Wood resin is one of the best ways to turn any woodwork project into a true masterpiece. You can use it on anything from a simple but elegant epoxy wood table to a unique piece of resin wood art.
Like any artist, you need the best raw materials to produce the best work possible. That’s why we’ll be covering the best colored or clear epoxy for wood for your next project. We’ll also discuss what you need to consider when buying woodworking epoxy.
Epoxy Resin for Wood Overview
Epoxy resin is a transparent polymer that creates a shiny, crystal-like finish on wood or any other surface. In addition to its aesthetic value, the coating forms a durable layer, protecting your project from moisture, scratches, or chemical damage.
When working with wood and resin, there are a few important considerations you need to make.
- Surface Hardness and Temperature Resistance
Two essential properties of a resin coating are its hardness and temperature resistance. Both determine overall durability. Higher-quality resin will be harder and more resistant to temperature changes. It is best used on surfaces that receive a lot of stress, like chopping boards or countertops.
- Maximum Layer Thickness per Casting
Epoxy resin can only maintain a certain thickness every time you cast it, often around two centimeters. If you exceed this limit, the curing process might harden some parts faster than others, leaving unsightly spots.
- UV Protection / Resistance to Yellowing
Clear epoxy is prone to yellowing when it’s exposed to UV radiation. For outdoor furniture, it’s best to get a UV-resistant resin.
Determining the Best Epoxy for Wood
There are many types of epoxy on the market, but some are better than others for wood. We’ve broken down the differences below.
- Polyamide epoxy is the most common type available on the market. It works with a wide variety of wood surfaces and adheres to them exceptionally well. It’s not as resistant or durable as the other types of resin, but it’s sturdy enough for most applications.
- Polyamine epoxy has all the benefits of polyamide, but with extra resistance to corrosive chemicals and acids. However, the resin tends to take longer to cure.
- Phenolic epoxy is exceptionally resistant and durable, and it is able to withstand even the most corrosive chemicals. However, it requires heat during the curing process, so it takes a bit of effort to apply.
- Novolac epoxy is the most durable and resistant resin available, so it is the best choice for outdoor surfaces. It’s heat and UV-resistant, can withstand corrosive chemicals, and is exceptionally resilient. There are a few problems with novolac: it’s costly, hard to apply, and requires high heat to cure.
The 10 Best Epoxy for Wood
- Pro Marine Supplies Epoxy Resin
This is one of the best epoxy resins on the market, with a durable and resistant finish. Its self-leveling formula is suitable for any surface or project, making it a favorite of woodworkers.
- East Coast Crystal Clear
East Coast is a durable epoxy resin that results in a brilliant, crystal finish. It’s exceptionally durable, resistant to UV and scratches, and even waterproof. Plus, it’s safe to use. This epoxy is great for outdoor applications.
- RTG Bar and Table Top Epoxy
RTG is a beginner’s epoxy, thanks to its ease of use and simple preparation. It has decent durability that is sufficient for indoor projects. The epoxy also bonds to almost any surface, including stone and ceramic.
- Art’ N Glow Clear Casting and Coating
Art ‘N Glow has a fast curing speed, so it is best for smaller jobs, such as coffee tables. It’s also unaffected by bubbles, so you won’t need to remove them manually.
- SRC Epoxy Resin
Great for the budget-conscious woodworker, SRC Epoxy Resin combines ease of use with a stellar price. The result, fortunately, is still durable and resilient.
- MAS Epoxy Resin
One of the best resins around, MAS is a professional epoxy that produces stunning results. The only drawback is its long curing time (although that also means it’s easier to apply.)
- ArtResin
Made for artists, ArtResin is a flexible epoxy resin that can also be used for casting. It’s durable and resists yellowing quite well.
- Abatron WoodEpox
This epoxy is best for repair and renovation work because it can be sanded and painted after it hardens. Also, it contains compounds that protect the wood surface from moisture, UV rays, and heat.
