You must have often seen beautiful and expressive crystalline paintings adorning ceilings and countertops and wondered, ‘What are these products, and how are they used?’
Epoxy Resins are presently a top-rated product in markets worldwide, primarily because of their growing usage in small businesses. These shiny, crystalline pigments are synthetic products. They have a dynamic nature and can be used in many applications.
To name a few, you can readily use epoxies to create several different items ranging from jewelry, decorative ornaments, flooring and ceiling furnishings, professional and industrial applications, and the making of art and craft goods!
What is even better is that they are fun and easy to use as well! You might now be even more intrigued to know about these resins and the extent of their application. Worry not, because we have all the information you need!
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Things Required when using Epoxy Resin
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Table of Contents
5. Better Boat Epoxy Resin Crystal Clear Kit For Art –
This epoxy is way cheaper than most but worked just as well as the expensive ones. It’s easy to use, cures clear, and has a minimal smell that makes it easy to use. But the best thing here is the cure time.
It starts curing in about 8-10 minutes; you can demold in 6 hours and fully cures within 24 hours. The curing speed is blazing fast and perfect for fast artists. But if you spend too much time mixing and bubble popping, it’ll cure, and you will waste a lot.
So, it’s like a double-edged sword. This epoxy is quite thick and traps many bubbles(especially microbubbles) that are hard to eliminate, so I suggest warming it up before use. It’ll get rid of the bubble problems and make it relatively thinner.
Then, it becomes clear and easier to mix. I added mica, alcohol inks, and artificial flowers, and they mixed perfectly and held the colors well. Since it’s thick, it works even better for the details, like when you don’t want the color to move too much.
It has quite a low odor that doesn’t bother me too much, but if this is your first epoxy, you might find it a bit strong but not overpowering.
Pros
- It cures very fast; you can de-mold in 6 hours or so
- Easy to use, looks very clear and has a minimal smell.
- It mixed well with mica, alcohol inks, artificial flowers, etc.
- It has a minimal odor that doesn’t bother too much
Cons
- If you wasted too much time or became slow, it’ll cure before using it.
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4. Naked Fusion Epoxy Resin Art Resin Crystal Clear Formula –
This epoxy is very similar to art resin. It is clear, has no odor, no mixing issue, great consistency, and is priced almost half as art resin, making it a steal, especially for beginners who want to pay that high for art resin but still want similar quality.
You get two half gallons that need a 1:1 mix. It mixes well, blends easily with mica or pigment inks, and levels itself pretty well. I noticed no awful odor like others, which is a significant relief. When mixed, you’ll have bubbles everywhere, but use a heat gun, and they’ll disappear.
Not a big deal, but microbubbles can still be a problem. That’s why I suggest warming it before use; it’ll ensure a crystal clear cure. Also, please read the instructions very carefully and take note of the temperature; it’s vital.
The best thing here is the long 45 minutes of work time that gives you enough time to be creative, so you don’t have to rush things. I have used this in molds, geodes on forms, etc. It worked amazingly except for canvas, where it doesn’t adhere well to the sides.
It leaves empty unsmooth places on the surface and little work time. Even if you heat it using a heat gun, it doesn’t want to move well after a few minutes, and you are stuck with what you have.
So, not an excellent option for canvas art but perfect otherwise. It cures pretty hard in 24 hours but needs 48-72 hours to cure fully. If you don’t mind waiting, this is an excellent epoxy.
Pros
- Clear, no odor, and is very similar to art resin
- It has a nice consistency that’s easy to mix and work with
- It blends nicely with mica, pigments inks, and other pigments.
- You have 45 minutes of work time, so no rushing here.
- Cures crystal clear with no bubbles
Cons
- It isn’t the best option for canvas art and takes 48-72 hours to cure fully
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3. DR CRAFTY Clear Epoxy Resin For Art –
This is what I call a value-for-money epoxy. You are getting two half gallons and two measuring cups, two large sticks, and two plastic spreaders, so everything necessary is already included except the colors.
It dries clear(and glossy), has no odor, is non-toxic, and is fully resistant to yellowing. Before touching the bottles, read the instructions carefully, and follow them to avoid bubbles. It gets many bubbles upon mixing, so mix(in a 1:1 ratio) and pour slowly.
If possible, bathe it in warm water for 10 minutes; it’ll literally solve the bubbles problem and make it easy to mix. Then leave the epoxy still for 3-4 minutes, and most bubbles will come to the top and pop themselves.
If you follow the instructions carefully, you hardly need a heat gun here; keep it as a last resort, the finisher. The hardener is relatively thin, so pour it carefully, or you’ll pour more(like me). It cures crystal clear, but you can use mica powder to add tint/color.
It mixes well and holds the colors nicely; however, alcohol ink doesn’t seem to mix well. I received a card in the box saying you get free pigment or mica powder for the purchase; it doesn’t work whatsoever.
After you pour, it takes 24 hours to harden and 72 hours to cure fully, but you can de-mold in around 12-16 hours. If you want the bigger option, check the 2 Gallon Kit.
Pros
- You get three bonuses to kickstart your art project.
