When it comes to choosing the right epoxy resin for your project, there are many factors to consider. From the thickness of the pour to the curing time, the type of resin you choose can make a big difference in the outcome of your project. Whether you're looking for a resin to seal floors, tables, counters, or create jewelry, there are a variety of epoxy resins available to suit your needs. For projects that require a thicker pour, such as river tables and jewelry making, you'll want to look for an epoxy resin that can be poured at heights of 3 centimeters or more.
One such product is Pro Marine ProArt, which is designed for a variety of artistic applications and is suitable for epoxy jewelry making. This resin has a VOC and BPA-free formula that cures to a smooth, glossy finish that is 100 percent waterproof. It also accepts a variety of pigments including liquid pigments, powdered mica pigments, and alcohol inks and dyes. When using ProArt resin, it's important to note that full cure usually takes about 72 hours.
You should also apply the resin within 1-2 hours of mixing and allow it to rest for 24 hours before walking on it and 72 hours before driving on it. If you're looking for a clear coat epoxy resin, you may want to consider Bob Vila's 8-ounce package. This product comes with two stirring sticks, three measuring cups with a capacity of 2 tablespoons of liquid and instructions. It has a low-odor formula and fumes are not as intense as with other epoxy resins.
Another option is acrylic resin, which is one of the coolest types of resin out there but also one of the hardest to work with. Acrylic resins are well known for their use as a clear epoxy resin for crafts but they have applications that go far beyond simply being used for crafts. Acrylic resins are used for things like aquarium glass or mirror in high-end bathtubs and they have incredible tensile strength. When working with acrylic resins, it's important to note that molding with epoxy resin requires products with specific properties completely different from the coating of surfaces or the production of paints in the sense of the creative art of resin.
Additionally, objects with many corners, grooves or finely structured surfaces can introduce large amounts of air into the epoxy resin used so it's important to use a special casting resin when working on these types of projects. Finally, if you're looking for a UV-curing resin, you may want to consider UV resin. This type of resin only hardens when exposed to UV light and can take up to several hours to cure completely. It's important to note that while epoxy resin products are safe, fumes can be inhaled while mixing the epoxy resin and preparing for application so safety precautions should be taken.
