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Choosing between table coating and casting resins can make all the difference in your project’s finish and durability. Understanding these differences helps ensure the best results for both decorative and functional applications.
How Table Coating Resins Work
Table resins, sometimes referred to as surface or coating epoxies, are designed to create a smooth, hard-wearing finish on flat surfaces like tables and countertops. They cure quickly, allowing thin layers to be applied efficiently and offering strong scratch resistance. Table resins like “Icrystal” epoxy resin are best used in layers up to 1.5cm per pour, making them ideal for clear coatings that enhance and protect wood, stone, or canvas art.


What Makes Deep Casting Resins Different?
Deep casting resins are formulated to handle much thicker pours—sometimes several centimetres at once—without excessive heat build-up. This quality helps minimise bubbles and allows for crystal-clear results in deep applications, such as river tables or large decorative castings. Products like “Epoxytable 10-Ten” are suitable for pours up to 10cm deep, giving you flexibility for large projects or embedded objects. Because casting resins cure more slowly, they prevent overheating and cracking in thick layers.
Choosing the Right Resin for Your Project
- Use table resins for protective coatings, tabletops, and projects requiring a tough, glossy surface in thin layers.
- Opt for casting resins for deeper pours, encapsulations, river tables, or pieces with embedded elements where a thick, bubble-free finish is important.
- Always follow manufacturer guidance on recommended layer thickness and mixing ratios to ensure clarity and lasting results.

When This Matters
The choice between table and casting resins is crucial when the depth of your pour or the durability of the surface is a key factor—whether you’re coating a dining table or creating a statement river table centrepiece.
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Being aware of the distinction between table and casting resins ensures you choose and buy the most suitable product for your needs. For more guidance on selecting and sourcing high-quality resins, see our full guide on where to buy resins.
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