I am a newbie, and this is very helpful. Informative and concise. Finally, I understand these most important differences, and I will not end up buying the wrong type, especially considering the fact that resin is expensive!
Great video. I've often wondered about this when I've gone to a home improvement store and seen table top epoxy resin and thought maybe I could try it as a casting resin. This video answered my question. Thanks for keeping it short and concise as well.
Finally! This is the video I have been looking for. Thank you so much. I wondered about this comparison as I am about to attack my first counter top project.
This video was so helpful thank you so much!! I will be doing a glitter table top to my nail desk and I have no idea what I’m doing. This helped so much thank you!!
I actually did inch and a quarter deep pour with super glaze countertop epoxy. To my surprise it dried in 20 minutes for some reason but it did work I made a night light out of it.
Absolutely, this will drastically reduce the working time. If you leave large amounts of mixed epoxy in a container for too long, you risk an accelerated reaction which may cause the epoxy to heat up, crack, yellow etc.
Can you use a casting resin and then (after curing) put a Coating resin on top to get the best of both worlds? e.g. Using thicker casting resin then protect it from scratches by using the coating resin for scratch resistance?
That was really helpful. I was hoping I could use my resin because I already have some but it looks as if I might have to buy some epoxy. I just need to find out whether epoxy dries and stays clear now. Thanks.
thank you, im looking to do a project in pouring exopy to about 1/2in thickness like a sheet of glass that can be framed, might have to play around with both these like you did.
So if I were to make a River Table for example, I’d would use a casting epoxy for the river, and use the tabletop epoxy as a coat over top for durability and scratch resistance?
What if I wanted to cast an epoxy tabletop/table? for example a wagon wheel frame/dam with sliced tree branches and a tree trunk base. some transparency in the epoxy to see the inner pieces would be ideal. Yet, I'm also wanting to add some color so it isn't to bland, red/brown for example I feel would go well with the natural wood. Your thoughts? 2"-3" thick
You can use a Table Top (Coating) Epoxy but you'll likely need to pour in layers of no more than 1/4" per layer. Each manufacturer may be slightly different. Alternatively, you could use casting resin, some of which can be poured several inches at a time. However, casting resins take much longer to cure, often 36-48 hours, which leaves a lot of time for dust/particles to fall onto the surface. It's really a personal choice.
So I'm going to use a resin epoxy to suspend an item in between wood at the same height of the wood. Question is do I top coat the wood and resin epoxy with a marine spar varnish or go with a tabletop epoxy. It'll be for outdoor use and not always let in direct sun. Also what is your favorite brand of epoxies?
Thanks for posting this! Was looking for a video about this a couple months ago and couldn’t find a decent one. Which is better for making homemade coasters?
Yes, you could do that but make sure there is no issues with the particular casting resin or table top epoxy you're using that may cause it to not adhere to one another.
Hi thanks for the video! Very informative! Quick question ... I want to cast a 2.5 foot tall tree trunk to make a rectangular side table. So I will need a lot of resin and I’m sure many days of pouring the layers to get the height of a side table. But I’m not sure what resin I should use. Casting resin or epoxy resin ?
Hey Natalie, what are you making the mold out of? So that I understand... you will make a mold, and then place a 2 foot tall tree trunk in the mold and then pour the epoxy? Is the mold going to be the same shape as the tree trunk or is it going to be square/rectangular?
Epoxy DIY So I’m thinking investing in HDPE for the mold and making a massive cube where are the tree trunk will sit in the middle. So essentially I am going to in case the whole tree trunk and I will end up with a rectangular/cube shaped side table. I have Multiple concerns, because it is a Lot of resin, But mainly if I use casting resin I know I will not invest in a pressure pot that big so bubbles will definitely be an issue.
Ok, got it! You will definitely want to pour/paint on a seal coat of epoxy prior to using the mold. You will also likely want to use a thinner resin, something like a casting resin. Otherwise, you would have to pour countless layers coating epoxy into the mold. As far as bubbles, the seal coat will help to minimize bubbles, but with a pour this large bubbles will certainly be a concern.
