Knowing which type of resin to use for your project can be challenging, especially for resin art beginners.There are a wide variety of epoxy resins available, so the wrong choice could cost you valuable money and time, and may even ruin your creative work.
Our casting resin vs. epoxy resin guide will help you understand the difference between casting resin and epoxy resin.Both products are popular among resin artists and DIY resin enthusiasts. They are, however, formulated for different uses, with distinct qualities, pouring methods, and curing times.
Once you're aware ofthe differences, you’ll know exactly which resin to use for making a variety of resin projects!
AreEpoxy And Resin The Same Thing?
Epoxy resin is one of several types of resin available on the market, each designed for different purposes ranging from artistic to industrial.However, when most people refer to "resin", they areusually referring to epoxy resin.Epoxy resin is widely used by artists, crafters, woodworkers, and hobbyists and has become very popular in recent years.
💡 TIP: Other types of resin available include UV Resin, Polyester Resin, and Polyurethane Resin. To learn more about these resins and their applications, please see our blogTypes Of Resin And Their Uses.
AreEpoxy Resin And Casting Resin The Same Thing?
Casting resin is a type of epoxy resin.Just as there are different types of resin, there are also different types of epoxy resin, each formulated for a specific purpose. Casting resin has a very low viscosity like water, making it ideal for projects that require a thick pour, such as pouring into a deep mold or encapsulating an object in resin.Its thin consistency takes longer to cure but makes it easy for bubbles to escape to the surface and pop, resulting in a crystal-clear cast.
Coating resin (sometimes called laminating resin) is also type of epoxy resin.
Art resinis another type of epoxy resin. It's a high quality coating resin designed specifically for artists and crafters.Resin for art has a honey like consistency, making it easy to control the flow.The best quality art resins are intended for use at home and are non-toxic, low odor and contain no solvents.High quality art resins also have light stabilizers added to help prevent resined artwork from yellowing due to UV light exposure.
Top Differences Between Epoxy Coating Resin And Casting Resin
Apart from the intended use, there are some other key differences between coating resin and casting resin that all DIY epoxy enthusiasts should know.
Viscosity: How Thick Are Coating, Casting and Art Resins?
Viscosity refers to the thickness (or flow resistance) of epoxy resin. Some resins have a low (thin) viscosity and some have a high (thick) viscosity. Casting resin has a thin viscosity and is meant for deep pours.
💡TIP:It's important to avoid pouring thick layers of either coating or art resin: not only are you likely to experience trapped bubbles, but the resin might overheat to the point that it could cure immediately, become yellow, and possibly even crack.
Coating and art resin typically have a medium-high viscosity and are meant to be poured in thin layers over a surface.Its slightly thicker consistency allows for more control when spreading this type of epoxy, preventing it from running over the edges. When working with tinted resin, such as in ocean art, the thicker viscosity also prevents the colors from blending and becoming muddy.
Mixing Ratio
Epoxy resin comes in two parts: the resin and the hardener, sometimes referred to as the base and catalyst or Parts A and B. Most art resins on the market have a simple-to-follow 1:1 mixing ratio, meaning you need equal amounts of resin and hardener. Coating resins can have a 2:1 mixing ratio, calling for 2 parts resin to 1 part hardener. Most casting resins have a 2:1 or 3:1 mixture. Read the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the resin is accurately measured and thoroughly
Curing Time
Cure time refers to the amount of time that it takes for the resin to dry and become fully hardened all the way through. Cure time is affected by both pour thickness and temperature.
💡TIP:Please note that resins designated safe for food contact are not considered food safe until the product has fully cured. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for cure times specific to each brand.
Working Time
Working time refers to the time after mixing the resin before it sets and becomes too thick to work with: once the resin sets, it will be too thick to pour or spread, and you will no longer be able to remove bubbles from the mixture.
