Hello, genius crafter…!
You know how important coasters are for protecting the wooden table surface and many others. But, when it comes to creating resin coasters, it’s a bit tricky game! I personally like the one that comes durable, heat-resistant, and doesn’t melt and turns sticky.
Well, do you find it hard to get the best epoxy resin for coasters making?
Fret not! We’ve sorted out the agony on your way. Today, we’ve brought some of the best resins for making heat-resistant coasters. From a hot coffee mug to glasses, teacups, water bottles, nothing can damage or, put stains on the surface.
These resins are highly durable with up to 400°F of heat tolerance. So, without further talking, stick with us to criticize’em all here!
Quick round-up on our handpicked products:
Image | Name | Rating | Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Teexpert – Crystal Clear Resin Kit for Coasters |
5 out of 5 |
Check On Amazon | ||
Art ‘N Glow Clear Casting & Coating Resin for Coasters |
5 out of 5 |
Check On Amazon | ||
Two-Part Crystal Clear Art Epoxy Resin Kit |
4.5 out of 5 |
Check On Amazon | ||
Resin Casting Starter Kit for Art & Craft |
4.5 out of 5 |
Check On Amazon | ||
Fast Curing, Crystal Clear Casting Resin |
4.5 out of 5 |
Check On Amazon |
To read about our product selection procedure, visit the “About” page.
What is Epoxy Resin?
Let’s see the chemistry behind the epoxy resin. It comes from an epoxide group, a colloquial name of the resin. It might also be referred to as polyepoxides that are from reactive classes like polymers or, prepolymers. Seems like jargon to you? Well, it’s a bit of a chemistry thing.
The epoxy resin comes as a low-viscosity liquid that reacts with a co-reactant like polyfunctional amines (hardener compound) to form the hard curing state.
When you mix the resin and hardener, it allows you for a certain amount of time before you finish up making your coasters. Epoxy might also be used for many other projects like metal coating, as an insulator or, adhesives, etc.
Who Can Use Epoxy Resin?
From the definition of epoxy resin, you can understand that it contains some corrosive chemical ingredients. And, they come in contact to form a hard solid stage from the initial liquid stage. So, when playing around with resins, it’s highly necessary to be patient with awareness and skills or at least have proper knowledge of the application.
With that being said, it’s recommended only for adult people. Children might only engage with proper safety equipment to assist in your coasters making projects. Those involve some mixing and pouring activities along with their wonderful childish creative ideas.
5 Best Epoxy Resin for Coasters: REVIEWS
Go ahead and browse this carefully selected list of five best Epoxy resins that are sure to help in crafting magnificent coasters to embellish your tables! So, which resin is best for coasters? Let’s find out –
More Resources:
- Best Polish for Epoxy Resin (Reviews and Buying Guide)
- Best Heat Gun for Epoxy Resin (Reviews & Buying Guide)
1. Teexpert – Crystal Clear Resin Kit for Coasters
This is a fantastic Epoxy Resin, designed to be perfect for all sorts of artwork and coating projects. If you’re keen on creating top-notch coasters, it will be an amazing choice for sure!
It’s an exceptionally versatile kit that’s super easy to work with. With quick hardening performance, your casting and coating works can’t go wrong with this one! And, it appears crystal-clear when cured fully.
Whether you’re a new crafter or a seasoned professional, this item will be suitable for all your needs! The package includes two bottles of resin and a hardener, each containing 8 ounces of substance. You will be surprised at how they easily mix!
Its self-leveling capability makes it an astoundingly convenient product for any crafter or DIY’er. All you have to do is keep stirring slowly and evenly during the mixing process to get a bubble-free mixture!
You won’t have to tolerate any pungent smell either as it’s almost odorless.
Being highly compatible with glow glitter colorants and craft pigment powders, this one will always ensure a captivating gloss that you can’t take your eyes off! You’ll get to play around with different colors to find the one that suits you the most.
This is a fast-curing epoxy resin, taking no longer than 8 to 24 hours. After it’s completely hardened, you will have yourself a rock-solid product. Just remember to wait 4-6 hours before each pouring if you’re adding multiple layers.
