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FacebookDifferences Between Resins: Choose the Right Resin!
Find your ideal resin for art, casting, woodwork or crafts
Wondering which resin is best for your next project? This guide is for makers, artists, and DIY enthusiasts who want clarity on the differences between resin types, from art and jewellery to woodworking, casting, restoration, and more.
For river tables and deep pour projects
If you’re planning to make river tables or want to pour thick, clear layers in one go, you’ll need a resin that can handle deeper casts without overheating or bubbling.
- Allows casting in layers up to 5 cm thick
- Excellent clarity for showpiece projects
- Good UV resistance and scratch-proof finish
- Long working time gives you flexibility
- Not suitable for very thin coatings below 0.5 cm
- Longer cure times than fast-cure resins
Art coatings and creative surface projects
For coasters, trays, artistic panels or decorative objects requiring a hard, glass-like clear coat, pick a resin optimised for art surfaces and coatings.
- Superb clarity and high-gloss finish
- Formulated for strong UV and scratch resistance
- User-friendly mixing for reliable, even coatings
- Not for deep pours or large block casting
- Not food-safe for serving surfaces
Jewellery making and intricate moulds
Jewellery, cabochons, and pieces with fine detail require resins that are bubble-resistant and flow perfectly into moulds for a crystal-clear result.
- High transparency for flawless detail
- Low viscosity fills moulds without trapping air
- Long working time gives you control
- Not suitable for thick pours over 1 cm
- Longer cure may not suit impatient crafters
Quick results for small crafts
If you’re on a deadline or want to make quick-turnaround crafts, fast-curing resin is key for finishing batches or gifts with speed.
- 6-hour demoulding time for rapid workflow
- Glossy finish and clear results
- Easy 2:1 mixing simplifies prep
- Not suited for thick or heavy pours
- Short working time can limit complex projects
DIY casting, tabletops and restoration
For classic casting, smaller tabletops, restoration, or woodworking, multipurpose resins offer a blend of clarity and durability for moderate-depth casts.
- Crystal-clear up to 2 cm thickness
- High scratch and heat resistance
- Versatile for wood, art and DIY use
- Should not be poured thicker than 2 cm per layer
- Some projects may require staged pours
Special finishes and resin art effects
If you’re seeking to add cell effects or vibrant colour to your resin art, additives and specialty dyes can achieve stunning, professional-grade finishes.
- Easy to achieve unique decorative effects
- Mixes well with compatible resins
- Great for personalising projects
- Only suitable with compatible clear resins
- Not intended for structural casting
Side-by-side comparison
Here’s a quick look at how these resins (and additives) compare for different projects and needs.
| Name | Best for | Mixing Ratio | Pour/Use Depth | Key Advantages | Limitations | Indicative Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| “River-Table” Kit | ✓ River tables, beginners, 2–5 cm pours | Choice of 2 types | Up to 2 or 5 cm | All-in kit, pigments & polish, step-by-step instructions | Not for industrial high volumes, max 5 cm per pour | £188.85 – £444.85 |
| EpoxyTable 5-Five | ✓ Deep pour tables, casting blocks | 100:55 by weight | Up to 5 cm | Low bubbles, scratch & UV resistant, long working time | Not for layers under 0.5 cm or over 5 cm | £16.85 – £1,099.85 |
| Art Pro | ✓ Art coating, clear glossy surfaces | 3:2 by weight | 1–10 mm | High-gloss, easy flow, UV and scratch resistant | Not for deep casting, not food-contact safe | £31.15 – £388.85 |
| One-2-One | ✓ Jewellery, beginners, decorative crafts | 1:1 by volume | Decorative layers/coatings | Easy mix, non-toxic, superb gloss, UV resistant | Not for thick pours, not high viscosity | £14.85 – £56.85 |
| Liquidissima | ✓ Intricate jewellery, detailed moulds | N/A | Up to 1 cm | Long working time, very clear & low bubbles | Not rapid cure, not for large blocks | N/A |
| ICreation | ✓ Fast, small crafts/jewellery | 2:1 by weight | Small items/layers | 6-hour demoulding, glossy, UV filter | Not for slow, thick pours, short work time | £19.40 – £52.85 |
| Trasparente | ✓ DIY casting, tabletops, restoration | N/A | Up to 2 cm | Very clear, scratch & heat resistant, easy use | Not for thick pours, staged layers needed for bigger jobs | £8.45 – £948.85 |
| EpoxyWood | ✓ Wood restoration, deep penetration | N/A | Surface treatment | Penetrates & waterproofs, wood enhancement | Not for castings or thick fills, needs prep | |
| Resi-Blast Additive | ✓ Cell effects for resin art | Additive | N/A | Easy cell/bloom effects in resin art, non-toxic | Not a standalone resin, only for effect | £20.50 |
| Magic Crystal Colour | ✓ Vibrant transparent colouring | Additive | N/A | Vibrant crystal-clear colour, doesn’t cloud or settle | Only for transparent resins | £4.65 |
All products in this guide
- "Resi-Blast" – Cell Effect Additive for Resin Art, 25ml£20.50"Resi-Blast" is a 25ml liquid additive designed for epoxy resin art to create cell effects and decorative patterns.