I am trying to coat the base of a custom dog kennel and I would like to use the table top epoxy for a quicker and more durable surface would you recommend that? Also will it be as clear as the casting resin?
This is usually a manufacturer/brand specific question. Generally, I would say yes, as long as you properly prep (sand) the surface prior to pouring the next layer.
Hi, can i use multiple layers (after certain time) of coating resin instead of 1 layer of casting resin for 1inch ? 4 or 5 layers with curing, sanding...
Many people use epoxy for countertops. However, not all epoxies are high heat epoxies. You would need to use hot pads for hot pans, mugs, coffee pots, etc.
Very helpful, I think you answered this before but.. when making a bar, desk or table, I’m creating multiple tinted layers for the ocean with ArtResin, but finding i want a harder surface layer. Would you recommend a countertop or marine grade epoxy for the top? Thanks
And what about difference with 1 that mixes with ratio 2:1 vs percentage mixing resin? Does that indicate anything? I’m new to resin world I only used ratio mixing resin for now
Don't know if you will still respond to this, but what would be the best clear, durable, and (possibly, but doesn't have to be) rubber substance to use in a miniature/small figurine, that would be moved around alot, and possible handled rough? I know non are 100% like this, and technically all are fragile, but it's always good to get to the closest thing as possible.
Do you mean suspending items in the the casting? I think this is what you mean, if so, you would need to pour in layers to give it that suspended look.
I want to use totalboat table top epoxy resin for small projects like keychains, would it would to pour something like 1/2inch to 1 inch at a time? Or could I use it with half the amount of hardner? Would that work?
BIG QUESTION FOR YOU..... I want to make a River table. It will have two outer boards and the center epoxy. Do I use Casting Resin for the center (River)? Also, can I put a top coat after with the table top resin? Thanks in advance.
You'll probably have to build a frame on the ends of the boards to hold the epoxy in. You could pour very thin layers of coating epoxy, but even this will want to flow out.
Guys help, please. I have a scratched up white modern lacquer table. Looking to pour a white epoxy finish. Can someone recommend how to achieve a new white layer and what materials are needed? Ex. heat gun for bubbles? Tabletop epoxy would be mixed with some kind of white non-toxic paint?
So is the epoxy (loctite/ gorilla glue/ JB Weld) that comes in the 2 part syringe considered table top epoxy? Can it be used to cast small parts that's less than 1 cubic inch?
Yes, and at the rate the heat up. Casting resin generators much lower heat over a longer timeframe. This is what allows them to be poured much thicker. Table top, if poured thicker then recommended can generate significant heat.
Im thinking about pouring a 1-1.5" inch thick bar top in the soon future. I want the durability of the table top resin but i would like to have the ease for doing one large pour with casting resin. Is it possible to pour the majority in casting resin and then do a 1/8 to 1/4" inch "Cover" with table top epoxy to have the harder surface finish without having clarity issues between the products or issues with the different layers adhering to each other?
Absolutely. We are actually working on a similar project. If you will not be coloring the casting resin, make sure you get a high quality resin so that it will not yellow as fast. Keep in mind the casting resin will take much longer to cure, so keep it in a dust free environment. You may want to hit the top of the surface of the cured casting resin with a 320grit sand paper before pouring the table top epoxy to make sure it adheres.
Will you be building a dam or frame for the bar top? In other words, do you have a way to prevent it from running over the sides of the project? Casting resin is much thinner (some more so than others) so it depends on how you plan to pour.
These were a bunch of different brands/formulas we were testing. When you say soft... do you want it to flex or just something slightly softer than a coating resin?
@@epoxydiy6356 Not flexible, yes softer, able to use a handplane to level it. I plan to use the resin/epoxy to cover some wax inlay on a tabletop, so need to level the epoxy. Most products tout "rock hard", scary stuff for a hand tool guy.
