Let’s talk about epoxy and resin. These two substances can seem very similar in nature, but they’re used in a variety of different ways and have many differences.
This article will discuss what these substances are, what each is used for, and the properties that make them so distinct from one another. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to tell everything there is to know about them!
What’s the difference between epoxy and resin?
Epoxy is both a resin and a hardener. When casting, it’s used in place of the sea sponge or borax. Hardeners are added after the resin has been set and become part of the final product.
The two work together like peanut butter and jelly, with epoxy as the jelly (made up of resin) and hardener as the peanut butter.
Epoxy is stronger than resin because you can’t remove resin once it sets. Epoxy is also more durable than resin, which means it lasts longer when exposed to weather or other environmental factors.
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Which is better resin or epoxy?
So now, let’s look at the pros and cons of resin vs epoxy – which is better for you?
Epoxy is more expensive and more durable than polyester resin. It is also much easier to work with because it has a longer working time, which means it can be spread and set up properly before hardening. Epoxy is also more versatile in its uses – you can use it to coat just about anything.
On the other hand, epoxy is far more toxic than polyester resin, so always make sure that you are wearing proper safety gear and working in a well-ventilated area when using the product.
Also, if you’re using your resin/epoxy product to make something like jewelry or castings (like wall art), be aware that while epoxy might be stronger than polyester resin, it doesn’t have quite as much heat resistance as polyester resin does (though it still performs fine with regular wear and tears).
Is epoxy and resin the same thing?
Epoxy and resin are often used interchangeably, but they are in fact different materials.
Resin is a generic term for a substance that is a liquid when applied and then hardens. This means it can be cast into molds to create objects like jewelry, or coated onto surfaces as clear coats or sealants to protect the surface from scratches or damage.
Resin can be used for anything from make-up to boats, as long as it is hardened after being applied.
Epoxy is a specific kind of resin that is used for a wide range of applications. Epoxy resin often comes in two parts – the epoxy itself (the main part) and the hardener (the catalyst).
You need both components to create epoxy – without one or the other, you won’t get the end result you’re looking for!
You might have gotten confused by different names given to epoxies: adhesives, glues, coatings… don’t worry – they’re all just types of epoxies created specifically for certain applications.
Is resin always epoxy?
Some resins will be labeled as “epoxy resin”: these are thermosetting resins that start out as viscous liquids and then harden to form a solid, strong plastic.
Epoxy resin can be used for all of the above applications and is one of the most versatile types of resin.
Can epoxy be used as resin?
Epoxy is a type of resin, so yes, epoxy can be used in place of resin. However, not all resins are epoxies. Epoxies are a specific class of resins that are very strong and durable plastic materials with adhesive properties.
Resin can refer to any type of plastic material that hardens after being applied or mixed.
How thick can I pour epoxy?
When working with epoxy resin, the thickness of your pour will depend on several factors. The most important factor is what product you are using, as different epoxies have different viscosities (thickness).
For example, Thin Pour Epoxy has a relatively thin viscosity that allows it to be poured up to 1/8” thickness in a single coat. For thicker pours, you will want to use Deep Pour Epoxy.
Deep Pour is designed for applications that require pouring up to 2” of liquid at once. Lastly, if you are looking for something in between these two options, we recommend Ultra Clear Epoxy or Glow-in-the-Dark Pigment Paste + Resin.
In the case of an epoxy product, however, pouring over ¼ inch at a time can cause problems due to heat buildup from exothermic chemical reactions and from large amounts of air pockets getting trapped inside the wet resin as it cures (epoxies cure by hardening into a solid).
An exothermic reaction occurs when heat builds up during polymerization (the process where liquid resin becomes solid), and this reaction can cause discoloration or cloudiness in cured epoxy.
To avoid this problem altogether, we recommend pouring no more than ¼ inch at a time and allowing each layer to cure before adding more layers on top of it.
What can I use instead of epoxy resin?
Polyesters are less expensive than epoxies and are a great choice for casting larger items, such as tables. Polyester resin has the added benefit of being cast-able into thicker sections than other resins.
However, when it comes to clarity, the polyester resin cannot compete with epoxy resin. Polyurethane resin is another common alternative to epoxy resin.
Polyurethane can be used in many applications where epoxy is traditionally used such as woodworking, furniture making, countertops, and more because it has similar qualities to that of its cousin epoxy.
However, polyurethane carries some distinct differences: The finish is not quite as glossy as you may get with an epoxy coating or finish and it does not have the same durability over time—it’s not nearly as UV resistant so it can yellow in direct sunlight over time.
Plastic resins are widely used in manufacturing and 3D printing processes due to the versatile properties that allow them to be molded under high temperatures into any shape or form. Different kinds of plastic resins include:
- Polypropylene resin
- Wood resin
- Phenolic Resin
- Acrylic Resin
- Urea-formaldehyde Resin
How long will epoxy resin last?
How long will epoxy resin last? Epoxy resin has a shelf life of about six months in the bottle and has a working time of about 30 minutes.
After that, it hardens into a solid piece. In order to extend its use, you may have to add more catalysts (usually not included with the initial purchase) until the hardening process is completed.
Also, certain additives such as pigments can help slow down the curing process by increasing heat absorption.
Conclusion
That’s a good question! If you already know the basic difference and are looking for more in-depth information on each, skip ahead to Part Two. Otherwise, read on for a quick overview of the differences between epoxy and resin.
Part One: What’s The Difference Between Epoxy and Resin?
For many people using epoxy is not their first choice. Many makers prefer resin because it is easier to use. Epoxy, on the other hand, often requires more steps and has a longer cure time than resin.
But these are all trade-offs that come with an increased level of durability, water resistance, and other qualities that make epoxy worth the effort.
Most of this article will help you understand what makes epoxies different from resins so you can choose which one best suits your needs.
