5 Essential Tips for Finding Epoxy Classes Near You

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 5 min read

Seeking to enhance your craft with epoxy? You're in the right place. This blog will guide you through five steps to find the perfect "epoxy classes near me". Let's dive right in.

1. Get to Know Epoxy

Before you start searching for epoxy classes near you, let's get familiar with epoxy itself. Understanding what it is, its uses, and the benefits can help you make the most out of your classes.

What is Epoxy?

Epoxy is a type of polymer that cures when mixed with a hardening agent. It's known for its high strength, durability, and chemical resistance. It's like super glue on steroids—once it cures, it's not going anywhere!

Uses of Epoxy

Epoxy's versatility is pretty impressive. It's commonly used in a variety of industries, from construction to art. You can find it in floor coatings, jewelry, furniture, and even in aerospace applications. It's a jack-of-all-trades in the world of materials.

Benefits of Epoxy

Why should you consider working with epoxy? Well, aside from its versatility, epoxy has a few key perks. It's incredibly durable, resisting scratches, stains, and impacts. It also provides a glossy finish that gives a professional touch to your projects. Plus, it's water-resistant, which makes it a great choice for items exposed to moisture or high humidity. In short, it's a material that packs a punch!

2. Find Epoxy Classes

Now that you've got a good handle on what epoxy is and why it's worth learning about, let's move on to finding epoxy classes near you. There are several places to search, including local adult education centers, online platforms, and community colleges.

Local Adult Education Centers

Your local adult education center can be a gold mine for classes on a variety of topics, including epoxy. They offer both introductory and advanced courses, often at a reasonable cost. A quick call or visit to their website could reveal an upcoming "epoxy classes near me" that fits your needs.

Online Platforms

If your schedule is a bit chaotic or you prefer learning at your own pace, online platforms might be your best bet. Websites like Udemy, Coursera, or Skillshare often host a range of epoxy-related courses. The beauty of online learning is that it allows you to watch, rewind, and repeat the lessons as many times as you need.

Community Colleges

Community colleges are another excellent resource for epoxy classes. These institutions often offer more structured, in-depth courses that cover the science behind epoxy, various application techniques, and hands-on training. Check out the course catalog at a community college near you—you might be surprised by what you find.

3. Evaluate the Classes

Once you've found a few potential epoxy classes near you, it's time to do a bit of homework. Not all classes are created equal, and you'll want to ensure you're investing your time and money wisely. Here are some things you should look into: the course outline, the instructor's credentials, and student reviews.

Course Outline

First up is the course outline. It's like a roadmap of what the class will cover. Does it start with the basics and gradually get more advanced? Does it cover the specific topics you're interested in? A well-structured course outline can often be a good indicator of a well-structured class.

Instructor's Credentials

Next, check out the instructor's credentials. You want to learn from someone who knows their stuff, right? Look for instructors who have both academic knowledge and practical experience with epoxy. They should be able to explain complex concepts in a simple way and guide you through the hands-on aspects of working with epoxy.

Student Reviews

Finally, take a look at student reviews. If past students enjoyed the class and found it valuable, chances are you will too. But remember, no class is perfect for everyone. Consider what the reviewers liked and didn't like about the class, and whether those aspects align with your own learning preferences.

4. Prepare for the Class

So, you've found an epoxy class that ticks all your boxes, and you're ready to dive in. But before you do, there are a few things you can do to set yourself up for success. Let's talk about the materials you might need, the safety measures you should be aware of, and some potential pre-class studying you could do.

Materials Needed

First, let's talk materials. Depending on the class, you may need to bring your own epoxy and tools, or they may be provided for you. Make sure to check with your instructor beforehand. Epoxy kits like the 'ProMarine Supplies Epoxy Resin Kit' or the 'Art 'N Glow Clear Casting and Coating Epoxy Resin' are good starting points. Remember, you'll also need protective gear like gloves and goggles.

Safety Measures

Working with epoxy involves certain safety measures. Always work in a well-ventilated area and avoid skin contact with the resin. And don't forget those goggles — epoxy splashes in the eye are no joke. It's always better to be safe than sorry, so make sure you're fully aware of the safety procedures before you start mixing and pouring.

Pre-Class Study

If you're the type who likes to get a head start, consider doing some pre-class studying. There are many online resources, like 'Epoxy Basics' from West System or 'Introduction to Epoxy Resin' from The Epoxy Resin Store, that can give you a solid foundation to build on in class. Remember, the more prepared you are, the more you'll get out of the epoxy classes near you.

5. Practice and Improve

Once you've learned the basics in your epoxy class, the real fun begins — practice! No matter how good your class is, the key to mastering the art of epoxy is practice, practice, and more practice. Let's look at how to make the most of your home practice, seek effective feedback, and continue learning beyond the classroom.

Home Practice

Transforming your kitchen table or garage into your personal epoxy workshop can be a thrilling experience. Start by replicating projects from your class, then move on to creating original pieces. Don't be afraid to make mistakes — remember, every blob of epoxy gone wrong is a lesson learned. And, who knows? That 'epoxy gone wrong' could turn into a unique piece of art!

Seek Feedback

Feedback is a fantastic way to improve your skills. Consider sharing your work with peers from your class, friends, or family. You could even join local groups or online forums like 'Epoxy and Resin Creations' on Facebook. Remember, every piece of advice is a step towards perfecting your epoxy craft.

Continual Learning

Even after your class ends, the learning shouldn't. Keep an eye out for advanced epoxy classes near you or seek out online tutorials and videos to learn new techniques. The epoxy world is vast and ever-evolving, and there's always something new to discover. So, keep that curiosity alive and continue your epoxy journey!

If you're excited about exploring new art techniques and expanding your skills, don't miss out on the 'Affordable DIY Abstract Nail Art Tutorial' workshop by Rachael Mangal. This workshop will teach you how to create stunning abstract nail art designs on a budget, making it a perfect complement to your epoxy classes. Join the workshop now and unleash your creativity!