As a whole, the difference between resin and epoxy is that resin is the substance that cures into rigid polymers and epoxy is cured epoxy resin. A synthetic resin will either contain epoxide groups making it an epoxy resin or it will contain acrylates making it a resin or casting resin.
Simply stated, the term epoxy is commonly used to refer to the cured end product of the necessary components within epoxy resin. It is also a colloquial name for epoxide. This cured end product is the result of when you mix resin with hardener (two-part resins) or expose it to ultraviolet light (UV resin).
What are the Different Types of Epoxy Resin? Epoxy resin falls under two principal categories - glycidyl and non-glycidyl. Glycidyl resins come under the subcategories of glycidyl-amine, glycidyl-ester, and glycidyl-ether. Non-glycidyl varieties are either aliphatic or cyclo-aliphatic.
Epoxy resin also has a much stronger bonding strength than polyester resins. Epoxy resin is ideal for most fiberglass repairs that are not using gelcoat as the final layer. This is because epoxy cures well in thin layers. Polyester does not cure well in thin layers.
Can you use any epoxy to make resin art? Unfortunately, no. Some epoxy resins are meant for molds. They will quickly run off a resin painting surface.
2:1 Epoxy Resins are by far the most popular resins for arts and crafters.
Under normal circumstances, fully cured resin doesn't break easily. In fact, it shouldn't break at all. Resin doesn't spontaneously break without something going wrong first.
The chemicals in epoxy resin systems can affect your health when they come in contact with your skin, or if they evaporate or form a mist or dust in the air you breathe. The main effects of overexposure are irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin, skin allergies, and asthma.
Epoxy resin and hardener formulations have a long shelf life compared to many polymers. The minimum shelf life for the standard INF and LAM products is 3 years for resins and 2 years for hardeners (with the exception of LAM-251-HT). The minimum shelf life for LAM-251-HT and all ADV resins and hardeners is 18 months.
Understanding the types of resins available and the properties of each type should help you both in the process of product selection and making high performance composites. There are three widely used resin types: polyester, vinyl ester, and epoxy.
Epoxy Resin for Arts & Crafts
Prized for its clarity and ease of use, a good quality art and craft resin has added light stabilizers to protect against yellowing. Art resin has a medium thick viscosity, making it easy to control when for coating artwork, flow art, pouring into shallow molds and other thin applications.
Low-viscosity epoxy resin is thin and works well for deep-level penetration and filling small cavities. The consistency helps prevent air bubbles, which facilitates bonding between the epoxy and substrate. You can use low-viscosity epoxy resin for encapsulation, sealing, and potting. Medium-viscosity epoxy is thick.
Epoxy resins, also known as polyepoxides, are a class of reactive prepolymers and polymers which contain epoxide groups. The epoxide functional group is also collectively called epoxy. The IUPAC name for an epoxide group is an oxirane.
Is Epoxy Resin Plastic? Yes, epoxy resin is a form of plastic.
Can I put another coat of epoxy over cured epoxy? Yes. Since the epoxy has cured a chemical bond is not possible so what is called a mechanical bond is needed. This simply means that the cured epoxy has to be lightly sanded before the next coat is applied: the first coat should have a matt, almost white, surface.
Please note that a resin is only considered safe for food contact once it has fully cured. Keep food or beverages well away from resin and hardener in its pre-cured, liquid form. Epoxy resin is not edible or potable in either liquid or cured form.
Once cured, epoxy resin is waterproof.
In fact, this is one of the many reasons why epoxy is such an incredible sealant. Once it has finished bonding and curing, epoxy will prevent permeation by nearly any liquid or solid material, including water and humid air.
Resin and glass do not expand and contract the same, so this can potentially cause issues. Temperature changes can cause the expansion and contraction to occur at any time. Sometimes a piece will be fine for many many months, but it can potentially crack even up to a year later.
Epoxy glue is long-lasting, designed to create permanent bonding. So naturally, it's not the easiest substance to remove so you should take care when applying the epoxy adhesive.
Epoxy resin is seamless, non-porous, and not prone to scratching, pitting, or denting, creating a smooth and easy to clean surface that won't collect unwanted bacteria.
Yes, you can. In fact, acrylic paint is one of the most common colorants used to tint epoxy resin. On the plus side, acrylic paint is inexpensive, readily available, and it comes in a huge variety of color options.
One thing to keep in mind is if a mold is made of silicone you can use it for resin! Which means baking molds are fare game… just be aware that most resin molds are glossy (which leaves your piece with a glossy shine to the front!) whereas baking molds often leave your piece matte.
The Mod Podge Resin 2-Part Resin Kit is a fun way to create beautiful resin projects. This versatile epoxy resin kit includes a clear hardener and resin system that is easy to use and fun to craft with.