The Best Epoxy Resin for Wood 

The Best Epoxy Resin for Wood 

Originally, epoxy was used for fiber-reinforced polymer composites, but now it’s used for so much more. It can be used as a binder to attach pieces like countertops and even as coatings for floors in many homes or showrooms. While there are many different kinds, it often has a high gloss finish that’s smooth and very hardy.

Epoxy resin is a great way to create hard, smooth surfaces and also protect the surface underneath. You can use this product to cover canvas paintings with watercolor, acrylic paint, inkjet print, photos and so much more. It’s a very versatile product that can be used all over the household and so many other places.

When you search for epoxy resin, the first thing that’s going to pop up are these beautiful wooden tables with colored resin rivers. But that’s not all, you may find jewellery, paperweights, and more. Truly your options are endless, you just need to let your imagination run.

But not all epoxy resins can do everything, and we are going to be looking at a few products to see exactly what some top options are used for, so let’s get started!

1. ProMarine Epoxy Resin 

ProMarine Epoxy Resin is easy to use. You don’t need any experience, simply read the instructions carefully and give yourself a bit of time. Once you have started a project you need to commit to it 100% though as epoxy can be messy if used improperly. ProMarine’s epoxy covers various needs, from construction to marine use, and even in the art.

The ProMarine epoxy is crystal clear and sets rock hard, making it durable. The coating is water and scratch resistant. It sets with a high gloss finish and you won’t have to worry about it going yellow as it’s UV resistant. It also complies with FDA regulations, making it safe to use on items that come in contact with food (once dry).

Because it sets so hard you can even make necklace pendants, earrings, and rings from it. This epoxy resin is very versatile and can be used with so many things, both around the house and for professional uses.

Specifications

  • Volume – 1 Gallon Kit
  • Covers at 1/8 – 12.5sq ft
  • Ratio – 1:1
  • Curing time – 12-14 hours to dry to touch. Fully hardness in 72 hours
  • Gloss Finish – High Gloss
  • Surface Usages – Formica, Marble, Canvas, Aluminum, Tile, Wood and many more

Pros

  • Formula contains no VOCs
  • High Gloss Finish & UV Resistant
  • Self-leveling

Cons

  • Quick application is necessary

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2. Art ‘N Glow Clear Casting Epoxy Resin

If you are looking for an epoxy resin for arts and crafts, the Art ‘N Go epoxy is a great option to choose. This epoxy gives you 40 minutes to work with before it starts to set. Once it’s set, it’s rock hard and crystal clear, making it a great choice to use over paintings and photos.

After lots of testing this epoxy resin will carry color pigments beautifully. You are able to mix it with resin tints, pearl powders, and alcohol inks. The resin won’t change the color at all and even glow in the dark pigments look wonderful in this resin.

You are also able to cast jewelry pieces for example rings, pendants, earrings and just about anything you can imagine. Just keep in mind that when you are doing castings that it’s recommended not to use more than 6 fluid ounces at a time.

Specifications

  • Volume – 32 oz kit
  • Covers at 1/16 – 6 sq ft
  • Ratio – 1:1
  • Curing time – 24 hours to dry to touch. Fully hardens in 72 hours
  • Gloss Finish – High Gloss
  • Surface Usages – Canvas, wood, concrete, granite precious stone, ceramic, and many more

Pros

  • BPA and VOC free
  • Self-leveling
  • Low odor

Cons

  • Bubbles may form easily
  • Top layer can be sticky

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3. Amazing Casting Products Clear Resin

This epoxy resin from Amazing Casting Products is one of the few products that cures rapidly. It’s a great option if you want to protect your bar or kitchen counter for example. What also makes this product so easy to use is that you only need to mix the epoxy in one plastic cup before it’s ready to use. There’s no need to pour it into a second cup to mix it again.

This is also a great choice if you are doing small nature scenes that might have something like a lake scene. It also takes coloring very well as you are able to mix alumilite dyes, alcohol inks, and other non-water based paints.

When you use Amazing Casting Products resin on counters it will create a beautiful finish that shines with a new luster. Not only will it give it a polished look, but it also protects the countertop from damage.

Specifications

  • Volume – 32 Fl Oz
  • Covers at 1/8 – 4-8sq ft
  • Ratio – 1:1
  • Curing time – 5-6 hours dry to touch and 24 hours to fully cure
  • Gloss Finish – High Gloss
  • Surface Usages – Bar tops, floors, taxidermy scenery, lenses and other castings

Pros

  • User friendly
  • Dries crystal clear
  • Complies with FDA regulations

Cons

  • Difficult to get rid of bubbles
  • Strong chemical odor

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4. The West System Epoxy Resin Set

Mixing the perfect epoxy resin ratios can be a daunting task for some, and then there are a few of us that just never get it right. West System’s epoxy is awesome in this regard as it comes with pump heads that fit onto the containers that give you precise amounts of the two different compounds. You just need to remember the 5:1 ratio and you’re (literally) set.

