Top 5 Best Epoxy Resin for Thick Pours (Reviews & Buyer’s Guide 2022)
Best quality epoxy resins come with a very effective UV protection in the epoxy and protect your work from yellowing but rather maintains its shine. Epoxy resin is a flexible silicone resin made up of two parts: the resin and the hardener. These two substances harden in a matter of hours when combined and are usually mixed in the ratio of 1:1 or 1:2
High viscosity in epoxy resins ensures good color separations. These epoxy resins are used for creative handicrafts and art projects, so it is hard to choose the most suitable epoxy resin among the range of different products and manufacturers, which has greatly multiplied over the years.
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With this article about the best epoxy resin for thick pours, we will make sure you can pick the most suitable one for your project. Let’s get down to it!
Reviews of the top 5 best epoxy resin for thick pours
1. Deep Pour Epoxy Resin Kit Crystal Clear Liquid Glass
This deep pour Epoxy Resin Kit makes sure you can pour thicker and higher than 2-4 inches, depending on the pour volume. Though it can be hard but dies to its resistance to heat, it prevents warping, and it can protect your work from damage and provides it with a strong structure with no flexing.
It has a thinner viscosity with bubble releasing attributes that help to give the finished product a bubble-less finish with depth and
clarity. The liquid is clear, hard and more workable to use within all casting applications such as void filling live-edge tables, casting arts, river tables and even jewelry casting.
- TRUE DEEP POUR: Experience the ease of 2-4 inch pours with our advanced Liquid Glass Deep Pour Epoxy. Perfect for river tables and large-scale projects, this feature offers unmatched depth and clarity, making it a game-changer in the epoxy resin market.
- UNMATCHED DURABILITY: Crafted to endure, Superclear 2.0 sets the standard for strength. Its rock-hard curing provides exceptional structural integrity, ensuring your creations withstand years of wear and tear without compromising quality.
- BUBBLE-LESS TECHNOLOGY: Say goodbye to imperfections with our low viscosity Liquid Glass Epoxy. Its unique formulation allows bubbles to escape easily during curing, delivering a flawless, crystal-clear finish every time.
- MADE IN THE USA: With over 60 years of expertise, Fiberglass Coatings, Inc. in Saint Petersburg, FL, proudly presents this 100% American-made epoxy. Our commitment to quality and innovation reflects in every batch we produce.
- SIMPLE & VERSATILE: Designed for both beginners and professionals, our epoxy resin is user-friendly and adaptable to various creative projects. From intricate river tables to substantial mold castings, its ease of use and clarity are unparalleled.
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For small projects like jewelry or ring molds, ensure you don’t mix anything less than one pint at a time. If less, it is much easier to make a common mistake that leads to curing issues.
Pros
- Yellow less and remains ultra-crystal-clear over a longer period
- Easy to measure and pour
- Lasts long
- Suited for accepting and dispersing liquid pigments, alcohol inks and dyes
- Odor-free and zero VOC’s
Cons
- Oil-based paint, acrylic paints are not recommended to use with epoxy as they have negative results
- Dry time is 72 hours
2. Epoxy–Resin–Crystal–Clear–Art 1 Gallon Kit for Resin Art
This special epoxy resin, especially for artists, is excellent for coating, casting and resin arts. You can start your project whether you’re a beginner or a professional as it is a user-friendly product.
It is Naked zero VOCs and odor-free for better and quality air while working. For a perfect and creative process, its working time should be 40 minutes or more.
You can add this crystal clear high gloss coat to any surface as it has a glass-like appearance which is rock-hard and very durable.
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At the very end, it produces a gorgeous and beautiful looking finished product, especially when used with pastes, resin dyes, alcohol inks and more! It is a unique fast curing resin that can be fully cured within 24 hours and long-lasting results.
Pros
- It is very easy to use (straightforward with no confusion)
- Has fantastic color stability
- it is the best for all casting, coating and art projects
- It is crystal clear and odor-free
- Satisfaction is guaranteed
Cons
- Produces bubbles if the resin isn’t heated
3. TotalBoat High-Performance Epoxy Kit, Crystal Clear Resin
This high-performance epoxy kit has a naturally clear and glossy finish when fully cured. It has a low viscosity that is great for hand layups, coating, laminating and vacuum bagging.
Either slow, medium or fast hardener allows you to know the right amount of working time, e.g., For large projects or complicated glue-ups, use a 2:1 Slow hardener to get enough time before the glue sets up.
Measure the weights of both the slow and medium hardener by dispensing 100 parts of resin to 45 parts of hardener, while for the fast hardener, simply dispense 100 parts of resin to 46 parts of hardener.
It is ideal for filling gaps to create a smooth surface, undergoes superior adhesion, 100% waterproof and bonds readily with fiberglass and other reinforcement fabrics, wood, steel and more.