Temperature and mass can affect working time: for example, warming the resin in a water bath or working on a hot day can reduce the working time of the epoxy resin. Leaving the mixed resin to stand in the mixing container for a long time will prompt the curing process and may even cause it to overheat and cure immediately in the cup. To avoid this, pour the mixed resin into several smaller containers to reduce the volume. It’s also wise to have your workspace and project ready to go, with all tools on hand, so that you can pour as soon as you’ve finished mixing the resin.
Whether it’s casting, coating, or art resin, each brand is formulated differently, and has a specific working time.See the instructions before you measure and mix to know exactly how much working time to expect.
Maximum Pouring Depth
The pouring depth is the maximum recommended amount of resin that
Often referred to as “deep pour resin”, casting resin allows for thick pours of several inches for each application.Casting resin is a good option for projects that require a clear, deep pour, such as casting molds and figurines or for embedding applications.
In contrast, epoxy coating or art resin typically has a maximum pouring depth of ⅛ to ¼” per application.To achieve a thick layer with art or coating resin, you will need to pour in layers until you reach the thickness you desire. However, be aware that you may see lines in between the layers. For more information, please see our blog3 Ways To Get A Thick Layer Of Resin
💡TIP:It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and not pour coating or art resin thicker than the recommended amounts. If the resin poured too thick, you may end up with trapped bubbles, and the resin may overheat, turn yellow or even crack.
Hardness
Coating resins are generally formulated to be hard and scratch-resistant,offeringlong-lasting protection and performance for high traffic surfaces such as floors and countertops.
One the main qualities common to almost all resins is, once cured, it is strong and durable, butdepending on its intended use, some resins may cure harder and more indent resistant than others.
On the other hand,art resins are formulated to be a little more flexible:it's meantto coat artwork that will be hung on the wall or on display and will not experience much handling.
Casting resins can vary in their overall hardness, depending on their formula. The mixing ratios (we previously mentioned 2:1 and 3:1 as the most common ratios) that can affect how hard they get.
💡TIP:To determine a resin’s hardness, look for itsShore Rating. To learn more about Shore Ratings, read the blogHard, Durable, Solid, Strong, Epoxy Resin.
Air Bubbles In The Resin
All resins are susceptible to bubbles if label instructions and best practices are not followed.
When it comes to art and coating resin, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for pouring recommendations: these are typically 1/8" to 1/4".If the layers are thicker than this, it’s difficult for bubbles to make their way to the surface, and you may end up with trapped bubbles in the cured resin.
Casting resin is formulated for thick pours, with a thin consistency so that bubbles can float to the surface and pop.Just as coating and art resin have a recommended pour thickness, so does casting resin. It typically ranges from 1-4” and can be even higher in deep pour casting resins. Follow the recommended pour thickness for best results and to avoid unwanted bubbles.
💡TIP: You can reduce the number of bubbles by slowly mixing your resin. When working with art or coating resins, Use a flame torch to pop surface bubbles.
💡TIP: Resin loves warm temperatures. Cold resin is full of deep microbubbles that will not release or get torched out. Ensure the resin and the room you’re working in are at room temperature or slightly above, and maintain this temperature for the first 24 hours.
💡TIP:Cover porous materials, like wood, with a sealant before you apply resin: this will create a barrier in all the cavities, gaps, and porous areas and prevent trapped air from releasing in the form of bubbles.
💡TIP:Apply a thin sealing coat to items you intend to encapsulate before pouring casting resin over them, especially if these items have areas where air can become trapped.
UV Resistance
Resins vary in terms of their UV resistance and protection against yellowing. Whether you’re working with coating resin, art resin, or casting resin,choose a resin that contains UV light stabilizers.This is especially important for casting resin as yellowing from UV light exposure is more evident on clear, thick castings that do not contain pigment or tint.
💡TIP:To help maintain long-term clarity, avoid exposing cured resin projects to direct sunlight.
Heat Resistance
Heat resistance refers to the maximum recommended temperature that resin can be exposed to. Resins are all formulated with a different heat tolerance depending on their intended purpose. 
