Epoxy generally does not stick to materials that are flexible, non-porous, or have low surface energy. Because epoxy relies on soaking into microscopic pores or creating a strong chemical bond, smooth or waxy surfaces cause it to simply peel off once cured.
Epoxy will not stick to:
Teflon. Polyethylene. Polypropylene. Nylon.
One of the most common questions that we get from our customers is just what surface they can cover with epoxy? The answer is virtually any surface can be covered! However, there will be preparation involved for porous surfaces.
Resin will stick to many acrylic sheets, but if it is flexible (each brand is a bit different on flexibility too), it may cause the resin to crack or separate.
Yes, epoxy works on acrylic, but it isn't always the strongest or cleanest option. Its success depends heavily on the type of project you are doing:
Fiberglass resin (whether epoxy or polyester) will generally not stick to non-porous, low-surface-energy materials. The most common materials that reject resin include silicone, Teflon (PTFE), polyethylene (including plastic bags and packing tape), polypropylene, wax paper, and greasy or oily surfaces.
Here at Garage Force, our patented polyurea garage floor coatings are about 20 times stronger than epoxy coatings. That is a huge difference in strength!
Yes, epoxy will stick to paint, provided the paint is fully cured and the surface is properly prepared. Epoxy adheres mechanically, meaning it needs a slightly roughened texture (or "tooth") to grip onto. The overall bond will only be as strong as the paint underneath it.
Acetic acid can, over time, lightly soften or damage the surface of your epoxy finish, making it seem murkier or "cloudy". We recommend against using pure vinegar as a cleaning solution for epoxy resin surfaces.
If your epoxy is still sticky after two days, it is likely under-cured due to a mixing error or a cold environment. It will likely not cure on its own.
The Cons of Epoxy Resins
Environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, can influence curing and surface finish. Poor preparation or inexperienced installers can lead to common failures such as bubbling, pinholing, or delamination.
No, super glue and epoxy are two completely different types of adhesives with distinct chemical makeups and uses.
The simplest fix is to cover your workbench with 3 mil or heavier plastic sheeting. It's inexpensive and tear-resistant, can be taped to the work surface, and cured epoxy will peel off it. Other, even cheaper options include cutting open a garbage bag or a plastic storage bag.
Yes, epoxy will stick to epoxy without sanding, but only if the previous layer is still tacky and has not fully cured. This creates a chemical bond.
ArtResin epoxy resin does not adhere well to plastic such as vinyl, acrylic, plastic stir sticks or spreaders, plastic sandwich/grocery bags, silicone molds, and the non-sticky side of shiny tape.
Epoxy generally does not stick to materials that are flexible, non-porous, or have low surface energy. Because epoxy relies on soaking into microscopic pores or creating a strong chemical bond, smooth or waxy surfaces cause it to simply peel off once cured.
Yes, you can mix acrylic paint with epoxy resin in small amounts. It's a popular way to add color to resin for art and crafts. Use just a few drops to avoid affecting the resin's curing process. Too much paint can make the resin sticky or cause it not to harden properly.
For heavy-duty, long-lasting concrete surfaces like garage floors and patios, Polyaspartic and Polyurea coatings are considered superior to epoxy. They are up to 20× stronger, fully UV-stable (won't yellow in the sun), and flexible enough to move with concrete without cracking.
Epoxy forms a much stronger bond overall. Once cured, it withstands tension, impact, vibration, and exposure to the elements. This makes epoxy ideal for projects requiring a durable, permanent fix, even in tough conditions. Super glue produces a quick bond that is more brittle.
Loctite Epoxy Plastic is one of the best epoxies for ABS plastic, PVC, acrylic, polycarbonate, FRP, and most other plastics on the market. It provides high impact resistance, is water resistant, and will not shrink or crack.
Epoxy will not stick to:
Teflon. Polyethylene. Polypropylene. Nylon.
Yes, you can apply epoxy over existing epoxy, provided the original surface is fully cured, structurally sound, and properly prepped. If the old epoxy is peeling, damaged, or poorly adhered, the new coat will fail.
Silicone: The Gold Standard for Resin Molds
If you have ever purchased a resin mold, it was almost certainly made of silicone. Silicone is the most reliable material that resin will not stick to. This is due to silicone's incredibly low surface energy and its flexible, non-reactive nature.