I bet we’ve all found ourselves wondering at one point or another, What do I need to know about epoxy in order to make a cool cardboard-based craft project? Maybe you’re just curious because you want to impress your friends with your knowledge of the subject, or maybe you’re interested in building something. Either way, this article is the right place for you.
Cardboard is a useful material and epoxy is a great adhesive. We can put them together and make some pretty interesting things!
Can you put epoxy on cardboard?
There’s a lot that can be done with cardboard and epoxy—the options are endless! You can seal, waterproof, and protect your cardboard with epoxy resin. Use it to make your cardboard furniture more durable or as a part of your art project.
As long as you’re using epoxy resin on dry cardboard, you’ll have plenty of room to play around.
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How do you use epoxy resin on cardboard?
When you’re ready to use the epoxy resin, follow these steps:
- Protect your work surface. Lay down a tarp or some newspaper on top of a workbench or table. If you don’t want to add too much height on which you’ll apply the epoxy, consider laying it out on the floor.
- Pour some of your epoxy resin into a separate container; this will make it easier to apply with a brush later.
- Use a cheap paintbrush (or two) to apply the resin onto your cardboard in thin layers. Avoid going over the same area twice—if you do, air bubbles can get trapped and ruin your finished product. Let each layer dry for at least 15 minutes before moving on to the next one; between 1/8″ and 1/4″ is usually enough at a time, but if you have thicker cardboard, don’t be afraid to add more!
Another quick note: no matter what crafty project you have in mind for your cardboard, always make sure that it’s sanded down beforehand so that there are no rough edges sticking out that could damage or snag any fabric or other materials on top of it.
Can I pour resin on cardboard?
The short answer is yes. You can pour resin onto cardboard. There are a few considerations and tips you should know before doing so, however.
- The cardboard must be sealed with epoxy first. If you just pour the epoxy and resin on top of the cardboard it will soak in and not create a nice, smooth surface for your project.
- Use a brush to apply the epoxy to the cardboard before pouring on the resin for your project.
- Don’t pour epoxy or resin directly onto your cardboard as this will likely result in making a mess instead of having an attractive finished product!
What does epoxy stick to?
Epoxy does stick to cardboard—but you have to take some steps first. Once you know what you need to do, using epoxy is relatively easy.
Epoxy will stick to almost any material—glass, wood, concrete, ceramics, metals, natural materials—so long as the surface has been properly prepared.
The process of preparing a surface for gluing is called etching. If a surface is not properly etched it’s vulnerable to air bubbles or gaps forming between the dry putty and the surface, which can cause the epoxy not to set properly and even fall off over time. But if a surface is etched it should hold strong against any adhesive.
How do you resin cardboard?
Resin is a great way to add an elegant, finished look to projects. It can be used for everything from jewelry to furniture. But does epoxy stick to cardboard?
The short answer is yes, but the long answer is that it depends on which type of resin you are using and how you are applying the resin.
There are two types of resin available: polyester and epoxy. Polyester resins come in two parts: a liquid polyester monomer, and an activator that catalyzes the reaction between both parts when mixed together.
Epoxy resins also come in two parts: a base material called BPA (bisphenol A) diglycidyl ether, and a hardener that acts as a catalyst when mixed with the BPA diglycidyl ether.
When combined together they form polyglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (PGEA). We will focus on this type of epoxy because it’s more versatile than polyester resins, especially if you want to use your resin project outdoors or as part of an art display that needs UV protection.
What can I put on cardboard to make it waterproof?
Epoxy resin or polyurethane are some of the best options for waterproofing cardboard. These products can be applied with a brush or sprayer, and multiple layers may be needed to achieve complete waterproofing.
Additionally, you can use latex paint, polycrylic, polyurea, polyurethane spray, teak oil, or UV resistant varnish to waterproof cardboard. The application method will differ depending on whether you’re using an oil-based finish or a water-based finish.
How do you make cardboard more durable?
When it comes to making cardboard more durable, you don’t have to limit your creativity. Spray paint is an easy way to make it water-resistant and more durable, but if you’re looking for something a little more permanent, there are plenty of options to choose from.
A few possibilities include epoxy resin and polyurethane. Epoxy resin will create a hard-to-break surface like glass and will do the trick when it comes to keeping the cardboard strong and durable.
On the other hand, polyurethane can be used in spray form as well as liquid form when applied directly to the cardboard. This will provide a protective layer over your cardboard that’s also moisture resistant.
If you want something that’s even more permanent and won’t wear away with time, consider using rubber cement or latex paint.
Both of these materials can be painted onto the cardboard for a sturdy surface that won’t wear away easily over time.
If you’re looking for even more durability than that, try contact cement or polyester resin mixed with water before applying directly to your cardboard project!
How do you seal cardboard furniture?
Some recommended options are listed below, but keep in mind that the best product for you depends on your personal circumstances and needs.
- A sealer: To seal cardboard, you could use a clear coat or waterproof coating to provide a barrier that prevents water damage. You may also consider using a regular clear sealer over the paint if you’re worried about it peeling off due to moisture or other factors. If you have no idea which product would work best for your project, it’s always safest just stick with what’s tried and true by using a clear acrylic spray (such as Krylon Crystal Clear Acrylic Coating).
- A stain: If you have painted your cardboard furniture and want to make sure it lasts longer than paint alone, try sealing its surface with one of several possible options such as Krylon Indoor/Outdoor Clear Polyurethane Finish or Rust-Oleum Universal All Surface Spray Paint & Primer in One – Gloss
Conclusion
To recap, epoxy is an adhesive made of hardener and resin. Epoxy glues can be strong enough to hold things together under extreme conditions, such as underwater or in extreme temperatures.
Depending on the type of epoxy you are using and what project you’re working on, it may be necessary to use cardboard to support the object you’re attaching with your glue.
While cardboard is not a great surface for adhesives because the paper and glue don’t bond well together, it’s usually fine for this purpose since the main thing holding the objects together is epoxy anyway.
For more bonding tips and advice about epoxies and other glues, check out our other articles.
