Epoxy resin has exceptional bonding strength, durability, and chemical resistance. Also, it’s non-porous, so it can act as a protective surface coating.
Best of all, it’s one of the most versatile chemical compounds out there. For that, you can use it on various materials and projects. It works on metal, glass, wood, and more.
But, where can you buy epoxy resin? If that’s the question on your mind right now, worry not! In this article, I’ll show you some of the best places most hobby enthusiasts buy their resin from. First, let’s look at the things you need to consider when buying this product.
Where to Buy Epoxy Resin and Hardener
There are so many places that you can your resin from. The biggest concern, however, is finding them at the most affordable prices. So, check their availability at different sources and compare prices. That will help you find the ideal product for your resin project at the most reasonable price.
That said, here are some of the best sources to buy resin from;
Online Suppliers and Stores
In this day and age, you can basically find anything, including resin, online. Thanks to the many online sites and supplies out there, ready to cater to their audience. However, before you place your order, you need to ensure you’re at the right store!
The most reputable online stores that sell epoxy include; e-Bay, Walmart, and Amazon. You can also find resin products in various chemical supply stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot. Besides, there are certain specialty art stores that specialize in resins.
Online stores make it easy to find the right resin type for your DIY project. Better still, they’ve useful guides and information to help users achieve excellent results.
Retail Local Stores
Epoxy is a universal chemical product. Therefore, you can find it in certain retail locations near you. However, if you have specific requirements, finding the desired product isn’t that easy. This is because many retailers don’t cater to a specific market.
Instead, they maintain a few products of everything. This approach is known as the catch-all to inventory technique. Besides, most retail outlets only sell hardeners and resins from popular brands.
Fortunately, select retailers can custom order resin for you. However, it can take some time before your package arrives. This will depend on the supplier and their inventory.
Overseas Online Platforms
To find products at cheaper prices, most people head to international wholesale sites. Most of these websites promise extremely cheaper prices for products ordered in bulk. Buying your epoxy in bulk from such websites can help you save some bucks.
Ordering from these international platforms is not that easy though! For instance, communication barriers can make it hard to navigate the site. Therefore, buyers end up selecting an item without even understanding the description.
Also, returning products and customer service on overseas websites can be an issue.
Auction Websites and Bidding Platforms
Bidding platforms usually have tons of used clothing, jewelry, and unloved treasures. Finding a certain type of chemical compound on such platforms, however, may not be as simple as you’d think. Besides, this may not always be the best option to buy epoxy from.
Some auction websites even prohibit the selling of chemicals on their platforms. Therefore, you can bid on a product, only for it to be delisted later.
Which Epoxy Should You Buy?
There are various popular brands you can find on most retailers and online stores. Your choice will be guided by the application and properties you intend to achieve. More importantly, you’ve to consider the surface you’re planning to apply it on.
With that in mind, which is the best brand to buy? Well, in this section, I’ve listed some of the best 2-part epoxies in the market at the moment. They ensure durability and water resistance on various materials.
MAS Epoxies
The products from this brand are becoming increasingly popular among many resin users. Unlike other systems, their resins produce lesser amine residues. On top of that, they gave various hardeners that you can choose from.
Better still, this brand offers special application epoxies as well.
West System
Most boat repairers and hobbyists use and recommend epoxies from West System. This is a highly reputable brand that has a wide range of epoxies. Also, they offer useful guides and information. This helps buyers to use their products effectively.
Axson
Epoxies from Axson are reasonably priced, yet have high quality. They are as good as other top brands, but they’re probably more affordable than most of them. The only issue with this brand is that it’s relatively new in the market.
Therefore, it’s that popular among marine repairers/ builders and hobbyists. Other than that, it’s an incredible option, especially if you’re on a budget.
SP Epoxies
SP epoxies is another reputable brand worth investing in. Their all-purpose epoxy has a fast and slow cure option. While their other 2 products are designed for special applications. For instance, the SP115 Ultra-Clear is intended for use on laminates.
On the other hand, SP320 is ideal for coating surfaces. It provides protection that would require many coats to achieve. You can find this brand in most local stores.
Things to Consider about Epoxy Resin
The use of epoxy is growing in popularity day by day. This is resulting in a significant increase in the variety of products in the market. However, different products are intended for distinct purposes and applications.
So, you can buy epoxy from the best places, yet end up with a compound not suited for your project. To prevent that, consider the following factors before you make your purchase;
Curing Time
This refers to the amount of time epoxy takes to harden and dry fully. Some may take up to 24 hours to cure, while others may need several days.
Working Time
This is how long the epoxy remains fluid after mixing the resin and hardener. Most products have a working time of about 45 minutes. However, this duration varies from one epoxy to another. To determine the exact working time, read the manufacturer’s specifications.
Also, as you can see, 45 minutes is a relatively short working time. So, before you mix the resin and hardener, ensure you’ve all the necessary supplies on hand.
Maximum Layer Thickness
You can pour most epoxies to heights of about 1 to 3 cm only. This thickness is ideal for sealing surfaces like floors, countertops, and tabletops. However, this may not be perfect for projects that need more height.
Such projects include crafting jewelry and filling in river tables. Instead, these projects need a thicker layer. Luckily, there are deep-pour epoxies you can use to achieve that.
FAQs
1. How much epoxy should I order for my project?
To determine how much epoxy you need for your project, use a simple volume calculation. This involves multiplying the length by the depth by the width of your pour. Then convert it to liters or gallons.
2. Where can I buy epoxy at the cheapest price?
Online stores are the cheapest places to buy your resin from. First, buying epoxy online is quick and simple. Also, these stores have a large selection of products and brands. This helps you to find the perfect item for your project with ease.
3. What is the cost of buying epoxy resin? Epoxy Resin Price?
The price of epoxy tends to vary significantly. Usually, the cost of 1 liter of resin ranges from $7 to $10. These price variations are caused by the resin properties and place of production.