It's really up to you and your project plan. Some people may build a dam on the edges of the project to prevent the epoxy from flowing over (as in a river table) whereas others may allow the epoxy to flow over the sides of the project.
Do you mean the raw resin or cured? Almost all epoxies and resins will yellow over time. Some are better than others. We are actually about to release a bunch of test results on this topic.
Yes, most coating epoxies are not meant to be left outdoors or in direct UV exposure. They will almost all yellow over time. Some do a better job than others.... Video/info coming soon. We are working on editing those videos now. Stay tuned!
@@epoxydiy6356 From my experience Ive used Enviro-tech (yellows, not very UV resistant, but easier to get the bubbles out when using in casts) Pro Marine has much better UV resistance but not good for casting (impossible to get the air bubbles out in thicker layers). And Castin Craft is very good UV resistance, and de-gasses on its own (no torch needed) but you need a respirator. I swear the pros and cons! Im looking for a casting resin as good as castin craft but without the fumes. Any thoughts or suggestions?
Yes, it will depend on which epoxy you are using. Some recommend 1/8-1/4" per application. You would need to wait until the layer prior is tacky to the touch (usually 4-6 hours depending on the product and temperature) before pouring the next layer.
@@epoxydiy6356 It's a compliment, he's a superb award winning artist. Maybe your mother was a fan of his back in the day... :o Would you agree that you look like him?? maybe we need a third opinion, I think the resemblance in looks and even voice is pretty strong.
By far the most informative video I've seen without having to be 10 mins long. Thanks so much
Awesome. Short and sweet! Thanks for watching.
Very glad to have ran into this video before buying hundreds of dollars of the wrong product. Thank you!!
Glad to help!
I am a newbie, and this is very helpful. Informative and concise. Finally, I understand these most important differences, and I will not end up buying the wrong type, especially considering the fact that resin is expensive!
Thank you! Glad we could help.
Great video. I've often wondered about this when I've gone to a home improvement store and seen table top epoxy resin and thought maybe I could try it as a casting resin. This video answered my question. Thanks for keeping it short and concise as well.
Glad we could help! Thanks for watching.
Finally! This is the video I have been looking for. Thank you so much. I wondered about this comparison as I am about to attack my first counter top project.
Awesome, glad you enjoyed it!
Short and sweet, straight to the point great video
Thanks!
One of the most informative videos I have watched. Thanks.
Thank you! Glad we could help.
This video was so helpful thank you so much!! I will be doing a glitter table top to my nail desk and I have no idea what I’m doing. This helped so much thank you!!
No problem. Glad we could help!
I actually did inch and a quarter deep pour with super glaze countertop epoxy. To my surprise it dried in 20 minutes for some reason but it did work I made a night light out of it.
I’ve noticed that heat can speed up the curing process.
Absolutely, this will drastically reduce the working time. If you leave large amounts of mixed epoxy in a container for too long, you risk an accelerated reaction which may cause the epoxy to heat up, crack, yellow etc.
Can you use a casting resin and then (after curing) put a Coating resin on top to get the best of both worlds? e.g. Using thicker casting resin then protect it from scratches by using the coating resin for scratch resistance?
That was really helpful. I was hoping I could use my resin because I already have some but it looks as if I might have to buy some epoxy. I just need to find out whether epoxy dries and stays clear now. Thanks.
Glad we could help!
I needed this vid. Straight to the point and answered so many questions. Thank you
Great explanation and demonstration thank you!
thank you, im looking to do a project in pouring exopy to about 1/2in thickness like a sheet of glass that can be framed, might have to play around with both these like you did.
It really depends if you want to pour once or pour in layers. Can you wait long cure times or do you need quick cure times?
@@epoxydiy6356 I can wait, was going to pour all at once.
You'll definitely want a thinner material then.
What about high heat epoxies and polyester ? Pro's and cons of them. INformative video. Thanks.
We are actually working on this. Thank you for the suggestion!
So if I were to make a River Table for example, I’d would use a casting epoxy for the river, and use the tabletop epoxy as a coat over top for durability and scratch resistance?
