Table of Contents
- So how do you know which one to choose?
- Common Misunderstandings About Resin
- Resin Basics: What You Should Know Before Choosing One
- Type 1: Craft Epoxy Resin
- Type 2: Deep Pour Epoxy Resin
- Type 3: Table Top Epoxy Resin
- Type 4: Fast Cure Epoxy Resin
- Type 5: Tumbler Coating Epoxy Resin
- More Resin Choices by Project
- Final Thoughts
One of the first things that confuses new resin makers is how many different types of resin there are.Craft Epoxy. Deep Pour Epoxy. Table Top Epoxy Resin.
At first glance, they can all look similar. Most are clear liquids. But once you start mixing and using them, they behave very differently.One resin may be perfect for your project. Another may turn the same project into a frustrating mess.
So how do you know which one to choose?
The key is understanding that resin is not a one-size-fits-all material. Each type is designed for a different purpose. Choose the right resin, and your project becomes easier, cleaner, and more successful. Choose the wrong one, and you may end up wasting time, money, and materials.
In this guide, we’ll break down 5 of the most common types of resin, including Craft Epoxy, Deep Pour Epoxy, Table Top Epoxy, Fast Cure Epoxy and Tumbler Coating Epoxy.what each one is made for, how it behaves, and when you should — and should not — use it.
Common Misunderstandings About Resin
Before we get into the different types, it helps to clear up a few common misunderstandings.
“All resin is the same.”This is probably the biggest myth. Resin is not all the same. Even when two products look similar, they can cure differently, flow differently, and create very different results.A resin that works beautifully for jewelry may be a poor choice for floors. A resin designed for thick pours may be completely wrong for fine-detail crafts.
“The more expensive resin is always better.”Not necessarily. A higher price often means the resin was designed for a more specific use. A good Craft Epoxy may be exactly what you need for small projects, while a more expensive Deep Pour Epoxy could be unnecessary for the same job.The goal is not to buy the most expensive resin. The goal is to buy the right one.
“All epoxy resins are basically the same.” Also not true. Epoxy is only the base system. Different hardeners, additives, and formulations can change how fast it cures, how thick it feels, how well it self-levels, and what the final surface looks like.That’s why two products both labeled “epoxy resin” can still perform very differently.Now let’s get into the types that matter most.
Resin Basics: What You Should Know Before Choosing One
Before comparing resin types, there are a few basic properties worth understanding.
Viscosity： This is how thick or thin the resin feels. Low-viscosity resin flows more easily, while high-viscosity resin is thicker and slower to move.
Cure Time： This is how long the resin takes to fully harden. Some cure in minutes, while others need a full day or longer.
Flow： Some resins spread and level themselves after pouring. Others stay closer to the shape and position where you place them.
Clarity： Some resins cure crystal clear. Others may have a slight tint or appear less transparent depending on the formula.
Strength： Not all cured resin feels the same. Some are rigid and hard. Some are slightly more flexible. Some are designed for impact resistance or surface durability.
Working Time： This is the amount of time you have before the resin starts to thicken and becomes harder to work with.
Once you understand these basic differences, it becomes much easier to choose the right resin for the project in front of you.
Type 1: Craft Epoxy Resin
Craft Epoxy Resin is a versatile two-part epoxy designed for small creative projects and everyday resin use. It is commonly used for jewelry, coasters, molds, decorative castings, and beginner DIY crafts.
A quality Craft Epoxy is valued for its clear finish, reliable curing, and beginner-friendly 1:1 mix ratio. Many formulas are designed to resist yellowing and create a glossy surface once fully cured.
Compared with deep pour or industrial resin systems, Craft Epoxy is usually thinner, easier to mix, and faster to cure, making it one of the easiest resin types for first-time users.
Key Features
- Low viscosity – flows smoothly and levels easily
- Crystal-clear finish – cures with high transparency
- Fast curing – many formulas fully cure in around 24 hours
- Easy 1:1 mix ratio – simple measuring with equal parts resin and hardener
- Versatile – suitable for coasters, trays, jewelry, flow art, geode art, ocean art,
- Beginner-friendly – forgiving and easy to learn with
Working Time & Cure Time
- Working time: typically 20–45 minutes
- Initial set: around 4–8 hours
- Full cure: approximately 24 hours
- Demold time: often 24 hours, depending on mold size and room temperature
💖 Why Makers Like It：Because it offers a strong balance of clarity, ease of use, and dependable results, Craft Epoxy is often the starting point for new resin makers.
💡 Not Ideal For：Craft Epoxy is not usually the best choice for deep pours, large surface coatings, industrial flooring, or projects that need a longer working time.
