Even if you have a resin crafts manufacturer you rely on, such as Ennas Gifts, it could be fun to try your hand at resin crafts. If you’re thinking about it, but you don’t know what kind of resin you should use, this guide will help. Today, we will explore the different types of resin available and present the best option for arts and crafts. Let’s get right into it!

What Are The Different Types Of Resin?

The world of resins is quite varied, but the most widely used options include epoxy resin, UV resin, polyurethane resin, and polyester resin. Let’s discuss each one individually:

 1. Epoxy Resin

Epoxy resin is a clear liquid plastic made of resin and hardener. It’s fairly easy to work with because all you have to do is mix these two elements to create the mixture. Then, you can work with it and let it cure so it turns from liquid into solid. Curing epoxy resin takes 24 to 72 hours, depending on the manufacturer, and your piece of art will be durable and resistant.

There are many different types of epoxy resin brands, so you’ll have a lot of options to consider. To find the right one, you have to make sure the formulation is tailored to your needs. We recommend you consider the kind of project you have in mind when you’re reading the product description of the epoxy resin you’re looking into. This will make the process easier!

2. UV Resin

UV resin is a type of synthetic resin that uses ultraviolet light to cure and it’s done very quickly. It can be tinted and it’s often used to give certain surfaces a clear and glossy finish. That includes metal, wood, fiberglass, and plastic surfaces. UV resin is quite different from epoxy resin because it doesn’t require mixing anything; it’s just one component.

It also sets very quickly, so there’s no need to wait 24 to 72 hours. All you need is a UV light, so it’s perfect for projects where you need the turnaround to be quick. The drawback is that UV resin is very expensive and it also requires the additional expense for the UV lamp. Moreover, it can only be applied in thin layers, so it’s not suitable for a lot of different applications. 

3. Polyurethane Resin

Next, we have polyurethane resin, which is a very durable option. It cures into a rubbery kind of plastic and it’s often used for many industrial applications. Such as the manufacture of sealants, adhesives, casting molds, insulation, and more. This is a versatile type of polyurethane resin, so a lot of industries rely on it. Including automotive, packaging, construction, and apparel industries.

A great thing about polyurethane resin is that it’s resistant to the elements and it adheres to substrates very well. It’s also resistant to abrasions and it has great impact strength. When it’s set, which requires heat, it can resist solvents and chemicals, so it’s very sturdy. The drawback is that it produces fumes, VOCs, and toxins, so protective equipment is a must and the work area must be well-ventilated.

4. Polyester Resin

Last but not least, there’s polyester resin, which is a type of plastic that serves many different purposes. It’s known for its strength, water resistance, and rigidity. It’s often used for lamination and the manufacturing of molds, medical devices, automobile parts, swimming pools, and more.

It’s similar to epoxy resin because it requires the combination of a resin and a hardener. However, it can be more challenging to work with because the mixing ratios must be calculated carefully. After all, they will determine the curation time. This type of resin also releases toxic fumes, so it’s important to use protective equipment, including gloves and a respirator mask.

What Is the Best Kind of Resin to Use for Crafts?

Now that you know the most popular kinds of resin, it’s time to decide which one will work best for your project. Usually, the best kind of resin will depend on the project you’re working on. Since we’re focusing on arts and crafts today, epoxy resin is the most popular option. It’s easy to work with and you can do a lot of different types of crafts with it.

One of the main reasons why epoxy resin is easy to work with is that it has low viscosity, so it’s easy to spread. It can also fill small gaps and it can be used as coating for all kinds of projects as well. Additionally, epoxy resin is easy to mix with pigments to create custom colors.

Epoxy resin is also very easy to layer and it allows the addition of decorative elements like glitter and more. Now, when working with this type of resin, it’s important to choose a high-quality product. Make sure to compare a variety of brands and look into what other buyers are saying. One of the most important elements is the clarity of the solution because it will prevent imperfections.

Simple Resin Craft Ideas for Beginners

Once you have a high-quality epoxy resin to work with, you can do a lot of different things with it. As a beginner, we recommend starting with simple projects. This will allow you to get to know the material and grow your confidence.

Some simple ideas include decorative bowls, coasters, jewelry, bookmarks, keychains, bangle bracelets, and even trays. All of these projects are very easy to get into and they allow you to exercise your creativity. When you’re ready, you can move on to more complex projects or even art pieces.

Final Words on Resins for Crafts

Making resin crafts can be a fulfilling hobby, so if you’re considering it, you should get the right materials. High-quality epoxy resin is very easy to find, just make sure to do your research! If you want to grow your resin art collection while you learn to master resin crafts, you can turn to a good resin art manufacturer. Browse Ennas Gifts collections to find lovely pieces.