- Versakoat Crystal Clear
Versakoat gives your wood surface a gorgeous, almost mirror-like finish — perfect for an elegant glossy look. The formula is self-leveling and prevents bubbles, making it easy to achieve a flawless finish.
- Countertop UV-Resistant Resin
This non-toxic, eco-friendly resin doesn’t produce any harmful fumes. It’s also exceptionally durable and resilient, especially from UV radiation.
Wood Epoxy Application: A How-To Guide
Let’s see how to apply the resin to create a wood and epoxy table.
- Clean the surface of the table thoroughly. Ensure there’s no oil, wax, moisture, or greasy substance that can interfere with the resin’s adhesion.
- Surround the table’s surface with a barrier on all sides so the resin doesn’t flow over the table’s edge. A high-quality adhesive tape is a good choice here.
- Figure out how much resin you need, preferably with a resin calculator. Make sure to account for a little extra so that you have some wiggle room in case of any mistakes..
- Prepare the resin by mixing the epoxy and hardener according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Don’t stir the mixture too much, though, as you want to avoid air bubbles.
- Pour the resin in a zig-zag pattern starting from the middle of the table for an even distribution of the coating.
- Level the resin as needed, but make sure to work quickly. Once the resin has reached gel consistency, stop working on it.
- Remove air bubbles by applying a little heat using a torch burner or heat gun.
- Allow the resin to cure for 48 hours or more.
Need the Best Resin for your Next Project?
Plastic Materials Incorporated has a wide selection of high-quality epoxy resins and other materials for your woodworking project. Contact us today!
Alright, buckle up! I'm no stranger to the world of woodworking and epoxy resin. In fact, I've dabbled in quite a few projects myself, including a beautiful epoxy wood table that still turns heads. Now, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of this article.
Epoxy Resin Overview: Epoxy resin is my go-to when it comes to adding that crystal-like finish to wood projects. It's not just about aesthetics; it forms a robust layer that shields your creation from moisture, scratches, and even chemical damage.
Surface Hardness and Temperature Resistance: I can't stress enough how crucial these factors are. The hardness and temperature resistance of your resin determine its overall durability. For heavy-use items like chopping boards or countertops, go for higher-quality resin to ensure it stands the test of time.
Maximum Layer Thickness per Casting: There's a science to this. Exceed the recommended thickness, and you might end up with uneven curing, leaving you with a less-than-flawless result. Stick to the guidelines, my friend.
UV Protection/Resistance to Yellowing: Clear epoxy has a tendency to yellow under UV exposure. If your masterpiece is destined for the great outdoors, opt for a UV-resistant resin. Nobody wants a yellowed work of art.
Types of Epoxy: Here's where my expertise really shines. Polyamide, Polyamine, Phenolic, and Novolac epoxies each have their strengths and weaknesses. Polyamide is versatile, Polyamine adds chemical resistance but takes its time, Phenolic is a beast against corrosive substances but demands some heat, and Novolac is the heavy-duty outdoor champ, albeit with a few challenges.
The Best Epoxy for Wood: I've got the lowdown on the top 10 epoxies for wood, from Pro Marine Supplies to Versakoat Crystal Clear. Each has its unique features, catering to different needs, preferences, and budgets. I've personally worked with some of these, and let me tell you, they deliver.
Wood Epoxy Application: A How-To Guide: Now, let's get hands-on. Cleaning, barrier setting, resin calculation, precise mixing—these steps are crucial. And when you're pouring that resin, go for the zig-zag pattern; it's the secret sauce for an even coating. Oh, and don't forget the torch or heat gun to banish those pesky air bubbles.
Need the Best Resin for your Next Project? Plastic Materials Incorporated is your one-stop shop for high-quality epoxy resins and other woodworking materials. If you're serious about your craft, give them a shout. Trust me; it's worth it.
There you have it—a comprehensive breakdown from someone who lives and breathes woodworking and resin. Need more insights? I'm here for it!
