Cleaning resin cups is one of the trickiest jobs because of its stickiness characteristics. If the resin is not treated correctly, it can leave stains on different surfaces.
However, there are a few practical ways that will help you clean resin cups.
For cleaning resin cups, you need to allow enough time to let the resin cure. Once it is cured, then remove the shell from the cup material. Remember, the cup has to be made of such material that releases the resin easily.
Let’s continue reading.
How to Clean Resin Cups?
Learning how to clean epoxy resin mixing cups is a thoughtful way to minimize waste since you can re-use your mixing cups. Follow the below cleaning processes carefully.
Important Note: Leave the resin in the mixing cup for at least 72 hours to get it solid. This way, you can easily remove the hardened resin. Soft resin is quite difficult to clean.
Tip: When curing the resin in the cup, leave the wooden stir in it. The wooden handle will work as a handle and makes the removal task convenient.
Method 01: Using Solvent
Required Materials:
- Paper towel or tissue
- Solvent
- Adhesive tape
Step 01: Grab the mixing cup and hold it around. As a result, the cured resin will get released from the walls of the cup.
Step 02: Hold the stir and wiggle it. From the bottom of the cup, the cured resin will be removed. The resin shell can easily be removed now.
Step 03: Although you have already removed the resin shell, you will still find resin inside the cup. Sometimes, the unmixed resin will be available where the walls meet the bottom of the cup. Again, this needs to be cleaned completely.
Step 04: Buy a solvent from your nearest store. Grab a tissue and pour the solvent onto it. Then clean the cup thoroughly. While cleaning, make sure all the cured resin is removed from the walls of the cup. Especially check if there is unmatched resin available in the cup bottom or not. If anything is left behind, you will face problems while mixing the next batch of resin.
If required, clean the cup again with another clean piece of tissue.
Step 05: Again, check for leftover stray bits of resin in the cup. If you find any, you may require to use a piece of adhesive tape. It will help you clean the mixing cups easily.
Now your mixing cup is ready to re-use.
Re-using mixing cleaning resin cups will assist you in saving money, and it is environment-friendly as well. In addition, you can buy other resin supplies with the saved money.
Method 02: Non-Chemical
Required Items:
- Paper towels
- Wax paper
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Dish soap
Step 01: Cover the working surface with wax paper.
Step 02: When the resin is soft and liquid, use the paper towel to wipe away as much resin as possible.
Step 03: Grab the non-stick cooking spray and spray it on the mixing cups. Next, add dish soap also.
Step 04: Scrape all the sides of the cup using the brush stir.
Step 05: Then rinse the cup in a mixture of mild soap and warm water.
Step 06: Leave the cup to dry. You can use the paper towel for thorough drying. Once the mixing cup is dried, it is ready for reuse.
Method 03: Chemical such as Alcohol/ Thinner/ Acetone
Required Items:
- Paper towel
- Alcohol, thinner, or acetone
Step 01: Pour the solvent on the paper towel. Wipe down the mixing cup with the paper towel. Make sure to wipe away the cups thoroughly.
Step 02: Wash the cups with hot water and mild soap.
FAQ
Can you wash resin down the sink?
Never pour unused resin down the sink. Instead of pouring, get a paper towel or clean cloth to wipe off any excess resin. Then wash the mixing cup with warm water and mild soap.
Can epoxy resin be used as glue?
Yes, you can use epoxy resin as glue. It can be the strongest glue you will ever use. First, mix and stir epoxy as usual. Then use foam or brush to apply.
How do you clean brushes after using epoxy resin?
First, wipe off the brush using a paper towel. Then take assistance from alcohol, acetone, or thinner to clean the brushes. When using the solvents, ensure safety warnings as recommended by the manufacturer. Keep adequate ventilation.
Is resin environment-friendly?
Generally, the resin is of 2 types: water-based and alcohol-based. Water-based resin is eco-friendly because non-toxic and organic ingredients are used to manufacture it. In comparison, the alcohol-based resin is made from artificial ingredients, which make them non-eco-friendly.
Why is my resin too sticky than usual?
Your resin can be sticky if it is improperly mixed or mixed following the inaccurate measuring. Also, when cured at cold temperature, you will have a sticky resin.
How do you get dried resin out of clothes?
Using solvent is the best solution to get dried resin out of clothes. But, before that, use a paper towel to wipe away the spot thoroughly. Then pour the solvent and dampen the area. Finally, rinse the cloth in a mixture of soapy hot water. Be noted that some fabric’s color can change permanently due to the solvents.
Last Words
Cleaning resin cups offer several benefits. After reading this article, it will never become a troublesome task if you learn how to clean resin cups. You can re-use the cleaned cups for your next project.
Remember, when cleaning resin cups with solvents, wear safety gear. Also, ensure proper air ventilation while using the solvents.
Thanks for reading this article!