What is Epoxy Casting Resin?
Epoxy casting resin is a liquid synthetic resin. It is a very strong resin that is used for various applications, from DIY projects to industrial applications. For example, you can make art and jewelry, but also coat tables and pour floors. Although most people think that working with epoxy casting resin is a real challenge, it is very simple. We are happy to tell you all about it.
Epoxy consists of two different components that need to be combined. You have an A and a B component. After combining both components, a reaction occurs. During this reaction, heat is released, which causes the epoxy casting resin to fully harden, into a high-quality plastic-like material.
Epoxy Casting Resin vs Polyester
It is common for people to mistake epoxy casting resin for polyester. They certainly look similar, but the adhesion, UV resistance, water resistance, shrinkage, processing and price are different. In essence, epoxy casting resin is ideal for making art.
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Epoxy resin adheres excellently to almost all surfaces. Think of wood, concrete, stone, steel, aluminum and more. Polyester adheres less well and can come loose.
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Epoxy casting resin does not give off any odor . This makes it much more pleasant to work with in a closed environment.
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Epoxy casting resin hardly shrinks . Choose epoxy casting resin if you want a smooth finish. Polyester shrinks a few percent during curing, this can lead to a less beautiful result.
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Epoxy casting resin is stronger than polyester . It also adheres better to different surfaces.
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Epoxy casting resin is more resistant to chemicals . This allows you to simply clean your artwork with soap or cleaning agents.
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Epoxy casting resin is waterproof compared to polyester . This makes it ideal for coating.
Epoxy is therefore stronger and more durable and is better suited for applications where good adhesion, water tightness and minimal shrinkage are important. Choose polyester if you are looking for a cheaper and more flexible material.
Which epoxy casting resin to use?
With epoxy casting resin you can creatively go in many directions. For example, you can make jewelry, cast epoxy casting resin tables or make other accessories and art. Epoxy is a beautiful product that you can apply to many surfaces.
There are two different types of epoxy casting resin. Using the right epoxy casting resin is important for the end result of your own art. How do you know which epoxy is right for your project? We list the different types for you.
1. Epoxy casting resin
All types of epoxy casting resin that you cast, are called epoxy casting resin. The UltraEpoxy premium is a universal epoxy casting resin of very high quality at a competitive price. Suitable for large and small surfaces such as art, jewelry, coasters and orgonites. Also very suitable for coatings of table tops, photo panels, kitchen tops, bar tables, paintings and more.
This 'art epoxy' offers you the best quality. You enjoy the least bubbles, extreme clarity and high UV resistance. Easy to process for beginners and loved by experienced hobbyists.
2. UV Resin (jewelry resin)
Are you looking for resin for resin art that is easy to use? UV Resin is ready-to-use and dries quickly. This is the most commonly used resin for making resin art epoxy jewelry and small art objects. Thanks to a handy spout, you can pour the resin from the bottle into a silicone mold. Also extremely suitable for application as a topcoat (protective layer) for e.g. polymer clay, jewelry and other art.
UV resistant epoxy
UV resistant epoxy, such as Ultra Epoxy , is a type of epoxy that is specifically designed to withstand the harmful effects of the sun's UV rays. Adding a UV blocker to this product is therefore not necessary. Standard epoxy can discolor over time if it is exposed to too much sunlight.
UV epoxy is specially designed to minimize the negative effects of sunlight on your epoxy artwork. This allows UV-resistant epoxy to retain its clarity, color and durability for longer. This makes this epoxy suitable for outdoor creations.
The correct mixing ratio
When you choose epoxy casting resin, you mix two components together. Bottle A (the resin) and bottle B (the hardener) must be mixed in the correct ratio. It is important to use a scale. After weighing, stir the mixture for at least three minutes and scrape well along the edges of the mixing cup. After you have poured epoxy casting resin, the curing process begins. After 12-24 hours (depending on temperature and layer thickness), the epoxy casting resin is at its final strength.
Calculate how much epoxy casting resin you need
When you are going to cast epoxy resin, you need to calculate in advance how much epoxy resin you need, so that you do not make too much. You can easily calculate how much epoxy you need for your project. Usually 1 liter of epoxy resin gives 1 mm layer thickness per square meter. For shapes such as squares, bars, rectangles and circles you can use standard formulas.
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Calculate the volume of rectangles and squares: length in cm x width in cm x layer thickness in cm x 1.1 (specific weight): 1000 = number of kilograms of epoxy casting resin.
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Calculate volume of circles: 3.14 (pi) x radius in cm (half diameter) x radius in cm x layer thickness in cm x 1.1 = number of kilograms of epoxy casting resin.
How much epoxy is needed for a mold?
Are you going to pour epoxy casting resin into a silicone mold? On our product pages, each silicone mold indicates how much epoxy casting resin you need. We have already calculated this for you. Very handy because then you don't have to figure it out anymore. Is your mold not listed? You can easily calculate the content of a silicone mold by first weighing the mold empty and then weighing it on the scale filled with water. The difference in content is the number of grams that fit in your mold.
What is epoxy casting resin suitable for?
Epoxy casting resin is mainly used for making artwork and jewelry. There are also handy DIYers who use it for furniture. Epoxy casting resin is suitable for various applications and different surfaces. This makes epoxy widely applicable.
Popular creations made with epoxy casting resin are: jewelry, furniture, key chains, mugs, canvas paintings, coasters and tables. You can therefore use the material for many epoxy applications.
Features of epoxy casting resin
Cast epoxy is known for its slow curing. Especially when using thicker layers or multiple layers, it can take a while for the epoxy to fully harden. Epoxy works on the basis of a chemical reaction, in which the hardener and epoxy are mixed together.