Jonathan, it's really up to you. Some leave the wood raw on top or coat with a table top epoxy. It's really a personal preference.
Thank yall for this!!!! I needs this info!!!!!
I use top coat Resin for embedding in my vids it works pretty good
What if I wanted to cast an epoxy tabletop/table? for example a wagon wheel frame/dam with sliced tree branches and a tree trunk base. some transparency in the epoxy to see the inner pieces would be ideal. Yet, I'm also wanting to add some color so it isn't to bland, red/brown for example I feel would go well with the natural wood. Your thoughts? 2"-3" thick
You can use a Table Top (Coating) Epoxy but you'll likely need to pour in layers of no more than 1/4" per layer. Each manufacturer may be slightly different. Alternatively, you could use casting resin, some of which can be poured several inches at a time. However, casting resins take much longer to cure, often 36-48 hours, which leaves a lot of time for dust/particles to fall onto the surface. It's really a personal choice.
So I'm going to use a resin epoxy to suspend an item in between wood at the same height of the wood. Question is do I top coat the wood and resin epoxy with a marine spar varnish or go with a tabletop epoxy. It'll be for outdoor use and not always let in direct sun.
Also what is your favorite brand of epoxies?
Most epoxies are not meant for permanent outdoor use. This epoxy has one of the highest UV resistance: amzn.to/34hZkuT
Thanks, very informative
Thanks!
great vid, thanks for the info!
Thanks for watching!
Thank you
Thanks. I was wondering what the main difference was.
Glad we could help!
Thanks for posting this! Was looking for a video about this a couple months ago and couldn’t find a decent one. Which is better for making homemade coasters?
That depends... How thick will the coasters be? Do you want to pour in multiple layers or one single layer?
Your videos are awesome..
Is there any epoxy that is suitable to make thin coating on rubber top??
would it be good to put the Table top epoxy over the casting resin once it is cured to eliminate the scratch memory like you were saying?
Yes, you could do that but make sure there is no issues with the particular casting resin or table top epoxy you're using that may cause it to not adhere to one another.
What would you look for in table top epoxy and casting resin to have that bond between the two?
Hi thanks for the video! Very informative! Quick question ... I want to cast a 2.5 foot tall tree trunk to make a rectangular side table. So I will need a lot of resin and I’m sure many days of pouring the layers to get the height of a side table. But I’m not sure what resin I should use. Casting resin or epoxy resin ?
Are you coating the tree truck? Or do you have a mold of a tree trunk you will be filling?
Epoxy DIY I will make a mold and then put the entire trunk to fit in the mold and cover it completely with epoxy.
Hey Natalie, what are you making the mold out of? So that I understand... you will make a mold, and then place a 2 foot tall tree trunk in the mold and then pour the epoxy? Is the mold going to be the same shape as the tree trunk or is it going to be square/rectangular?
Epoxy DIY So I’m thinking investing in HDPE for the mold and making a massive cube where are the tree trunk will sit in the middle. So essentially I am going to in case the whole tree trunk and I will end up with a rectangular/cube shaped side table. I have Multiple concerns, because it is a Lot of resin, But mainly if I use casting resin I know I will not invest in a pressure pot that big so bubbles will definitely be an issue.
Ok, got it! You will definitely want to pour/paint on a seal coat of epoxy prior to using the mold. You will also likely want to use a thinner resin, something like a casting resin. Otherwise, you would have to pour countless layers coating epoxy into the mold. As far as bubbles, the seal coat will help to minimize bubbles, but with a pour this large bubbles will certainly be a concern.
I am trying to coat the base of a custom dog kennel and I would like to use the table top epoxy for a quicker and more durable surface would you recommend that? Also will it be as clear as the casting resin?
Hey there, what will you be pouring the epoxy over? What is the base?
Can you add table top epoxy to casting resin once cured to add scratch resistance?
It really depends on which type of epoxies/resins you are using.
@@epoxydiy6356 So how do find out which ones go together?
