The Best Epoxy Resin for Any Project
It takes time to plan and prep for projects that use epoxy resin. Epoxy resin itself is actually quite easy to work with if you’re a novice. But how do you find the right one for your DIY project? Buying the best epoxy resins in 2023 can be a tedious task as you have to find one which will complete your task fully. That’s why one should learn about all the features, pros, and cons of epoxy resins before deciding which one to buy. For this reason, we have created a list of the top resins for most projects.
Buyer's Guide: Finding the Right Epoxy Resin
While buying epoxy resin online, one has a lot of questions in mind. For example, which brand resin should you buy, what will be the price of the desired product, will the product be up to the mark or not. To clear all these questions, we have created a buyer’s guide for you. It will make the purchase of the best epoxy resins easy for you.
What Features To Look For While Buying an Epoxy Resin?
Viscosity
The two main types of epoxy resins include tabletop and casting options. The ones that are composed of casting are a bit thinner and runnier. Thus, you will need a mold or frame to solidify. Moreover, these need a constricted application area or they will flow down the edges. If you are more into jewelry making, then these are the best choice for you.
On the other hand, tabletop resins are more or gooey and have a thick side. You can pour these over a surface and bring them to the edges with the help of a spreader. These usually dry faster and don’t run down the edges.
Drying
No matter which product you use, you need to be mindful that the process of drying will take some time. Don’t take the instruction too seriously. Even if the label says half an hour, it is always the best idea to leave the surface for an extended time. It will not only ensure that the liquid solidifies completely but also keep it dust or dirt free. Moreover, it is better to keep the surface clean and closed until it completely dries because resins attract dirt and dust.
Depth
You should consider the thickness that you want while choosing the best epoxy resins. Suppose you are making a river table or live edges; you will need a resin that will give the depth comparable to the tabletop.
Extra accessories
Some resins come with a hardener to get the process started. On the other hand, some resins will also have a spreader, applicator, brush, measuring cups, and mixer sticks. In case you already have these items, go for epoxy resins that don’t have these accessories, as they will cost you some extra bucks.
UV blockers
Some products also come with high-quality UV blockers. Such resins are great for furniture that you usually place on the porch or on the windowsill. Since UV rays will cause yellowishness in the resins, you should always go for products with UV blockers.
What Are Some Key Considerations While Choosing Epoxy Resin?
Price matches the product
The price of epoxy resin should match the product as nobody wants to waste his money.
Vast application
The resin should be able to work on a variety of surfaces.
Drying time
The drying time of resin should be less so that the project won’t take much of your time.
Bubbles formation
The best epoxy resin is the one in which bubbles are not formed.
What Is the Price Range of the Best Epoxy Resins?
When you head to the market or online marketplaces, you will see a lot of options in different price ranges.
Expensive
These products are usually from high-end brands that offer added features and top-quality products. You can find epoxy resins from renowned brands for $150 to $170. These usually come in the form of kits to offer you all the tools and equipment needed.
Mid-range
You don’t necessarily break the bank to get your hands on top-quality products. Some brands offer quality products in the range of $100 to $150.
Cheap
If you are a beginner looking for epoxy resins, you might go for low-cost products that are available in the market for below $100.
What Are the Top Epoxy Resins of 2023?
Unicone Art Epoxy Resin
– Best OverallThe Unicone Art Epoxy Resin is designed to let your art shine. It cures crystal clear without yellowing over time, providing UV resin protection for heirloom quality art resin. This epoxy resin is long-lasting and durable, making it perfect for various applications such as wood finishes, see-through encapsulations, flower preservation, geodes, castings, and canvas artwork.
The kit includes a .5-gallon resin and a .5-gallon hardener, totaling 1 full gallon of art resin epoxy. It features an easy mix 1:1 formula, where you simply mix one part resin and one part hardener. The BPA and VOC-free formula works well with mica powder (sold separately) and ensures a bubble-free finished product. The epoxy resin has a 30-minute work time and takes 24 hours to cure.
Safety is prioritized with this epoxy resin. It is non-toxic, low odor, and safe for home use. The clear epoxy resin kit is made of premium materials and provides a self-leveling finish. Unicone Art believes strongly in their epoxy resin for both beginners and experts and offers quality assurance for customer satisfaction, making this resin the best overall choice on our list.
- Cures crystal clear with no yellowing over time
- Provides UV resin protection
- Long-lasting and durable
- Can create bubbles
DR. CRAFTY Epoxy Resin
– Complete PackageThe DR. CRAFTY Epoxy Resin is a must-have for anyone looking to take on different DIY projects. This two-part resin kit features two gallons of product, making it perfect for a variety of applications, including wood finishes, crystal clear coating and more. The epoxy resin is strong, transparent, and fully UV-resistant, which ensures long-lasting results.
The kit’s many bonus items make it very attractive to users. Along with the 2 gallons of epoxy resin, you get two 16.9-ounce measuring cups with spouts, two large sticks for mixing, and two plastic spreaders to ensure an even finish. The product is also easy to use; just mix one part resin with one part hardener and you will have 45 minutes of work time at room temperature. Make sure you read the instructions carefully, as they differ depending on the application you want to use the product for.
