Epoxy resin vs acrylic resin: Which resin to choose for your creations?

Epoxy resin: the queen of transparency and resistance

Epoxy resin is a mixture of two components: a resin and a hardener. When mixed, they react chemically to form a hard, transparent plastic.

Benefits :

• Exceptional transparency: Epoxy is ideal for highlighting objects included in the resin, such as dried flowers, glitter or pigments.
• Resistance: Once cured, epoxy resin is very resistant to impact, water and UV, making it an excellent choice for jewelry and decorative objects intended for everyday use.
• Gloss Finish: Epoxy naturally provides a high gloss finish, without requiring an additional coat of varnish.
• Versatility: It can be used on a multitude of supports (wood, metal, fabrics, etc.) and allows you to create objects of all shapes and sizes.

Disadvantages:

• Drying Time: The drying time of epoxy resin can be relatively long, especially in cold or humid weather.
• Toxicity: Epoxy resins release toxic fumes during curing. It is therefore essential to work in a well-ventilated area and to wear a protective mask.
• Price: Epoxy resins are generally more expensive than acrylic resins.

Acrylic resin: versatile and easy to use

Acrylic resin is a water-based resin, easier to handle than epoxy. It is often used for painting and modeling.

Benefits :

• Easy to use: Acrylic resin mixes with water and cleans easily with soapy water.
• Fast drying: The drying time of acrylic resin is much shorter than that of epoxy.
• Less toxic: Acrylic resins are less toxic than epoxy resins, but it is still recommended to work in a well-ventilated area.
• Price: Acrylic resins are generally less expensive than epoxy resins.

Disadvantages:

• Less Transparent: Acrylic resin is not as transparent as epoxy, which may alter the appearance of the included items.
• Less resistant: Acrylic resin is less resistant to impacts and scratches than epoxy.
• Less glossy finish: The finish of acrylic resin is generally less glossy than that of epoxy.

Which resin to choose?

The choice between epoxy resin and acrylic resin will depend on your project and your preferences.

Opt for epoxy resin if you want:

• Create transparent and resistant objects.
• Embed objects in resin.
• Achieve a glossy finish.

Opt for acrylic resin if you want:

• A resin that is easy to use and clean.
• Quick drying.
• A more affordable cost.

In conclusion, both types of resin offer endless creative possibilities. By understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each, you will be able to choose the resin best suited to your projects and create magnificent creations.

In my video, discover the different types of resin and their use:

• Epoxy, acrylic or UV resin
• silicone molds for resin
• examples of creation: jewelry with resin pendant, orgonite pyramid, divinatory pendulums