- It dries clear, has no odor, and is non-toxic.
- Fully resistant to yellowing and comes with instructions
- It cures crystal clear, but you can add mica powder.
- You can de-mold in 12-16 hours.
- It would get very few bubbles if it followed the instructions carefully.
Cons
- It fully cures in 72 hours
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2. Art ‘N Glow Clear Casting and Coating Epoxy Resin –
This resin from Art ’N Glow works great for art. It’s clear, dries quickly, has no BPA/VOC, and cures hard within 24 hours. Plus, it has UV inhibitors that resist yellowing from the sun. It’s also not as costly as art resin, making it perfect for beginners.
You get two half-gallons, a resin, and a hardener that needs a 1:1 mix. It’s pretty thick, making it quite heavy and difficult to mix, so I recommend warming it up before use. It literally solves the bubble problem and makes it easy to mix and work with.
You can bathe it under hot water or use a hairdryer; both work well. I was earlier frustrated by stubborn microbubbles, but this little trick solved it. The few bubbles that do appear easily disappear by the heat gun or torch.
Even though it’s thick, it levels itself pretty well and settles well in the mold. It comes with a handy instruction sheet that I recommend you read carefully to ensure excellent results. It has zero BPA and VOC, so it’s pretty safe but not FDA compliant.
It mixes well and has no odor. You can add glow pigments, mica, dyes, glitter, etc., to add some color or tint. This thing is self-degassing so that most bubbles will pop themselves, and since it’s odor-free, it’s easy to work with.
Once mixed, you have 30-40 minutes of work time, which cures hard within 24 hours. You can de-mold but have to wait for another 48 hours(a total of 72 hours), so it heals fully.
Pros
- Crystal clear dries quickly and has zero BPA/VOC.
- Uv inhibitors that resist sun yellowing
- It levels itself pretty well and settles nicely.
- It mixes well with mica, dyes, glitter, etc.
- It’s self-degassing, so most bubbles pop themselves.
- Plenty of work time and cures within 24 hours
Cons
- Need 72 hours to cure fully
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1. ArtResin Epoxy Resin Clear Non-Toxic – 1 Gal –
And here we have the best epoxy resin for art. It’s specially made for art, is clear and glossy, self-leveling, has no VOC or BPA, no odor, is FDA compliant, and is non-flammable. Do you think this is amazing? Wait, there is more!
Its UV and HALS stabilized, resisting yellowing and degradation from the sun. It has almost an hour of working time and cures hard within 24 hours. Now, let me ask you – What else do you need?
Well, one thing to notice is that it’s the costliest on the list, so not everyone will go for it. But if you can, just go for it. It’s like working with water compared to others. You get two half gallons that need 1:1 mixing.
I’ll suggest you mix slowly, efficiently, and always pour cautiously, or you’ll get many bubbles. This epoxy receives a lot of bubbles, but a small torch is all you need.
I have used it to make at least ten small and midsize resin paintings; they came out wonderful, and I still have half a bottle left. Once I saw how impressive the output is, I no longer regret paying a “higher price” as I realized it’s worth every single damn penny.
Once poured, it cures hard within 24 hours and fully cures in 72 hours. Many users have their art hard cured in 12 hours, but that can vary, so I said 24. 
Pros
- It cures crystal clear and glossy
- It’s self-leveling, has zero VOC and BPA
- It has no awful odor and very few bubbles
- It’s FDA compliant and non-inflammable
- The material resists yellowing and degradation from the sun
- Cures hard within 24 hour
- Worth every penny
Cons
- Fully cured in 72 hours
- Non-toxic when used as directed. (1 gal kit = 0.5 gal resin + 0.5 gal hardener)
- No VOCs. No BPA. No fumes. Non-flammable. Food safe.
- UV and HALS stabilized for unparalleled yellowing protection
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Important Things To Consider Before Buying –
Given the nature and the versatility of the Epoxy Resins, you are now well aware that they are used in several different ways and thus have many other properties that you need to get acquainted with.
You also need to know the different processes involved in the proper mixing and forming of the resin product. Several variants exist in the market.
You must know the specific reason for your purchase of epoxy resins to choose the product that can provide you with the best possible results!
1. Types of Resins for Art –
After you have narrowed down the purpose of your resin purchase, you need to familiarize yourself with the different product variants available in the market. Not all resins are the same; various resins boast of several different salient features.
You might come across polyester-based resins that have excellent flexibility and provide resistance against heat and chemicals. Or you may see UV resins up on sale on various websites.
These provide you with excellent gloss control and an excellent hardness balance. On the other hand, acrylic resins have a thermoplastic base and provide you with excellent tensile strength and strong UV resistance.
Even Epoxy Resin made up of polyepoxide consist of several different and attractive qualities. Pure epoxy consists of resin and hardening components and provides you with less shrinkage ability.
However, it boasts excellent strength and adhesive qualities due to its chemical composition. These epoxy resins tend to cure at a slower rate than other variants.
On the other hand, epoxy acrylates are not as flexible as the other two but provide great adhesive qualities. They cure faster and boast of chemical resistance.
