A photo of an elaborate ornamental epoxy table coffee table top. There's a text overlay that says, "What type of epoxy is used for art?"

Using resin in one's art has become increasingly common in the last decade. Because epoxy is so versatile, artists have discovered many different uses for it in the creations of the works.

But there are many types of epoxy, some of which are better suited than others for the creation of artwork involving resin.

In this article, we'll explain which epoxy is typically used for most art, as well as why you might use something else for less obvious (i.e., unconventional) forms of art.

An epoxy coffee table with an elaborate design, featuring geode-like crystals and several epoxy veins of blue, black, white, and more.

Which type of epoxy is used for art?

For the majority of art of projects that use resin to supplement their art, as well as for those for which it is the primary medium, an art-and-craft epoxy is the way to go. Among the more common epoxy variants, this one might be considered a jack-of-all-trades, featuring the pros and cons of epoxies at either end of the spectrum, but to lesser extents.

Art-and-craft epoxies can be poured in slightly thicker layers than a table top epoxy, but not quite as deeply as a standard deep pour epoxy. If unmodified, they will cure to a clear, transparent finish. Additionally, because of their intended purpose, they're typically available in smaller amounts, too, allowing artists to acquire only what they need for smaller endeavors.

A photo of UltraClear Art & Craft Epoxy, stored as separate components in two bottles.

What is art-and-craft epoxy used for?

Art-and-craft epoxy is ideal for small-to-medium sized creative projects.

Here are some examples of what it's good for:

  • Jewelry Making: Art-and-craft epoxy is superb for creating custom jewelry pieces, such as pendants and earrings, allowing for embedding items like flowers, glitter, or photographs.

  • Coating and Finishing: Art-and-craft epoxy can be used to coat surfaces, providing a glossy finish and protection for carved wood, painted canvas, or other materials.

  • Resin Art: Some artists use it to create abstract art pieces or geode-inspired designs by mixing pigments and pouring the epoxy into molds.

  • Home Décor: It's great for crafting decorative items like coasters or wall art, allowing for numerous design possibilities.

  • Encapsulation: It can be used to encapsulate objects (like shells or memorabilia) for unique display pieces.

  • Craft Projects: It's also great for school projects, DIY crafts, and other creative endeavors where a strong bond and clear finish are desired. Just be sure to monitor if a child is using it.

Generally speaking, art-and-craft epoxy can be used for nearly any of the same projects that other common epoxy types can be used for. For instance, it can serve well as a table top finish, especially for smaller tables.

A colorful epoxy art piece made using 4 Pigmently epoxy pigments, shown next to it in their containers.

What other types of epoxy can be used for art?

Any of them can be, really. The three most common types of crafting epoxy are table top epoxy, deep pour epoxy, and art-and-craft epoxy. We've talked about art-and-craft epoxy already, so let's consider the other two.

Table top epoxy

Table top epoxy is by far the most common crafting/finishing epoxy type, used primarily for coating countertops, table tops, and bar tops, as well as other kinds of furniture, and much of its appeal comes from its crystal-clear appearance, as well as its incredibly high durability, which allows it to withstand wear and tear better than any other epoxy type. This makes it great for high-traffic environments like restaurants and bars, where rough or careless treatment is inevitable.

Table top epoxy is highly viscous, and is limited to thin layers to prevent imperfections from forming in the coating. Fortunately, it's also self-leveling, and will naturally spread out to the ideal thickness for a single coating each time it's poured onto a flat surface. Users who need a thicker layer are then able to apply additional coatings or make use of deep pour epoxy, which is less durable but supports much greater depth.

Much like art-and-craft epoxy, a good table top epoxy will be highly receptive to colorants, embedments, and other means of customization. Working with it, however, can be a bit more restrictive, as it has a slightly shorter working time during which to apply it after mixing. Still, it's often viewed as more than enough time to apply to the types of projects best suited for it, allowing creators to personalize their work while still getting the most out of its sturdy nature.

A penny epoxy table top made using UltraClear Bar & Table Top Epoxy
What kind of art can be table top epoxy be used for?

In addition to the list for art and craft epoxy, table top epoxy is also viable for:

  • Table tops of any size
  • Bar tops and countertops
  • Benches and similar seating
  • Other large furniture and fixtures

The scale of a project can influence the type of epoxy used, and table top epoxy is definitely good for larger projects, such as these.

