You must have seen people adorning resin jewelry or trinkets hanging off bags in the form of resin keychains. Your brain might get struck with various questions centered around this product.
‘How do we use them?’ ‘What is the extent of their usage?’ These Resins are eye-catching, have a dynamic disposition, and are modeled as per the maker or the customer’s requirements.
Given their versatility, you can use them in various areas. These can range from paintings and coatings to even aerospace and adhesive applications. The inherent qualities of resins allow for widespread application and usage.
However, they are still easy to use and excellent for daily projects or artistic experiments. Several small businesses are increasingly using this product.
When used in molds, these resins can be an excellent medium for making several beautiful designs, shapes, and ornaments, showing a clear, sparkling shine and crystal-like surface.
You might now be curious about the specificities of these epoxy resins. You do not have to worry because we are here to provide you with all the facts you need to know!
Table of Contents
Let Your Creativity Run Free! –
Epoxy resin can make some of the most stunning art pieces and small trinkets. The wide variety of usage of these resins can be seen across different spectrums.
For art and craft enthusiasts, epoxies can be used to make jewelry, charms, art pieces, and molds of different shapes and sizes. You can also use epoxy resins on surfaces such as canvases, floors, clothing materials, etc.
DIY additions to your epoxy resin art pieces, such as dried flowers, glitter, dyes, and artificial colors, are becoming increasingly popular. These add a new look and shine. Coasters, wall hangings, and keychains can all be made with the help of epoxy resins.
These can be great additions to your small businesses as well. Molds such as those made of silicone and latex can also be used to make resin art of different shapes and sizes that can be used as decorative pieces.
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5. East Coast Resin EPOXY Resin 1 Gallon Kit –
This is for you if you want a decent epoxy for a reasonable price. It cures very clearly, self-levels pretty well, and is water-resistant. It cures within 24 hours. It works great in silicone molds. The finished product comes out clean without even using the release spray.
I could take out the pieces after just 9 hours, which was impressive. They were a little bendy(not tacky), so I left them out for 24 hours, and they cured rock hard. It cures very clearly, not crystal clear, but very close.
You can use mica powder, ink, or glitter to add colors and shine; it has absolutely no problem with them. You get two half Gallons, a Resin, and a Hardener that needs a 1:1 mix by volume.
This thing has a bit of a strong smell, which is weird as they claim it to be “low odor/non-toxic,” but I strongly disagree here. This one gets the most bubbles even when mixing slowly from all the Epoxy I have used.
I have tried different methods and speeds, but the appearance of the bubbles seems inevitable. You can use a heat gun to pop them, but this can be really hard with some molds and projects.
Another complaint is that it yellows pretty quickly, so their “UV resistance” claim is also made up. Once mixed, you have 30-35 minutes of work time to get things done, and using a lot of that time, popping bubbles can be frustrating.
In the kit, you get detailed instructions about using it, and I strongly recommend you read them before putting your hands on this Epoxy.
Pros
- It self-levels and settles into molds pretty well
- You can take out the piece after just 9 hours
- It cures very clearly and works with mica and glitter too
- Detailed instructions included
- It’s water-resistant
Cons
- It has a bit of a strong smell
- Yellows pretty quickly
- It gets the most bubbles even when mixing slowly
- FLAWLESS CRYSTAL CLEAR COATING - Achieve crystal clear, flawlessly transparent epoxy coatings with our ultra...
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4. FGCI Crystal Clear Liquid Glass Epoxy Resin For Molds –
Most of the epoxies I bought for Molds didn’t work as expected, which was a bummer. They were supposed to work with a mold, but they didn’t. So, I gave this one a shot, as I have leftovers from the last testing.
Although it’s best for thick pour and wood, surprisingly, it worked with molds much better than most junks in the market. I won’t say it’s 100% perfect, as it has a long cure time of 72 hours. At least 48 hours before you can take it out of the mold.
I did expect such a long cure time from a pourable epoxy, so apart from that, it’s super amazing. It has thinner viscosity, cures crystal clear, has almost no bubbles, and holds color and glitter well without dulling the shine.
The thinner consistency makes it fill tiny spaces in complex pieces, which is excellent. It cures clearly that my pieces are often mistaken for glass. You can add some glitter or mica to make it looks better.
Liquid pigments and alcohol inks and dyes work great too. Since it cures too slowly, it produces fewer bubbles that easily vanish with a heat gun. The unique thing is that it has no VOC and is FDA compliant, which artist resins usually aren’t.
Another thing is that you can use sand or driller it once it fully cures. I recommend reading the instructions very carefully if you are getting this one.
Pros
- The thinner viscosity makes it fill tiny spaces in complex pieces.
