Resins are versatile materials widely used in both professional and creative applications. From creating clear river tables and restoring wood furniture, to casting artistic jewellery or eco-friendly crafts, different types of resins open up unique possibilities for makers, artists, and DIY enthusiasts alike. Understanding what resins are, their types, and how they are used will help you select the perfect product for your next project.

In this guide, we’ll explore the main resin types, compare leading options from the ResinPro range, and help you match the right resin to your intended use. Whether you’re interested in Multipurpose Epoxy Resins or want to learn more about specialty finishes for wood, art, or eco-friendly crafts, you’ll find all the answers here.

What is resin?

Resin is a substance that starts as a liquid and transforms into a hard solid, thanks to a chemical reaction (curing). Historically derived from plants, most resins used today are synthetic, offering improved durability and clarity. Resins such as epoxy, mineral-based, and specialised art formulas enable a wide diversity of creative and industrial applications—from jewellery making and coatings to deep pour tables and restoration work.

Epoxy, mineral, and creative resins compared

Epoxy resin is the most common type used for both DIY and professional projects. It combines two components (resin and hardener) to cure into a strong, often glass-clear finish. Examples include the “Trasparente” – Multipurpose Clear Epoxy Resin for Casting – Up to 2cm, a certified non-toxic clear epoxy ideal for detailed casting, art, and restoration up to 2cm deep. If you need an odourless and easy-to-use resin for surface work, “Icrystal” – Clear Epoxy Resin – Odourless Formula – Up to 1.5cm is also a reliable, heat-resistant option offering up to 1.5cm per layer.

For artists and crafters, “Art Pro” – Clear Epoxy Resin for Artists and Surface Coating delivers exceptional clarity, a dense formula for easy coats, and is perfect for coasters, trays, and glossy decorative finishes. Seeking something different? “NatuResin” – Mineral Resin & Water System for Creative Casting and Crafts is a unique, single-component eco-friendly resin activated with water, suitable for decorative items like flower pots or coasters—no gloves required!

If you work with wood, our “EpoxyWood” – Wood Restoration Epoxy Resin for Deep Penetration and Waterproofing is specially formulated with ultra-low viscosity for deep wood reinforcement, waterproofing, and a warm, aesthetic finish—ideal for wooden furniture or even boat hulls.

When it comes to deep pours, especially for large river tables or thick castings, “Epoxytable 10-Ten” – Deep Pour Epoxy Resin for Tables, Up to 10cm Casting can be poured up to an impressive 10cm, offering long working time and superior UV resistance for a bubble-free, crystal-clear result.

Which resin is right for your project?

Selecting the right resin depends entirely on what you’re making and the finish you require. Here’s how to match your project to the most suitable resin type from ResinPro’s carefully crafted range:

• Clear casting, jewellery & art: For pours up to 2cm, use “Trasparente” Epoxy Resin. For up to 1.5cm or where low odour matters, choose “Icrystal”. Artistic top coats, coasters, and trays shine with Art Pro.
• Eco and mineral crafts: Creative crafters seeking a safer, water-based alternative will love NatuResin, which hardens to a ceramic-like finish and can be coloured with standard pigments.
• Wood restoration: Old furniture, decks, or even wood in marine settings are best revived using EpoxyWood—it deeply penetrates and waterproofs, accentuating the grain.
• Large, deep pours and tables: For pours up to 10cm, Epoxytable 10-Ten stands out, ensuring superb clarity and stability across thick, large projects. For surface finishes, explore our resins-for-tables-and-surfaces-finishes selection.

All the above resins offer exceptional durability and finish—just focus on the thickness, application, and required working properties.

Key features to look for in modern resins

When evaluating resin products, consider these vital characteristics:

• Clarity: Ideal for artistic, jewellery, and decorative projects—seen in Trasparente, Icrystal, and Art Pro.
• UV Stability: Prevents yellowing over years, important for anything subject to sunlight.
• Scratch and heat resistance: Essential for tabletops, furniture, and coasters.
• Eco-friendliness: VOC-free, vegan-friendly, water-activated choices as offered by NatuResin and our solvent-free wood and multipurpose resins.
• Working time and viscosity: Deep-pour projects need slow-curing, low exotherm formulas (like Epoxytable 10-Ten); artistic projects benefit from dense, non-drip blends (like Art Pro).

For a deep dive into multipurpose, artistic, and specialty resins, our Multipurpose epoxy resins guide covers every project type in detail.

Environmental choices and safe handling

Modern resins have evolved to be safer and more environmentally friendly. For those who value sustainability, NatuResin stands out with its water-based, single-component formula and solvent-free, VOC-free credentials. Ultra-low odour and non-drip blends like Icrystal are suitable for home workshops with minimal ventilation, while all our featured products (including Art Pro and EpoxyWood) are vegan-friendly and never tested on animals.

For effective results, always follow the included instructions and use appropriate protective equipment where recommended—especially for multipack or solvent-based systems.