How to Get the Epoxy Resin Mixing Ratio Just Right

The correct epoxy resin mixing ratio depends on the product you’re using. Common ratios include 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1, measured by either volume or weight. To get the best results, always follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for your resin and hardener.

Get it right, and your project will turn out smooth, strong, and crystal clear. Ratios can seem tricky at first, but they’re not as scary as they sound. Want to avoid mistakes and learn the easiest way to mix like a pro? Read on to find out more!

Key Takeaways

• The right epoxy resin mixing ratio is key to curing success
• Accurate measuring prevents sticky or weak results
• Careful mixing improves strength, clarity, and finish

Make measuring simple! Read our guide, Epoxy Resin Calculator: Get Exact Measurements for Your Projects to get precise results every time.

Understanding Epoxy Resin Mixing Ratio

The mixing ratio is one of the most important steps in working with epoxy resin. The ratio tells you how much resin and hardener to combine so the mixture cures the right way.

Most craft resins use a 1:1 ratio by volume—equal parts resin and hardener. Some industrial or high-strength types use 2:1 or 3:1 ratios.

Always check the label, since each brand sets its own requirements. If you don’t follow the correct ratio, the resin may stay sticky, cure too fast, or not harden at all.

Adding more hardener won’t make resin cure faster. It just throws off the chemical balance.

Here’s a quick guide to common ratios:

Resin Type	Typical Ratio	Measuring Method
Craft resin	1:1	By volume (cups)
Deep pour resin	2:1	By volume
Industrial epoxy	3:1	By weight or volume

For small projects like jewelry or coasters, a 1:1 system is easiest because you can just use simple cups. Larger projects, like river tables, often need a 2:1 ratio for slower curing and less heat.

Mix slowly for at least 2–3 minutes, scraping the sides and bottom of your cup. That helps you avoid unmixed spots and keeps your finished piece clear and hard.

Why Mixing Ratio Matters

The mixing ratio really decides whether your epoxy resin project works out or not. The resin and hardener need the right balance to cure properly.

If you get the ratio wrong, your piece might stay sticky, soft, or just never harden. A common ratio is 1:1 or 2:1 (resin to hardener), but this depends on the brand.

Always check your product’s instructions. Even small changes in the ratio can mess with how strong, clear, or durable your craft turns out.

Here’s a quick look at how different ratios can affect results:

Mixing Ratio	Likely Result
Too much resin	Soft, tacky surface
Too much hardener	Brittle, cloudy finish
Correct ratio	Hard, clear, durable piece

The right ratio also controls heat build-up during curing. Too much hardener? The resin might cure too fast and overheat, leading to cracks or yellowing.

For resin crafts like jewelry, coasters, or art panels, keeping the ratio accurate helps your work stay strong and last longer. Measure with graduated cups or a digital scale—don’t guess.

Even with the correct ratio, mixing matters. Poor mixing can leave streaks or soft spots, so stir slowly and scrape the sides and bottom of your cup to blend everything.

Safety comes first. Learn more by reading Do I Need a Mask When Working With Epoxy Resin?

Common Epoxy Resin Mixing Ratios

The most important step when working with epoxy resin is getting the resin and hardener ratio right. Add too much of one part, and your piece might stay sticky or cure too fast.

Most craft resins use a 1:1 ratio by volume. That means equal parts of resin and hardener, which is perfect for jewelry, coasters, and small art projects.

Some resins use a 2:1 ratio. You mix two parts resin with one part hardener. This type often cures harder and works well for things like tabletops or trays.

A few specialty systems call for 3:1 or 4:1 ratios. These are rare in crafts but pop up in industrial or high-heat uses. Always check the label before you start mixing.

Here’s a quick reference table:

Ratio (Resin)	Common Use Cases
1:1	Jewelry, coasters, art pours
2:1	Tabletops, trays, casting
3:1 or 4:1	Specialty or high-heat needs

To keep your mix accurate, always measure with clear cups and stir slowly. Scrape the sides and bottom of your container to blend both parts fully.

Cleaning up doesn’t have to be hard. Discover safe methods in Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Epoxy Resin Safely.

How to Measure Epoxy Resin Mixing Ratio

You need the right ratio of resin and hardener for your project to cure properly. Most craft epoxies use a 1:1 ratio by volume, but some industrial or specialty resins may call for 2:1 or 4:1 ratios.

Always check the label before you start. Use a clean mixing container with clear markings for accuracy.

If your resin calls for equal parts, pour the same amount of resin and hardener into the container. For weight-based ratios, a digital scale gives more precise results than volume markings.

