2-Gallon Epoxy Resin with Pumps
2-Gallon Epoxy Resin with Pumps — Bubble-Free, Crystal-Clear Epoxy Kit for DIY Art, Molds & Crafts
a 2-gallon epoxy resin kit (1 gal resin + 1 gal hardener) that uses pumps and a 1:1 volume mixing ratio is an excellent, beginner-friendly option for artists and makers who want large, crystal-clear pours with minimal mess. This article explains what the kit usually contains, how the pump system helps, how to get bubble-free results, safety and anti-yellowing tips, recommended use cases, and helpful videos & links so you can get started confidently.
What’s in a typical “2-Gallon Epoxy Resin with Pumps” kit?
Most kits marketed like this include:
- 1 gallon clear epoxy resin (Part A)
- 1 gallon epoxy hardener (Part B)
- Two dispensing pumps sized to deliver a 1:1 volume dose (so you can pump equal amounts into a cup without measuring)
- A user manual with basic mix and cure info
- Often: disposable mixing cups, stir sticks, a pour spout, and simple safety reminders.
Because these kits are sold specifically for craft pours, they’re frequently formulated as 1:1 by volume systems to simplify measuring and reduce mistakes for hobbyists. That 1:1 convenience is exactly why pumps are included — each pump stroke dispenses equal parts A and B, making setup fast and less messy. (You told me this kit includes pumps, a 1:1 ratio, and one gallon each of resin and hardener — I’ll use that as the product baseline.)
Why choose a 2-gallon pump kit?
- Convenience & speed: pumps cut measuring time and avoid spills.
- Consistent mixes: when pumps are calibrated, each stroke keeps the ratio correct (important for full cure).
- Enough volume for medium projects: 2 gallons covers multiple tabletops, thicker castings, or many small projects (coasters, molds, jewelry).
- Beginner friendly: reduces measuring errors and anxiety about mixing ratios.
Key features to look for (and why they matter)
- 1:1 volume ratio — easiest for beginners; check manufacturer instructions before use. Mixing ratio accuracy is critical to full cure and mechanical strength. ArtResin
- Pump quality & calibration — test pump strokes into a cup and verify equal volumes from each pump before mixing.
- Working time / pot life — shorter pot life means faster work but less time to manipulate pigments; choose a kit matching your project scale.
- UV stabilizers / anti-yellowing formulation — look for “UV resistant” or “anti-yellowing” if long-term clarity is important. ArtResin
- Self-leveling & low viscosity — helpful for coatings and clear, smooth finishes.
Step-by-step – how to use the pump kit for bubble-free pours
Before you start: read the included manual. Work in a dust-free, well-ventilated area and have nitrile gloves and eye protection ready. WEST SYSTEM
- Condition & test the pumps
- Prime each pump into an identical cup. Count strokes (e.g., 5 strokes from A and 5 strokes from B) and confirm equal volume visually. If unequal, manually measure or adjust technique.
- Pour into mixing cup
- Pump equal strokes of Resin (A) + Hardener (B) into a clean mixing cup. Mix with a flat stir stick — scrape the sides and bottom for a full 3–5 minutes so the chemically different parts marry thoroughly. Correct mixing prevents soft or tacky cures. WiseBond
- Warm & reduce viscosity (optional)
- If the product instructions allow, gently warming the resin bottles in warm water (not hot) before mixing lowers viscosity and helps trapped air escape.
- Degas / remove bubbles
- After mixing, let the mixed resin rest 2–5 minutes to allow many bubbles to rise. Then use one or more of the common bubble-removal techniques: a small culinary torch or heat gun passed quickly across the surface; a blowtorch lighter carefully used (surface only); or specialized tools like vacuum chambers or pressure pots for castings. Many makers get perfect results with coordinated mixing, short rest, and a quick pass of heat. YouTube
- Pour slowly & in layers
- Pour slowly from a low height and consider thinner layers for deep pours (to reduce exotherm and trapped bubbles). Use a silicone brush or spatula to coax resin into crevices.