- Easy-to-follow directions
- Includes useful tools
- Offers free pigments
- Cures slowly which reduces bubbles
- Plastic particles could clog bottle
Craft Resin Epoxy Resin
– Easy to UseThe kit comes with all the accessories that are needed to apply the resin on a surface with ease. It includes the Epoxy Resin Kit, 1 gallon Crystal Clear Epoxy Resin and 68z hardener, reusable mixing stick and gloves. All these things make it easier to work. This resin provides a transparent finish.
It is easy to use and can be made by simply mixing 1:1 ratio epoxy: resin and hardener by volume. It is a UV-resistant, food-safe, non-toxic, odorless, non-flammable, and non-hazardous resin. It is heat-resistant up to 93 degrees Celsius. At temperatures as high as that, the curved pieces may become a little flexible but once they cool off, they will harden up once again. It takes almost 35-40 minutes to firm the product. This easy-to-use product stands out from the crowd.
- It is a UV-resistant and food-safe resin.
- It comes with many accessories like Epoxy Resin Kit, Crystal Clear Epoxy Resin, hardener, reusable mixing stick, and gloves.
- Provides transparent finish.
- Non-toxic and odorless.
- Non-flammable and non-hazardous resin.
- Tiny bubbles are hard to completely remove with a heat gun
Pro Marine Epoxy Resin
– Smoothest ResultsIt is designed for table tops, bars, wood finishes, see-through encapsulations and art work. It allows minimal bubbles, ensures smoothness, helps eliminate fish eyes, craters and various other imperfections. It is a high gloss, U.V. Resistant and self-leveling resin. It provides a tough, high gloss and water-resistant finish.
It is best suited to work on river tables, jewelry, coffee tables, countertops and serving trays. It has a food Safe formula for artistic items used around food, such as trays, tumblers and glassware. They have great customer care support.
- Allows minimal bubbles to rise.
- It is a high gloss, U.V. Resistant and self-leveling resin.
- They have great customer care support.
- It is best suited to work on river tables, jewelry, coffee tables, countertops and serving trays.
- Transparent but not quite colorless
Roxy Epoxy Clear Epoxy Resin
– Most VarietyThis multi-purpose high gloss coating epoxy resin is suitable for a wide range of DIY projects, both large and small. From carpentry, flooring, table tops, and bar projects to arts and crafts projects, create your charm with this 2 quart epoxy resin kit! This unique two-part epoxy resin composition self-levels.
Due to the 1:1 ratio, it’s simple to combine. Don’t stress about the preparation; instead, concentrate on the creative aspect! This transparent epoxy resin dries to a glossy, glass-like surface that is extremely durable and never yellows. Scratch-resistant, water-resistant, and bubble-removal friendly. Measuring cups, wooden sticks, gloves, and a color set of powder bags are included in this epoxy resin kit.
- Ideal for a variety of DIY tasks
- Simple mixing formula
- Shrinks after drying
Sig Wong Epoxy Resin
– Most ConvenientIt includes one 550ml(21.1oz) bottle of resin and one 550ml(18.9oz) bottle of hardener, 4 x graduated cup, 4 x dropper, 4 x wooden sticks and 2 x gloves, and comes with a detailed instruction manual, which is very suitable for professional artists or beginners. It provides very clear anti-scratch and anti-yellowing work. You should use it by 1:1 ratio volume.
It takes 40 minutes to completely firm the work. It is safe and non-toxic. Furthermore, it eliminates craters, crawling and fish eyes. It is best for use in DIY resin art, jewelry making, river tables, crystal clear coating and casting.
- Suitable for professional artists.
- Eliminates craters, crawling, and fish eyes.
- Best for use in DIY resin art, jewelry making, river tables, crystal clear coating, and casting.
- Anti-scratch and anti-yellowing work.
- Better for more experienced DIYers
UNOKKI Epoxy Resin
– Also ConsiderIt produces a tough, high gloss, and non-yellowing coating. The cure time and work time indicated in the manual is based on normal temperatures of 25°C. You must warm it if the temperature of your space is less. It is best for jewellery making as it really becomes hard after drying that gives you the strength that you need. Crystal resin can be used on canvas, tile, rocks, photos, artwork and bamboo.
It can also be used for earrings, coffee table, ashtray, crystal glass, vehicle surface seal and river table. It provides a great finish to all the products and the artwork looks amazing and promising. It has a 40-minute work time.
- Best for jewelry making
- Gives high gloss and non-yellowing coating.
- Provides a great finish.
- Long and slow drying time
People Also Asked
A: Yes, absolutely you can work with it outdoors. All you need to do is to cover the surface so that it will be protected from dirt and dust until it gets dry.
A: You should measure them in a 1:1 ratio by volume (in a measuring cup) instead. Then mix them together. Slowly stir, until it becomes transparent.
A: Epoxy resins are expensive because they are hard to produce as compared to other types of resins. The reason behind this is the raw material needed to produce epoxy costs a lot more than other resins and the process itself is more complicated.