2. Preparation of Epoxy Resin For Art –
An epoxy resin package consists of four crucial components: resin, hardener, accelerating agent, and a plastic medium. You need to ensure that you have the necessary requirements to start your resin art project.
3. Materials Required –
Your resin art preparation would be significantly more comfortable if some essential products were handy. These include surface coverings and resin substrates such as artboards, canvases, and even vintage tiles and records.
Additionally, you can select the colors you want to incorporate into your art as well. Different types of resin colors, such as transparent, opaque, and metallic resin color selections, are widely available.
It is necessary to keep measuring cups ready for proper and accurate measurement. For the purpose of safety, it is also necessary to have a respirator and nitrile gloves to avoid any irritation to your skin or eyes.
Mixing cups are also essential for the perfect combination of different items for your epoxy resin art.
4. Process Of Making Resin Art –
1. Prepare all the items above, and be ready to start your resin art preparation. Be sure of your choice of base, colors, and art design.
You can decide if you want to use a mold for making different designs, if you want to paint on other surfaces, or if you want to make epoxy resin jewelry. The potential of epoxy resins is unlimited!
2. To mix the resin and the hardener, follow the steps given on the package of your resin kit. The most commonly used ratio of epoxy to hardener is 1:1. Make sure that you level the mixture to set without any disturbance.
3. Pour your resin mixture into cups and add your choice of selected colors. Make sure that you choose some vibrant hues to create some great art. Make sure to add small amounts so as not to cause any lumping.
4. Now, apply the epoxy resin mixture to your art surface. Pour the different colors you have chosen, let them blend, and let your artistic vision come into play.
After this, make sure to cover your art piece to protect it from dust and smoke. Most art pieces tend to be completely cured by 24 hours; however, let it stay and set for 3-4 days for caution.
5. Important Things To Note –
1. Always remember to monitor the temperature of your workstation. Epoxy hardens and forms the best at temperatures above 20 degrees celsius.
2. Humidity also plays a crucial role in forming epoxy resin products. Make sure the workplace humidity is the same as that of the mixture.
3. Cleaning the tools you have used is also essential. Tools such as tweezers and spatulas are also to be thoroughly cleaned. You can use vinegar or isopropanol for this purpose.
6. Common Issues Faced:
Newbie resin art enthusiasts can face several issues and difficulties in their initial resin art endeavors. We are here to help you know about these, along with some solutions to these issues, so that you don’t get stuck while using epoxy resin in the future!
1. Bubbles: These occur as a result of improper mixing. You can solve this issue by using a light gun.
2. Surface Imperfections: These result from improper covering or mixing of the resin mixture. You can lightly sand the mix and pour a second layer on the top to solve this issue. You also need to ensure that your mixture is left undisturbed.
3. Yellowing: UV light exposure can adversely affect your epoxy resin mixture. You can either keep your resin pieces away from UV lights or use your resin along with a HALS stabilizer.
7. Different uses of Epoxy Resin Art:
Epoxy Resin is a fun way to accentuate your decorations, create ornamentations, jewelry, etc. It can be used to make pins and pendants and provide glossy and shiny finishes to your paintings, ceilings, and floorings.
Sculptures and figurines can also be made using epoxy resins, adding a new and vibrant touch to your homes. Marbleized and lustrous designs on paintings, canvases, and even wood can be made with the help of resin art.
You can also use preserved items such as dried flowers and leaves to add more vintage effects to your epoxy resin art. We hope to provide you with some valuable facts about Epoxy Resins.
These products are efficient and easy to use while also promising you fantastic and artistic results. You just need to remember to narrow down the reason for your epoxy purchase and then let your creativity run free!
FAQs –
Are Epoxy Resins Toxic?
It is important to note that hardened and cured epoxy is not harmful at all and does not pose any threat of irritation or allergies.
Since resins are chemical-based products, it is still essential to keep certain precautions in mind while using them since uncured epoxy, fumes, and dust particles that are let out during the process of application can pose some issues to your health.
Is Epoxy Resin Environment Friendly?
These resins tend to be environment friendly as they belong to the family of polymers which are mostly non-toxic in the constitution. Apart from that, the epoxy resin material is also non-reactive and solvent-free.
After the polymerization process is completed for the epoxy resins, they pose no threat or harm to the environment and become especially safe to use.
One thing to be kept in mind while ensuring that your epoxy remains toxins-free is to ensure that the mixture is devoid of VOC.
Do Epoxy Resins Have Heat-Resistant Qualities?
Epoxy Resins generally tend to be heat-resistant in nature. It also highly depends on the particular products that you are using for your resin projects.
Epoxy Resins tend to have inherent heat-resistant qualities that can withstand 150 degrees Celsius or 300 degrees Fahrenheit temperatures.
Certain specific products, especially those used in industrial and mechanical applications, can withstand heat up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. The surface on which the resin mixture is applied also affects aspects of heat resistance of the mixture.
Conclusion –
In this article, I talked about the best epoxy resin for art that you can use to make your art much more appealing. It took me a good long time to research and write this article, so I would really appreciate it if you shared it with your friends and family. Happy Resin Art!