Epoxy Resin Buying Guide: Which Resin Should You Buy?
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Not sure which epoxy resin to buy? It comes down to what you're making. The best resin for a river table isn't necessarily the best choice for jewelry, tumblers, or artwork. Different formulas have different working times, consistencies, and pouring limits. Choosing the right one can make a big difference in your results.
This epoxy resin buying guide breaks down the differences between our Promise Epoxy resin formulas so you can find the right fit for your next project.
Which Epoxy Resin Should I Buy? Compare Your Options
Here's a quick look at our resin lineup and what each formula does best.
Swipe horizontally to compare all products on mobile →
| Formula / specs |  Table TopShop formula → |
 Studio SeriesShop formula → |
 1-Hour Fast CureShop formula → |
 Deep PourShop formula → |
 Fast Cure Deep PourShop formula → |
 UV-ArtShop formula → |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS | ||||||
| Best for | Tables & surface coatings | Artwork & small crafts | Quick small projects | River tables & deep casting | Fast small castings | UV-resistant art coatings |
| Pour depth | Up to 1/4 in | Up to 1/4 in | Up to 1/8 in | 2–4 in* | Up to 2 in* | Up to 3/4 in |
| Full cure time | 3–5 days | 2–5 days | 24 hours | 7–10 days | 2–4 days | 7 days |
| Demold time | 36 hours | 24 hours | 1 hour | 3–5 days | 24 hours | 24 hours |
| Working time | 30–45 min | 30–45 min | 5–10 min | 90 min | 20–30 min | 25–30 min |
| Viscosity | 3,200 cP | 2,000 cP | 1,000 cP | 450 cP | 2,000 cP | 1,800 cP |
| Shore D hardness | D81 | D77 | D73 | D80 | D68 | D81 |
| Mix ratio by volume | 1:1 | 1:1 | 1:1 | 2:1 | 1:1 | 1:1 |
| UV resistance | — | Superior | UV-resistant | UV-resistant | UV-resistant | Maximum |
| Heat deflection temp. | 130°F | — | — | 129°F | — | 130°F |
| Tack-free time | — | 9–12 hours | — | — | — | — |
| FEATURES & BENEFITS | ||||||
| High gloss | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Crystal clear | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-leveling | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Low VOC | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Excellent bubble release | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Water-resistant | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Low odor | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Made in USA | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pigment & dye compatible | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heat-resistant formulation | — | ✓ | — | — | — | — |
| Scratch-resistant formulation | — | ✓ | — | — | — | — |
*Pour depth depends on temperature, total volume, and casting geometry. Working, demold, and cure times are approximate. — = not specified in this comparison (not necessarily unavailable). Always follow the product's current instructions and safety data sheet. Shelf life and hazard classification vary by product; check its label or SDS. Low VOC does not mean zero exposure or that ventilation/PPE can be skipped.
Breaking Down the Different Types of Resin
Studio Series: For Everyday Resin Art & Crafts
Best Projects: Coasters, decorative trays, wall art, small molds, home decor.
Choose it when: You want a versatile, high-quality UV resistant resin for art and crafts without switching formulas between every project.
Shop Studio Series Epoxy Resin
Our premium artist-grade formula is designed for makers who care about clarity, color, and a smooth finish. Studio Series features lower viscosity for easier pouring, excellent bubble release, and superior UV resistance to help slow yellowing.
Table Top: For Smooth, Glossy Surface Coatings
Best Projects: Countertops, bar tops, wood sealing, tabletops, flood coats, and decorative trays.
Choose it when: You're coating a surface instead of filling a mold and you want an insanely hard finish resistant to scratching.
Shop Table Top Epoxy Resin
Table Top has a thicker consistency designed for coating flat surfaces. It self-levels to create a durable, high-gloss finish. It's intended for thin applications, typically around 1/8" per coat, rather than deep casting.
Deep Pour: For River Tables & Thick Castings
Best projects: River tables, floral preservation, large molds, castings, and wood-and-resin furniture.
Choose it when: Your project requires a substantial pour depth of over 1" that standard coating resin can't handle.
Deep pour is a low-viscosity casting resin designed to cure more slowly, helping manage heat and release trapped air during thicker pours. With a 2:1 mixing ratio and pours up to 2"-4" per layer, it's made for projects that need serious depth.
1-Hour Fast Cure: For Projects That Can't Wait
Best projects: Jewelry, doming, coasters, and small crafts.
Choose it when: Speed matters more than having extra time to manipulate your design.
Our 1-Hour Fast Cure is a fast-curing polyaspartic resin system designed for small projects and quick turnarounds. With approximately one-hour demolding, it's great for makers who want to finish more pieces in less time. Just remember that faster curing also means less time to work.
UV Art: For Tumblers & Ocean Art
Best projects: Tumblers, ocean art, and anything you want extra UV resistance on.
Choose it when: UV resistance and maintaining the appearance of your project are top priorities.
Remember: All epoxy can yellow over time. UV resistance slows the process but doesn't eliminate it.
UV-Art is formulated with UV stabilizers to help slow discoloration while creating a crystal-clear, glossy coating. Its self-leveling formula is designed for artwork and thin surface applications.
Fast Cure Deep Pour: For Faster Smaller Castings
Best projects: Thick molds, small decorative castings, and shallow wood-and-resin projects.
Choose it when: You need casting capabilities with a faster turnaround, but aren't making a large river table.
Fast Cure Deep Pour combines casting-focused performance with a shorter turnaround, allowing you to demold compatible projects in approximately 24 hours. It's particularly useful for smaller molded pieces where waiting several days isn't practical.
3 Things to Consider Before Buying Epoxy Resin
1. How Deep Are You Pouring?
Pour depth matters more than almost anything else. Coating resins are designed for thinner layers, while casting resins are formulated to handle greater thickness. Pouring beyond a resin's recommended depth can cause overheating, cracking, bubbles, or curing problems.
2. How Much Working Time Do You Need?
Working time is how long your mixed resin remains usable before it starts thickening. Detailed artwork and large pours generally benefit from a longer working window. Fast-curing formulas are convenient for simpler projects, but leave less time for adjustments.
And remember: Demolding time and full cure time aren't necessarily the same thing.
3. Does UV Resistance Matter?
If you're making clear, white, or light-colored artwork, UV resistance is worth considering. Studio Series and UV-Art are excellent options for projects where clarity and retention is especially important. However, no epoxy is permanently yellow-proof, and UV resistance doesn't automatically make a resin suitable for outdoor use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best epoxy resin for beginners?
For most beginner art and craft projects, Studio Series is a great starting point thanks to its easy 1:1 mixing ratio, smooth flow, and excellent bubble release.
Can I use the same epoxy for coating and casting?
No. Thin surface coatings and deep castings have different chemical requirements and using the wrong formula can lead to poor results and ruined projects.
How much epoxy resin do I need?
It depends on your project's dimensions and pour depth. Use our Epoxy Resin Calculator to estimate how much resin to purchase before getting started.
Find the Right Resin for Your Next Project
Choosing the right epoxy resin doesn't have to be complicated. Start with your project, consider your pour depth and working time, and pick the formula designed for the job.
Still deciding? Explore our full collection of epoxy resins, or contact our team for help choosing the right formula.
Better projects start with the right resin.
1 comment
I’m disappointed because on Amazon it says your general epoxy is UV resistant. No where does it say that on the bottle. Now I have the wrong epoxy.