In this article, you will learn the difference between casting resin and coating resin. It is important to know the difference between these two types of resins because they are used differently. Understanding what each resin can be used for will help you make better decisions when choosing a product that is best suited for your project.
Can coating resin be used for casting?
The short answer to this question is no, coating resin is not suitable for casting objects. As you might already know, casting resin and coating resin are two completely different products.
Coating resin is a thin liquid that is spread over surfaces to create a smooth, hard, clear finish. Casting resin, on the other hand, is a thicker liquid that is poured into a mold in order to create a solid object.
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What is a coating resin?
Coating resins are designed to be used in thin layers to form a protective layer over a surface. They are commonly used as coatings on canvas, wood, metal, plastic, and foam.
Coating resin’s low viscosity means it can be poured into a thin layer and self-levels which makes it ideal for creating a smooth finish over the surface of your project.
It cures very quickly making it easy to ensure that you have an even finish across your project.
Coating resin is available in both clear and color tints to fit any project or creative need.
Can you use coating resin for molds?
It is possible to use coating resin for a mold, but there are some drawbacks. First, we should define what a mold is.
“Mold” in this case refers to a casting tool that helps you make a replica of an object or section of an object.
The reason that you can’t use coating resin for molds is that it’s not designed to be poured into a container and reproduce an object.
Coating resin cures much more slowly than casting resin, which means that the hardening process goes too slowly and you will end up with an unusable result.
The same goes for other applications like river tables and jewelry making. When using coating resin for these types of projects, bubbles don’t get pushed out as thoroughly as they do when using casting resin, so the finished product won’t have the quality you’re looking for from your project.
What is the difference between art resin and casting resin?
Casting resin is the type that you might use to create a solid sculpture or another 3D shape. It goes into a mold, and then it hardens into a solid mass. The best casting resin for making a sculpture is epoxy resin, which cures clear and glassy with minimal shrinkage.
There are also coatings resins (also called laminating or bar top resins), popular in the fiberglass industry, that goes on top of another surface. They can be used to seal your artwork, but they don’t flow nearly as well as art and casting resins do.
What’s the difference between art resin and casting resin? Art resin is simply the brand name of one casting epoxy product that I like! It’s not actually different from any other kind of casting resin sold under another name or brand, but there are some things I love about it: it self-levels very nicely, has a minimal odor from fumes, cures crystal clear, and doesn’t yellow over time like other brands have been known to do.
Which is better epoxy or resin?
Epoxy is stronger than resin and can be used for a wide variety of applications. Epoxy has more resistance to heat, chemicals, impact, and other things that might cause damage. For these reasons, epoxy is often used in boat building and in the aircraft industry.
Resin’s strength and flexibility make it very useful for mold making. Resin is more elastic so it will not crack like epoxy when you remove your subject from the mold.
Another reason resin is useful where molds are concerned is that it cures slower which gives you more time to work with it before it hardens into a solid shape.
This gives you a much larger window of opportunity to adjust your projects if they start to take an odd shape or if something goes wrong with the process.
Additionally, resin contains fewer toxic materials than epoxy making it not only safer for your health but also easy to clean up after your project has cured!
How do you resin casting?
To resin cast, you need to do the following:
- Prepare your mold. If you are using a flexible mold, put it on a flat surface and secure it with tape.
- Mix your resin. Put on your respirator mask and pour your resin into a disposable plastic cup.
- Add hardener to the resin in the cup. Add the recommended amount of hardener as stated in your resin’s instructions, then stir gently for 2-3 minutes until completely mixed. The mixture will start to thicken quickly, so don’t take too long!
- Pour the resin into the mold.
- Let cure for 12-24 hours or as recommended by the manufacturer (time can vary based on temperature). Remove from mold when fully cured and sand down any imperfections (you might want to use gloves).
Is ArtResin the same as epoxy?
ArtResin is a brand name for a 2 part epoxy resin. The key difference between ArtResin and other brands of epoxy is that it was developed with artists in mind. It was formulated to be a non-toxic and low odor, as well as safe to use at home.
Can I mix glitter in resin?
Yes, you can add glitter to resin. In fact, it is a commonly asked question that we get at Resin Obsession and we also have a bunch of glitters available to order online.
Glitter can be mixed into the resin before you pour your mold or mixed into resin that has already been poured and cured. (Note: If you are embedding objects into your project, glitter should be added before pouring your resin.) The amount of glitter you use will depend on the size of your project and how much each layer holds.
You could say I am a bit obsessed with glitter myself because there are so many ways to use it in all kinds of projects, so I’m here to teach you some tips for adding glitter to resin!
Is casting resin epoxy resin?
A common misconception is that casting resin and epoxy resin are the same things. However, casting resin is a type of epoxy — that is to say, all casting resins are epoxies, but not all epoxies are casting resins.
Epoxy has become a catchall term for any two-part adhesive or coating; however, there are many categories under this umbrella. Casting resin is one such category of adhesives and coatings.
Casting resins are used primarily in jewelry making and create clear pieces with an aesthetic similar to glass or acrylic.
They may also be used to cast simple figurines or decorative ornaments by pouring the uncured resin into molds.
Conclusion
After reading this guide, you should have a good idea of the differences between casting and coating resin. Casting resin is a more viscous substance that’s poured into molds to create shapes, while coating resin is thinner and brushes or pours on to cover objects.
If you’re unsure which type of resin is needed for your project, read the directions carefully before beginning. Check back soon for more helpful guides on all things crafty!
