Epoxy Cell Generator is a liquid that creates cells in an epoxy surface. It was used on all the “faceted” pieces on the CreativeTablesAndDecor.com website. 

The Generator is applied to a wet (ie, not cured) epoxy surface.  The Generator is a disbursing agent that acts by pushing the upper surface of epoxy outward in a circular pattern to allow the colors underneath the surface to become visible. Warming the epoxy surface with a torch before applying will achieve the best results, as warmer epoxy is more fluid.  The Generator is usually best applied soon after torching the surface for bubbles.

The Generator can be applied as a spray if small cells are desired, or applied as droplets for larger cells.

For droplets, the Generator is best applied by randomly “flicking” some over the epoxy piece with the enclosed thin straw, or applying small individual droplets with the enclosed pipette. Applying droplets directly from the product bottle is not recommended as the orifice of the cap is relatively large and may result in larger cells than desired.

The center of each cell will initially have a depression/dimple where the Generator pushes out the surface material.  There will usually be a slight dimple in the cured piece, but the smoothest surface can be achieved by 1) limiting the size of the droplet, 2) torching the epoxy surface several times after the Generator is applied but before the epoxy sets up, and 3) having an epoxy surface deeper than the dimple. If there is a border or frame around edges of the piece you are creating, such as with a tray or mold, then the depth of the epoxy should not be an issue.  If your piece is frameless, such as a 2D canvass, you can maintain a deeper layer of epoxy by damming up the edges of the piece with painters’ tape until the epoxy is almost set. Having a too thin layer of epoxy and applying too big a droplet can result in the Generator pushing all the epoxy in the center of the cell outward until the underlying surface of the piece (canvass, wood, etc.) is exposed.

Regarding torching the epoxy surface after the Generator is applied, be advised that it contains solvents, so can catch fire from too intense torching, but typically this will be a small flame that burns out quickly or can be easily extinguished by blowing on the surface. It is best to start torching several inches above the piece before moving the torch lower.  The heat will evaporate the solvents and warm the epoxy so that it can settle back into the depression initially created by the droplet. If painters’ tape is used, be carful not to expose it directly to the torch.

The various epoxy brands and pigments have different viscosities and other properties that will affect the results from the Generator, so results will vary from project to project.  It is best to test the Generator on a small sample piece first. After the epoxy has cured, any residue form the Generator can be wiped off using soap and water or mineral spirits on a soft cloth or tissue.