- Cures crystal clear and super hard
- It has zero VOC and is FDA-compliant.
- You can drill or sand it after it fully cures
- It doesn’t have an awful resin odor.
- It works great with glitter and colors without dulling the shine
Cons
- It fully cures in 72 hours and 48 hours before you can remove it from molds
- TRUE DEEP POUR: Experience the ease of 2-4 inch pours with our advanced Liquid Glass Deep Pour Epoxy. Perfect...
- UNMATCHED DURABILITY: Crafted to endure, Superclear 2.0 sets the standard for strength. Its rock-hard curing...
- BUBBLE-LESS TECHNOLOGY: Say goodbye to imperfections with our low viscosity Liquid Glass Epoxy. Its unique...
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3. DR CRAFTY Clear Epoxy Resin For Molds –
This Epoxy from Dr. Crafty works well for molds. Along with 2 Gallons, you get two measuring cups, two large mixing sticks, and two plastic spreaders, so everything necessary is included here. You get two gallons, a resin, and a hardener that requires 1:1 mixing.
It’s crystal clear, has no odor, and is super easy to use. I hardly ever noticed bubbles, and the ones that appear are easy to remove with a heat gun. I suggest you read the instructions to better understand its use.
I have tried it in silicone molds with mica and fine glitter, which worked like a charm. Like most epoxies, UV inhibitors resist yellowing due to the sun. However, please don’t keep it out permanently, or it’ll yellow pretty quickly.
One thing I love here is the 45 minutes of work time that makes it beginner-friendly and suitable for multi-colored molds. It’s easy to mix, super clear, has hardly any bubbles, and has no odor.
The only complaint I have is the long 72 hours of curing time. It’s a big turn-off for everyone, especially those wanting to make a huge batch with fewer molds. Other than that, it’s perfect.
Pros
- You get a lot of free stuff with the Epoxy.
- Crystal clear, has no odor, and is easy to mix and use
- Hardly any bubbles appear if mixed well
- 45 minutes of work time
- UV inhibitors resist yellowing due to the sun.
Cons
- Long 72 hours of cure time
- Perfect for any application - the Dr Crafty epoxy resin kit is ideal for wood finishes, crystal clear coating...
- Everything you need included - our art resin kit comes with bonus items so you can get started right away: 2 x...
- Easy to use - straightforward and no confusion, just mix one part resin to one part hardener and then you'll...
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2. TotalBoat – TB-9335 Epoxy Resin For Molds Crystal Clear –
When it comes to molds, this Epoxy is a gem. It’s much cheaper than resin catered to silicone molds but produces equivalent results. You get two half gallons, a resin, and a hardener that mix in a 1:1 ratio to make a gallon of Epoxy.
It’s quite thick but settles into molds nicely. I have used it with silicone molds, and it came out perfect, fully clear, and glossy. You can use mica powder and fine glitter to add tint and shine. Alcohol ink and liquid pigments work great too.
It pours easily without a mess but makes sure to pour it slowly. You must look at the back of the container’s instructions and tips. It’s quite small and hard to read, but don’t ignore them; it’s crucial to follow.
It talks about avoiding air bubbles, the temperature, how thick you can apply it, etc. Once poured, some bubbles appeared, but the torch quickly tackled them. You can also use a heat gun; it works way better.
This epoxy cures within 24 hours to a scratch & stain-resistant surface that’s fully waterproof too.
Pros
- Much cheaper but produces equivalent results
- It self-levels and settles into mold nicely.
- It cures crystal clear and glossy within 24 hours.
- It works excellently with mica powder, fine glitter, alcohol inks, and liquid pigments.
- The surface cures to is scratch & stain resistant and fully waterproof.
Cons
- It gets extremely hot if not mixed properly
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1. Epoxy Resin Casting and Coating Starter Kit for Molds –
I’m totally impressed by this Epoxy. You get great Epoxy, four measuring cups, three-piece sticks, and a pair of Gloves, making it the perfect value for money. You get two eight oz. bottles, a resin, and a hardener that needs 1:1 mixing.
If you need a bigger size, get their 1 Gallon option. It has thin viscosity, so it easily gets into small molds with many details. It’s easy to mix and use. I used this for smaller molds, a little bigger than a quarter, and slightly bigger molds like ashtrays, and both cured well.
I have also made necklaces using silicone molds, which turned out amazing. I love that it cures crystal clear pretty fast in like eight hours. It doesn’t fully cure in that time, but you can remove the piece from the mold, which is excellent if you want to make a large batch and have fewer molds.
It won’t be tacky but bendy, so you can keep it outside, and it cures itself within 24 hours. Since it cures fast, I recommend you premix anything that can introduce bubbles, like glitter and powdered pigment, into the hardener and give it time to clarify.
