Best Epoxy Resins for Coaster Making: Top 7 Picks for 2024
Have you ever come across some beautiful resin coasters with elegant flair and thought about making something like those for yourself? Well, I know the feeling!
The first concern is to choose the best epoxy resins for coaster making. It should cure rock solid and not become tacky, tolerate the heat produced by food dishes or hot coffee mugs, and be highly durable and UV protective (non-yellowing).
Today, I’ll walk you through my extensive reviews on a few great products. Together, we’ll find out which are the best epoxy resins for coaster making.
TOP 3 products in the short preview table:
Best Epoxy Resins for Coaster making
I actually found some high-quality epoxy resin and hardener that are incredibly useful in creating durable and high-gloss resin coasters. Besides, you can also use them for a wide range of applications. These include making beautiful tumblers, resin bookmarks, paperweights, resin trays, and much more.
So, without further ado, let’s explore the best epoxy for coasters one by one…
1. Epoxy Resin and Hardener for DIY Coasters Making
If you find it difficult to start making coasters with resin, then Teexpert Epoxy Resin kit is designed for you! It’s the perfect product to get into the world choosing the best epoxy resin for coaster making. You’ll find it astoundingly easy to use and affordable!
With this easy-mixing item, you’ll have a lot of fun completing a handful of art projects such as making eye-catching coasters, resin bookmarks, shakers, pens etc. It cures to crystal clear and hard plastic within a few hours.
That gives you plenty of time to pour into resin coaster molds, take care of the bubbles and finish your decorations. You’ll love how clear it is and are likely to receive tons of compliments so be ready for that! Bubbles won’t be an issue as they can be popped without any hassle.
The self-levelling feature takes its ease of use to another level! Another amazing thing is that it comes ready to be colored with craft pigment powder and glow glitter colorants. This allows you to explore your creativity further as you’ll get to recolor it to match your taste and needs!
This thing takes about 24 hours to harden completely. Once it’s set, you’ll be left with a super-strong and wear-resistant coating, giving you peace of mind.
In case you’re doing multiple pours, you should wait between 4-6 hours before pouring the second time to get the best results. It comes in two bottles, one for epoxy and another for hardener. Each one weighs 64 ounces so you’ll have an ample amount to complete any small to large hobby projects. And overall, this is a great epoxy resin for crafting beautiful coasters or any other resin craft projects in no time!
Highlighted Features:
- Suitable for DIY’ers
- Easy to use and color
- Cures rock-solid within 24 hours
- Self-leveling property
2. Epoxy Resin Crystal Clear Casting Molding DIY Art Kit
This crystal-clear casting material is a fantastic heat-resistant resin for coasters. It is a high-quality 2-part epoxy resin and hardener made for casting and filling resin coaster molds. This makes it my number 2 choice for the best epoxy resins for coaster making.
You’ll be glad to know that it’s made with a UV-resistant formula that ensures your craft pieces will not get yellow over time. All things considered, this art resin is a highly versatile product and is perfect for making tumblers, jewelry, and other crafts.
Not to forget that using this material would be super easy even for beginners. You just have to mix equal parts of Part A and Part B together. Then pour the mixture into the mold and let it cure for about 24 hours. Once the curing is done, you can have a high gloss finish as expected. However, you can always sand and polish the pieces should the need arise.
When using this resin, be sure to wear a mask and goggles to avoid breathing in the fumes and getting resin in your eyes. Besides, this kit is highly compatible with various craft pigments to shape your ideas to real life. Why is this important, you ask? Well, that’s simply because you will be able to make your coasters and other objects amazingly colorful and refined!
Highlighted Features:
- Sets quickly
- Easy to mix and pour
- Perfect for creating beautiful coasters
- Ideal for projects that require fast turnaround times
- Strong and durable
- Non-toxic formula
- Versatile use
3. Puduo 3x super yellow resistant
There are so many creative things you can make with this 32 Oz Epoxy Resin Clear Kit. You’ll find it highly versatile for creating a variety of objects, perfect for making resin coasters, tumblers, keychains, pens, shakers, and whatnot!
Furthermore, it can be cast into silicone molds, poured into containers, or used to adhere objects together.
When it comes to talking about the amount of material, it includes 16 oz of resin and 16 oz of hardener. You’ll also receive other highly useful kits including four measuring cups, three sticks, and a pair of rubber gloves.
