Epoxy Tumblers Micro Bubbles, Spikey Bumps, Pitting and Fish Eyes

[@angiesartkraftykreations3677]

Nice tutorial and beautiful cups! Love sunflowers 🌻! Have a wonderful day, happy tumbling

[@denisedower3840]

Thank you for this video! I've been having trouble with little bumps, pitting, etc, and knew I was doing something wrong but could not figure out what. Thanks to you, now I know to NOT use the alcohol and to use coffee filters. Also going to try the cover as well. I have a very good feeling that these were my issues and I can't wait to see if that does indeed fix it!! Thank you so much!

[@JanGarciaRN]

I’m so glad I could help you. I understand the frustration.

[@denisedower3840]

@@JanGarciaRN it's official- that WAS my problem! I just checked on the cup i did yesterday after making those changes and it is nearly perfect!!! I am beyond grateful!! Thank you again!

[@JanGarciaRN]

@@denisedower3840 wooooohooooo!!! Excited for you. I know the feeling very well admins the relief.

[@Kimberlybowden]

thank u so much for these tips i have been struggling a little and its so frustrating. finally today i got a cup nice and smooth but wanted to do some more research to find out why it was happening i am going to take all ur tips in consideration moving forward thank u. also such cute cups!!!

[@JanGarciaRN]

Thanks for watching. I know how frustrating it is. Let me know if it works out.

[@Kimberlybowden]

@@JanGarciaRN thanks. i have a couple ready to go on the turner today fingers crossed ! ill update in a few days

[@teresadunmire2903]

Awesome job, I had some make me one, wasn't as done as well as your.

[@JanGarciaRN]

Thanks for watching. 🎉

[@elisag.9136]

Thank you for making this video!!! You're a life saver!

[@JanGarciaRN]

Your welcome I really hope it helps.

[@bobblackfly]

These are very beautiful, and great tips.

[@JanGarciaRN]

Thanks so much!

[@oscar-gaming597]

I live in Florida with high humidity and super hot, of course. I’ve done a few cups in the house (70-72 degrees) but I got too worried about having epoxy in the house around my kids. So I took my spinner and epoxy outside. I actually leave everything outside now. I’ve had some issues with “fish eyes.” I thought maybe it was from my heat gun so I bought a torch. I still have issues with them. Ugh! I’ve had a few bumps, too, so I’ll be making a cover like yours; but do you think the heat and humidity could be causing my fish eyes? Thanks!

[@JanGarciaRN]

I would eliminate other things first. Like are you sealing your cup with 2x ultra clear before your coat of epoxy? Have you used a coffee filter to run off any finger prints? What layer does it happen on. Is it your first layer over the glitter? If it is then are you sealing the glitter?

[@JanGarciaRN]

I live in south Texas and it’s humid here too. I epoxy in my storage shed and it’s hot In There. And I have a friend who epoxy’s outside On Her covered porch.

[@oscar-gaming597]

@@JanGarciaRN Ok, so I’m new at this so keep that in mind. Lol. No, I don’t usually seal with clear coat because I thought I didn’t need to when I do the glitter-epoxy method. I did use it on a cup where I didn’t get the fish eyes; however, I also did that cup indoors. And...I wasn’t really using anything to clean the cups...just wiped it with my hands. 😂 I have a tack cloth I just found after your video and thought maybe I should use it. I didn’t want to start swiping my husband’s coffee filters ;). And it seems to happen on the heavier coats. So I’d say about coat 3 (first coat is glitter epoxy, then I sand, probably too much, then thin second coat which tends to give vertical waves a bit, I think, due to drying so fast, and then the heavy coat being next so I have a smooth coat for my vinyl, then one or two more after that, but always with imperfections). Again, the only two cups that I did inside didn’t have the fish eyes. Well, three actually. Two of the three were using micah powder. I’m a mess, girl. Lol. I’ll check out your channel and see if I can learn anything from your other videos since I have time now (just dropped the littles off at school ;)). I absolutely love your flower cups, btw! Super cute!!!

[@JanGarciaRN]

@@oscar-gaming597 awww. Cute. I have 4 kids. Love being a mommy. I don’t know what type of epoxy you use but I’ve tried several and I love Diy artisan epoxy. And I’m not trying to just sell you something. It does the best on the hot humid weather of south Texas. It’s also a thicker epoxy so it covers minor bumps and evens them out really well. Keep in touch. I will Help you get there. ♥️

[@JanGarciaRN]

Charlotte also make sure your cloth is lint free and clean. A tiny bit of dust leaves annoying bumps.

[@carriemcarthur2121]

Did you add glitter to your epoxy? The sunflowers look like they have glitter. If you did, what kind was it and when did you apply it? Thank you! Your cups are beautiful!

[@JanGarciaRN]

Thank you. ❤️ to my second last coat I add 504 from me Nola glitter. It’s a very fine glitter. Then when that’s dry I added the final coat you saw in the video of plain clear epoxy. Thanks for watching.