A simple table can help you measure:

Ratio (Resin)	Resin Amount	Hardener Amount
1:1	50 ml	50 ml
2:1	100 g	50 g
4:1	80 g	20 g

Pour resin first, then add hardener. That helps reduce bubbles and makes mixing easier. Stir slowly and scrape the sides and bottom of the container to blend everything evenly. If you need to split a batch, use smaller disposable cups for accuracy.

Never guess the amounts—a small mistake can leave your piece sticky or soft. For larger projects, use graduated buckets or mixing pitchers.

For small jewelry or coaster molds, syringes or pipettes help measure exact amounts without waste.

Crafting isn’t always perfect. Read our article: 5 Common Epoxy Resin Problems and How to Fix Them.

Tips for Accurate Mixing

Always measure your epoxy resin and hardener by volume or weight, not by guesswork. Even small errors can cause sticky or brittle results.

Most craft resins use a 1:1 ratio, but some require 2:1 or other mixes, so check the label before you start. Use two clean cups instead of one.

First, pour resin and hardener into separate cups. Then combine them into a third cup and stir slowly. This “double-cup method” helps reduce unmixed spots and lowers the chance of bubbles.

Stir with a flat stick, not a round tool. A flat edge scrapes the sides and bottom better.

Mix for at least 2–3 minutes, moving in steady circles and scraping often. Temperature matters. Work in a room that stays between 70–75°F (21–24°C).

If it’s too cold, resin may thicken and trap bubbles. If it’s too hot, the mix may cure too fast.

Keep track of your ratio with a simple table:

Ratio Type	Example	Notes
1:1	20 ml resin + 20 ml hardener	Common for craft resins
2:1	40 ml resin + 20 ml hardener	Used for stronger coatings
3:1	30 ml resin + 10 ml hardener	Less common, check brand

Only mix what you can use within the working time listed on the package. This prevents waste and gives you enough time to pour and shape your project.

For a flawless, glass-like surface, check out our article, How to Polish Epoxy Resin: A Step-by-Step Guide to a Shiny Finish.

How To Fix Mixing Ratio Issues

If your epoxy project just won't cure right, chances are the mixing ratio's off. Even a tiny mistake with the resin and hardener can leave you with a sticky or soft mess.

Common signs of ratio problems:

• Sticky or tacky finish
• Soft spots that never harden
• Cloudy or uneven surface
• Brittle or cracked areas

Temperature matters, too. If your workspace feels chilly, curing slows way down and might trick you into thinking the mix ratio is wrong.

Warmer rooms usually help epoxy set closer to the expected time.

Here’s a quick table to help you figure out what went sideways:

Issue	Likely Cause	Quick Fix
Sticky surface	Too much resin	Measure again, scrape off tacky layer
Soft, rubbery spots	Too much hardener	Sand down and re-coat
Slow curing	Low ambient temperature	Move piece to warmer space
Brittle, cracked resin	Wrong ratio or over-mixing speed	Use correct ratio, stir gently

Always grab a digital scale or use marked cups. Eyeballing it just leads to trouble, honestly.

Stir slowly for a couple of minutes, really scraping the sides and bottom so everything blends evenly.

If you spot bubbles or streaks, chances are you didn’t mix thoroughly. In that case, mix up a fresh batch with the right ratio and brush on a thin coat to cover the mistake.

Final Thoughts

Getting the epoxy resin mixing ratio right is super important if you want strong, clear projects. Always follow the instructions on your resin. Guessing can make it sticky or messy. With a little practice, mixing feels easy and fun.

Want the best results? Try our high-quality epoxy resin, and check out our silicone molds and resin equipment to make your creations even better.

Curious about durability? Read our guide: How Strong Is Epoxy Resin? All You Need to Know.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I put too much hardener in resin?

If you add extra hardener, the resin won’t cure faster. Instead, it usually stays soft or tacky since the chemical balance gets thrown off.

Too much hardener also tends to make the surface cloudy or brittle. Your piece might break easier or just never set right, which is frustrating.

What is the ratio of epoxy resin to hardener 1 1?

A 1:1 ratio means you mix equal parts of resin and hardener by volume. A lot of craft resins use this since it’s simple to measure.

If you don’t keep the amounts equal, the resin probably won’t cure all the way. Always check the product label, though—not every brand uses the same ratio.

Do you pour hardener or resin first?

Pour the resin first, then add the hardener. It’s just easier to measure that way.

Once both are in, stir slowly for a few minutes. If you mix too fast, you’ll trap air bubbles that show up in your finished piece (and nobody wants that).

Is 1:1 or 2:1 resin better?

Honestly, neither is “better” across the board. It really comes down to what you’re making.

If you’re working on jewelry, coasters, or small crafts, 1:1 resin is a favorite. It’s easy to measure and cures nice and clear.

But for bigger projects, like tabletops or thick castings, 2:1 resin usually offers more strength. Just make sure you stick to the mixing ratio your specific resin calls for.