For most epoxy resin types, there's a stark limit to how thick a user can pour them before an excessive risk of air bubbles and other issues becomes a concern. For the best table top epoxies, this is about 1/8 of an inch per layer. For art and craft epoxies, creators usually have more leeway, but there are still notable restrictions.
Howevever, sometimes you need something that can go beyond these restrictions, allowing for deep, extra-thick layers to be poured. And that's when deep pour epoxy comes into play.
In this article, we'll explain what deep pour epoxy is, then tell you our recommendation for the best deep pour epoxy available, both for professionals and DIYers alike. We'll also provide a small list of some additional resources that may be useful to you.
What is deep pour epoxy?
Deep pour epoxy is a variant of epoxy that allows for extra-thick layers to be poured at a time. While most epoxies allow for layers of up to 1/8 of an inch, a good deep pour epoxy can support layers of up to 2 inches—an enormous increase over conventional epoxies.
Higher versatility, slightly lower durability
Compared to other epoxy types, deep pour tends to be less durable than its counterparts, which is a necessary compromise to produce the lower viscosity levels that allow it to be poured in greater depths. Fortunately, deep pour epoxies still tend to more than adequate in strength for a project, but for situations where a lot of wear and tear is expected, most users will supplement it with a thin topcoating of table top epoxy.
A different mixing ratio, measured by volume—not weight
Another difference between deep pour and the average epoxy is the mixing ratio used for measuring. Whereas table top epoxies tend to use a 1:1 mixing ratio of resin to hardener, deep pour epoxy often requires a 2:1 ratios, meaning for every 2 fl oz of resin component there should only be 1 fl oz of hardener component. It's not uncommon for new users to mistakenly use the wrong ratio or to measure by weight instead of volume, so be careful to avoid that.
Deep pour epoxy also doesn't self-level like table top epoxy, meaning it needs to be contained as it will flow like water over the edges of any surfaces onto which it is poured.
Other than that, application is mostly the same as other epoxies:
A specialized epoxy that incurs a higher cost
Another noteworthy aspect to deep pour epoxy is that it costs more than table top epoxy. There are several reasons for this:
- It uses a more specialized formula.
- It's designed to support longer working times.
- The creation process requires greater quality control.
What is the best deep pour epoxy?
Deciding on the best deep pour epoxy means considering the factors that make deep pour epoxy useful in the first place. Here are the primary areas that matter:
- Strength—Is it strong in its category?
- Clarity—Does it cure to a transparent finish?
- Ease of Use—Is it easy to apply? Is prior experience needed?
- Maintenance—How much upkeep is there? Is reapplication necessary?
Taking these four factors into consideration, we recommend UltraClear Deep Pour Epoxy as the best deep pour epoxy out there.
Why UltraClear Deep Pour Epoxy is at the top of its class
In each of the categories that matter most, UltraClear Deep Pour Epoxy excels. Let's take a look at each.
Strength
Despite being formulated for deep pours, UltraClear Deep Pour Epoxy has a high level of strength when cured and can be used for many types of projects without concern for scratching and other types of damage.
It's also receptive to additional coatings, including topcoatings of other epoxy types, for when the utmost in protection is desired.
Clarity
UltraClear Deep Pour Epoxy cures to a glasslike transparency. In its normal state it is fully transparent, allowing the materials inside and underneath it to be seen.
When desired, it can be infused with vibrant epoxy colorants, too. Simply add in the desired pigments or dyes when mixing. The more you add, the deeper and more opaque the colors will be.
Ease of Use
Applying UltraClear Deep Pour Epoxy is easily, with no past experience needed. Simply measure, mix, and pour a batch out, then let it cure.
Need multiple layers? That's no problem, as UltraClear Epoxy products can all bond easily with additional coatings of other epoxies.
Maintenance
One thing many users don't consider when choosing an epoxy is the amount of maintenance or upkeep it entails once cured. With UltraClear Deep Pour Epoxy, keeping your finish good as new is a simple affair.
For cleaning, simply use warm water and a mild soap—no need for harsh chemicals like bleach or even vinegar. Plain glass cleaner or multi-surface cleaner will also do the trick.
As for long-term wear and tear, you can expect a 7-year minimum lifespan with proper care. This means no need for reapplication or epoxy touch-ups until at least that long has passed.
In addition to that, UltraClear Deep Pour Epoxy is:
- Made in the USA.
- Never imported.
- Not manufactured overseas.
By choosing a premium epoxy over a low-grade budget brand resin, you can avoid the pitfalls of using subpar products and save yourself time, money, and a headache later on.
Additional Resources
Here are some additional resources you may find useful:
- Why Your Epoxy Choice Matters: The Reality of Epoxy Safety and Quality—Learn why it's so important to use high-quality epoxy for your projects.
- What to know about epoxy before starting a project—First time using epoxy? Get some key tips before you get started.
- How to achieve a perfect river vein in your river table project—One of the most common uses for deep pour epoxy is for making river tables. Learn how to get a perfect river vein 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.
