5 Ways epoxy is used for commercial and at-home design

To better understand the design benefits of epoxy resin, we’re outlining some of the common ways it’s used for commercial buildings, including its decorative purpose.

These examples will not only help you understand how and why epoxy resin is used; it may also inspire some new home renovation and small design projects.

1. Structural and engineering adhesives

Epoxies are used as glues and adhesives to make laminated wood. Laminated wood is used in making roofs, decks, walls, and general buildings. If wood or concrete in a building requires a sturdy substrate bond, a strong adhesive such as epoxy resin can be used. Thanks to its resistance to chemicals and heat and its ability to stick to surfaces made of wood, glass, stone, and metal, it can help make construction easy. It is also used to construct machines, including bicycles, snowboards, cars, and airplanes.

2. Electronics

Epoxy resin is used in the electronics industry because of its ability to protect from high temperatures and chemicals and excellent mechanical and electrical properties. Using epoxy resin, electrical components can be protected from moisture, dirt, and short circuits, contributing to longer service life for these items. Some of the things that use resin include transformers, insulators, and generators.

3. Repairs

The strength and application of resin rely on its adhesive properties. It is used in the repair and maintenance of the house. For example, items such as ceramic or even glass can be put back in place through resin use. They may not go back to the initial state, but epoxy resin helps fix these items and restore them. It is also used in the same way to repair wood, latex, and metal.

4. Surface coating, sealant, and flooring

Epoxy prevents corrosion, and therefore, it is used to cover household appliances and objects that face rusting risk. For instance, metal and paint containers are coated with epoxy resin before use. Epoxy resin is also used for flooring projects. Decorative flooring, such as terrazzo and chip flooring, are also covered with epoxy. This flooring option is good because it reduces water and other pesticides, unlike traditional alternatives.

5. Decorative purposes

Apart from its application in building and construction, the homeowners can find many uses of epoxy resin. This material, if used well, can be useful for decoration. Here are a few examples to spark some inspiration for your next project.

Making buttons

You can make some DIY (do-it-yourself) buttons at home using resin by mixing polyamine hardener and epoxy resin. Then, pour the mixture into button moulds. You can add glitter to the buttons and use a toothpick to move them around. After approximately a day, you can safely extract the buttons from the moulds.

Cabinet handles

Instead of investing in expensive cabinet handles, you can spice things a bit by using your skills to make something similar. You will need a long screw, a container for contact lenses, and a synthetic resin mixture. Contact lens containers will make a great mould for your handle. Next, you pour the epoxy resin mixture into the box and insert the screw in it. You can be creative and decorate the resin with glitter, beads, sequins or other tiny decorative accents that will fit the mould. Be sure to allow it to dry for up to a day or more.

Decorative napkins

Spruce up the look of your next dinner party with a new take on napkin holders. First, find moulds with exciting shapes such as flowers or stars. Next, mix resin with acrylic paint and pour it into your moulds. Wait until the moulds harden, and then stick the decorative pieces onto a napkin ring. Voila! Dinner is served.

Take the proper precautions before using epoxy resin at home

As you use epoxy resin at home, there are factors that you should consider and precautions that must be taken. Do some research to learn more about different resin types and what you should consider before buying. For starters, you should buy quality instead of the cheapest resin and use the right type for a particular application. Further, you can learn about the different attributes of resin that determine the end product.

As a protective measure, always wear rubber gloves every time you are working with epoxies. Additionally, you should wear a mask and work in a well-ventilated room.

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