Then mix both the parts and pour gently into the warmed mold(use a heat gun or hairdryer). If bubbles appear, use a heat gun. Remember that you have 30-45 minutes of work time, so don’t mix more than you can use in the molds.
I am delighted that I didn’t have to deal with any odor here. This Epoxy is amazing when you realize it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- You get four measuring cups, three-piece sticks, and a pair of Gloves and Epoxy.
- It’s thin, so it easily gets into small molds with lots of details
- It cures crystal clear pretty fast and works great with color
- It doesn’t have any noticeable odor
- Long 30-45 minutes of work time
- 30 days money-back guarantee
Cons
- You won’t get the added accessories like gloves, etc., in the Gallon Kit
- Prefect fro Any Artist’s Project : PUDUO Epoxy Resin has been created specifically for the resin art marker!...
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Important Things To Consider Before Buying –
Epoxy Resins are an excellent product for recreation as well as professional applications. However, before buying them, you need to be aware of their distinct and salient features.
You also need to know the different processes involved in properly mixing and forming the resin product. It is of utmost importance to always know the specific reason you want to purchase epoxy resin to buy the product variants that can provide you with the best result.
You might be fretting about this, but don’t worry. We are listing out some of the essential features of these epoxy resins below to help you understand their uses better!
1. Composition –
The Epoxy resin is also called polyepoxides and belongs to the functional group of epoxides. They consist mainly of four essential components: resin, hardener, accelerating agent, and a plastic medium.
The individual components are mixed together in varying quantities to attain the required degrees of durability and flexibility. You can use them in different combinations to attain the best result according to your usage.
The chemical reaction between the exotherm and the hardening mixture enables you to acquire the hard-plastic component as a result. The qualities of flexibility, durability, and shine provide you with a multitude of areas where we can use this medium
2. Types –
When searching for the proper Epoxy to use, you need to familiarize yourself with the three general types of these products: pure Epoxy, epoxy acrylates, and polyester-based resins.
A. Pure Epoxy consists of just resin and hardening components. It will offer you less shrinkage ability but provide excellent strength and adhesive qualities. These also tend to cure at a slower rate.
B. Polyester-based resins take lesser time to cure through the process of polymerization. They can harden at lesser temperatures and provide you with great strengthening qualities.
C. Lastly, Epoxy acrylates have some of the best features and can be employed at low temperatures. They are not as flexible as the others but provide great adhesive traits. They cure at a faster rate and provide you with good chemical resistance properties.
3. Shelf Life Of Epoxy Resin –
As Epoxy is increasingly being used in many different areas, you must be wondering how long this product lasts once applied can?
Epoxy Resins have a shelf life of around 2 to 3 years, mainly if they have been composed for the adhesive requirements in constructions and coatings.
These epoxy resins produced specially for this purpose are also less tolerant to weight additions and can be easily used for regular use. You can even regularly resort to reapplication and maintenance to achieve the best results and longevity.
4. Pricing –
Given its number of qualities, advantages, and uses, it is not surprising that epoxy resins are more costly than other resin variants available to you.
Its strength, formulation abilities, and heat and water resistivity generally result in high prices of resins. The application costs can also vary based on the amount of epoxy resin bought and the specific manufacturer.
But remember that you get what you pay for. Since Epoxy is durable and long-lasting, you do not have to worry about further maintenance costs or surcharges.
5. Curing Time Of Epoxy Resins –
Usually, it takes about 72 hours for the resin to be fully cured. It is necessary to let the Epoxy stay still when it settles down for curing. If the Epoxy does not rest appropriately until the process is over, your project can be prone to contamination on the surface.
Purchasing faster curing resins and maintaining proper room temperatures can help cure your epoxy resins properly.
Preparation of Epoxy Resin For Art –
Epoxy resin package generally consists of components like resin, hardener, plastic mediums, and accelerating agents. Pay heed to all the components mentioned in the package as well to get started with your resin artwork!
1. Materials Required –
Before starting your resin artwork, you should keep certain materials handy. These include :
1. Surface coverings and substrate matter such as artboards, cloth surfaces, vintage material, wood, etc.
2. The colors you want to incorporate in your art. Various types of resin colors, such as transparent, opaque, and metallic selections, are available.
3. Measuring and mixing cups
4. Safety and protective wear such as nitrile gloves, respirators, and eye protectors are necessary to avoid any irritation
Process Of Making Resin Art –
1. Prepare all the materials required to start your resin art preparation. Choose your base and the color of choice and decide whether the molds for your design.
2. Follow the steps properly to mix the resin and the hardener. The most common ratio used is 1:1.
3. Mix your resin into cups and add your choice of colors. Make sure to choose some vibrant colors and add small amounts to avoid lumping.
