When it comes to Crafting with Resin and selecting the type of resin for your project, knowing what materials to use is a must. As such, every professional should know the difference between epoxy coating and casting resin, their main features and what type of Resin your project is calling for.
There are distinct varieties of resin nowadays, each of them more suited to particular application. The problem is that few people know to distinguish between these materials, and the result of their work can quickly turn into the worst nightmare.
Luckily, we are here to help you select the ideal resin for different crafts and know precisely the characteristics you need to look for in each type of resin project.
Trademark Properties of Epoxy Resin Formulas
Before going straight to the point, let’s find together some of the main resin formulas’ trademark features:
- Food Grade/FDA approved
- Heat-Resistance
- Chemical Stability
- UV Resistance
- Durability
- Absence of harmful volatile organic compounds
- Low moisture absorption
- Very low shrinkage after curing
How to select the Perfect Resin Type
Has this ever happened to you when poured epoxy resin onto a canvas, and you were left only with an uneven sketchy coating?
Or maybe you had gone through the type of situation when you poured the epoxy resin into a mold, and then appeared all those bubbles that did not rise to the top.
If so, there is a good chance you have been using the wrong type of resin that is properly-suited for the projects you have been making.
These kinds of moments would probably raise some red flags, so stop using those Resins and read more about how the different types of epoxies work.
There are distinct varieties of resin nowadays, each of them more suited to a particular application. The problem is that few people know to distinguish between these materials, and the result of their work can quickly turn into the worst nightmare.
Luckily, we are here to help you select the ideal resin for different crafts and know precisely the characteristics you need to look for in each type of resin project.
Casting Resin vs. Coating Resin
The first thing to consider when selecting a resin is to ask yourself, “casting or coating?” These two are unique when it comes to the type of coverage, but have some related elements. Choosing between these two will ultimately determine if you’re pleased with how the final project turns out.
- Casting
Casting Resin is also referred to as “deep-pour resin.” This type of Epoxy resin is mainly used for clear molds, river tables and encasings. People use casting resin where a thicker layer, greater than 1/8”, is needed to pour it into a mold and then wait to cure and retain the same shape.
Epoxy casting resins would generally take a longer time to soft cure, which is the ideal stage where you can handle and work with the epoxy without damaging it.
Furthermore, due to the less heat during the curing process, you will be able to pour the resin deeper and avoid the risk of resin overheating.
- Coating
On the other hand, coating resins have the best-suggestive name. These types of resins are used as a coating material to cover metal, concrete, wood, or most anything it will sink its teeth into. It can be poured clear or with a more decorative look.
The main feature of coating resins is decorating or preserving. Epoxy Resin is so durable that some industries will use it to make any material stronger, easier to clean, water-resistant, chip-resistant, and rust-proof.
Only by applying a thin layer of coating resin will you obtain an ideal glue to make materials stick together or preserve paper. Due to their fine properties, the coating resins are used in the electrical manufacturing sector by applying them to over-mold transistors and circuits.
The thin layer of resin will hold all the components together and protect them against corrosion.
Resin selection Depends on the Project
Epoxy resins can be tailor-made so that they are suited for each type of project. Manufacturers know to use only epoxy resin-specific colorants or other additives. This way they will end up with the intended results.
Furthermore, depending on the additives and base epoxy in the formula, the viscosity and other key properties might change the chemical structure, which may lead to a curing issue.
What To Think About When Selecting The Resins:
- Working Time: How much time you would have to apply the resins before it starts to gel or heat up
- Curing Time: Once you pour the resin layer, it is essential to know how long it will take to cure. This way, you will avoid unmolding or handling your project too early. This could lead to damage.
- Thickness: as previously mentioned, the thickness of the resin will dictate the curing time and stickiness (viscosity)
- Hardness: resin will take a different time to cure. For instance, coating resins are usually a thicker consistency and harder compared with casting resins.
- Mix Ratio: most of the resins you will be using have a 1:1 ratio, but the formulas might vary, from 2:1 to 1:1. Too much A or B will ultimately change the final hardness or solidity.
Which Epoxy to Use?
Although there are many similarities between the two formulas well, it is best to use them according to your intended application.
Let’s say you are pouring some casting resin on a surface instead of placing a thin layer of coating resin, as the professionals are recommending.
The result will be running off the edges resin, which is very slow in hardening. On the other hand, if you will pour epoxy coating into a container, you will need to apply multiple thin layers, then wait a long time between the applications.
Therefore, knowing which Epoxy resin to use and where is kind of mandatory.
Follow the simple indications down below:
● Coating Epoxy Resin Projects
Projects:
- Resin art
- Table Top
- Tumbler
- Doming
- Top Coat
Epoxy coating is usually much more viscous (thicker) than casting one. As such, this type of resin was mainly designed for pouring onto level surfaces. You can use it for tabletops, as well as for resin artworks.
Due to the thicker consistency, the coating epoxy will stay much better on surfaces and won’t run over the edges.
The effect? A glossy coating in a thick layer. The mix of coating resins might create some bubbles that can be easily popped once you start pouring the resin onto the substrate.
● Casting Epoxy Resin Projects
Projects:
- Creating Crafts
- Sculptures
- Jewelry
- Memorabilia
- River table
- Molds
- Deep Pour
On the other hand, when it comes to casting resins, these have a lower viscosity and a much thinner consistency. These two characteristics make casting epoxy the ideal type of resin for pouring into molds.
Casting epoxy has a thinner formulation, making it perfect for picking up even the finest detail in a mold.
Furthermore, manufacturers will also use the casting Epoxy resin to produce electrical insulation, molded plastic, or design sports equipment. There are lots of products and compounds that are fortified using epoxy resin.
● Casting Epoxy Resin Characteristics
- Slower curing
- Thinner Resin Material
- Lower Viscosity
- Used For Pours Over ⅛.”
● Coating Epoxy Resin Characteristics
- Quicker curing time
- Thicker consistency
- Used for pours up to ⅛.”