[@sworley1956]

I got fish eyes!! and dont know why? One thing my cup turns under my heat vent???

[@JanGarciaRN]

Oh so sorry. When my she shed is too hot sometimes i get fish eyes as well.

[@sworley1956]

@@JanGarciaRN Oh I didn't think about that because my Turner sits under my heat vent in the ceiling. That's a thought

[@velzostouch]

So I just did my 1st epoxy glitter tumbler and the epoxy is drying with ripples. I went over it with my fingers to make sure it was smooth. Let it dry, sanded it to get the ripples out and the new coat is rippling too. Am I applying it wrong, should I have not used my 4 fingers to apply it and just used 1 finger like you did? Thanks so much for this video.

[@JanGarciaRN]

Ok let’s trouble shoot together.

[@JanGarciaRN]

I know it can be so frustrating. Did you use alcohol before you applied your epoxy? Tell me about your cup. How did you do it? Did you use chunky glitter.

[@kylieluvsart]

What does alcohol do?

[@countrywench2310]

I’m new and few tumblers have had fat bottoms , resembles an elephant foot , when dried . How can I stop this please ? My turner is level , I’m sure it is . How do you fix those fat bottoms as well please .

[@JanGarciaRN]

Oh I have had that happen. A couple suggestions. Make your coats thinner. Also use a level on your cup to make sure it’s in the spinner level. Also go check on it after about half an hour to see if it’s pooling. Use a gloves finger and wipe it off. Then torch it again. I’ve had to use a sander to get rid of it then re epoxy. Hope this helps

[@nicoledickel4360]

Hello! Any tips on how to get your epoxy not to be so thick and sticky? It is hard to rub it on when my glove is sticking to it. Thank you

[@JanGarciaRN]

Hi Nicole. I'm trouble shooting in my brain for you. My first thought is, is it too cold? I have a she shed that I have all my supplies in except my epoxy. I keep that in the house because it is too thick when its cold. I also use a little heater in my she shed when I'm making my tumbler to warm the cup a little before I apply the epoxy. Another thought is are you letting it sit before you apply it? If you let it sit too long it will become very thick. Normally I stir until clear and apply. It only takes a couple minutes. Are you using a quick drying epoxy that gets thick very fast? What type of epoxy are you using? Have you read the instructions for your epoxy? I'm working today but I will watch for your response so I can help you. I know it can be very frustrating when your learning until you figure it out. I went through about 4 types of epoxy before I found DIY artisan epoxy. It worked the best for me in my climate, it was a frustrating process but worth the work. Jan.

[@nicoledickel4360]

@@JanGarciaRN thank you for the tips! My first cup I didn’t heat the epoxy which is the one I had trouble with. The epoxy I am using is called Alumilite quick coat epoxy 4-5 hours tack free. I started applying it after I mixed for about 3 minutes. I didn’t think of a heater to keep my cup warm. I did use a heat gun on my second cup when stirring the epoxy. Thank you for your tips!

[@bluer4u]

Jan, I have made 3 cups so far and none of them have worked. I have huge bumps all over the cups and the last one I have, the epoxy looks like it pooled and there are bumps and low spots. I am ready to give up but have too much money involved in it all. Would you know what could be causing this issue??

[@JanGarciaRN]

I’m so sorry. It is so frustrating. Are you using a turner? Is your epoxy too thick, are you using too much. Are you sanding between layers. Are you using heat to pop the bubbles? There are so many questions that need answering for me to help you trouble shoot.

[@JanGarciaRN]

I would love to help you figure it out. Answer the questions I sent with any detail of how you are doing it.

[@1mkayori]

Do you have to use coffee paper?

[@JanGarciaRN]

No just use your finger. I just used a coffee filter because it has no lint.

[@PricklyPickle777]

Hi. Wondering if you reuse the filter paper or only use it once?

[@JanGarciaRN]

I only use it once because I don’t want to take the chance that it picked up dirt that would end up on the next cup I used it on and cause a bump.

[@dorenemerritt]

I’m confused you said you use epoxy 6000 to seal the name cause it raises. Is the epoxy 6000 a glue or adhesive. Once you seal the letters will it show through the epoxy.

[@JanGarciaRN]

E6000 is a glue not an epoxy. Sorry I probably used the wrong word in that sentence. I use it after the decal is on them to seal the edges as in the video. No you can’t see it after you epoxy or I wouldn’t suggest it. You have to let it dry before you put in epoxy.

[@dorenemerritt]

@@JanGarciaRN thank you for your help I’m gonna to try it.

[@JanGarciaRN]

@@dorenemerritt it really works. But watch this video first. It’s all about lifting vinyl. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gp2Te5VnfdRsotU

[@lionessqueen535]

Hey👋🏾! I’m on my 3rd tumbler and I am get better as I go, but I keep having one specific problem that I haven’t been able to fix. Hopefully you can help. The epoxy won’t stay up around the rim of the tumbler. Could you tell me what I’m doing wrong and how to fix it?

