Review: The Best Epoxy Resins This Year
It takes time to plan and prep for projects that use epoxy resins. 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 2021 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 best epoxy resins for you.
Here is the best epoxy resin of 2021
Upstart Epoxy Resin Kit DIY
– Top Pick
This epoxy from Upstart includes all the fundamentals you need to start working on your project. It includes two mixing sticks, a spreader, a foam brush, and a video tutorial. All these things make it easier for the woodworker or hobbyist to use the product with full ease.
Its ultra-glossy, nano-crystal technology improves the exquisiteness of the surface where it is being used. It’ll seal your work with a waterproof finish. It is composed of cellular non-fade prepolymers which promise long-term security, solidness, and shine. It has UV stabilizing agents to diminish the effects of gloss loss.
- An all-in-one kit
- Crystal clear and transparent finish
- Doesn’t fade or turn pale or crack
- Easy to layer and provides a smooth finish even after applying a huge amount of resin layer after layer
- Be aware of bubble formations
Upstart Epoxy Deep Pour Resin
– Runner Up
It can be poured up to 2’’ thickness as it has a very low chemical heat reaction during the curing process. It is compatible with wood, ceramic, concrete, metal and stone respectively. It provides a waterproof finish. It is scratch free and stain free. It ensures long lasting and durable protection. You can also mix and match colors as per your liking.
The brand seeks to provide the customers with a bubble-less product. It can be used for resin art, embedding objects, decoupage, casting & other crafting projects.
- Ensures long lasting and durable protection.
- Compatible with many surfaces such as wood, ceramic, concrete, metal and stone.
- Can be used for resin art, embedding objects, decoupage, casting & other crafting projects.
- Resists scratches, stains and yellowing.
- Some customers claimed that the product is really thin as it pours like water and should have been a bit thick.
Pro Marine Epoxy Resin
– Honorable Mention
It 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
Craft Resin Epoxy Resin
– Also Consider
The kit comes with all the accessories that are needed to apply the resin on a surface with ease. It includes Epoxy Resin Kit – 34 oz Crystal Clear Epoxy Resin and 500ml/17Oz 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 93C. At temperatures as high as that, the cured 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.
- 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.
- Small quantity
It 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
Teexpert art epoxy resin AB adhesive kit is best for artwork, art craft, cast resin and coating epoxy. It comes with easy to understand instructions. It provides perfect casting and coatings. It is advised that you should complete stirring in three to four minutes and pour into the moulds fastly as it will guarantee better effect. It provides best results if you ensure a 1:1 ratio by volume, and stir thoroughly.
- Creates no bubbles.
- Provides perfect casting and coatings.
- Best for wood, metal, steel artwork, drawings.
- Be aware of holes after drying
It 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
Buying Guide for the Best Epoxy Resins
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?
Here are some important features to look for in the best epoxy resins.
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 the best glass whiteboard?
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 your 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.
Epoxy Resin FAQ
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.