This is usually a manufacturer/brand specific question. Generally, I would say yes, as long as you properly prep (sand) the surface prior to pouring the next layer.
@@epoxydiy6356 how many times would your have to sand? Do you start with something like 320 and work all the way up to 3000?
Hi, can i use multiple layers (after certain time) of coating resin instead of 1 layer of casting resin for 1inch ? 4 or 5 layers with curing, sanding...
Mirko, Yes, you might want to sand in between layers if the epoxy has fully cured. This will allow the next layer to properly stick.
What options are there for crystal clear casting, that does not get yellow, easy to cast, with least bubbles. Thanks.
Good information!
Can I use this for my kitchen counters?
Many people use epoxy for countertops. However, not all epoxies are high heat epoxies. You would need to use hot pads for hot pans, mugs, coffee pots, etc.
just what I needed to know
Very helpful, I think you answered this before but.. when making a bar, desk or table, I’m creating multiple tinted layers for the ocean with ArtResin, but finding i want a harder surface layer. Would you recommend a countertop or marine grade epoxy for the top? Thanks
Would I be able to use UV resin on top of casting resin? Would it give it a scratch resistant top? For like coasters?
And what about difference with 1 that mixes with ratio 2:1 vs percentage mixing resin? Does that indicate anything? I’m new to resin world I only used ratio mixing resin for now
Ratios/Percentage are the same. However there is a difference in a 2:1 vs a 1:1 in terms of how much of each side need to be measured/mixed.
Nailed it.
Thanks!
Thank you !!!!!
Thanks for watching.
Thanks. Can I use the coating to do a bar top with bottle caps, pictures, and other objects if I poor small amounts?
Don't know if you will still respond to this, but what would be the best clear, durable, and (possibly, but doesn't have to be) rubber substance to use in a miniature/small figurine, that would be moved around alot, and possible handled rough? I know non are 100% like this, and technically all are fragile, but it's always good to get to the closest thing as possible.
How would you don’t if you wanted to added like glass particles or something like that or is that even possible?
Do you mean suspending items in the the casting? I think this is what you mean, if so, you would need to pour in layers to give it that suspended look.
tks! needed to know that...
Awesome, glad we could help!
very helpful!
I want to use totalboat table top epoxy resin for small projects like keychains, would it would to pour something like 1/2inch to 1 inch at a time? Or could I use it with half the amount of hardner? Would that work?
BIG QUESTION FOR YOU..... I want to make a River table. It will have two outer boards and the center epoxy. Do I use Casting Resin for the center (River)? Also, can I put a top coat after with the table top resin? Thanks in advance.
Hey There, will you be building a frame around the boards? Casting resin is much thinner and will require a frame to hold the casting resin in.
Epoxy DIY No, I was not going to put a frame all around it. Just the two outer boards
You'll probably have to build a frame on the ends of the boards to hold the epoxy in. You could pour very thin layers of coating epoxy, but even this will want to flow out.
Guys help, please. I have a scratched up white modern lacquer table. Looking to pour a white epoxy finish. Can someone recommend how to achieve a new white layer and what materials are needed? Ex. heat gun for bubbles? Tabletop epoxy would be mixed with some kind of white non-toxic paint?
So is the epoxy (loctite/ gorilla glue/ JB Weld) that comes in the 2 part syringe considered table top epoxy? Can it be used to cast small parts that's less than 1 cubic inch?
No, I believe those are more for bonding rather than coating/casting.
How hot do the casting vs counter top epoxy get? Is there a difference?
Yes, and at the rate the heat up. Casting resin generators much lower heat over a longer timeframe. This is what allows them to be poured much thicker. Table top, if poured thicker then recommended can generate significant heat.
What about PSI strengths?
Im thinking about pouring a 1-1.5" inch thick bar top in the soon future. I want the durability of the table top resin but i would like to have the ease for doing one large pour with casting resin. Is it possible to pour the majority in casting resin and then do a 1/8 to 1/4" inch "Cover" with table top epoxy to have the harder surface finish without having clarity issues between the products or issues with the different layers adhering to each other?
