You may be wondering what the difference is between deep pour epoxy and table top epoxy. You may also be wondering why there are so many different types of resin available. Let’s take a look at the differences below:
- Epoxy vs Resin
- Epoxy is a two-part hardener and resin system that creates a hard, durable finish when cured.
- Resin is an uncured material that you apply to your project as opposed to adding it to another substance in order to cure it into a solid form, like epoxy does.
Can you use deep pour epoxy for table top epoxy?
So, can you use deep pour epoxy for table top epoxy? The answer is yes and no. If you were to apply a layer of deep pour on your table, it would not cure properly. Table top epoxy is designed to be used in thinner applications, so if you apply too much product at once (or cover an area that is too large), then the product will not cure properly.
Deep pour epoxy is designed for thicker applications and therefore doesn’t have this problem—it will still dry hard and clear.
Table of Contents
- Can you use deep pour epoxy for table top epoxy?
- Is there a difference between table top resin and epoxy?
- What is deep pour epoxy?
- What happens if I deep pour table top epoxy?
- Can I use deep pour resin for small projects?
- Can you use deep pour epoxy for a top coat?
- What kind of epoxy should I use for a table top?
Is there a difference between table top resin and epoxy?
Epoxy is a two-part adhesive that can be used in many different ways. It’s a resin and hardener, which means that when it’s mixed together it can be used to create a solid material. Epoxy is often used for table tops, pool decking, and countertops due to its durability and low cost.
The table top epoxy products available today are deep-poured resin with additives like UV inhibitors that help protect the surface from damage caused by sunlight exposure. The epoxy adheres well to concrete surfaces so you don’t have to worry about any problems with shifting or cracking over time.
You should consider using table top epoxy if:
- You’re looking for an affordable way to cover your existing concrete surface (and prevent future cracks or shifting) without having to replace everything under it completely; or
- You want something that will last longer than other types of coating materials such as paint (which tends not last long at all).
What is deep pour epoxy?
Deep pour epoxy is a two-part resin system that can be poured up to 2″ thick in a single pour. This makes it ideal for creating objects, such as bar tops and countertops, tables, and furniture because the process allows you to encapsulate the object in a single step.
You may have also seen this one referred to as “epoxy resin” or “epoxies.” These terms generally refer to all resins used in the construction industry, but they aren’t necessarily specific types of resins: they’re often used interchangeably (and incorrectly) with each other.
In this case, “deep pour epoxy” refers specifically to an adhesive product used for industrial purposes that has an extended open time (which allows more working time), high strength properties, and good chemical resistance against water, alcohols, etc…
What happens if I deep pour table top epoxy?
The difference between the two types of epoxy is important because you don’t want to use table top epoxy for deep pour projects and vice versa. Using the wrong type of epoxy will lead to a mess and a ruined project, so make sure you know what you’re using before starting your next project.
Table Top Epoxy vs Deep Pour Epoxy: What Happens When You Use the Wrong One?
If you attempt to use table top epoxy on a deep pour project, it won’t cure properly. The thick layer of resin will trap air bubbles and will never cure correctly since it was meant for thin coats, not thick ones. Your piece will look like this:
Can I use deep pour resin for small projects?
Yes, you can use deep pour epoxy for small projects. However, you shouldn’t try to pour more than about 1/4″ at a time to avoid heat build-up. If there’s too much resin in the cup and it starts thickening up before it reaches your project, just scoop some out with a spoon and continue pouring from there until the mold is filled.
Can you use deep pour epoxy for a top coat?
No. Deep pour epoxy is not UV stable and will discolor or craze if exposed to sunlight. It is also not suitable for use as a top coat because it has a very low sheen (low gloss) and its lack of hardness makes it susceptible to dings.
A good rule of thumb is that if you’re looking for a top coating, then your best bet is to choose something that’s more like what you’d find in hardware stores: something labeled “tabletop epoxy.” Tabletop epoxies are manufactured with UV stability in mind and tend to have a higher sheen than deep-pour resin systems, providing an attractive professional-looking finish without being too high maintenance (which makes them ideal for both novice DIYers and professional contractors).
What kind of epoxy should I use for a table top?
The main difference between the two products is viscosity. Table top epoxy has a low viscosity, which means that it’s thinner and easier to pour into molds. This kind of epoxy also comes with a UV protective additive, so it won’t become cloudy when exposed to sunlight.
Table top epoxies are not self leveling because they don’t contain any air bubble inhibitors, so you’ll have to use an extra step to get your project smooth after curing (with sandpaper or an orbital sander).
Conclusion
This concludes our discussion on the differences between deep pour epoxy and table top epoxy. We hope that it has been informative, not to mention a little bit fun.
You can now confidently use these products in your own projects, knowing that you’re getting exactly what you need for whatever job needs doing!