- Post-pour torching
- Immediately after pouring, sweep a torch/light heat across the surface to pop remaining bubbles. Repeat as needed while the surface is tacky. Several practical video demonstrations below show this live. YouTube
Bubble-free techniques — quick checklist
- Mix slowly and thoroughly (avoid whipping air).
- Let mixed resin sit briefly before pouring.
- Warm resin slightly before mixing (if manufacturer permits).
- Use a heat gun/torch to pop surface bubbles after pouring.
- For castings, consider a vacuum chamber to degas mixed resin, or a pressure pot to compress microbubbles (both are more advanced solutions).
Safety & PPE — non-negotiable
- Ventilation: work in a ventilated space or use a respirator if fumes are present.
- Gloves: nitrile gloves recommended — disposable vinyl is less protective.
- Eye protection & long sleeves: protect against splashes.
- Skin contact: remove with soap and water immediately; do not use solvents on skin.
- Read the SDS: follow the Safety Data Sheet for the specific product you buy. Safety guidelines are covered in depth by epoxy manufacturers and resin safety resources. WEST SYSTEM
Anti-yellowing & long-term clarity
No epoxy is perfectly immune to yellowing over many years — heat and UV are the main culprits. Choose a kit labeled UV-resistant or anti-yellowing and top-coat or add UV stabilizers if long-term crystal clarity is required (e.g., tabletops or keepsakes). Proper curing, avoiding prolonged sunlight exposure, and using UV-stable pigments all help. ArtResin
Best uses and project ideas
- Tabletops and river tables (thin layers or step pours)
- Coasters, trays, and serving boards (finished with food-safe topcoat if needed)
- Mold casting (figurines, jewelry, cabochons) — for deep casts use dedicated casting resins and follow manufacturer depth guidelines
- Resin art & river epoxies, inlaying objects like wood, shells, or metal
Common problems & fixes
- Soft or tacky cure: likely under-mixing or incorrect ratio — remix, or check manufacturer’s cure times.
- Yellowing: UV exposure or heat — use UV-resistant formulas and avoid direct sunlight. JDiction
- Bubbles trapped in castings: use vacuum or pressure techniques or pour in thinner layers.
Recommended videos & how-to links
(Hands-on video demos are invaluable. Here are a few clear tutorials to watch while you work.)
- “How to Get Bubble-Free Resin: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide” — YouTube tutorial (practical mixing & bubble removal). YouTube
- “5 Ways to Get Bubbles Out of Resin” — quick techniques for surface & castings. YouTube
- Vacuum/pressure solutions demo — shows how vacuum chambers and pressure pots can improve castings.
FAQs
Q: Can I use the pumps for colored pigments?
A: Yes — but pump the resin/hardener into a mixing cup first, then add pigments and mix thoroughly. Pumps are for dosing, not pigment dispensing.
Q: How long before I can sand or topcoat?
A: Cure times vary by product — many craft resins can be sanded after 24–48 hours, full cure in 7 days. Follow the product manual for exact times.
Q: Is this resin food-safe?
A: Most epoxies are not food-safe unless fully cured and certified; use a specific food-safe topcoat or contact manufacturer for certification.
Final tips & buying checklist
- Verify the mixing ratio and test pump output before starting.
- Keep your workspace clean and dust-free.
- Practice on small test pours before committing to a big, expensive piece.
- Keep a torch or heat gun nearby for bubble removal.
- Always follow SDS and manufacturer instructions for safety and storage. Entropy Resins
Useful links (open these while you work)
- Bubble-free tutorial (YouTube): “How to Get Bubble-Free Resin: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide.” YouTube
- General epoxy safety guidance (West System safety page). WEST SYSTEM
- Anti-yellowing & clear epoxy guide (ArtResin). ArtResin
- Vacuum / pressure demo videos for castings. YouTube
