Planning a Better Batch
Start by choosing the ratio basis. A 2:1 volume ratio is not always the same as a 2:1 weight ratio. Resin and hardener often have different densities. The tool lets you enter density values, so it can estimate both grams and milliliters. This is useful when you measure with a scale, but still want to know cup or syringe volumes.
Waste allowance is also important. Brushes, cups, rollers, and uneven surfaces keep some material. Add a small waste percent for coating work. Use a larger allowance for rough wood, fabric wet out, or complex molds. The coverage mode multiplies length, width, thickness, and coat count. It then applies waste before splitting the mix.
Using Results Safely
Measure each component in a clean container. Tare the scale before adding resin. Add hardener slowly until the calculated amount is reached. Scrape the cup sides and bottom while mixing. Transfer the blend into a second cup when accuracy matters. Mix again to reduce unmixed streaks.
Do not change the ratio to speed curing. Extra hardener usually weakens the result. Temperature, product chemistry, and batch size affect cure speed. Large batches can heat faster than thin coatings. Divide large pours into smaller batches when pot life is short.
Common Applications
This calculator helps with art resin, table coatings, fiberglass repair, adhesives, mold casting, and protective sealing. It is also helpful when scaling test batches into larger projects. Save the CSV file for job notes. Use the PDF result for shop records or client estimates.
A careful mix improves finish quality. It reduces waste. It also makes repeat work easier. Keep notes about temperature, brand, surface type, and final hardness. These details help you repeat a successful pour later. They also show when a ratio, density value, or waste setting needs careful adjustment again.