So you’ll find it very easy to use and perfect for learning how to use epoxy for crafts. Another benefit is that it is heat resistant for coasters.
So that’s quite a bit longer to make necessary adjustments and add beautiful colorants to the pieces. However, don’t avoid putting on gloves to avoid epoxy getting in contact with your skin and hands. This way, you can avoid potential health impacts. Making this product my number 3 for the best epoxy resins for coaster making.
Highlighted Features:
- Highly versatile
- Affordable & easy to use
- Comes with essential kits
- Suitable for beginners and experts
- Can be used for a variety of projects
- Dries clear and does not leave residue
- Excellent quality and durable
4. Lets Epoxy Resin Kit
Are you looking for a top-grade epoxy resin kit to produce gorgeous results? Then you should definitely consider this impressive epoxy resin kit from Lets Resin. perfect for making coasters with silicone molds. It’s an ultra-clear, easy-to-use, and beginner-friendly substance that offers both beauty and durability!
This kit arrives with everything an artist will need to start applying epoxy resin to their artworks. You will find 1 16oz bottle of epoxy resin and 1 16oz bottle of hardener, sample molds, 12 color glitter set, 12 dried flowers, a measuring cup, mixing sticks, gloves, and plastic droppers. So, you won’t have to look elsewhere!
All items in this kit are of high quality so there is nothing to worry about. You will have enough of them to finish many of your projects with ease before you have to purchase replacements.
As it’s a self-levelling product, you won’t face any trouble during the mixing process. Just make sure to mix by 1:1 ratio and stir carefully for about 3 minutes to minimize bubbles. Popping them up won’t be all that tough either! It comes with clear and detailed instructions to help out if you’re confused. Not to forget this premium epoxy resin takes up to 24 hours to dry. However, curing time will depend largely on the temperature and humidity setting of the environment.
You just have to make sure to give it enough time before you start sanding. The best thing is that it hardens to a super-strong and ultra-clear finish appearance. We bet you’ll be impressed by the beautiful coasters it’ll make! Even better, being a safe and odourless item, using this thing will feel easy and fun. It’s UV-resistant so you will be adding a protective layer to your artworks or coasters in addition to making them more attractive! Making it my number 4 choice for the best epoxy resin for coaster making.
Highlighted Features:
- Glass-like finish
- Self-levelling formula
- Cures within 24 hours
- Heat resistant up to 95° C
- Non-yellowing UV-resistant formula
- Includes useful kit & user guide
5. DR CRAFTY Clear Epoxy Resin 2-gallon Kit
Dr. Crafty is a popular brand in the industry of epoxy resins. So let’s see one of its products and what it has to offer to crafters.
There are 2 categories of protection against Ultra-Violet damage: HLS additives and UV stabilizers. UV stabilizers delay the peeling and yellowing caused by UV rays from the sun. On the other hand, HALS additives prevent UV damage completely.
Most epoxy products do not have these ingredients. However, Dr. Crafty’s epoxy resin includes both types of UV protection. This makes it perfect for coasters you’ll be leaving on your outdoor tabletop. The product comes with a hardener and resin, each contained in a 16-ounce bottle. Other things that are included with the kit are 5 stir sticks, 1 plastic spreader, and 2 measuring cups.
All these added tools ensure that you achieve an even finish. This also makes it a great option for beginners since it includes everything you need to start working. Mixing the resin and hardener is simple and straightforward.
You only need to mix one part of the hardener and one part of the resin. The best result is obtained when you mix these products at room temperature. This epoxy resin is perfect for use in crystal clear coating, coaster making, and casting, among other applications.
You’ll be pleased to know that the manufacturer offers a money-back guarantee. Overall, this is the best heat-resistant epoxy resin for making coasters. Making it my number 5 choice for the best epoxy resin for coaster making.
Highlighted Features:
- High gloss finish
- Protection against UV damage
- Suitable for beginners
- Wide range of use
6. JDiction 16 Oz. Crystal Clear Art Resin for Casting
If you’re looking for an epoxy that doesn’t produce bubbles, craters, and other imperfections, this kit from JDiction will be ideal for you! Boasting a high-gloss formula made for offering fantastic results, this one is sure to meet all your artistic needs even if you’re just starting out.
This epoxy resin set offers tons of versatility. You’ll get to explore your creativity and express yourself easily through your art.