This 5:1 ratio results in the epoxy becoming rigid, durable and moisture resistant, making it perfect for bonding and coating purposes. It’s best used for bonding wood and fiberglass but can still be widely used. Plus, it sets super hard so you will be assured of a very strong, final product.

Ideally, this epoxy should be cured at temperatures 72°F or warmer but it will still work at colder temperatures, albeit slower.

Specifications

  • Volume – Resin 32 fl oz and hardener 7 fl oz
  • Ratio – 5:1
  • Curing time – Immediate (after application of hardener)
  • Gloss Finish – Pale yellow
  • Surface Usages – Great for bonding purposes and coating, not intended to be a clear coating

Pros

  • No strong chemical smell
  • Won’t shrink
  • Great for bonding purposes
  • Dispensing pump provides perfect ratio

Cons

  • Pumps tend to be too big for the containers
  • Not as suitable for art projects

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5. The Loctite Heavy Duty Epoxy Kit 

Need a quick fix around the house, then Loctite Heavy Epoxy is the perfect choice. It’s small and comes in very handy for small repairs, like putting a favorite pot back together.

The setting time is super quick, taking as little as five minutes and then you are all done. That said you need to make sure that the ratio is exactly 1:1 and you will need to work quickly as it starts hardening really fast.

However, not only is it useful for repairs but you can also use it with fiberglass to make a strong patch. This epoxy is also water resistant and it doesn’t shrink. You can even use it to fill gaps and it can also withstand drilling. This is definitely a must have for any household or handyman.

Specifications

  • Volume – 1 x 4 fl oz hardener and 1 x 4 fl oz resin
  • Ratio – 1:1
  • Curing time – 5 minutes
  • Surface Usages – Wood, stone, metal, glass, ceramic, chine, tile and much more

Pros

  • Great for use around the house
  • Very durable and strong

Cons

  • Strong fumes
  • If the ratio is not right it won’t cure properly
  • Not ideal for art

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6. The MAX Bond low Viscosity Marine Grade Epoxy Resin

If you are repairing or building large products, Max Bond’s Low Viscosity Marine Grade Epoxy should be your go-to epoxy resin. It’s used by many for repairing boats due to it being so durable and weatherproof. You can use it when you are working with fiberglass or use it to seal decks. Plus, it’s fresh and salt water resistant.

Mixing it is also easy, with a 1:1 ratio, and with a working time of 45 minutes it gives you enough time to make sure it’s molded in the right places.

Should you need to paint over it, marine paints will bond directly to the surface with no worries regarding peeling or chipping.

Specifications

  • Volume – 1 Gallon Kit
  • Covers at 1/8 – 12.5sq ft
  • Ratio – 1:1
  • Curing time – 4 to 6 Hours At 75°F Full Cure Time: 24 to 48 Hours At 75°F hardness
  • Surface Usages – Wood, steel, aluminum, concrete, fiberglass and ceramics

Pros

  • Low shrinkage
  • 45 minutes working time
  • High impact resistant

Cons

  • Amber tint may make it unsuitable for certain projects
  • Requires a lot of time for a full cure

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Buyer’s Guide

Epoxy resins are used in many ways, from creating beautiful jewelry pieces or giving that wow factor to a furniture piece to more utilitarian functions. Any of these options will work great for wood, but your ultimate purpose will determine which option is ideal.

If you are still unsure of which is the best epoxy resin for wood to choose, we have provided a little bit of extra help below.

Best for Arts and Crafts 

For art, you have the following to choose from: the ProMarine Epoxy, the Art ‘n Glow Resin, and the Amazing Clear Cast Resin. You are able to use these epoxy resins to make beautiful tabletops that will be the centre point of many conversations. You can create unique jewelry that will make you stand out in a crowd, protect a beautiful painting or photo, and more. Of the three, we recommend Art ‘N Glow’s epoxy as it’s the only epoxy specially formulated for arts and crafts.

Best for Households and Handymen

Every household needs a box of Loctite Epoxy. It’s such a versatile product to use as you can fix practically anything, from your favorite China, glass, and of course, wood. It’s even durable enough that it won’t crack should you drill through it.

Most Durable Epoxy Resin

Here we are looking at the MAX Bond and West System epoxy resins, they are both very durable and weatherproof. They are great for sealing surfaces and can be used with fiberglass, and are ideal for bonding and filling. They are also compatible with a wide range of materials. While both options are great, West System may make for a slightly better choice due to its ease of use.

So, we hope that you will find the ideal epoxy resin for your next project, whether it involves wood, art, or anything else.