Epoxy is often viewed as a mundane construction material. Maybe you coat a material to protect it from things, or you preserve something sentimental. Perhaps you simply make a visually pleasing but rough surface feel smooth.
Yet that's not the only use for epoxy. Over time, using epoxy to create art has become more and more a common reason for why users want it, and unique types of epoxy specialized in the creation of art—both simple and complex—are now prevalent.
Choosing the right art epoxy, or simply the right epoxy in general, is an important decision that, in part, determines the kind of art you can make and how it will look when you're done.
If you're searching for the right epoxy, you may be wondering which art epoxy is best. In this article, we'll explain which art epoxy we think is best, providing you with detailed reasons for why you should use it, then directing you to other resources you may find interesting.
What Is the Best Art Epoxy?
Among the many art epoxy variants available these days, we've found UltraClear Art & Craft Epoxy to be the best one out there for most types of resin art projects.
UltraClear Epoxy products in general are all manufactured at a premium quality level—meaning unlike with low-cost budget brands, you actually get what you pay for (and then some). They're also fully made in the USA rather than overseas, providing comfort to those who prefer American-made products which are regulated for safety and quality assurance.
But UltraClear Art & Craft Epoxy also has some distinguishing features among the UltraClear lineup. Here's a list to start:
- Crystal-Clear Appearance: This epoxy will cure perfectly clear on white surfaces.
- Convenient Application: This epoxy is also easy to use, with just a few clearly defined steps to follow.
- Flexible Working TIme: An extensive working time means you won't have to rush your project.
- High Durability: High scratch resistance, waterproofing, and chemical resistance mean your artwork will stand the test of time.
Let's take a closer look at these.
Feature #1: Crystal-Clear Appearance
The visual element is arguably the most important aspect of most art. Because sight can evoke complex or powerful emotions from people, it's valuable to work with an epoxy resin that looks good naturally yet can be manipulated without issue.
UltraClear Art & Craft Epoxy has an inherently transparent appearance, much like glass, once cured. When looking through it, it cleanly showcases whatever is on the opposite side of it or within it, allowing for beautiful imagery and a sense of depth.
Furthermore, UltraClear Art & Craft Epoxy is also very receptive to colorants. This means you can use epoxy powders, resin dyes, or alcohol inks to imbue your creation with shades and tones. Whether your aim is to make your epoxy translucent or fully opaque, colorants are a versatile way to modify the epoxy to convey your thoughts and ideas.
Curious about what colorants we offer? We carry the full lineup of Pigmently products! See below:
Feature #2: Convenient Application
Another worthwhile element to UltraClear Art & Craft Epoxy is how straightforward and easy it is to work with. In just a few steps, you'll go from measuring to fully cured, without needless complexity or other complications that bring an increased risk of imperfections or problems.
Instead, you just need to:
- Measure: Add the components into a mixing container with a simple 1:1 ratio.
- Mix: Stir them together thoroughly, making sure to swipe the bottom and sides so nothing sticks.
- Apply: Use your newly combined mixture to create the art you've envisioned.
Then just let it cure for an adequate amount of time, and it's good to go!
Feature #3: Flexible Working Time
One underappreciated aspect of epoxy is the working time. This is the amount of time you have to apply the epoxy once you've finished mixing it. Because each epoxy has its own working time, it's worth considering when choosing an epoxy for your art.
UltraClear Art & Craft Epoxy has a generous working time of 40 minutes, considerably more than the average epoxy provides. This allows creators to work on their project carefully, taking their time to get things just right without having to stress about the time they have to finish applying the epoxy.
For epoxies with shorter working times, it can be easy to accidentally take too long applying it, resulting in blemishes and other imperfections. Issues such as air bubbles, clouding, and cracks are examples of what can happen if the epoxy wasn't applied in time.
Feature #4: High Durability
In order to achieve greater versatility and a more lenient working time, art epoxies have reduced strength compared to their table top epoxy counterparts. With UltraClear Art & Craft Epoxy, however, this reduction is minimal, and it maintains a very high level of durability that provides several things, including:
- High physical protection (scratches, dents, cracks)
- Waterproofing (i.e,. protection from moisture, including liquids and humidity)
- Resistance to chemicals (many solvents, oils, greases, etc.)
How much each factor matters varies by the types of art, as some projects experience more wear and tear than others.
High physical protection helps preserve art that has a functional purpose, such as a resin tray or coaster or even a small table top, and the waterproofing seal of UltraClear Art & Craft Epoxy is useful for resin art that might make contact with liquids, such as projects positioned on tables or countertops, or those that are placed outside, while chemical resistance keeps it safe from substances until it's been cleaned.
Additional Resources
Here are some additional resources you may find useful:
- Why Your Epoxy Choice Matters: The Reality of Epoxy Safety and Quality: Learn about the ways in which many epoxy dealers cut corners on your safety.
- What to know about epoxy before starting a project: Familiarize yourself with epoxy before diving in.
- How to make an epoxy serving tray with a river vein: One of the most common resin art techniques is the river vein. Learn to make one in a serving tray here.
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.