Type 2: Deep Pour Epoxy Resin
Deep Pour Epoxy Resin is a specialized two-part epoxy designed for thick casting projects where standard resin would overheat, crack, or cure too quickly. It is commonly used for river tables, live-edge wood slabs, deep molds, transparent blocks, lamp bodies, clocks, and large decorative pours.
Bond Craftor Deep Pour Epoxy uses a 2:1 mix ratio and is formulated for slower curing, better heat control, and improved bubble release during long pours. Because it cures gradually, it gives trapped air more time to rise while helping large pours stay clear and stable.
Compared with standard Craft Epoxy, Deep Pour Epoxy is better suited for depth, volume, and large-scale casting. It is the preferred option whenever a project needs thickness rather than a thin surface coat.
Key Features
- Designed for thick pours – suitable for 2–4 inch layers, with some formulas supporting deeper pours
- Slow curing formula – reduces overheating and shrinkage
- High clarity – ideal for transparent casting and embedded objects
- Bubble-release friendly – longer open time helps bubbles escape
- Strong cured finish – durable and stable after full cure
- Best for large projects – river tables, slab fills, deep molds, large castings
Working Time & Cure Time
- Working time: typically 2–6 hours depending on formula
- Initial cure: around 50–72 hours
- Full cure: approximately 72–168 hours
- Demold time: depends on depth, mold size, and room temperature
💖 Why Makers Like It:Deep Pour Epoxy makes large resin builds possible. It allows creators to cast thick layers cleanly, reduce heat issues, and produce dramatic one-piece pours that standard epoxy cannot handle well.
💡 Not Ideal For:Deep Pour Epoxy is not ideal for jewelry, small fast-turnaround projects, thin tabletop coatings, or detailed molds that need a faster cure cycle.
💡TIP: Planning a river table or thick casting project? Read our complete Deep Pour Epoxy guide here.
Type 3: Table Top Epoxy Resin
Table Top Epoxy Resin is a two-part epoxy designed for coating flat surfaces with a smooth, glossy, and protective finish. It is commonly used for wood tables, countertops, bar tops, desktops, artwork sealing, photos, signs, and decorative surface projects.
Bond Craftor Table Top Epoxy uses a 1:1 mix ratio and is formulated for strong self-leveling performance, high clarity, and everyday surface durability. Once cured, it creates a glass-like finish that helps protect surfaces from moisture, stains, scratches, and normal daily wear.
Compared with Deep Pour Epoxy, Table Top Epoxy is made for surface coverage rather than thick casting. It spreads evenly across flat areas and is ideal when appearance and protection are equally important.
Key Features
- Self-leveling formula – creates a smooth and even finish
- High-gloss clarity – enhances wood grain, artwork, and embedded items
- Protective coating – helps resist water, stains, coffee, alcohol, and light scratches
- Strong surface durability – suitable for regular household or commercial use
- Easy application – ideal for flat surfaces and top coats
- Heat resistant formula – better suited for tabletops than general craft resin
Working Time & Cure Time
- Working time: typically 30–35 minutes
- Initial cure: around 8–12 hours
- Full cure: approximately 24 hours
- Light use: often after 24 hours, depending on temperature and thickness
💖 Why Makers Like It：Table Top Epoxy is popular because it transforms ordinary surfaces into polished statement pieces. It adds depth, shine, and protection in one step, making old furniture, wood slabs, counters, and art projects look professionally finished.
💡 Not Ideal For：Table Top Epoxy is not usually the best choice for deep pours, thick molds, small jewelry casting, vertical surfaces, or projects that need extremely long working time.
💡TIP: Want a smooth glossy finish for wood furniture? See how to epoxy resin a table top step by step.
Type 4: Fast Cure Epoxy Resin
Fast Cure Epoxy Resin is a two-part epoxy designed for projects that need a shorter turnaround time. It is commonly used for quick repairs, small castings, jewelry, coasters, cutting boards, decorative items, and production work where speed matters.
Bond Craftor Fast Cure Epoxy uses a 1:1 mix ratio and is formulated to cure much faster than standard craft epoxy. It offers a practical balance between clarity, strength, and efficiency, allowing makers to finish projects sooner and move on to the next build.
Compared with standard epoxy systems, Fast Cure Epoxy gives you less waiting time—but also less working time. It is best for confident users who want faster results and can work efficiently.
Key Features
- Fast curing formula – ideal for time-sensitive projects
- 1:1 mix ratio – simple and beginner-friendly measuring
- Clear finish – suitable for decorative and functional pieces
- Efficient workflow – complete more projects in less time
- Good for small pours – ideal for thin layers and compact molds
- Strong cured surface – durable for everyday craft use
Working Time & Cure Time
- Working time: typically 25 minutes
- Initial cure: around 4–6 hours
- Full cure: approximately 12 hours
- Demold time: often same day or next day, depending on project size
💖 Why Makers Like It：Fast Cure Epoxy is popular because it saves time. It allows creators to finish urgent orders, complete multiple projects faster, or avoid waiting overnight for standard resin to harden.
