Complete Resin Types Comparison
Choose the perfect resin for your project. Compare epoxy, polyurethane, UV, and specialty resins across all critical factors including cost, performance, and applications.
Calculate Your Project →Quick Comparison Overview
| Resin Type | Cost Range | Cure Time | Max Depth | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epoxy Resin | $25-60/qt | 12-72 hours | 2-4 inches | River tables and furniture |
| Polyurethane Resin | $30-80/qt | 4-16 hours | 1-2 inches | High-wear applications |
| UV Resin | $40-120/qt | 2-10 minutes | 1/4 inch per layer | Small jewelry pieces |
| Casting Resin | $45-150/qt | 6-24 hours | 6+ inches | Deep casting applications |
Detailed Resin Analysis
Epoxy Resin
Properties
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Excellent clarity and depth
- Very durable and hard-wearing
- Good adhesion to most surfaces
Limitations
- Long cure time
- Can yellow over time
- Requires good ventilation
Best Applications
- River tables and furniture
- Deep casting projects
- Coating surfaces
- Art pieces
- Industrial applications
Calculation Details
Polyurethane Resin
Properties
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Fast cure time
- Excellent impact resistance
- Good UV stability
Limitations
- More expensive than epoxy
- Shorter working time
- Strong odor during cure
Best Applications
- High-wear applications
- Outdoor projects
- Flexible castings
- Rapid prototyping
- Industrial parts
Calculation Details
UV Resin
Properties
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Instant cure with UV light
- No mixing required
- Unlimited working time in shade
Limitations
- Most expensive option
- Requires UV lamp
- Limited pour depth
Best Applications
- Small jewelry pieces
- Detailed miniatures
- Quick repairs
- Layered artwork
- Precision applications
Calculation Details
Casting Resin
Properties
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Deep pour capability
- Lower exothermic reaction
- Specialized formulations available
Limitations
- Higher cost
- Longer cure times
- Limited availability
Best Applications
- Deep casting applications
- Complex molds
- Scientific specimens
- Large sculptures
- Specialty applications
Calculation Details
Resin Selection Guide
Choose by Project Timeline
Need it today?
UV Resin (2-10 minutes) - Perfect for small projects needing immediate results
Have a few hours?
Polyurethane (4-16 hours) - Good balance of speed and performance
Can wait overnight?
Epoxy (12-72 hours) - Best overall performance and value
Choose by Budget
Budget-Friendly ($25-40/qt)
Epoxy Resin - Best value for large projects and beginners
Mid-Range ($40-80/qt)
Polyurethane - Premium performance worth the extra cost
Premium ($80-150/qt)
UV/Specialty Resins - When precision and speed matter most
Common Resin Selection Mistakes
Choosing Based on Price Alone
The cheapest resin isn't always the most economical choice when you factor in performance, durability, and potential failures.
Better approach: Calculate total project cost including time, potential rework, and long-term durability needs.
Ignoring Working Time Constraints
Choosing a resin with insufficient working time leads to rushed application and poor results.
Better approach: Estimate your actual working time needs and add 50% buffer for complex projects.
Not Considering End-Use Environment
Using indoor-rated resin for outdoor applications or ignoring UV exposure leads to premature failure.
Better approach: Match resin properties to the specific environmental conditions your project will face.
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