When you apply epoxy, you want to make sure that it cures properly. But what happens when the sun shines directly on your project? Does the intense UV radiation from the sun compromise the cure of your epoxy?
This article covers if and how sunlight can impact the cure of epoxy resin. We’ll also go over steps you can take if a sunny day is in store for your curing project.
Does the sun damage epoxy?
Epoxy is a popular and versatile material that can be used in a wide range of applications. For most applications, however, epoxy needs to be protected from the sun’s UV rays.
The sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause epoxy coatings to yellow and even crack if they remain exposed for too long.
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Does epoxy get soft in the sun?
Fortunately, the answer is no. Epoxy does not get soft in the sun; it hardens again when it cools down. It’s not brittle, gummy or sticky either. So you can relax about your project—no matter how long it stays outside!
Can epoxy dry in the sun?
Yes, it can. The curing process for epoxy will take longer in the sun, just like any other resin or adhesive. When you’re using epoxy and there are no clouds in sight, go ahead and cure your project outside so that it dries quickly.
However, if you’re working on a large project outdoors during the rainy season (or if a cloud is present), bring your work inside until the sun comes out again.
If you want to speed up the drying process or even dry indoors at night (to avoid bugs), use a UV light source instead of direct sunlight when curing epoxy projects.
How do you protect epoxy from sun damage?
A good way to protect epoxy from sun damage is to use a UV inhibitor like Sun Cure. This additive can be mixed with epoxy and applied at night.
If you want to use epoxy with high solid content and low viscosity, then we recommend using our 5-minute epoxy. If you are looking for a longer cure time, our 15-minute wood filler would be better suited for your project.
Can resin be in direct sunlight?
Yes, epoxy can be in direct sunlight. In fact, the most resin will cure in direct sunlight. You’ll want to avoid overexposure to the sun though because this will cause your resins to yellow and cause a change in color.
Some resins are UV stable and won’t yellow though, so it’s important to check your manufacturer’s instructions before applying them outdoors.
If you can’t paint or coat the finished surface of your project with something that protects it from the sun (varnish or polyurethane), consider using one of these products instead:
Will epoxy last outside?
The longevity of epoxy resin depends on a few factors. The first is what type of resin you’re using. UV resistant resins will last longer than standard acrylics, which are not designed for outdoor use.
Additionally, the color of your epoxy should be dark to protect it from sun damage—the darker the color, the better it will resist discoloration and fading over time.
Finally, if your project needs to be outdoors or in direct sunlight (like a patio table), consider using an indoor/outdoor epoxy instead—it won’t last forever but it’ll provide more protection than regular indoor-only materials as lacquer or varnish do!
What happens when epoxy gets too hot?
If you are working in hot weather, you may want to be aware that epoxy will cure faster. In other words, if your epoxy begins curing before you apply it completely to your project, it can leave a tacky residue on the surface of your workpiece and make it more difficult to smooth out later.
If too much heat is applied during application or curing time, the epoxy may turn yellowish or brittle. This can happen if the temperature is above 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius) when applying or curing epoxy resin products.
For best results when using Glo Coat® Liquid Polyurethane Epoxy Resin and Catalyst products: Work in the shade whenever possible for best results!
How does hot weather affect resin?
Epoxy is a thermoset. A thermoset is a material that cures with heat, not by drying out. This means that the epoxy resin itself does not dry out and harden in the same way that paint or varnish does. Instead, it gets cured by an external source of heat—like the sun!
But what happens when you leave your project outside in the hot weather? First off, it’s important to understand how much heat can affect epoxy resin and what kind of changes we might see if we leave it out too long without taking any precautions against high temperatures (like covering it up).
It all comes down to two main factors: 1) where you live; 2) how long you leave your project exposed to sunlight
Conclusion
We’ve seen a lot of information about epoxy and whether the sun ruins it. In general, sunlight can affect epoxy but there are ways to protect your work from UV rays if you use proper curing methods.
As long as you keep these things in mind, your project should last longer than most people think!
