Epoxy coating on painting/canvas
In this article, our epoxy expert explains how you can easily apply an epoxy coating to your painting or photo on canvas.
An epoxy coating gives a nice glossy finish and provides excellent protection for your project. In this article we explain how you can apply a protective coating to your painting or photo on canvas.
An epoxy coating gives a nice glossy finish and provides excellent protection for your project. In this article we explain how you can apply a protective coating to your painting or photo on canvas.
Epoxy casting resin is used for many purposes. Casting floors, tables and coating paintings or figurines. The Ultra Epoxy is widely used by artists and furniture makers for finishing paintings .
With the right techniques and some handy tips and tricks, you can apply a beautiful epoxy coating that not only protects your canvas or painting, but also looks beautiful. In this article, our epoxy specialists will show you how to properly apply epoxy to a painting or canvas of, for example, a photo.
Step 1: Preparation
Make sure you have all the necessary materials on hand before you start. Apply painter's tape to the edges of the back of your canvas. You do this to protect the back. Epoxy can be dripped onto this later. After curing, we remove this tape and the back is still completely neat.
Put on the gloves and prepare your workplace. Cover your workplace with, for example, cardboard boxes or plastic foil. Epoxy adheres to almost all surfaces such as MDF, plywood, plastic and wood.
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Epoxy casting resin: Choose a high-quality epoxy casting resin that is suitable for casting paintings and/or coatings. Our advice for this is the Ultra Epoxy . This is a high quality art epoxy that can be widely used.
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Requirements: Ultra Epoxy , disposable nitrile gloves , mixing cup 750 ml or larger, mixing spatulas, scales, acetone and painter's tape (masking tape).
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Workspace: Work in a dust-free workspace and ensure that your surface is level so that the epoxy does not run off.
Step 2: Calculate how much epoxy you need for your canvas
You can easily calculate how much epoxy you need for your project. One liter of epoxy casting resin gives 1 mm layer thickness per square meter. If you are casting a painting or canvas photo , a thickness of 1.0-2.0 mm is usual. The table below shows how much epoxy you need for the most common canvas sizes.
| Canvas size (cm) | Epoxy | Canvas size (cm) | Epoxy | ||
| 20 | 20 | 65 ml | 80 | 80 | 1020 ml |
| 30 | 20 | 95 ml | 90 | 30 | 430 ml |
| 30 | 30 | 145 ml | 90 | 60 | 855 ml |
| 40 | 30 | 190 ml | 100 | 70 | 1110 ml |
| 40 | 40 | 250 ml | 100 | 100 | 1600 ml |
| 50 | 50 | 400 ml | 120 | 40 | 760 ml |
| 60 | 20 | 190 ml | 120 | 80 | 1530 ml |
| 60 | 40 | 380 ml | 150 | 50 | 1200 ml |
| 60 | 60 | 570 ml | 150 | 100 | 2400 ml |
| 70 | 50 | 550 ml | 200 | 90 | 2850 ml |
| 80 | 40 | 510 ml | 200 | 100 | 3175 ml |
Step 3: Applying the epoxy coating
Place the painting or photo on canvas on a small elevation, so that it is not on a direct surface. You don't want everything to stick together later. Follow the instructions on the packaging of the epoxy casting resin. Mix well for 5-7 minutes. Also scrape the bottom and sides of the mixing bowl. 
Pour the epoxy evenly over the surface from the mixing cup. Keep a small amount of epoxy in the mixing cup if you need it later.
Start in the middle and then spread the epoxy with a mixing spatula or with your hands (make sure you wear gloves). In our opinion, this works best with your hands. Distribute the epoxy evenly over the surface with 1 hand. You will later use the other (clean) hand to finish the edges. Check that the epoxy is evenly distributed.
Finally, spread the epoxy (see photo below) over the edges. Drips may drip onto the surface, this is completely normal. Work this with a spatula for one minute. The epoxy flows level on its own.
Step 4: Remove air bubbles
Use a burner or the Bubble Burst spray to remove air bubbles. Let the epoxy sit for a few minutes to allow the air bubbles to pop. Then remove the air bubbles again. Also remove the drippings along the edges with a spatula. Then follow the curing time as indicated on the epoxy packaging.
Step 5: Apply a second layer if necessary
If you want to add more depth and shine, consider applying a second coat of epoxy. Repeat the steps for mixing and applying the epoxy.
More information?
Do you have questions about making art, jewelry or casting/coating floors or other objects? Several epoxy experts work at itsOkay, each with their own expertise. We are happy to help you.
Contact itsOkay customer service or take a look at the Epoxy knowledge center .
