Although many epoxy projects only require one type of epoxy, there are times when you should use both.
A final topcoat of our table top epoxy—which has a very high hardness rating—can help prevent inevitable wear and tear in projects that will see considerable use, such as a river table or a bottle cap bar top. Your surface area will be more resilient and last even longer this way.
Table Top Epoxy is slightly less versatile but more durable.
Deep pour epoxy is handy because it supports 2-inch resin layers, which can greatly reduce project complexity and the amount of time and effort needed. Less complex means fewer mistakes.
The downside to this feature is that it isn't quite as durable as our Table Top Epoxy. That's why some resin enthusiasts will employ both types of epoxy, with deep pour resin being used to fill deep spaces, and table top epoxy being used for a final protective coating.
Both epoxy types have their own mixture ratio, so be sure to read the included instructions when measuring a resin batch.
Click here to learn more about the differences between our Table Top Epoxy and Deep Pour Epoxy.
When should table top and deep pour epoxies be used together?
For any project that requires one or more thick epoxy layers (i.e., greater than 1/4 inch), deep pour epoxy is ideal. You also can use it to embed or encase objects and fill large spaces intentionally left around your substrate, such as the "river" of river tables. It's more than durable enough to be used on its own.
However, when you're working with porous materials like wood, we do prefer to use UltraClear Table Top Epoxy for seal coats before any deep pour layers.
A seal coat helps release the air inside the porous substance, preventing a variety of blemishes from appearing within your epoxy layers.
As mentioned earlier, you should apply Table Top Epoxy as a final topcoat over a cured Deep Pour Epoxy project if you expect considerable use or possible rough treament.
On the Shore Hardness Scale, our UltraClear Table Top Epoxy scored highest, with a nearly perfect Shore D rating of 98 out of 100. A topcoat of this will ensure that your project lasts for a long time.
You can find both our UltraClear Table Top Epoxy and our UltraClear Deep Pour Epoxy in our store.
Additional Resources
Here are a few additional resources you may find helpful:
- Epoxy: Proper storage, shelf life, and preventing "yellowing" - Our guide to properly storing epoxy resin before and after it's been opened.
- Digital Instructions: UltraClear Table Top Epoxy - The digital version of our instructions for our Table Top Epoxy
- Digital Instructions: UltraClear Deep Pour Epoxy - The digital version of our instructions for our Deep Pour Epoxy
Stay informed on the epoxy industry.
Epoxy resin is a wonderful product—when it's high quality. Unfortunately, many epoxy dealers sell substandard resin. Knowing how to spot a shady brand and avoiding it can save you time and money.
Our free ebook, The Ugly Truth About Epoxy Resin: What Companies Don't Want You to Know, explains how to identify good epoxy sellers from bad, so that you can make informed decisions when shopping for epoxy resin.
Have questions? Want advice? Contact us!
If you have any questions or concerns about using multiple epoxy types, or about epoxy in general, please reach out to us. Our epoxy experts are ready to assist you with any issues and can also provide project planning assistance.
You can contact us via phone or email here. During business hours, you can also text chat online with an epoxy specialist by clicking the Help button at the bottom right of your screen.
