When choosing an epoxy resin, ensuring you get the optimal resin for your goals is fundamental to avoiding issues and achieving stunning results.
For instance, though the majority of projects benefit most from the use of our UltraClear Table Top Epoxy, sometimes you need something that has more "flow"; that's when a low viscosity epoxy like our Deep Pour Epoxy comes into play.
Deep Pour Epoxy: Our premium low-viscosity epoxy
UltraClear Deep Pour Epoxy is a thinner resin that flows more freely when poured. It's designed to be used for epoxy projects that require thick layers of resin, e.g., river tables.
Mixing it is just as straightforward as mixing typical Table Top Epoxy, but it uses a different ratio of resin to hardener—2:1 instead of 1:1.
Because it's a low viscosity epoxy, UltraClear Deep Pour can be poured in layers of up to 2 inches thick at a time. This is possible because air is able to more easily escape resins with lower viscosity ratings than those of higher ratings, resulting in fewer air bubbles.
As with our other UltraClear resins, Deep Pour Epoxy is incredibly receptive to certain types of colorants, including mica powder pigments and resin dyes.
The advantages of using Deep Pour Epoxy over other resins
UltraClear Deep Pour Epoxy has a few unique features that make it the ideal choice for certain situations.
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It's a low-viscosity epoxy. Air can escape it more easily, enabling thick layers to be poured without the concern for masses of air bubbles.
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It has a thinner consistency. This means it will flow freely into tight crevices and small spaces. This also makes it good for filling silicone molds when making resin jewelry and art.
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It has an extended working time. With Deep Pour Epoxy, you'll have 20 to 30 minutes after mixing up your batch to apply it to your project. This is considerably more than the 5-minute window provided by Table Top Epoxy and other resins.
Deep Pour Epoxy is great for resin art, and river veins, and more
Because of its distinct characteristics, UltraClear Deep Pour Epoxy is the best option for projects such as river tables and resin art.
With resin art, which often uses smaller batches and uses silicone molds, the Deep Pour Epoxy will quickly conform to the shape of the mold. Objects can be neatly embedded into it after pouring to personalize your creation.
For unparalleled durability, finish with a coat of Table Top Epoxy
When planning an epoxy project, consider the purpose of your epoxy finish. For projects that you expect to receive a lot of use, or those that will be placed in high-traffic areas (such as an epoxy bar top or countertop), it can be a good idea to give your project a layer of Table Top Epoxy at the end.
Many experienced creators, including ourselves, use Deep Pour Epoxy to complete the majority of a project that requires thick layers. Afterward, when the project is nearly complete, a final topcoat of UltraClear Table Top Epoxy can then be applied to give the project the highest possible protection.
This allows you to reap the benefits of both types of resin, getting the thick, pristine layers of Deep Pour Epoxy with the nearly impervious resilience of our glasslike Table Top Epoxy. It's the best of both worlds.
How to choose the right epoxy for your project
If you're uncertain which epoxy you need, it can help to think about your project goals. Consider the following questions:
- How thick of an epoxy finish do you want?
- Do you want any epoxy veins or reservoirs (for aesthetic reasons or otherwise)?
- Are you working with molds, or will you be solely pouring onto a substrate?
How thick of an epoxy finish do you want?
If you need a thick epoxy finish, then you should probably use Deep Pour Epoxy. Our Table Top Epoxy self-levels at 1/8 of an inch. You can pour multiple layers, but with each additional layer the chance for issues or mistakes to occur increases.
Thus, we suggest using Deep Pour Epoxy if you'll be needing a layer thicker than 1/4 of an inch, which is equivalent to two individual layers of Table Top Epoxy.
Does your project include pouring epoxy veins or filling in reservoirs, for aesthetic reasons or otherwise?
If you have a reservoir or open space for an epoxy vein, e.g., the river vein in river tables, you'll want to use Deep Pour Epoxy for that. This will give you the cleanest results and make removing air bubbles a breeze.
Are you working with molds, or will you be solely pouring onto a substrate?
If your project involves pouring epoxy resin into a mold—as most resin art does, for instance—you'll probably get a better result with Deep Pour Epoxy, due to its ability to handle thicker layers.
Tips on using UltraClear Deep Pour Epoxy
The epoxy process can be a relatively easy experience, but only if you understand in advance what you need to do.
With that in mind, we have a few tips for avoiding common issues and getting the best results.
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Measure your resin carefully. Remember, our Deep Pour Epoxy uses a 2:1 ratio. This means you'll use twice as much resin as hardener. For example, if you need 3 cups of epoxy, you'll mix 2 cups of resin with 1 cup of hardener.
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Mix each batch thoroughly for a proper blend. For detailed information, check out our mixing guide here.
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Construct a temporary dam if needed. For some projects, where you need to prevent the resin from flowing over the edge, a temporary dam can be crafted to contain your resin until it has a chance to harden.
Deep Pour Epoxy FAQs
#1: How thick can you pour Deep Pour Epoxy?
Deep Pour Epoxy can typically be poured up to 2 inches thick in a single layer. This thickness can vary between products, so it's important to refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for specific limits.
#2: Does Deep Pour Epoxy require a special curing time?
Yes, due to its volume and depth, Deep Pour Epoxy generally has a longer curing time compared to standard epoxy resins. It may take several days to fully cure, depending on the product, ambient temperature, and humidity levels.
#3: Can Deep Pour Epoxy be colored or tinted?
Yes, Deep Pour Epoxy can be tinted with epoxy-compatible colorants. It's important to use colorants that are specifically designed for epoxy to ensure the color disperses evenly without affecting the resin's curing properties.
#4: How do you prevent bubbles in Deep Pour Epoxy?
To minimize bubbles, ensure the epoxy is mixed slowly and thoroughly to avoid introducing excess air. Pouring slowly and carefully can also help. Additionally, using a heat gun or torch after pouring can help pop any surface bubbles.
#5: Is Deep Pour Epoxy suitable for outdoor projects?
While Deep Pour Epoxy can be used outdoors, it's important to check if the specific product has UV inhibitors to prevent yellowing and degradation from sunlight exposure. If not, an additional top coat with UV protection may be necessary.
#6: What are the best practices for working with Deep Pour Epoxy?
Key practices include measuring and mixing the resin and hardener accurately according to the manufacturer’s ratios, ensuring the working environment is clean and at an appropriate temperature, sealing the wood or other substrate materials to prevent leaks and air release into the resin, and using proper safety equipment like gloves and respirators during application.
#7: Can Deep Pour Epoxy be used on vertical surfaces?
Deep Pour Epoxy is generally not suitable for vertical applications as its low viscosity is designed for horizontal pours. For vertical surfaces, a thicker, more viscous epoxy formulated for coating applications would be more appropriate.
Additional Resources
Here are some additional resources you may find helpful:
- Epoxy resin drying/curing times - An explainer on curing times for each type of resin.
- How to measure the amount of epoxy you need - A guide to determining the total epoxy you should order for your project.
- How to wash away resin and epoxy on your hands and skin - Our guide to cleaning resin off your skin.
Have questions? Want advice? Contact us!
If you have any questions about low viscosity epoxy or would like advice on planning your epoxy project, please reach out to us at UltraClear.
You can contact us via phone or email here. During business hours, you can also text chat online with one of our resin specialists by clicking the Help button at the bottom right of your screen.