Deep pour epoxy

Deep pour epoxy is noticeably different from other epoxy types, as it is specifically formulated to support much deeper resin layers. It's much less viscous than the others, instead exhibiting a watery consistency. This causes it to flow quite readily over edges and onto floors when it isn't contained.

The added depth of a deep pour coating means that artists can encapsulate large objects or fill in deeper molds with ease. This added convenience makes the application process not only much faster but also less risky, with a much lower chance of blemishes such as air bubbles forming.

An unavoidable cost to deep pour epoxy's greater versatility comes at its strength; it's the least durable of the three main epoxy types. In typical deep pour projects, such as river tables, many users opt to apply a topcoating of table top epoxy. This isn't always necessary, but it can ensure a long-lasting, durable finish in situations where your art has a functional purpose and heavy use is expected.

A deep pour epoxy art piece that depicts a shallow stream with fish, pebbles, and aquatic flora.
What kind of art can be deep pour epoxy be used for?

Deep pour epoxy is best for parts of a project that are contained and require a thick pour. These include:

  • Epoxy veins (such as those of a river table)
  • Deep resin layers (often seen in large molds)
  • Large encapsulations (when you want to preserve something bigger)
  • Table tops made almost entire of epoxy (thus requiring a heavy pour)

Most art won't require deep pour epoxy, but it's unique nature provides a unique niche for it to occupy among resin art.

A list of common epoxy art projects and the best epoxy for them

Here's a list of epoxy projects and which type of epoxy we recommend for them:

  • Resin geode art—UltraClear Art & Craft or UltraClear Deep Pour Epoxy: Geode art can come in all shapes and sizes, but the main determinant is how thick you need your epoxy pours to be when making it.
  • River tables—Any UltraClear Craft Epoxy (use Deep Pour Epoxy for layers thicker than 1/2 inch): This includes tables that have a typical central river vein as well as those with veins at the perimeter or smaller, container epoxy reservoirs (which are often tinted).
  • Resin wall art—UltraClear Art & Craft Epoxy: This includes things like clocks, paintings, mosaics, etc.
  • Small resin art, jewelry, etc.—UltraClear Art & Craft Epoxy: Rings, pendants, keychains, coasters, and other small items pair best with our art-and-craft epoxy.
  • Table tops and countertops—UltraClear Bar & Table Top Epoxy (use Deep Pour Epoxy for layers thicker than 1/2 inch): Whether commercial or domestic, our table top epoxy is the way to go for dining tables, coffee tables, kitchen countertops, and such.
A large resin geode art piece. It features an irregular pattern of gold, white, and black tones with geode crystals throughout.

UltraClear Epoxy: Resin products of unmatched quality

As with any material, epoxy resin has both pros and cons. But no other sealant has so few weaknesses, and that's what puts epoxy above all other options when it comes to being a finish for high-traffic fixtures and furniture such as countertops, table tops, and bar tops. And among epoxy resin products, there are none that match the quality of UltraClear.

You can find our UltraClear Epoxy products on the following pages:
  • UltraClear Bar & Table Top Epoxy: The classic choice for bar tops, countertops, and table tops. Rock-solid, waterproof, and crystal-clear.
  • UltraClear Deep Pour Epoxy: Our deep pour casting resin. Ideal for thick layers, such as those needed for river tables.
  • UltraClear Art & Craft Epoxy: Our arts and crafts resin, designed for smaller artistic endeavors which typically involve resin molds and require a bit more fluidity than bar top epoxy.
Epoxies that endure, with minimal upkeep

With high chemical and physical resistance, UltraClear resins can withstand and endure many forms of wear and tear without breaking a sweat or showcasing any cosmetic damage.

Plus, in addition to its ease of application, they also require little upkeep to maintain its pristine appearance. With a high-quality epoxy finish, you can expect a minimum lifespan of 7 years, with no need for reapplication. Beyond that, it's a breeze to renew that coating, requiring only a light sanding and a fresh layer of epoxy.

Expert support from our resin specialists

For more information about epoxy, or for assistance with your epoxy project, contact us at UltraClear Epoxy, where you can speak with one of our epoxy experts. During business hours, you can also text chat online with one of our resin specialists by clicking the Help button at the bottom of your screen.

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