Epoxy casting resin is ideal for casting thick layers of resin. In addition, you can also easily cast multiple layers. This allows you to give your artworks even more effect.
Buy epoxy casting resin
Our epoxy casting resin is suitable for various applications. For example, do you want to add nice decorations to your artwork? Then it is important to choose clear epoxy casting resin. We only sell crystal clear epoxy, so that our epoxy is suitable for every project.
When you want to apply colors in crystal clear epoxy casting resin you can do this with special pigment powder or paste. You mix the pigment with the epoxy casting resin. This allows you to easily create any desired color.
Liquid epoxy casting resin
At itsOkay we only sell liquid casting resin. This is of better quality than other formulas or paste-like consistencies. This is because it is easier to mix and therefore easier to distribute evenly.
In addition, liquid casting resin has the property of adhering well to various types of surfaces. This also makes it ideal for applying coatings.
Liquid hardener
Epoxy casting resin always consists of two different components. This concerns the base component and a liquid hardener. Because both components are mixed together, it will harden and you create a strong bond.
If no hardener is added, the epoxy casting resin will not harden and your resin will remain liquid.
Experimenting with epoxy casting resin
Are you a beginner and have little experience with epoxy resin? Then experiment with epoxy! By experimenting you can easily master new techniques such as depth effect, glossy finish, transparent castings, crystal clear castings, epoxy with pigment colors and much more.
By experimenting you will also quickly notice which type of epoxy resin suits you best. Go for UV resistant or for an easy mixing ratio with the 1:1 epoxy resin. In addition, you will quickly get an idea of how epoxy adheres and how much epoxy you should use for your creation.
Is it safe to use epoxy?
Epoxy is relatively safe and above all very fun to work with. Our epoxy casting resin has been carefully tested. Of course it is always important to choose good protection. When working with epoxy, fumes are released. Despite the fact that it is in very small quantities, it is never wrong to ensure good protection. We advise you to always wear gloves and protect your surface well. Work in a well-ventilated room and open a window for good air circulation.
The above tips will ensure that you can work safely with epoxy resin.
Getting started with epoxy resin at home
You don't need a special space if you want to start with epoxy resin. It is important that you choose a place where you have enough space and good ventilation.
In fact, you can even get started with epoxy at your own kitchen table. Of course, it is important that you ensure a level surface. Protect your surface with a silicone mat to prevent spills. Once cured, epoxy is rock hard. This makes removing cured epoxy resins a difficult task.
By choosing a good protective surface you prevent epoxy resin from ending up on your surface.
DIY Epoxy projects
There are many DIY projects possible with epoxy. We would like to share some popular possibilities with you to inspire you and get started with epoxy or casting resin yourself!
1. Coating of table or kitchen top with epoxy casting resin
Protect your wooden table from scratches by applying a layer of epoxy casting resin. You can also provide your kitchen countertop and other furniture with a layer of epoxy. By applying a layer of epoxy over the surface, it is protected from damage and gets a smooth, glossy finish. Are you tired of the color of your kitchen countertop? Then add an epoxy pigment color of your choice and change the design of your kitchen within a few hours!
2. Making epoxy jewelry
Did you know that you can also make jewelry with epoxy? You can easily create unique necklaces, earrings and bracelets that are guaranteed to attract attention. Unique handmade jewelry, completely to your taste. Finish your jewelry with decorations or colors of your choice. We have more than 200 colors and decorations in our assortment, so there is always a color or decoration that suits you!
3. Casting of art, coins or other precious objects
From flowers to rings, cast your favorite object in epoxy. Create a special art object! By adding pigments, glitter, and other materials to the resin, you can also create a wide range of imagery.
4. Make your own coasters
There are many creative possibilities to cast coasters yourself with epoxy casting resins. Add colours and possibly extras such as glitter to the casting yourself for a unique effect.
4. Repairing objects
You can also use epoxy to repair damaged objects, such as ceramics, glass, wood, metal and plastic. Epoxy has a strong bond and can restore even the most delicate objects to their original state.
5. Epoxy tables for the do-it-yourselfer
If you want to make epoxy river tables, it is good to know in advance that making tables with epoxy casting resin is a complex process. It is all about care and precision.
Are you a real do-it-yourselfer? Then you can choose to make a table with epoxy casting resin. It is important to take into account a number of important aspects:
> Minimum processing temperature - It is important to choose a high-quality UV-resistant epoxy. You want a good bond between the epoxy casting resin and your table. Because tables are large castings, there is also a long curing time.
In addition, it is important to check whether the epoxy is suitable for your type of table. Although epoxy goes well with all kinds of materials such as most plastics, concrete and wood, it is important to do good research beforehand.
> Layer thickness - It is important to consider the correct layer thickness. The layer thickness determines not only the curing time, but also the success of large castings.
> The mold - For large castings there are hardly any molds available. At itsOkay you will find these special molds. Shop with us for a mold for a round or rectangular table top.
> Make your own mold - You can easily make your own mold to your liking by making a frame with MDF. You then seal this frame waterproof with packing tape to prevent epoxy from sticking to it. Be careful when applying multiple strips of tape next to each other, as this can make the seams visible in the end result, but these can easily be sanded away.
In addition, you can purchase PE sheets at the hardware store, which you can use to make your own mold for your epoxy casting resin project.
Wide range
At itsOkay we have a wide range of epoxy casting resin. It is up to you to see which type of epoxy suits you best. Of course our experts can also help you with this! Our epoxy casting resin is of excellent quality, which makes it easy to create the most beautiful creations. You can go for creations from very transparent to thick layers with lots of color.
Do you have any questions about your project? Please feel free to contact our specialists. We are happy to help you.