ArtResin, for example, is intended for use on artwork and
On the other hand, coating resin - intended for countertops, bar tops, tables, and other surfaces - is formulated to withstand high heat.Please readHigh Heat Resistant Clear Epoxy Resinto learn more about heat-resistant epoxy resin.
💡TIP: Since many resins will start becoming soft at about 110-150°F (or around 50°C), always check the manufacturer’s technical data sheet, particularly if you intend to use them on surfaces that may come in contact with hot objects.
The Bottom Line
Now that you know the main differences between casting, coating, and art resin, we hope it’s easier to make the right choice for your next resin project.
A few points to remember
1) Resins are all formulated differently for different purposes and will exhibit specific characteristics depending on their desired performance. For best results, choose a resin that meets the project requirements for which you intend to use it.
2) Read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow them accurately for the best results.
3) Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment, as outlined on the product’s label. Wear a respirator if you’re working in an area with poor ventilation.
4) The more high-quality the resin you use, the better and long-lasting your artwork will be in the end: pick yourArtResinproducts today and start creating art with confidence!
Are you new in resin art? Read our guides below to help you get started:
- Resin Art Beginners's Guide
- Butane vs Propane Torch
- Top Resin Mistakes Made By Beginners
- What Is The Best Resin For Beginners
- Top 10 Easy Resin Projects For Beginners
- How to Resin On Canvas For Beginners
- Resin Materials For Beginners
- What Resin Art Sells The Best?
- Resin Art VS Acrylic Pour
- How To Make Money As An Artist
ArtResin: Made For Artists, By Artists
As an expert in resin art and its various applications, I bring to you a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in choosing the right type of resin for your projects. With hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge, I aim to guide you through the nuances of epoxy resins, specifically focusing on the distinctions between casting resin and epoxy resin.
Firstly, let's clarify a common misconception: epoxy resin is a broad category encompassing various types, each tailored for specific purposes. While there are alternative resins like UV Resin, Polyester Resin, and Polyurethane Resin, epoxy resin is the most commonly referred to type in everyday language.
Now, delving into the differences between epoxy and casting resin, it's crucial to recognize that casting resin is a subtype of epoxy resin. Casting resin, characterized by its low viscosity similar to water, is ideal for projects requiring a thick pour, such as encapsulating objects or creating deep molds. On the other hand, epoxy coating resin, also a type of epoxy resin, has a medium-high viscosity, providing durability and resistance against wear and tear, making it suitable for surfaces subject to regular use.
Art resin, designed for artists and crafters, is another form of epoxy resin with a honey-like consistency, allowing for precise control of the resin flow. High-quality art resins are non-toxic, low odor, and include light stabilizers to prevent yellowing due to UV exposure.
Key differences between coating resin and casting resin extend beyond their intended use. Viscosity, the thickness of the resin, plays a crucial role. Casting resin, with low viscosity, is meant for deep pours, facilitating the escape of bubbles and preventing overheating during curing. Coating and art resins, with medium-high viscosity, are designed for thin layers, ensuring better control during application and preventing overflow.
Mixing ratios are essential to the resin-curing process. Art resins typically have a 1:1 ratio, while coating resins may have a 2:1 ratio. Casting resins vary with ratios like 2:1 or 3:1. Accurate measurement and thorough mixing are vital for correct curing.
Curing time, influenced by pour thickness and temperature, differs across resin types. Coating and art resins generally dry within 24 hours and fully cure at 72 hours. Casting resin has a slower curing rate, taking up to a week for complete cure.
Working time, the period between mixing and the resin becoming too thick to work with, varies among resin types and brands. Proper preparation, including having tools ready and maintaining the desired temperature, is crucial for efficient work.
The maximum pouring depth, hardness after curing, susceptibility to air bubbles, UV resistance, and heat resistance are all critical factors differentiating epoxy, casting, and coating resins. Understanding these nuances ensures optimal results in your resin projects.
In conclusion, the key takeaway is to choose a resin that aligns with your project requirements, follow manufacturer instructions diligently, and prioritize safety measures for a successful and enduring resin artwork.
