What is the Difference Between Epoxy, Resin, and Other Resin Types? (2024)

Resin is a broad term that refers to a variety of organic substances that are typically viscous and clear or translucent. They can be either natural or synthetic. Natural resin is secreted by plants, while synthetic resins are artificially created through chemical processes and used in a multitude of applications including adhesives, varnishes, and plastics.

One of the synthetic resins is epoxy, which means that all epoxy is a type of resin, but not all resins are epoxy.

Epoxy resin is a type of thermosetting resin, renowned for its strong adhesive properties, durability, and resistance to heat and chemical damage. This resin is created by mixing a resin and a hardener (or curing agent), which initiates a chemical reaction that turns the liquid epoxy into a solid.

Table top epoxy is a popular application of epoxy resin. It's poured onto a surface, such as a table or countertop, hardening into a smooth, glossy, and durable finish. This epoxy protects against scratches, stains, and water damage while enhancing the beauty of the surface.

Art resin and casting resin are both types of epoxy resins with specific, but different applications.

Art resin is designed for use in art projects. It's safe for home use, non-toxic when used correctly, and easy to mix. It dries to a clear, glossy finish and is often used to coat paintings, create tumblers, dome artwork, and other DIY epoxy art projects.

Casting resin, however, is used to create solid objects. It's commonly used with molds to produce a wide range of items such as epoxy jewelry or epoxy river tables and other furniture pieces. Its lower viscosity compared to other types of epoxy resins makes it easier to pour into molds without creating bubbles.

UV cured resin is a type of resin that hardens when exposed to ultraviolet light. It's often used in applications such as jewelry making, where the resin is poured into a mold and then placed under a UV lamp to cure. The advantage of UV cured resin is the speed at which it hardens, often within minutes, making it a favorite among crafters for its convenience.

While UV-cured resins have many advantages, there are a few downsides to using them, especially when compared to epoxy resins:

• Limited Working Time: Once UV-cured resins are exposed to UV light, they begin to harden immediately. This gives you a much shorter working time than with epoxy resins, which can be more forgiving and allow for adjustments before they fully cure.
• UV Exposure: To cure properly, UV-cured resins require exposure to UV light. This can pose a challenge in indoor settings or areas with limited sunlight. Additionally, you may need to invest in a UV lamp for the curing process.
• Curing Inconsistencies: If the UV light does not evenly reach all parts of the resin (such as in larger or more intricate pieces), it can lead to uncured spots. This problem is less prevalent in epoxy resins, which cure through a chemical reaction rather than light exposure.
• Durability: While UV-cured resins are generally quite durable, they may not offer the same level of resistance to heat, scratches, and chemical exposure as epoxy resins. This can make them less suitable for certain applications, such as table top coatings or high-traffic surfaces.
• Yellowing: Over time and with prolonged exposure to sunlight, UV-cured resins can yellow. On the other hand, many epoxy resins are formulated to resist yellowing, maintaining their clarity for a longer period of time.
• Safety Precautions: UV-cured resins often require additional safety precautions. For example, it's crucial to avoid skin and eye contact, and adequate ventilation is needed when using them, as the uncured resin can be more harmful than other types of resin.