Absolutely. We are actually working on a similar project. If you will not be coloring the casting resin, make sure you get a high quality resin so that it will not yellow as fast. Keep in mind the casting resin will take much longer to cure, so keep it in a dust free environment. You may want to hit the top of the surface of the cured casting resin with a 320grit sand paper before pouring the table top epoxy to make sure it adheres.
Epoxy DIY awesome! Thanks for the quick reply! What two products would you recommend
Will you be building a dam or frame for the bar top? In other words, do you have a way to prevent it from running over the sides of the project? Casting resin is much thinner (some more so than others) so it depends on how you plan to pour.
What's a good budget casting epoxy to use then?
Here you go: amzn.to/2UREEJ4
can I use tabletop epoxy for jewelry making?
What is the best budget epoxy bramd ?
Coating or Casting?
Very helpful. What's the brand of casting resin? I need a slightly softer material that I can work with woodworking hand tools.
These were a bunch of different brands/formulas we were testing. When you say soft... do you want it to flex or just something slightly softer than a coating resin?
@@epoxydiy6356 Not flexible, yes softer, able to use a handplane to level it. I plan to use the resin/epoxy to cover some wax inlay on a tabletop, so need to level the epoxy. Most products tout "rock hard", scary stuff for a hand tool guy.
So what would you recommend for river tables
It really depends on how deep is the river? Will you dam the edges?
Epoxy DIY lol.. I am a total newbie...I didn’t know that was an option plzzzz explain that..but the wood slabs are 2inches thick a little over that.
It's really up to you and your project plan. Some people may build a dam on the edges of the project to prevent the epoxy from flowing over (as in a river table) whereas others may allow the epoxy to flow over the sides of the project.
Epoxy DIY Oohhh..do you mean a mold?Yes,I’m sorry I thought I mentioned it was to be a river table aprx 2 inches deep..
Would resin discolor at any point? Thanks!
Do you mean the raw resin or cured? Almost all epoxies and resins will yellow over time. Some are better than others. We are actually about to release a bunch of test results on this topic.
@@epoxydiy6356 cured resin I meant. Thank you:)♡
Yes, most coating epoxies are not meant to be left outdoors or in direct UV exposure. They will almost all yellow over time. Some do a better job than others.... Video/info coming soon. We are working on editing those videos now. Stay tuned!
@@epoxydiy6356 From my experience Ive used Enviro-tech (yellows, not very UV resistant, but easier to get the bubbles out when using in casts) Pro Marine has much better UV resistance but not good for casting (impossible to get the air bubbles out in thicker layers). And Castin Craft is very good UV resistance, and de-gasses on its own (no torch needed) but you need a respirator. I swear the pros and cons! Im looking for a casting resin as good as castin craft but without the fumes. Any thoughts or suggestions?
You r so quick,m fm india,can i contact you plz for some resin knowledge
Am I able to pour a river with table top but just do small pours and not to thick all at once?
Yes, it will depend on which epoxy you are using. Some recommend 1/8-1/4" per application. You would need to wait until the layer prior is tacky to the touch (usually 4-6 hours depending on the product and temperature) before pouring the next layer.
Very informative but slow down for the slow, lol pls and thank u
Ha ha, sorry about that! Soooo much to say and so little time!
Hey...replayed and saved it...u got me so stoked...cant wait to turn my ideas into art
Awesome! Keep us posted, we love to see what people are creating.
You look and sound like a young James Gurney :o
Any relation?
Ha nope, actually just had to look him up. Thanks for the entertainment!
@@epoxydiy6356 It's a compliment, he's a superb award winning artist. Maybe your mother was a fan of his back in the day...
:o
Would you agree that you look like him?? maybe we need a third opinion, I think the resemblance in looks and even voice is pretty strong.
A generalization won't work for resins.
Please don't listen to this guy.
I would like to see a live bird or mouse cast in resin. Please do this and post it.
I really hope you are joking about the live. If not, we'll start with you and let the world watch.