When I first began playing around with epoxy resin, I binged a bunch of YouTube videos to observe what others were working with and creating. I had only been introduced to live edge epoxy pouring at the time but I quickly learned how many amazing crafts and DIYs you can actually do with this stuff. I was instantly hooked!
The one thing that really confused me while I was watching these tutorials was the term that everyone was calling their product. The first artist was calling their work an epoxy project while the next was calling theirs a resin project, and the next was calling theirs an epoxy resin project. I was like, wait - did I miss something here? Were they using different products? Were they using the product for different purposes? Why on earth do these Youtubers have different names for this stuff?
Epoxy, Resin, or Epoxy Resin?
Here it is - epoxy is a resin! However, epoxy isn't the only type of resin available on the market. Pouring epoxies aren't the only epoxy product on the market either. There are so many different epoxy products and they can all be used in different ways. Let's break down some of the main differences.
Resin
There are 3 types of resins. There is polyester, epoxy and polyurethane. Epoxy is commonly used for art & DIY while polyester and polyurethane work well in the construction world. Each have different properties for different purposes.
Epoxy
There are 3 categories of epoxy. There is pure epoxy, polyester resins, and epoxy acrylates. Just like resins, each product has different properties for different purposes. Epoxy is typically just a resin and a hardener that you combine to make epoxy resin.
Epoxy Resin
Under the epoxy resin umbrella there are serval types of products on the market to choose from. Some epoxy resins are intended for slow cures or deep casting as seen with live edge tables. Others products are UV resistant or specifically designed for shallow pours or top coatings. They are called casting resins.
There are many uses for epoxy resin now days and most manufacturers are marketing them in a more user friendly way, making it easier on DIYers to find what their looking for.
PRO TIP: Always read the labels and instructions to understand how the product works before you purchase it. Epoxy is an expensive product and once opened you can't return it.
Now lets review my most used and recommended epoxy resin products for DIY crafting.New Classic Resin:
I've used a few different products and I have found that New Classic Resin is an excellent brand to work with. They are Canadian to boot! They supply all types of epoxy resins including deep pour, table top and casting resins.
The reason I love New Classic Resin is because the price to quality ratio is great. When you compare their prices to other retailers and products, your jaw will hit the floor! I like to purchase the 1 gallon kit for $89. The quality of the product is stunning. No air bubbles, no yellowing and its workable for about 25-30 minutes.
Craftsmart Casting Resin
My second recommendation is Craftsmart's casting resin. That's right Canadian crafters, Michael's sells epoxy resin!
If you don't have many epoxy projects on the go and want to purchase in smaller quantities for a great price, then you gotta check this stuff out! The 32 ounce kit is only $24.99!
It's really light and soft to work with, the smell isn't too bad, the work time is about 30 minuets and it cures quick!
Ecopoxy
Ecopoxy is actually one of my favorite epoxy brands to work with but the price point isn't that great. It's a premium product so its worth it, but I only use it on more expensive and higher end projects. This product guarantees a food safe finish and has lots of other great eco benefits.
I found the smell to be quite strong with this product so make sure you mask up and run your fans.
Ecopoxy is easy to work with, it cures the clearest of the epoxies that I've used and it seems to enhance my pigment colors to be more vibrant and textured once cured. I also am slightly obsessed with their powder pigments!