Dimples in the Epoxy Job – Here’s How to Fix Them!

You’re in the middle of your epoxy job and notice some dimples forming. You start to panic, thinking that you’ve ruined the whole project.

Or even worse, you completed your epoxy job on a countertop and were excited to show it off to your friends, but then you noticed some unsightly dimples.

Don’t worry- there are easy ways to fix this!

In this article, I’ll show you how to fix those pesky dimples so your project can be flawless.

But before we get into those solutions, let’s understand why dimples are actually caused. Have you made any mistakes, or is it natural?

Why are There Dimples in Epoxy?

Dimples in the resin can be seen in the form of divots, holes, voids, or fish eyes. These are usually caused by trapped air bubbles.

When you mix the epoxy resin and hardener, there occurs a chemical reaction that produces heat. The heat causes the air bubbles to expand and rise to the surface. As the bubbles pop, they leave behind a dimple in the curing epoxy.

There are several reasons why your epoxy might have more air bubbles than usual:

1. You didn’t mix the epoxy properly
2. You’re working in a humid environment
3. You’re using old epoxy that has gone bad
4. There are contaminants on your work surface
5. You’re mixing the epoxy too quickly
6. You’re not pouring the epoxy resin evenly

IMO, if you can identify the cause of the bubbles, it will be easier to fix them and also prevent them in the future.

How to Fix Dimples in Epoxy Job?

The best way to deal with dimples forming in your epoxy project is to prevent them from happening in the first place.

But if you’re already in the middle of your project and notice some dimples, don’t worry. Here are a few tried and tested methods you can try to fix them…

Option 1: Use a hairdryer

To get rid of small dimples in an epoxy craft job you can use a hairdryer.

The heat from the hairdryer will cause the epoxy to flow and smooth out the dimple. But be careful not to hold the hairdryer too close to the epoxy, or you could end up melting it.

Option 2: Use a heat gun

If you have a bigger dimple that a hairdryer can’t fix (like on an epoxy floor), you can try using a heat gun.

Again, be careful not to hold the heat gun too close to the epoxy, or you could melt up the project.

Option 3: Use a toothpick or other sharp object

If the dimple is too small to be fixed with a hairdryer or heat gun, you can try using a toothpick or other sharp object.

Gently push the toothpick into the dimple and then pull it out. The goal is to break the epoxy’s surface tension so that it can flow and smooth out the dimple.

Option 4: Use more epoxy

The final way to fix dimples formed during the epoxy job is to simply pour some more resin over the area.

Like if you need to fix the epoxy mistake on the flooring, you can use a small paintbrush to spread it evenly and be sure to smooth out any air bubbles that might be forming.

Let the epoxy cure for 24 hours and then sand it down lightly before starting the next step of your project.

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Fixing Epoxy Dimples After Finishing Your Job

If you have already finished your project and noticed the dimples in resin after it’s dried, it’s not easy to fix.

Though with some patience, you can correct this epoxy mistake. Here are the steps and techniques you will need to apply…

Method 1: If the resin dimples are 1/16 of an inch or less

If the dimples or divots developed in the resin are less than a sixteenth of an inch (about 1.6mm), mix and apply a newer flood coat of epoxy resin.

Just be sure you have cleaned your resin surface thoroughly and only use the appropriate amount of doming resin.

The ability to self-level and uniformly cover a surface is what differentiates the doming resins from other self-leveling epoxies.

The good thing is that these resin formulas self-level to up to one-eighth inch of the depth, which means if the holes created are smaller than 1/16 of an inch, they will even themselves out throughout the whole surface.

Method 2: If your epoxy resin dimples are 1/8 of an inch or deeper

If the dimples in the epoxy created are about 3mm deep or more, it’s rather difficult to fix. However, below are the steps you can follow with some patience.

This method will take more time, but it is very effective in fixing large divots.

1. First, use the putty knife to scrape out any debris from the divot.
2. Then, use sandpaper to sand down the edges of the divot until it is flush with the surrounding area.  
3. Be sure to sand evenly, so you don’t create any new divots.
4. Once the divot is sanded down, use a clean cloth to remove any dust.
5. Next, apply methylene chloride to the area with a cotton swab. This will help to etch the surface and make it more receptive to resin.
6. Let the methylene chloride dry completely.
7. Now it’s time to mix the resin in equal parts of the doming resin and hardener in a cup.
8. Stir slowly and thoroughly until the two substances are completely mixed.
9. Then, use a measuring cup to pour the mixed resin into the divot.
10. Use a putty knife or other tool to spread the resin evenly, be sure to overfill the divot slightly.
11. Allow the resin to cure for at least 24 hours, and sand it down lightly.

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Getting Rid of Ripples and Waves from Your Epoxy Surface Finish

Ripples, waves, and bubbles are some other irregularities you may notice while pouring epoxy resin on your table or other wood surfaces.

If those are the issues, here are the fixes that can help…

Before you get started, remember that merely putting down one coat of epoxy isn’t enough; you’ll need to apply two to three coats to repair the situation.

Typically, you will be applying the resin in 2 stages. First is the thin seal coat (to avoid air bubbles), and next is the float coat with the same resin product.

• Start by applying a very thin coat (referred to as a flood or seal coat) with a paint roller.
• This should be a thickness of around 1/8” or (3 mm) and be applied evenly over the entire surface.
• Then apply the float coat, ensuring that it adheres to all the subsequent layers until you achieve an even leveled surface.

Related FAQs

What is epoxy used for?

Epoxy is a strong adhesive for bonding metal, glass, wood, and plastic. It is also used as a sealant and coating for surfaces such as brick, ceramics, rocks, and concrete floors.

It usually takes epoxy 24 hours to cure. However, this can vary depending on the type of epoxy you use.

How can I fix epoxy mistakes on the countertop?

Using sandpaper and some epoxy resin, you can fix epoxy mistakes (dull tacky spots or even dimples) on the countertop.

Wait until the epoxy has thoroughly dried before sanding down an uneven finish. Sand it lightly with fine-grained wet sandpaper once the epoxy has hardened.

After that, clean the surface to remove any sanding dust and other particles. If required, fill the gaps with some fresh epoxy.

What is a doming resin – how it’s different from casting resin?

Doming resins differ from casting resins in that they have a higher viscosity and are designed to be used in thinner layers.

Doming resins are typically used for projects where a clear, high-gloss finish is desired with an overall domed finish. They are also self-leveling, which means they will spread evenly over the surface without needing constant stirring.

The Bottom Line

Dimples, divots, ripples, and waves in your epoxy job can be extremely frustrating, but now you have a game plan for how to fix these eye sores.

All it takes is a bit of time, preparation, patience, and the correct tools. Additionally, choosing good quality epoxy is important to ensure that it doesn’t suffer from any brittleness and that the end result is beautiful as you intended.

Do make sure that next time you apply epoxy, you lay down a smoother coat so that it can adhere better and eliminate those pesky dimples.

Moreover, when the temperature changes drastically such as during winter months, it might be best to wait until warmer temperatures arrive before attempting an epoxy job. With these tips in mind, you’re sure to succeed in tackling any further epoxy projects with even greater ease.