4. Pour the mixture into the molds or your choice of surface. Add different colors and let them mix and blend. Most pieces tend to cure completely in 2-3 days.
Essential Things To Know –
1. Generally, the standard for using epoxy resin is white resin and black hardener, but this differentiation is not water-tight. You can be flexible on this front.
Color results like grey indicate that the resin and mold components have been properly mixed. Presently, you can find several color variants for epoxy resins across all applications.
2. The mixing of epoxy resin material and the complementary hardener must be done according to the instructions. You can use the 1:1 or even 2:1. Some people also opt for more complicated ratios such as 100:45.
You can measure the resin based on weight or density to attain the desired ratios and results. It cures best when applied to thin films.
3. You need to monitor the temperature when using epoxy resins. In temperatures below 20 degrees, the resin takes longer to cool and can also have a reddish substance form on the surface.
This reddening deposit is called amine and hampers the curing process. Removing this from the surface can prove too tiresome, so you must always keep the temperature above 20 degrees so that the resins harden at the right rate.
4. Other factors like the surface on which you pour the resin and the humidity of the air where you prepare the resin material also play an essential role.
Make sure the surface is of the same temperature as the mixture for good effects. Similarly, if the air humidity is around 60-70%, make sure to leave the lid of the mixture closed; otherwise, the mixture won’t harden.
Common Issues Faced While Using Epoxy Resins –
Beginner resin enthusiasts can face several issues in their starting resin art ventures. We have listed down some of these issues and the steps you can take to deal with the same –
1. Bubbles –
Improper mixing can result in the formation of bubbles. You can apply heat with the help of a heat gun to deal with the same. Also, fresh resin mixtures can be used to prevent this from happening.
2. Yellowing –
Exposure to UV lights and other contaminants can adversely affect your mixture. Make sure to keep your resin away from UV lights. You can also use a stabilizer to deal with the same.
3. Surface Imperfections –
Surface imperfection results from improper mixing or covering of the resin mixture. To prevent this, you must ensure your mixture is undisturbed when curing.
You can also pour new layers over the ones with imperfect surfaces and lightly sand them to get rid of them.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) –
Is Epoxy Resin Harmful?
The final hardened resin product or cured Epoxy is non-toxic and poses minimal threat to your health. However, as with all chemical-based products, you must keep certain precautions while working with them.
The uncured Epoxy and the dust particles emitted during its application might injure health. Some other safety measures can also help you, such as working in a well-ventilated area having plenty of windows.
You can also prevent eye and skin irritation by using protective equipment for your safety. These include safety eyewear, long-sleeved clothes, barrier masks, respirators, etc., to name a few.
Is Epoxy Resin Eco-Friendly?
Epoxy resins and a set of benefits and advantages are also environment-friendly. They belong to a family of polymers that tend to be non-toxic in their constitution. They are non-reactive and solvent-free.
When the polymerization process of the epoxy resins is completed, they do not harm the environment and become a safe product to use. You must ensure that your epoxy resin mixtures are 100% VOC-free and formed of solid and reliable epoxy components.
This only adds to a long list of benefits that epoxy resins provide to us for experimentation, crafts, and adhesive applications.
Is Epoxy Resin Heat Resistant?
This aspect tends to rely on the specific product that is being used mostly. Generally, Epoxy, given its inherent qualities, can withstand heat up to 150 degrees Celsius or 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
Even more specific products, such as heat-resistant Epoxy resins, can endure heat up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit since epoxy resins tend to be used in several industrial and mechanical applications.
Many of them are now being made, keeping the aspect of heat resistance primarily in mind. You also need to note that the resin’s surface affects its heat resistivity.
How Are Epoxy Resins Used For Molds?
Molds come in several shapes and sizes and are used to make several designs using epoxy resin. While undertaking this task, you need to keep certain items such as silicone molds, water, and napkins handy.
You also have to keep it in a well-lit and ventilated place for the best results. Wear gloves and use proper syringes to measure the mixture’s components.
Items like glitter and flowers are also used to provide effects and style. It is also essential to attain a particular level of thickness. The molding mixture will take around 8 hours to settle and harden.
You need to monitor it timely. After scraping the resin out of the mold, pop it out, sit back, and enjoy your designs. In the end, you must carefully dispose of the container in which you mixed the product.
Conclusion –
Hopefully, you can get all the information you need about the popular epoxy resins. They are fun and easy to use, and their properties can be applied in many fields.
They are also an efficient and handy means of experimentation and recreation. You just need to remember the reason for buying the epoxy resin, and then you’re good to go forth with your resin purchase!