How to choose resin？
I'm guessing you're here because you're overwhelmed by all the resin types out there.
You are not alone. I get messages like this all the time.
You're ready to take on a project.
Then purchase resin for the project.
But feel overwhelmed because you don't want to use the wrong product and mess up the project.
Here’s the thing – knowing which resin is best for your project starts with understanding the types of resin you’ll find.
Once you understand the types of resin, it will be easier to choose the right type of resin for the product you want to make.
A two-part resin acts as a base resin and a hardener (or catalyst). On their own they don't do anything, but when mixed together, a chemical reaction occurs. That's what makes them heal.
Four Types of Resin
You'll find the following four types of resin:
1. Polyester fiber
It is also called fiberglass resin.
Curing time: 18 to 24 hours
Features: It stinks.
Pros: Polyester resin cures to a tough surface that you can sand or polish with a polishing wheel. If the surface is scratched, you can easily polish it again.
Disadvantages: Because polyester resin is very difficult to cure, polyester resin can crack if dropped on a hard surface. It should not be used to coat surfaces as it does not self-level.
Once you understand the types of resin, it will be easier to choose the right type of resin for the product you want to make.
A two-part resin acts as a base resin and a hardener (or catalyst). On their own they don't do anything, but when mixed together, a chemical reaction occurs. That's what makes them heal.
2. Epoxy resin
This is my favorite resin to use.
Cure Time: Varies. For slow-curing epoxies, it could be as short as 30 minutes, but it could be as long as 90 minutes.
What you should know: This is the easiest resin for beginners to get started with.
Pros: Most available resin type.
Disadvantages: Some epoxies cure softly.
3. Polyurethane
I love using this resin when I need to finish a project quickly.
Curing time: 15 minutes to one hour
What you should know: This is not a resin for beginners because it cures very quickly.
Pros: They have fast curing times. Usually within one hour.
Disadvantages: They are very sensitive to moisture and may not cure well in humid climates. Some colors are not available if they are not designed specifically for polyurethane resin.
Polyurethane resins also cannot be used as coatings or vaulting resins. It will leave a dent in the surface of the resin.
4. Silicone
Yes, silicone can be liquid too!
The curing time is / hour according to the prepared thickness.
What you should know: This is the material you want to use to make molds for casting other resin types.
Pros: Perfect material for making molds for casting the other three resins mentioned above.
Disadvantages: Long curing time, difficult to renovate.
Disadvantages: They are very sensitive to moisture and may not cure well in humid climates. Some colors are not available if they are not designed specifically for polyurethane resin.
Polyurethane resins also cannot be used as coatings or vaulting resins. It will leave a dent in the surface of the resin.
Post time: Nov-08-2023