What Is Epoxy? Pros and Cons Every Crafter Should Know

Epoxy is a highly valuable tool that enables crafters to create stunning finishes on a variety of projects. From shiny, custom tumblers to colorful coasters and jewelry, epoxy is a popular material that appeals to both beginner and experienced crafters alike. 

At its core, epoxy is a resin that cures into a hard, durable surface when mixed with its companion solution. This reaction creates a strong, glass-like finish that’s ideal for decorating and securing original designs on drinkware and other surfaces. 

Understanding how epoxy works and its benefits can help you decide whether it’s right for your next crafting project. In this epoxy overview guide, you will learn about how crafters use epoxy for designing, the pros and cons of using epoxy coating resin, and tips for getting the best results. 

Whether you’re completely new to epoxy or want to improve your craft, this guide will help support you on your creative journey. 

What Is Epoxy Resin? Epoxy Basics Explained

Epoxy is an incredibly versatile material made from a resin and a curing agent that react to form a strong, durable substance. When these two components are combined, a chemical process known as polymerization occurs. 

During this reaction, the resin molecules link together to form long, interlocking chains, transforming the initially liquid mixture into a rigid solid. The process generates a hard, glossy surface that is resistant to water, chemicals, and wear. 

What Is Epoxy Used For?

Epoxy is used in many industries and projects because of its durability, clarity, and ability to produce smooth, long-lasting surfaces. Those working in construction and manufacturing often utilize industrial-grade epoxy as a powerful adhesive and as a coating agent. The material is also common in the automotive industry, as epoxy can bond components, protect surfaces, and provide long-lasting coatings. 

The material is also popular among DIY enthusiasts for its strength and versatility. Homeowners often apply epoxy resin to provide a protective coating for garage floors, countertops, and basement surfaces, creating durable, water-resistant finishes. People also frequently use epoxy sealer to repair cracks in concrete, bond materials like wood or metal, and seal surfaces against moisture and wear. 

In the context of crafting, epoxy is commonly used for bonding materials, applying special coatings, and creating decorative items. 

Due to epoxy’s diverse applications, it’s crucial to select the appropriate type of epoxy for your crafting project. Industrial-grade epoxies are not suitable for crafting, as they may cure too quickly, produce strong forms, and lack a decorative finish. The type of epoxy you’ll need will also depend on your crafting application, whether you’re using it as an adhesive, a protective coating, or a casting resin for molds. 

Popular Uses of Epoxy in Crafting

Epoxy is an excellent resource that crafters use to enhance and create projects. One of the most common applications is using clear epoxy coating resin, which crafters use to seal and secure designs. Coating epoxy resin creates a glossy, smooth surface over printed graphics, artwork, and other designs, protecting them from scratches, moisture, and wear. Epoxy resins also enhance colors and details, giving projects a polished, professional look.

Crafters can also use epoxy molds to create original items from casting resins. You can combine resin and a curing agent from a 2-part epoxy kit and pour it into silicone molds to produce custom decorative shapes. This method allows for endless creativity, especially when crafters add epoxy flakes or epoxy colors to the mix for unique effects. If you’re interested in making custom items with an epoxy mold, you’ll need casting epoxy resin rather than coating resin. 

Another popular epoxy application in crafting is using it as an adhesive. Epoxy glue provides a strong, durable bond for attaching components or embellishments to a project. Unlike regular craft glues, 2-part epoxy glue cures into a hard, long-lasting connection, making it ideal for projects that need extra strength and stability. You can use 2-part epoxy glue to secure small decorations, such as beads, charms, or metal accents, to your crafts, ensuring they stay firmly in place even with regular use.

By combining coatings, molds, and adhesive applications, crafters can use different types of epoxy resins to transform simple materials into durable, polished, and visually striking creations. 

Pros of Using Epoxy Coatings 

Many crafters rely on epoxy coatings to lock in their designs on tumblers and similar surfaces. Using epoxy resin to coat your products and apply designs offers many benefits, including: 

• Durability: Once cured, 2-part epoxy resin coatings create a strong, long-lasting finish that can withstand everyday use. This makes it ideal for coating a variety of items, including drinkware, jewelry, and artwork. 
  
  
• Easy to Use: Epoxy resin is beginner-friendly and straightforward to work with, especially when your 2-part epoxy resin is a 1:1 mix. Even beginners can achieve smooth, professional-looking results.
  
  
• Smooth, Glossy Finish: Epoxy resin imparts a glass-like finish that enhances colors and details. Clear epoxy resin is a popular choice because it produces a professional, transparent finish that preserves the design.
  
  
• Low-Cost Entry: There are many different ways to customize drinkware and other items, such as sublimation printing, but using epoxy resin is notably affordable. Rather than needing to invest in equipment, you can purchase an epoxy resin kit for around $30 to begin customizing crafts today.

Working with epoxy resin opens the door to creative projects that are durable, beautiful, and unique. It’s a high-quality and affordable option for those interested in customizing items. 