- DEEP POUR EPOXY RESIN AND HARDENER KITS for river tables, live-edge slabs, casting, deep resin molds, art, embedding, encapsulating and filling deep voids in wood; waterproof resin cures without shrinkage, cracking or yellowing
- CRYSTAL CLEAR EPOXY RESIN self-levels to creates a high-gloss, glass-like finish on prepared wood, concrete, stone, ceramic and metal surfaces; great for deep casting and molding projects to create unique sculptures, figurines, jewelry and more
- POUR EPOXY UP TO 1" THICK PER SINGLE LAYER: Pour single layers of resin up to 1/2″ thick for larger casting applications such as slab and river table pours, and up to 1" thick for smaller molds; for even deeper pours per layer, try Total Boat ThickSet Fathom (sold separately)
- EASY TO USE, EASY TO TINT: Simple mix ratio of 3 parts epoxy resin to 1 part hardener, and long working time make it easy to use; to add interest, tint mixed liquid epoxy with mica powder, universal tints, alcohol ink pigments and other epoxy-safe colorants
- LOW VOC, LOW ODOR RESIN IS AVAILABLE IN FOUR SIZES: 1.3 Quart Kit (1 qt resin, 1/3 qt hardener), 1.3 Gallon Kit (1 gal resin, 1/3 gal hardener), 4 Gallon Kit (3 gal resin, 1 gal hardener) and 8 Gallon Kit (6 gal resin, 2 gal hardener); 100% made in the USA
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Its cured flexibility is most especially suitable for wooden boats that flex when used or that changes temperature and humidity
Pros
- Its low odor makes it perfect for use
- It stabilizes spalted woods
- It is ideal for filling up gaps to create a very smooth surface
- Low viscosity and strong cohesion
- Safe for potential food contact
Cons
- it’s a bit expensive
- It takes a long time to fully cure, depending on the size of the epoxy fast takes two days, medium takes three and a half-day and slowly takes five days to cure
4. EcoPoxy FlowCast 3L Kit Clear Casting Epoxy Resin
FlowCast is perfect for thick pours with the ability to cast up to 1.5″ thick and perfect for any other deep pour applications or casting in silicone molds.
It cures to a white-like appearance with no ambering like the others and has an excellent air release with a low exothermic heat buildup producing a crystal clear, strong finish that resists stress cracking.
Ecopoxy’s are known for their durability and their extremely strong bond to whatever they cure to making them perfect for deep pours.
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Also used for large projects and other works of art. It is ideal for casting, encapsulating molding and more. Has a low odor and can be machined using the tools you already have for woodworking.
Pros
- Low odor
- It does not create too many bubbles
- Easy to use and eco-friendly
- Durable
Cons
- Its curing time is extremely long
- A bit expensive
5. 16oz Crystal Clear Epoxy Resin Kit Casting
This casting resin is fully resistant to yellowing and non-toxic, which will certainly remain clear. Made of premium quality and is 100% safe for indoor and outdoor use with low odor and no dangerous reaction. This product can be used for multiple projects such as jewelry making, DIY resin art, river tables, casting and more.
A suitable product for beginners and artists is easy to use and contains UV inhibitors that help resist yellowing. The material of this epoxy resin is food safe and is usually used for items used around food such as trays, glassware and tumblers.
Ideal for casting jewelry includes pendants, rings, earrings, figurines, DIY crafts, etc. It is also very useful to create excellent gifts for people who will turn out so beautiful and gorgeous.
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It takes about 8-24 hours to cast since it is always readily affected by environmental factors such as temperature.
Pros
- It has UV inhibitors that help to resist yellowing
- It is crystal clear and VOC free
- Low odor and no dangerous reaction
- 100% safe around food
- It is versatile, easy to mix and apply
- Non-toxic
Cons
- Takes about 24 hours or more to cure
How thick can you pour Epoxy Resin?
You must understand that when using epoxy resins, and the two parts are combined (Resin and Hardener), a chemical reaction occurs, which produces heat during the curing process, which is why it is important to control the temperature and follow the instructions given on the labels whether you use FlowCast or any other epoxies.
For EcoPoxy FlowCast, it is highly recommended that the thickness per layer is 1.5 inches. This is under the assumption that:
- Room temperature is stable between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit
- You should already have a fan set up on your project to cool it during the cure
- Volume of your pour is less than 20L
If your pour is less than 20L (5 gallons), 1.5 inches layer should cure just fine without overheating. Still, if you’re pouring more than 20L, it is recommended that you break it up into multiple layers of about 1 inch per layer to avoid overheating.
You should keep in mind that FlowCast is not recommended for pouring anything that’s less than 1/2 inch, but if you’re pouring less than, you will likely need to apply heat to the FlowCast to cure properly.
Why is Epoxy Resin the best for thick pours?