From making coasters to resin shakers, this thing is fit for all! The best thing is that you won’t have to spend a lot of time learning how to work with it. It’s designed to be super-easy to handle for anyone! This self-leveling product does a brilliant job in terms of eliminating bubbles.
Coming with everything you need; you will be able to start mixing and applying as soon as it arrives. There is even an instruction manual for your convenience. Are you feeling intimidated by epoxy resins as you’re a first-timer?
Don’t hesitate to consider this only because you’re a beginner. This great item would be very easy to mix, apply, add colorants, etc. For the most part, you will have 40 minutes of working time to fine-tune your creativity to the best of it. So you can bring out some of the best of your coaster creations. Overall, if you’re looking for something to create coasters to gift your loved ones, this thing will prove to be super-useful without a doubt!
The odourless formula cures to perfection within 24 hours. It will always give you incredibly clear, rock-solid, and high-gloss results. Making it my number 6 choice for the best epoxy resin for coaster making.
Highlighted Features:
- High gloss cures to crystal clear
- Self-levelling formula
- No harsh odor
- Resistant to yellowing
7. Total Boat Tabletop Non-Yellowing Crystal Clear Epoxy resin Resin
Like a few other items on our list, this Epoxy resin also comes in two separate bottles: resin and hardener. When you mix the two components in the correct proportion, they react to form a hard, solid plastic. So you can create high-strength, moisture-resistant, and non-yellowing coasters with ease. It can also be used to create a variety of objects, such as resin paperweights, bowls, ornaments, and geometric equipment.
Consequently, it’ll have a clear appearance when cured fully. And for the most part, it doesn’t get yellow over time. Unlike some other types of resin, it does not require a vacuum to cure and will not show up a high frequency of bubbles.
This makes it a good choice for beginner DIYers. The resin can be mixed easily and it cures quickly, which allows for making small projects needing a quick turnaround time.
Even better, this pack is relatively affordable, making it a good choice for those who want to create a high-quality coaster on a budget. Whether you’re getting your hands down for the first time or, are bothered by using low-quality epoxy products, this can be a great alternative!
Low-quality products will tend to be yellow over time or form bubbles, but this epoxy resin is crystal clear and produces a very less amount of bubbles that can easily be taken care of by using a heat gun. All in all, I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for an epoxy resin that is both high quality and easy to use. Making this number 7 out of 7 for my best epoxy resin for coaster making.
Highlighted Features:
- Easy to mix and apply
- Crystal clear appearance
- Does not yellow over time
- No need to worry about bubbles
- Ideal for both casting and coating applications
- Dries quickly with a durable finish
Popular Brands of Coasters Making Epoxy Resin
Teexpert
“Teexpert” is one of the top brands for making resin for coasters. They also produce many art products for experts and beginners. Their products have achieved greater customer satisfaction since they’re highly concerned about your goal and imagination. That’s how putting it at the top of our list, is totally worth it!
Pixiss
Pixiss has something very convenient, especially for novices with the hobby to make something at their first-hand. If you’re looking for something high quality yet comes at an affordable price, this is another great choice!
Puduo
The Puduo brand is highly reputed for creating high-performing art and craft supplies. From professionals to novices, the brand will be so much liked. It’s because they include a detailed user guide along with the product. They’ve made an all-in-one resin coaster-making kit that includes mixing cups, sticks, and gloves along with the product.
Craft Resin Limited
This would be another famous craft supplies provider. They’re highly reputed for creating excellent quality molding and casting products. The one we’ve picked today on our list is like an all-in-one casting product that includes essential kits to get started.
Dr. Crafty
Dr. Crafty is also one of the most popular brands in the market of epoxy. Their resins are manufactured keeping the artists and crafters in mind. These products are ideal for casting, crystal clear coating, and coaster making among other applications.
JDiction Store
This brand is also famous among crafters. As the 6th most favourite brand of coasters making epoxy resin, they provide 4 different types of product options to choose your perfect amount. This is also a brand that offers a ready-to-use product with useful kits.
Total Boat
Very well known in the marine industry, the brand is a go-to for many boat makers and woodworkers alike.
Polyester Resin vs. Epoxy Resin: What is best for Making Coasters?
Polyester and resin are both synthetic resins used in a variety of applications, from art and crafts to adhesives and boat hulls. They have different chemical compositions and properties, which make them suitable for different uses.