"River-Table" – Complete Kit for Creating Your First Epoxy Resin TablePrice range: £188.85 through £444.85This kit provides all components required for creating your first modern resin and wood table with guidance included.
"Art Pro" – Clear Epoxy Resin for Artists and Surface CoatingPrice range: £31.15 through £388.85Art Pro is a clear epoxy resin suitable for artists and crafters, designed to deliver high-gloss, durable finishes for creative projects.
"One-2-One" – Epoxy Resin for Handcraft, 1:1 Mixing RatioPrice range: £14.85 through £56.85"One-2-One" epoxy resin is a medium viscosity product suitable for beginners and experienced crafters in the theme Differences Between Resins: Choose…
"Liquidissima" – Epoxy Resin For Creations & Jewellery"Liquidissima" epoxy resin offers high transparency and long working time, suitable for intricate moulds in jewellery and creative projects.
"ICreation" – Fast Epoxy Resin, 6h Demoulding, Transparent Gloss FinishPrice range: £19.40 through £52.85ICREATION Fast Epoxy Resin provides a transparent, glossy finish with a 6-hour demoulding time, suitable for artists and crafters requiring quicker…
"Trasparente" – Multipurpose Clear Epoxy Resin for Casting – Up to 2cmPrice range: £8.45 through £948.85"Trasparente" is a clear multipurpose epoxy resin designed for casting and DIY with a crystal-clear, scratch-resistant finish.
"Magic Crystal" – Transparent Resin Colour 45ml£4.65"Magic Crystal" Transparent Resin Colour 45ml provides vibrant, clear colouring designed for creating glass-like crystal effects.
"EpoxyWood" – Wood Restoration Epoxy Resin for Deep Penetration and WaterproofingOriginal price was: £64.00.£39.85Current price is: £39.85."EpoxyWood" is designed for wood restoration with a formulation that penetrates deeply and provides a waterproof finish, suited to the theme…
"EpoxyTable 5-Five" – Deep Pour Epoxy Resin for Tables and Large Projects – Up to 5cmPrice range: £16.85 through £1,099.85EpoxyTable 5-Five is a deep pour epoxy resin for tables and large projects, designed for clear, scratch-resistant surfaces up to 5cm thick.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right resin for jewellery?
Look for resins with high transparency, low viscosity, and bubble resistance for intricate moulds. Long working time and easy mixing are beneficial for achieving flawless pieces. Avoid fast-cure or deep-pour resins for tiny or detailed items.
What resin should I use for river tables or furniture casting?
Choose a deep-pour epoxy resin capable of being poured in thicker layers—usually up to 5 cm per pour. These resins minimise heat build-up and bubbles, giving you a clear, durable result suited for large projects where strength and appearance matter.
Which epoxy is best for quick crafts or jewellery projects?
Look for a fast-curing resin with a short demoulding time, typically around six hours. These resins are ideal if you’re making batches or working to a deadline, but keep in mind they may offer less working time for adjustments.
Can I use the same resin for artwork and casting projects?
It depends on your project—art resins are made for thin, glossy coatings, while casting resins handle thicker pours. Some multipurpose resins cover both light casting and surface work, but always check depth and usage guidelines.
What additives should I use for cell effects or vibrant colours in resin art?
Special additives can produce cell and blooming effects in clear resin, and dedicated transparent dyes create vibrant crystal effects. Use only additives that are proven compatible with your resin system.
Do I need special resin for wood restoration or sealing?
Yes, use a resin formulated for deep penetration and waterproofing. These typically have very low viscosity to soak into wood and reinforce it from within, rather than forming a thick layer.
How can I avoid bubbles in cast resin projects?
Choose a low-viscosity or bubble-resistant resin for deep moulds and pour slowly in a suitable environment. Using a torch, heat gun, or dome cover can help eliminate surface bubbles, but always follow safety advice for your specific resin.
What’s the difference between 1:1, 2:1, and other resin mixing ratios?
Different resin systems require different ratios for optimal curing. 1:1 by volume is very user-friendly for crafts and beginners, while other resins may require more precise weight measurements like 3:2 or 100:55. Always check instructions for your chosen product.
Still not sure which to choose?
If your main goal is to make tables or deep casts, prioritise a deep-pour resin designed for thicker layers. For art, jewellery, or small decorative projects, look for clarity, viscosity, and ease of use. When in doubt, consider a user-friendly kit or start with a versatile multipurpose resin, and add colour or special effects to suit your style.
Take your time exploring the options above—finding the right resin for your project can make all the difference. If you’re stuck, our friendly team is here to answer your questions or help you compare products.