Of course, epoxy resin is stronger than other resins, and they are less brittle than polyester because they have very good flexible strength. This strength makes it ideal for casting or laminating load-bearing forms. An increase in humidity and chemical resistance has made epoxies desirable for outdoor sculptures.
Epoxy’s better wetting properties, great adhesive qualities, toughness and relatively long pot life before gelling are considered ideal for coating or laminating.
However, Epoxy has very good gap-filling properties when combined with fillers. It can be used as an adhesive, making it a very common element in some specific paint finishes for the home practitioner.
It is more adhesive than polyester because if it’s the ability to form bonds with the substrate at atomic levels, other resins can only bond mechanically by gripping tightly.
Therefore, Epoxy is a durable product that you can use with various materials, including fabrics, wood, metal or glass.
How to choose the best Epoxy Resin for thick pours- Buyer’s Guide
We’ve shared with you our honest opinion of the top 5 best Epoxy Resin for thick pours. Below are some key considerations you need to make before choosing.
Bubbling
Anyone can experience bubbling, sometimes even experienced craftsmen do. Air pockets have the potential to ruin the appearance of your epoxy resin surface.
Therefore, choose a formula that allows bubbles to rise to the surface and make sure you only work in an environment with suitable temperature and humidity. Better still, you can make use of a heat gun or torch to eradicate bubbles from your set epoxy resin surface.
Durability
A good quality epoxy resin should withstand its share of rough handling and be predisposed to water damage, i.e., it should be 100% waterproof which will help prevent the surface from developing unsightly watermarks.
Also, most epoxy resins are highly susceptible to UV damage but if you’re looking for a durable outdoor table coating, look for non-yellowing formulas.
Ratio
As we’ve earlier mentioned, epoxy resin comes in two parts: the high resin is also a base and the hardener, and in most cases, you mix both in equal parts.
However, it hasn’t stopped some manufacturers from developing some pretty wonky formula ratios. That 5-1 ratio epoxy resin kit might save you some shelf space. It’s probably a recipe for a great disaster.
Application
Epoxy resins harden very quickly. So once you mix the hardener with the resin, you have just a few minutes to pour and spread the coating before it sets because epoxy hardeners are easily altered by temperature and humidity.
However, if you’re new to epoxy resin, choose a product with a longer working time, usually less than an hour, and you wouldn’t want to rush when mixing and applying. You’ll also need time to remove bubbles as poor working conditions will yield poor results.
Self-leveling
Self-leveling is not a bad idea to apply your epoxy resin, too, as it will make your job easier by filling in cracks, inlays and imperfections on the surface of the wood.
Doing this, there is no need for a brush or roller, and you won’t have to worry about leaving behind streaks and other imperfections.
Self-leveling also means that the chemical structure tends to create a level surface without any effort from you, just like the surface of the glass and all you need to do is let it be. Self-leveling will still require some brushstrokes to spread evenly around the surface.
However, both self-leveling and quick curing time might not do well at the same time, which is why we advise that if you need an epoxy resin to help you fill in imperfections, you need a slower curing formula.
Cure Times
Inexperienced users are frustrated by how fast their resin cures as they struggle with the time to set their product and remove bubbles before it is too late though some products take days to harden. However, be prepared to your projects aside for few days.
Food safety
Epoxy resins are mostly used on surfaces designed to come directly or indirectly come in contact with food.
So if you want to finish a tabletop, bar, coasters or any other food surface, ensure your resin of choice complies with all FDA requirements and make sure the formula is non-toxic and free from harmful VOCs. A safety mask, glasses and gloves are essential while you’re at it.
Safety measures
Epoxy resin isn’t necessarily dangerous to use. It’s just something that requires some protective measure. Before starting your work, you should set down a protective paper or plastic cover on your tabletop because epoxy resin may stick when spilled and cannot be removed.
The same thing applies when you don’t put an apron on or paint a shirt over your clothing. Wear rubber gloves on to work as they can also stick to your skin, and if your skin is sensitive, it can be very irritating and slightly corrosive.
We also suggest wearing a crafting or carpentry mask if you’re very sensitive to smell because it has quite a strong chemical smell/odor.
Therefore, it is not necessarily recommended for children unless you are there to help them A when mixing, pouring and smoothening it. In contrast, they help you with some creative details of your work or project that come before or after those steps.
Conclusion – Best epoxy resin for thick pours
We hope you enjoyed our pick for the top epoxy resin for thick pours. These finishing products will enable you to preserve your projects for
years. A better way to preserve and make beautiful pieces of woodworks like river tables, bar tops and counterparts is to give them off with an artistic, glossy and shiny finish.
Nevertheless, the above reviewed thick pour resins deliver more than expected and offer very durable and highly aesthetic finished products. This is, therefore, our take on the best epoxy resins for thick pours.
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