💡 Not Ideal For：Fast Cure Epoxy is not usually the best choice for deep pours, large batches, slow-detail projects, or beginners who need more time for mixing, coloring, arranging, and bubble removal.
💡TIP: Need faster results? Use these proven ways to speed up epoxy drying safely.
Type 5: Tumbler Coating Epoxy Resin
Tumbler Coating Epoxy Resin is a two-part epoxy specially designed for curved surfaces such as tumblers, cups, bottles, mugs, pens, and other custom drinkware projects. It is commonly used to seal glitter, decals, vinyl designs, photos, pigments, and decorative wraps under a smooth glossy coating.
Bond Craftor Tumbler Coating Epoxy uses a 1:1 mix ratio and features a medium-viscosity formula that clings well to curved surfaces without running too quickly. It is designed to create an even, glass-like finish while helping makers achieve clean coverage on rotating tumblers and similar items.
Compared with standard tabletop resin, Tumbler Coating Epoxy is optimized for vertical and rounded surfaces rather than flat panels. It offers better control during application and smoother results on cups and cylinders.
Key Features
- Designed for curved surfaces – ideal for tumblers, mugs, bottles, and pens
- Balanced viscosity – coats evenly without excessive dripping
- High-gloss finish – creates a smooth polished appearance
- 1:1 mix ratio – simple measuring and mixing
- Decorative sealing – locks in glitter, decals, photos, and pigments
- Durable coating – suitable for everyday exterior use
Working Time & Cure Time
- Working time: typically 30–45 minutes
- Initial cure: around 8 hours
- Full cure: approximately 24 hours
- Handling time: usually next day, depending on room temperature and coating thickness
💖 Why Makers Like It：Tumbler Coating Epoxy is popular because it helps custom drinkware look professional. It gives smooth coverage, strong shine, and reliable protection while making personalized cups and tumblers stand out.
💡 Not Ideal For：Tumbler Coating Epoxy is not usually the best choice for deep pours, thick casting molds, large flat tabletops, or projects that require structural strength instead of surface coating.
More Resin Choices by Project: Scenario Guide
First Time Using Resin Best Choice: Craft Epoxy Resin
Start simple. Craft Epoxy Resin is reliable, beginner-friendly, and affordable. It works well for many common resin projects such as coasters, jewelry, molds, trays, and small decorative pieces.
It is one of the easiest ways to learn mixing, pouring, curing, and bubble control before moving into more specialized resin systems.
Making a River Table or Large Wood Project
Best Choice: Deep Pour Epoxy Resin (for thick pours) or Table Top Epoxy Resin (for thin surface coats)
Deep Pour Epoxy Resin — Best when you need thickness of 1 inch or more. It cures slowly, manages heat better, and is ideal for large slab fills and river table centers.
Table Top Epoxy Resin — Best for ¼–½ inch surface coatings. It cures faster, costs less per coat, and gives a glossy protective finish.
Not Recommended: Craft Epoxy Resin for large deep pours, as it may cure too quickly and generate excess heat.
Decorating Tumblers, Cups, or Bottles Best Choice: Tumbler Coating Epoxy Resin
This resin is made specifically for curved surfaces. It spreads evenly, resists excessive dripping, and creates a smooth glossy finish on tumblers, mugs, cups, pens, and bottles.
Few other resin types perform as well on rotating or vertical rounded surfaces.
Need Fast Results Best Choice: Fast Cure Epoxy Resin
Fast Cure Epoxy Resin is ideal when time matters. It works well for standard small projects that need to be finished quickly.
Many makers choose it for rush orders, quick repairs, or projects they want completed within 24 hours or less.
Final Thoughts
The world of resin can feel overwhelming at first—but it does not have to be.The key is understanding that different resin types are designed for different jobs. There is no single “best” resin. There is only the right resin for your specific project.
TIf you are making jewelry, coasters, molds, or everyday crafts, a Craft Epoxy Resin is often the easiest and most practical choice. If you need to pour thick layers for river tables, wood slabs, or large castings, Deep Pour Epoxy Resin is the better fit. If you want to coat a tabletop or counter with a glossy protective finish, Table Top Epoxy Resin is designed for that job. For tumblers and curved surfaces, Tumbler Coating Epoxy Resin usually gives the smoothest results. If speed matters, Fast Cure Epoxy Resin can help shorten your turnaround time.
No matter which resin you choose, always read the instructions carefully, measure accurately, and follow the recommended curing conditions for the best outcome.
The right resin can make the process easier, the finish cleaner, and the final result more successful. Whatever you are planning to create, there is a resin designed to help you do it well.