Polyester is made from polymers of esters and it’s a thermoplastic, meaning it can be melted and reformed. On the other side of the pond, epoxy resin is made from polymers of epoxides and it’s a thermoset, meaning it sets and hardens when heated.
This difference in composition gives each product different properties. And there are a few things to consider when deciding which resin to use for your coasters. That said, here are a few important things to keep in mind when making your decision:
1. Price
Polyester resin is less expensive than epoxy. However, considering their composition and area of application, epoxy resin is more suitable in terms of making durable, non-yellowing, and beautiful coasters for using both indoors and outdoors.
2. Durability
Polyester resin is not as strong as epoxy and may yellow over time. In other words, epoxy resin is more durable and will not yellow over time. But the latter is more expensive and has a longer curing time than polyester. However, it is less flexible and more brittle than polyester.
3. Ease of Use
Epoxy is more difficult to work with and may require more time and effort to get the desired results. On the other hand, polyester could be much more beginner-friendly because of its shorter curing time. It is also more flexible and less brittle in nature. However, it is not as strong or durable as epoxy, making it less suitable for applications where these properties are important.
How to Choose the Best Resin for Making Heat-Resistant Coasters
As a beginner in DIY resin coaster arts, it’s hard to find the best epoxy resin for coaster making. Well, it’s not a big deal, though! But it happens for the first time, especially if you don’t know what factors to look for when finding the right product.
Once you know, the process will become pretty simple and straightforward. So to make things easier for you, I’ve laid out this special section. It includes some of the most important factors to consider when choosing your best resin product for making high-end coasters.
Curing time
This refers to the duration that the epoxy takes to set after applications. One thing that makes this factor so important is that it determines the time you’ll complete your protection.
Secondly, it determines how much time you have to adjust the craft pieces (otherwise known as the ‘work time). Since the artwork process usually involves working with small components, look for a formulation that takes at least 30 minutes to set. This will give you enough time to remove air bubbles and smooth out the glue before it hardens.
Application
Epoxy resins tend to harden quickly. After mixing the resin with the hardener, you should pour the mixture on your molds within the specified work time. Then spread the coating before the setting process begins. If you’re using epoxy for the first time, look for a product with a longer setting time.
However, the work time should be less than 60 minutes. This will give you enough time to mix and apply the finish without rushing. Moreover, you’ll have adequate time to get rid of any blushing or bubbles. Also, make sure you read the application specifications in the instructions manual before you apply the product.
UV Protection
It’s also good to buy an epoxy that can withstand Ultra-Violet light from the sun. If the resin cannot withstand UV rays, the surfaces will eventually fade off or turn yellow. However, if it’s UV-resistant it will be able to protect your coasters from UV damage.
Finish
Another important thing you should consider when buying epoxy is its finish. Most craftsmen and artists prefer resins with a crystal-clear finish. This type of finish is so beautiful and appealing to the eye. But when you’re planning to amend the resin with ink or dye, you can overlook it.
Water & Scratch Resistance
Choose an epoxy with a formula that can tolerate moisture and water. Such kind of resin will ensure your coasters are protected when it comes into contact with water. Besides, this will prevent them from accumulating unsightly water stains.
Safety
Some epoxy resins contain harmful chemicals. Such ingredients can pose health hazards to the users’ nervous and respiratory systems, liver, and kidneys. To avoid that, we recommend that you look for formulas that contain non-toxic formulas.
Also, even if the formulas are non-toxic, apply them in well-ventilated areas. It is also important to wear protective items like gloves, glasses, and safety masks.
Conclusion
With the best epoxy resins for coaster making, you can turn that dream into a reality! Due to their popularity, there are a whole lot of options to choose from. But there is no reason to be intimidated by that as we’ve narrowed the list of best epoxy resins for coaster making for your projects down to the final 7! Finding one that’s right for your needs shouldn’t be much trouble, now that you have read our list.
FAQs
1. Does resin coasters get scratched?
Epoxy coatings are more durable than other kinds of coatings. Moreover, the composition of their ingredients enables them to form a scratch-resistant surface on curing. So, no! Resin surfaces don’t get scratched.
2. Can I use quick adhesives to fix broken resin parts?
Of course! Start by sanding the broken resin parts with a fine-grit sandpaper. Then use your quick adhesive to bond the small parts together. For larger parts, drill a hole in both parts. After that, insert a spring music wire to provide extra support and strength.
