Clear Counter Top Epoxy Resin by Smooth-On
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R 246.00
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- Product name: Tarbender®.
- UV resistant clear liquid epoxy that creates an impact resistant high gloss coating.
- Each cast layer should be between 1.5 - 3.0mm thick.
- A higher viscosity resin only for thin layer applications such as bar counters and table tops.
Downloads:
General points for all resin work
Resins are not simple to work with and you should not attempt resin art if you are not prepared to experience a learning curve. Start small and get to know your products and the correct methods.
Preparation and mixing are crucial for any resin project to be successful. Read and follow all instructions carefully. Only mix the quantity that you will use immediately as resins cannot be stored after mixing. The heat generated in a container of un-poured resin or in resin that is applied too thick can reach dangerously high levels.
You need to take health precautions when working with resins so read safety and health instructions carefully. Avoid breathing fumes of this product. Use in a well ventilated area at minimum but an approved respirator is recommended. Avoid all skin contact and wear safety glasses, long sleeves and rubber gloves to minimise skin contact. This product is an irritant to the eyes, skin and mucous membranes.
Tarbender® Clear Counter Top Epoxy Resin by Smooth-On
- This is a thin film resin that is cast in layers between 1 - 3mm thick (normal is about 1.6mm). There is no limit to the number of layers that can be added. The resin is thick (has high viscosity) which enables it to be used on counter tops without building sides around the counter top to retain it. The downside of being thick and fast curing is that air bubble entrainment can be a problem which is why it should only be used in thin layers and torching is essential after pouring.
- Primarily used to create a clear, hard, high gloss coating on wooden bar counters and to encapsulate 3-D objects. Also use for resin art during which pigments are added and effects created.
- UV Stabilised (slow to yellow compared to non-stabilised resins).
- Fast curing which reduces the tendency for the formation of amine blush and enables the application of thin layers that would otherwise cure too slowly.
- Not approved for food contact and not suitable for heat contact above 80oC (thus not suitable for kitchen counters).
- Manufactured by Smooth-On in the USA.
- Mixing ratio is 100A : 41B by weight or 2A : 1B by volume.
These are not detailed instruction. You should download and read the User Instructions as a PDF from this webpage before purchasing. A copy will also be included with your order.
The most important characteristics of this resin system
UV Stabilised but clear unpainted resin will eventually yellow outdoors.
- UV Stabilised (slow to yellow compared to non-stabilised resins). It will still yellow if exposed to UV light or sunlight for long periods. If strongly pigmented or painted then it is fine for outdoor use.
Not very prone to amine blush but if this does occur take required steps to remove it.
- The fast cure time makes it less sensitive to application conditions but as amine blush can occur, do not use the resin in cold moist conditions.
The liquid resin is viscous (thick).
- This allows it to be spread in a controlled way over surfaces without excess uncontrolled run-off. Once spread fairly evenly it will self-level to form a smooth glossy finish. There is thus no need to build sides around counter tops that you want to coat.
- The high viscosity supports pigments well with lower settling tendency. The fact that it is viscous leads to air entrainment problems so it should only be applied in thin layers (recommended layer thickness is 1.6mm). Torching after application is important to remove air.
Fast curing
- Fast curing is essential in thin layer applications as thin layers of slow curing resin would take days to harden at lower temperatures. Fast curing also reduces the tendency for amine blush formation.
- There are two downsides of fast curing: The pot life is short making it hard to mix and use large quantities at one time. Fast curing makes it hard to remove air and this limits the resin to thin layer applications.
More information and videos
This particular product can be found at https://www.smooth-on.com/products/tarbender (watch videos here).
Basic safety and health information is contained in our User Instruction document which is sufficient for the casual user. The Safety Data Sheet for this product can be found in the Technical Section of this website.
Removing air from resin
We have included a link to a YouTube video that explains 5 ways air can be removed from resin. We did not make this video but it is very well done.
Note that with this particular resin the vacuum chamber method should never be used. As this resin is only cast in thin layers the method of surface torching is normally adequate. The heating methods can be used prior to pouring the resin but torching after pouring is often still necessary. Note that heating resin will significantly reduce its pot life. Nevertheless this is an interesting video and well worth a watch: Video
Keep out of reach of children
All our products should be kept out of reach of children under 5 years and anybody who may tend to place items or liquids in their mouths should be supervised. Even packing can become a choking hazard.
Pack Size |
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0.705kg (650ml)
1.41kg (1.29 litres)
7.05kg (6.47 litres)
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Size |
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Starter Pack |
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