[@JanGarciaRN]

Your turner is not level. This happens to me sometime with one turner that I have so I put something small at the motor end. Like a credit card? Go back after about a half hour of turning and see if it worked. If not add another credit card. You have to somehow level your turner. Hope that helps. Let me know.

[@lionessqueen535]

@@JanGarciaRN thanks for the tip ☺️ it definitely helped! This one was almost perfect 🤩

[@JanGarciaRN]

@@lionessqueen535 I'm so glad! success feels good. Just released my wonder woman pen tutorial. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6CUh2CPedaro6M

[@Zumbamom]

I was getting pitting I will try filters

[@JanGarciaRN]

Don’t use alcohol that may be the cause. Clean and dry off with coffee filters. Let me know if it works. And thanks for watching.

[@Kraftydesignsbyopie]

What do you use for sanding???

[@JanGarciaRN]

Square 60 grit blocks from Amazon. amzn.to/3QHBmBC

[@AmysExquisiteGifts]

How do you clean after you sand?

[@JanGarciaRN]

I use dish soap amd water then dry with coffee filters not paper towel

[@leana82lopez]

So after you sand you still see the fish eyes but it won’t show after you epoxy

[@JanGarciaRN]

Correct

[@elnegritopanameno6203]

Anyone have tips on avoiding lint falling on your cup?

[@JanGarciaRN]

Of you see the whole video I show you a box that I make out of cardboard amd cover with Saran Wrap.

[@heatherg1706]

The box she made seems like the best idea. Covered - but you can see the cup.

[@lisabritish1]

I dida fabric tumbler and after the first round of epoxy i ended with plenty fish eye's 😪😪

[@lynnesummers9262]

Hi why do I have small jelly like lumps in my resin

[@JanGarciaRN]

Wow that’s new one for me. Is it an epoxy that you’ve used before? If it’s not then I would say there’s something wrong with your epoxy.

[@lynnesummers9262]

@@JanGarciaRN thank you for your reply, no I haven't used this resin before, I've just opened a different brand to see if it happens with this one and it's fine. I haven't seen these jelly lumps in anything else I've made and was just wondering if you new what I was doing wrong. I found it strange as the resin cured hard but you could see the jelly lumps in the resin which also cured hard 🤷

[@JanGarciaRN]

@@lynnesummers9262 I would try to return it.

[@lisabritish1]

Can tell me what cause fish eyes on a fabric tumbler?

[@JanGarciaRN]

The epoxy is repelling and firming the fish eyes. After you put the fabric on what did you cover it with before you applied the epoxy?

[@lisabritish1]

@@JanGarciaRN mod podge

[@JanGarciaRN]

@@lisabritish1 here are some things to trouble shoot. Spray it will clear Matt spray paint before you epoxy, don’t whipe with alcohol, that can cause fish eyes. One time my shed was really hot because I epoxy outside and I got fish eyes.

[@lisabritish1]

@@JanGarciaRN its not hot here in Jamaica...i only have rustoleum 2x ultra cover gloss clear

[@lisabritish1]

@@JanGarciaRN is there anything i can do to it at this moment to hide them?

[@dollbaby6803]

@Jan Garcia what did you use to build your cover for the cups while they are drying? Can you do a tutorial on that? I've have not had any luck with a nearly perfect cup. I'm just starting out and I've already had to strip 2 of my cups and start over. Now they have alot of places where the epoxy is not there but I coated the entire cup with the epoxy. So frustrating

[@JanGarciaRN]

I am so sorry to take so long to get back to you. The last 4 weeks have been overwhelmingly busy. I hope you have solved your problem but if not have you watched this entire video?? The most frustrating thing when I started making tumblers was the bumps. It sounds like your epoxy is repelling. In the video I made i explain about sealing your cup before you apply the epoxy. It is an absolute must or your epoxy could repel over your glitter or vinyl. I use 2X clear matt spray. A couple of coats. When I apply vinyl I seal it with E6000 spray adhesive rubbing it in with my finger over the edges, then when thats dry I spray with my 2X matt clear spray. I rarely get a bump on my cup. Using the cover for the dust help. Take a box, cut off the top, use wide tape to seal the edges so flakes of cardboard does't fall off, put saran wrap over the top and cup out enough on the end to fit over your turner. Watch the video friend a couple times it will help. Blessings and Happy New Year. Jan

[@DianaFerrerLadyDee]

Hi my name is Dee, Julie referred me, I was wondering if my tumbler was in the mail yet

[@JanGarciaRN]

Hi Diana. I’m not selling tumblers right now so I’m thinking you are contacting the wrong person.

[@jnminsights6748]

Glitter is the worse, especially when your not glittering a cup and boom small glitter pieces show up, smh.

[@JanGarciaRN]

Lol. I agree. Thanks for watching.