3. Do I need a mold for shaping a coaster?
Molds are very important when you’re making coasters since they contain adhesive. You can use silicone molds or bezels for that purpose. Or, some artists use bathroom silicone caulk to shape the ring circle that holds the resin as a container.
4. What temperature can an epoxy resin coaster withstand?
Resin coasters are a great way to protect your furniture from water stains and heat damage. But how heat resistant are they? Can they withstand hot drinks or hot plates?
The answer is: it depends. Different brands of resin coasters have different heat tolerances. Some brands can withstand temperatures up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, while others can only withstand up to 120 degrees.
If you’re unsure about the heat tolerance of your resin coasters, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid using them with hot drinks or hot plates. Better safe than sorry!
5. Does resin melt under the heat of sunlight?
Resin is a material that can be used for a variety of purposes, from crafting to jewelry making. It can be hard to work with, however, as it can be quite brittle. If you need to melt resin, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier.
One way to melt resin is to use a double boiler. This will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the material from burning. You can also use a heat gun, but be sure to keep it moving so that it doesn’t overheat one spot. If the resin is still not melting, you can try adding a bit of mineral oil to help it along.
Once the resin is melted, you can pour it into a mold or other container to shape it as you like. Just be sure to work quickly, since it’ll begin to harden as it cools. If you need to reheat the material, you can do so by placing it back in the double boiler or heat gun.
With a little patience, you can melt and shape resin into whatever you need. Just be sure to work quickly and carefully to get the best results.
6. What is the best heat-resistant resin for coasters?
There are many different types of heat-resistant resins on the market, so it can be difficult to choose the best one for your needs. However, if you are looking for heat-resistant resin for coasters, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, you will need to consider the temperature that the resin will need to withstand. Some resins are only designed to withstand temperatures up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit, while others can handle temperatures up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
You will also need to consider the type of coaster you are making. If you are looking for a coaster that can be used indoors, you will need a different type of resin than considering it’ll be used outdoors.
Finally, you will need to consider the price of the resin. Some resins can be quite expensive, so you will need to make sure you are getting the best value for your money. With all of these factors in mind, you should be able to find the best heat-resistant resin for your needs.
7. Do you need heat-resistant resin for coasters?
This will depend on your needs. If you’re not intending to use the coasters for hot items, then you don’t need a heat-resistant raw material. But if you intend to use it under hot mugs or drinks, you’ll definitely need one that can tolerate the heat.
8. Can I put hot coffee mugs and drinks on resin coasters?
Yes, you can put hot drinks on resin coasters as long as the material is heat resistant to a certain level that the hot drink isn’t even crossing. In that regard, we recommend choosing something that has high heat tolerance like 110°C. This will ensure you can safely place hot coffee mugs, drinks, bowls, or dishes without damaging them.
9. Why are my coasters sticking to cups?
The most likely reason your epoxy coasters are sticky is that you have not fully cured them. You can cure resin by either letting it sit in the open air or by using a UV lamp.
Learn More About – What Materials Does Epoxy Not Stick to?
10. How much resin do I need for making coasters?
If you’re looking to make coasters out of resin, you’ll need to know how much resin to buy. The amount of resin you’ll need will depend on the size of the coasters you’re making and the thickness of the resin.
For example, if you’re making 4-inch square coasters that are 1/8-inch thick, you’ll need 1/2 cup of resin. But if you’re making 4-inch round coasters that are 1/4-inch thick, you’ll need 1 cup of resin.
To be safe, it’s always best to buy a little more resin than you think you’ll need. That way, if you make a mistake or the resin is thicker or thinner than you anticipated, you’ll still have enough to finish the job.
11. Who Can Use Epoxy Resin?
It’s a versatile and strong material used for a variety of projects. Anyone with enough safety and precautions can use this product.
However, for the harsh chemicals used in some products, it’s not advised for children under 12 or, 13 years to get their hands down to it. Even if they do, an adult guardian should observe them with necessary equipment like a fume extractor, respirator mask, hand gloves, etc.
12. Can you use UV resin to make coasters?
Yes, you can use UV resin to make coasters, however because of the need for a ultraviolet light source to cure and the large surface area of a coaster the resin can cure unevenly.
