When you're faced with so many different TYPES of RESIN to choose from, it can be confusing to work out which resin is right for your project.
In the past 17 years, I've worked with more than 35 different types/brands of resin. That's a lot of resin and a lot of casting and it's given me a good understanding of what each one is capable of.
So, let's take a look at the pros and cons of each resin type so you know how to CHOOSE the right resin for your project. As a side note, there are so MANY different brands of resin out there and they are all formulated differently. It's not possible to cover them all but this will give you a general guide to help you understand what kind of resin work you can do with each type of resin.
We'll cover the most readily available types of resin:
So, let's take a look at the pros and cons of each resin type so you know how to CHOOSE the right resin for your project. As a side note, there are so MANY different brands of resin out there and they are all formulated differently. It's not possible to cover them all but this will give you a general guide to help you understand what kind of resin work you can do with each type of resin.
We'll cover the most readily available types of resin:
- 2-part resins - this group includes Epoxy, Polyurethane (aka urethane), Polyester and Epoxy Clays.
- 1-part resin - includes the very easy-to-use UV Resins
Versatile Epoxy Resin
Epoxies are very easy to use and they are usually mixed in a 1:1 or a 2:1 ratio. The benefits of epoxies are the ease of measuring, mixing and colouring.
They generally have a longer working time (aka gel time, pot life) so you don't need to rush when adding colourants and embedments into the resin.
Curing is often slower too and can take 12-24 hours, with full hardness achieved after 72 hours.
These resins are usually very low in odour or have no odour at all and are very easy to work with.
The drawback is that finished epoxy pieces may turn yellow as they age. If you've added colourant to the resin, this won't be noticeable.
Epoxy resins are versatile: they're available as either casting resins (meaning that you can pour them into a mould to create objects such as jewellery and coasters) or coating resins which are used to coat surfaces such as bar and tabletops.
Epoxy resins are versatile: they're available as either casting resins (meaning that you can pour them into a mould to create objects such as jewellery and coasters) or coating resins which are used to coat surfaces such as bar and tabletops.
Readily available epoxy resins are Amazing Clear Cast and Teexpert.
Quick Curing Polyurethane Resin
When you need something to cure fast, Polyurethane is the resin to reach for.
Polyurethane resins are sometimes measured by volume (1:1) and sometimes by weight. The polyurethanes we use in jewellery making are usually casting resins and they are best suited to being cast in silicone moulds.
Many gel (or set) in under 5 minutes and you can demould them in about 20 minutes... great if you're an impatient crafter!
On the downside, they are very moisture-sensitive and will almost always bubble.
The transparent versions of polyurethanes are usually more amber than clear, but you can colour them with resin dyes to achieve a translucent (see-through) effect.
You can also buy polyurethanes in some basic opaque colours such as white, black and flesh.
Because of their quick gel time, they are not well suited to embedding but you can still add colours and glitters before mixing the two parts together. Learn how to make fun bangles like this Licorice Allsorts bangle stack in one of my beginner's resin classes.
Water Clear Polyester Resin
Most commonly used in the boat building industry as a laminating resin, but it's also formulated as a casting resin, making it suitable for jewellery making.
Where epoxy and polyurethane resins are measured in a 1:1 ratio resin to hardener, polyester resin uses an MEKP catalyst, which is added by a number of drops per millilitre/ounce of resin.
Working out how much catalyst to add can be tricky. You have to take into account the volume you are mixing, the thickness of the casting, the humidity, and the room temperature. Too much catalyst and it could flash (ignite) or crack as the resin cures.
Polyester resin also has a very nasty odour, so it must be worked with outside and wearing a respirator fitted with cartridges that filter out organic vapours.
But polyester resin's attraction is its clarity - it is CRYSTAL CLEAR, as you can see in the souvenir above that I picked up in Singapore.
Castin'Craft Clear Polyester Casting Resin is a popular choice for crafters choosing this type of resin.
These are the most user-friendly resins of all because there is no measuring, no mixing, no wastage and no cleanup. You just pour the resin and then place it under a UV light source to cure for a few minutes.
Castin'Craft Clear Polyester Casting Resin is a popular choice for crafters choosing this type of resin.
UV Resin - the User-Friendly Resin
These are the most user-friendly resins of all because there is no measuring, no mixing, no wastage and no cleanup. You just pour the resin and then place it under a UV light source to cure for a few minutes.
Some UV resins have a strong odour while others, like Lisa Pavelka's Magic-Glos, have none. Magic-Glos is non-toxic so it can be used by children (with adult supervision, of course!).
UV resins are available in different formulations: some for doming and others for casting. You cure the pieces in the sunlight or if you're crafting at night, under a UV nail lamp. I like this one because you can leave it on and not have to keep restarting it every 90 seconds. If you're working in silicone moulds, they need to be shallow and clear so that the UV light can penetrate all sides to cure the resin.
Get the project instructions to make these fun fridge magnets here.
As the name suggests, this resin is a clay so once mixed together, instead of pouring it into a mould, you push it into the mould or bezel.
Epoxy clay comes in two parts that are mixed together in equal quantities. It can be coloured using dyes and powders.
It's a super strong adhesive so it's perfect for creating pavé jewellery where the crystals will be permanently embedded once cured. It can also be sculpted, sanded and painted, making it suitable for home decor items too. You'll find two gorgeous Pavé-style jewellery tutorials here and here.
Some of the better-known brands include Apoxie Sculpt and Crystal Clay, which comes in a variety of colours.
Now that you know a little more about the types of resin, use the flow chart below to work out which resin(s) will be suitable for your project.
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Some of the better-known brands include Apoxie Sculpt and Crystal Clay, which comes in a variety of colours.
Now that you know a little more about the types of resin, use the flow chart below to work out which resin(s) will be suitable for your project.
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MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU:
- Get access to the How to Choose the Right Resin video to learn even more about choosing resin.
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This was very helpful. I didn't even know there were other types of resin. I have watched some videos and no one has mentioned the different types. But one question I have is: Why do I see some people using lighters or tanks on there items.
ReplyDeleteHi Alison! Not only are there lots of different types of resin, each manufacturer has their own formulation for that type of resin! That's why experts tend to have their favourite go-to resin :) The reason you see people using a lighter on the surface of their resin is to pop bubbles, particularly with clear epoxy resins. If that isn't something you're comfortable with, you can use a spray bottle filled with rubbing alcohol. A light spray across the surface will break the surface tension and cause the bubbles to pop. The alcohol evaporates away and you'd never know it had been used.
DeleteNice post and very informative resin chart, thanx for ideas. We're also making some river tables with epoxies.
ReplyDelete