Epoxy resin guide: how to choose the right one
Which resin type each project needs, how coating, casting and deep pour differ, and how to avoid buying the wrong one. With the real technical data of each resin.
This guide contains affiliate links to Artline: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. Recommendations are based on technical criteria, not on commission.
The one thing that really decides which resin to use
Before brand or price, two factors determine the right resin: the depth of your pour and the type of project. A resin made for a thin 1 cm layer will crack and yellow in a 4 cm channel; and a deep pour would cure far too slowly for a jewelry piece. Getting the type right is 90 % of success.
The three types of epoxy resin
Almost every resin on the market fits one of these three categories, based on the depth it allows per layer.
Coating
Thin resins for layers of 1 to 2 cm at most. They cure fast and give mirror-like finishes. They are the choice for coasters, countertops, paintings and flat, shallow pieces.
Casting and doming
Medium viscosity for thin self-leveling layers and for doming (the drop that covers a piece). Good for fluid art and surface finishes, not for deep volumes.
Deep pour
Designed to pour 4 cm or more in a single pour. They cure slowly so they do not overheat, which avoids cracks and yellowing. Essential for river tables and deep molds.
The Artline resins compared
ResinCalc uses the real technical data of each resin. Here is the comparison of the four Artline families and what each one is best at.
| Resin | Type | Max depth/layer | Working time | Best for | View on Artline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artline Crystal | Coating | 1.5 cm | 60 min | Coasters, jewelry and flat pieces with a crystal-clear finish | View on Artline |
| Artline Honey | Doming / art | 0.5 cm | 35 min | Doming, fluid art and thin self-leveling layers | View on Artline |
| Artline Extra Honey | Coating | 1.5 cm | 30 min | Countertops and coatings with a bit more body | View on Artline |
| Artline Wood PRO | Deep pour | 6 cm | 10 h | River tables, deep molds and pours over 2 cm | View on Artline |
Which resin for each project
River table
Wood PROWhy: The channels of a river table exceed 2 cm, so you need a deep pour that cures without overheating or cracking.
Jewelry and pendants
CrystalWhy: Small, thin pieces where total clarity and a fast cure in a silicone mold matter most.
Fluid art and paintings
HoneyWhy: Thin self-leveling layers, ideal for acrylic pouring, resin art and finishes on canvas or board.
Floors and countertops
Extra HoneyWhy: A thin coating over an existing surface, with good leveling and a bit more body.
Coasters and flat pieces
CrystalWhy: Depths of 1 cm or less with a mirror finish and a fast set.
Deep molds
Wood PROWhy: Lets you pour several centimeters in a single pour without the reaction running away.
How much resin do you need?
Once you are clear on the resin, the second step is to calculate the exact amount so you do not run short or waste expensive product. ResinCalc does it in seconds: enter shape, size and depth and get the exact grams, the A:B breakdown and the layer plan.
Open the calculatorFrequently asked questions about choosing resin
Which epoxy resin should I choose if I am starting from scratch?
For beginners, a coating resin like Crystal is the simplest: it cures fast, forgives small mistakes and works well for coasters, jewelry and flat pieces. Save deep pour resins for when you work with depths over 2 cm.
What is the difference between coating and deep pour?
Coating is poured in thin layers (1-2 cm) and cures fast; deep pour allows pours of 4 cm or more in a single pour and cures slowly so it does not overheat. Using coating in a deep pour causes cracks and yellowing.
Can I use any resin for a river table?
No. A river table needs a deep pour resin like Wood PRO, because the channels exceed 2 cm. With a thin-layer resin the exothermic reaction would overheat the piece and it would crack.
Does the resin brand matter much?
What matters are the technical parameters: A:B ratio, density and maximum depth per layer. ResinCalc uses each product's real data so the calculation is exact whatever brand you work with.
How much resin should I buy?
First calculate the exact volume with the calculator and add a 10 % waste margin. Buying just what you need avoids running out mid-pour, which is one of the most expensive mistakes.
Now you know which resin to use
The next step is to calculate exactly how much you need, with the A:B breakdown and the layered pour plan.
Go to the calculator