Cons of Using Epoxy Coatings

While epoxy resin is a durable customization solution, it does have some drawbacks that crafters should consider. Here are the most common challenges and inconveniences when working with epoxy:

• Curing Time: 2-part epoxy resins do not harden instantly. Depending on the type and brand, curing can take several hours or even a whole day.
  
  
• Required Mixing Precision: If you do not measure the resin and hardener correctly, the resin epoxy may not cure fully. 
  
  
• Fumes: Epoxy resins can emit fumes, potentially causing irritation to your eyes, skin, and lungs. Always work in a well-ventilated environment to ensure your safety and use a low-odor epoxy solution.
  
  Temperature Sensitivity: Extreme heat or cold can impact how epoxy resin cures. Without a stable room-temperature environment, the finish may turn cloudy or uneven.

With the right resins, safety precautions, and planning, you can overcome these challenges and enjoy using epoxy resin to create stunning crafts. 

Epoxy Tips for Beginners

Getting started with using epoxy resin can feel intimidating, but a few simple tips make the process much easier. These suggestions can help you create successful epoxy resin crafts and build confidence in your projects:

• Check Temperature and Humidity Conditions: For the best results, ensure your workspace’s humidity is below 60% and the room temperature is above 73°F. Additionally, store your epoxy resin kit between 65°F and 75°F. 
  
  
• Use Food-Grade Epoxy for Functional Items: If you plan to make items that will come into contact with food and beverages, such as tumblers or plates, always choose food-safe epoxy that complies with FDA standards. This ensures your creations are safe and durable.
  
  
• Measure and Mix Carefully: Follow the instructions for your two-part epoxy resin precisely. Accurate measurements prevent sticky or soft results and ensure your clear epoxy resin cures properly.
  
  
• Work in a Well-Ventilated Area: Proper ventilation reduces exposure to fumes and keeps your workspace safe. 
  
  
• Use a Clean Workspace: Dust and debris can embed in the resin, affecting the finish.
  
  
• Keep a Craft Torch or Heat Gun Nearby: You can use a craft torch or heat gun to gently remove surface bubbles without overheating the resin.
  
  
• Cover Up While Working: Use gloves and protective clothing to prevent skin irritation from uncured epoxy.
  
  
• Keep Pets and Children Away: Prevent resin spills and accidental exposure by keeping pets and children out of your workspace. Store your two-part epoxy kit safely out of reach.
  

By following these tips, beginners can avoid common mistakes and stay safe while working with epoxy resin. You can also learn detailed, proper techniques for applying epoxy resin to tumblers by checking out our guide “How to Epoxy a Tumbler: Tips and Tricks.” 

Epoxy Resin FAQs

What Is the Best Epoxy Resin for Tumblers?

The best epoxy resin for tumblers is a durable, easy-to-use coating resin that delivers a flawless, glossy finish. Many crafters choose tumbler epoxy kits made specifically for drinkware to achieve reliable results.

Is Epoxy Resin Toxic?

Most epoxy resins, including those used in crafting, can release volatile compounds during mixing and curing. These fumes may irritate the skin, eyes, or respiratory system, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Proper ventilation, gloves, and protective clothing can help minimize exposure. Once the two-part epoxy resin fully cures, it no longer emits fumes or poses hazards. 

Is Epoxy Food Safe?

Epoxy resin is not inherently food-safe, but you can purchase specific epoxy resins that are formulated to be safe for contact with food. Look for products specifically labeled food-grade epoxy or FDA-compliant when selecting your epoxy resin. Additionally, the epoxy will not be safe around food until it fully cures. 

Is Epoxy Waterproof?

Yes, properly cured two-part epoxy is waterproof. This makes it ideal for sealing drinkware and other items that may come into contact with water. Using an epoxy coating to seal your designs will give your crafts a glossy, waterproof finish.

Where to Buy Epoxy Resin?

You can buy epoxy resin from craft stores, online marketplaces, or wholesale suppliers, such as The Stainless Depot Company. For beginners, epoxy resin kits provide all the materials needed for your first project.

Get the Best Epoxy Supplies For Your Next Crafting Project

Understanding epoxy and its applications can help crafters make projects that are both beautiful and durable. Knowing how epoxy resin works and its pros and cons gives you the confidence to tackle a variety of creative ideas, including customizing tumblers with unique designs. 

If you’re interested in learning more about epoxy and other exceptional crafting tools, you can visit The Stainless Depot Company blog. There, we feature a complete guide on how to use epoxy on tumblers, as well as a guide for fixing common epoxy problems.

Our site also provides everything you need to start crafting with epoxy resin. From high-quality fast-set epoxy resin and bundles to epoxy mixing bowls and wholesale epoxy tumblers, you can find all the supplies to bring your crafting ideas to life. With quality epoxy resin and proper technique, you can create crafts with a polished finish that will stand the test of time.