Which Epoxy Resin should I use for my Wood Project? What attributes should one pay attention to when looking for the Best epoxy resin for woodworking? Read the article below to the end to get a comprehensive insight into the things you need to watch out for. 

To achieve the best quality workmanship and aesthetics for your epoxy resin wood projects, it is very critical to choose Best epoxy resin for woodworking.

This way, the project becomes more comfortable to work on, and the result is exceedingly desirable. The article below is the ultimate guide for Best epoxy resin for woodworking.

SELECTING THE BEST EPOXY RESIN FOR WOODWORKING

The following are the criteria along which you should select the Best epoxy resin for woodworking:

1. VISCOSITY OF EPOXY RESIN

In simple terms, the viscosity of Epoxy resins is the measure of the epoxy resin’s resistance to flow.

1.1 Low Viscosity Epoxy Resin

These epoxy resins have a low resistance to flow and are termed casting resins or informally regarded as thin fluid resins.

By being “thin” and “watery,” Low Viscosity Epoxy Resins can penetrate the minutest of crevices, holes, or cracks in the wood surface. However, Low Viscosity Epoxy Resins take more extended periods of time to work and require 12 to 24 hours to harden and fully cure.

Owing to the long working time, it allows epoxy hobbyists to pour large quantities in thick layers all at once.

Low Viscosity Epoxy Resins are therefore ideal for the following projects:-
• Resin Jewelry
• Casting Molds
• Casting furniture, for example, River Tables
• Filling wood cracks and holes

1.2 High Viscosity Epoxy Resin

High Viscosity Epoxy Resins have a higher consistency, like the one exhibited by honey. High Viscosity Epoxy Resins are commonly referred to as “laminating resin” due to their effective and extensive use for coating purposes on wooden surfaces.

These High Viscosity Epoxy Resins have a shallower maximum pour depth of approx. between 1cm and 2cm.

High Viscosity Epoxy Resins are therefore ideal for the following projects:-
• Coating wooden floors: Garage, Kitchen, Living room, etc.
• Super-gloss coating for all flat wooden surfaces
• Sealing
• Resin Art
• Protective Coating for all Paintings and Epoxy Resin Tables

2. QUALITY OF GLOSS OF EPOXY RESIN

The Best epoxy resin for woodworking is one that produces a super crystal clarity in the end.

High gloss epoxy resins are commonly desirable since many wood epoxy hobbyists are only interested in covering their surfaces while exposing the aesthetics of the surface on which they are applying their epoxy.
The quality of gloss is fundamental as it dictates the overall impressions the result can have on the user and is such a critical detail.
Some manufacturers now offer various gloss designs, for example, mirror-like gloss, which is an intrigue for a good number of users with its frequent application on wooden surfaces.

3. CURING TIME

Curing time is also important when choosing the Best epoxy resin for woodworking.

Epoxy resins that take a shorter time to dry are better to work with than products that take longer to dry because those with shorter time shorten your project completion time, allowing some convenience, for example, in delivering paid projects fast.

Generally, products that dry within 30 minutes are perfect for small spaces, whereas products that dry within 2 to 72 hours are well suited for large or commercial purposes.

It is worth noting that this factor is not significantly critical as the only advantage factor is time and convenience.

Related to curing time, is the availability of a bundled hardener that comes associated with the epoxy resin. With the hardener present, wood hobbyists can achieve faster curing time as advertised by the manufacturer.

4. SELF-LEVELLING ABILITY OF EPOXY RESINS

Self-Levelling Ability of Epoxy Resins is an important attribute of the best epoxy resin for woodworking since it gives the resultant surface a smoother surface as compared to a product without a self-leveling trait.

By the mere possession of this attribute, the wood hobbyist enjoys the time saved by having required to wipe the resin to flatten it on the surface.

Also, workmanship is maintained as a wipe could compromise the result based on the wood hobbyist’s experience.
Generally, epoxy resins that self-level at around 1/8 inches are easier to work with. Those epoxy resins that settle at between 1/10 and 1/6 are also excellent for woodworking.

5.BLUSH RESISTANCE

Blush is a wax appearing substance that forms over cured epoxy.

The substance is undesirable as it appears cloudy with uneven opacities that negatively affect the desired quality of gloss for epoxy resins.

Settling for an epoxy resin with blush resistance attributes is essential to achieve the maximum aesthetic potential for your wooden surface. Although the majority of products in the markets offer this feature, it is always important to cross-check the label to be certain.

6.ANTI-BUBBLE EPOXY RESIN

Another characteristic to consider when choosing the best epoxy resin for woodworking is the Anti-Bubble feature. Especially with Low Viscosity Epoxy Resins, since air penetrates such epoxy resins with ease. Bubbles reduce the artistry and overall aesthetics of the resulting surface.

7.WATER AND MOISTURE RESISTANCE

It is critical to choose a water and moisture resistant epoxy formula to ensure wood strengthening from spills, precipitation, and humidity.

By working with a water and moisture resistant epoxy, then you can place your furniture or surface in a wet or moist environment without the worry of utter war and tear.

It is also important to check if this feature has been clearly listed in the product description and also appears in the product label as well.

8.UV RESISTANCE

The Best epoxy resin for woodworking should possess an excellent resistance to Ultra Violet Rays without which epoxy resin surfaces begin yellowing.

Although the majority of products may claim to possess this feature, some formulations are excellently perfect for UV resistance, with some qualifying for application on outdoor wooden surfaces and furniture.

Yellowing from UV radiation reduces the aesthetic quality and the level of positive impression from an epoxy resin.

9.SCRATCH AND IMPACT RESISTANCE

It is critical for epoxy resins for woodworking to offer adequate scratch and impact resistance.

Imagine the amount of bruise and scratches that your plain wooden surface may suffer, and select an epoxy resin with as high scratch and impact resistance, if not more.

The plain surface scratches are an excellent benchmark for the quality of resin you should choose.

This feature is directly involved in the overall durability of the epoxy resin, allowing your surface to last for long if chosen rightly.

CONCLUSION

Finally, it is crucial to first decide on the scale and type of woodworking that you want to get involved in before following this guide. That way, you are aware of the features to pay more attention to and those you can workaround.