Feel free to sand and polish as much as you want after hardening!
Luckily, your coasters will be able to tolerate up to 60°C temperatures. And so, on our list, this is the best heat-resistant epoxy resin for coasters.
Highlighted Features:
- Clear transparent on curing
- Heat resistant from 122-140°F
- Perfect for both professional & beginners
- Bubble-free self-leveling formula
- Non-toxic and safe to use
- Complete kit set
2. Art ‘N Glow Clear Casting & Coating Resin for Coasters
If you’re looking for the best quality epoxy resin for coasters, this one from Art N’ Glow is certainly a great option. It’s considered the best epoxy for art projects in the market right now.
Art N’ Glow resin set comes with two bottles of 8 ounces each; a hardener and epoxy.
They’re various reasons that make many users fall in love with this product. For one, it has a flexible formula, thus enabling you to cat any mold you can think of. That’s how it becomes a great option for different types of DIY decorations, molding, casting, etc.
So, you see how flexible it is to shape your mind-blowing coasters!
This epoxy is compatible with a wide range of surfaces. So, apart from making coasters, you can also use them on other materials. This includes things like concrete, canvas, rocks, stones, wood, paper, and ceramic. It’s also ideal for protecting and coat paint, countertops, and decorative kitchenware.
The other incredible thing is that its formula is odor-free, self-degassing, and self-leveling. The self-leveling feature will save you a lot of time during the application. Besides, it’s resistant to UV light, thus prevents from yellowing over time.
Worth of all, it can tolerate heat up to 120 °F. This also helps it to retain its initial crystalline look at all times. With that being said, you’ll impress your guests by putting your amazing durable coasters on the serving table for a long time.
The self-degassing property ensures the clear finish is free from bubbles during application, curing, and drying time! Consequently, it sets in 40 minutes and cures in about 72 hours. Overall, this epoxy mixes level and flows smoothly, forming a very appealing glaze being one of the best options for beginners also.
Highlighted Features:
- Rock-solid curing
- Odorless and self-leveling
- Heat resistant up to 120°F
- Non-yellowing & non-flammable
- Sets quick in 40 minutes
- Made in the USA
3. Two-Part Crystal Clear Casting & Coating Epoxy Resin for Art and Craft
Imagine having a kit that comes with everything you need for your coasters-making project. Well, that’s exactly what this set from Sig Wong is all about!
To start with, this kit comes with a hardener and resin in 260ml bottles each. Besides, you will get 3 graduated cups, 4 usable sticks, 4 droppers, and 2 pairs of rubber gloves.
There is also a detailed instruction manual. So, regardless of whether you’re a beginner or a professional artist, using this set is quite simple.
With all these items, you can easily measure and mix the resin and hardener in a 1:1 ratio. Afterward, you need to stir the components for about 3 to 4 minutes. This will result in a uniform solution that you can smoothly and easily pour on your coaster’s mold.
Best of all, the solution takes about 40 minutes to set, which gives you adequate working time. You’ll get enough time to show up your creative ideas on the coasters. The self-leveling property ensures that it delivers a clear finish that’s free from bubbles.
Moving on, this resin has a UV-resistant property that helps to prevent yellowing. You can form a hard, anti-scratch layer. This layer gives your crafting projects better protection. In terms of versatility, you can use this kit for other tasks as well.
It’s ideal for other projects like use in casting, crystal clear coating, river tables, and DIY resin art among others.
Highlighted Features:
- Comes with a complete kit
- Highly versatile application
- Easy application procedure
- Dries clear transparent
- Doesn’t yellow over time
- Pops out bubbles itself
4. Resin Casting and Coating Starter Kit for Art and Craft
We’ve got another outstanding epoxy resin kit that comes with specially formulated epoxy to give your artworks beautiful and long-lasting finishes! It’s designed to do the job perfectly without any hassle, making it straightforward enough even for beginners.
This product is precisely what you’re looking for if you want to make excellent coasters easily. Besides, it’s suitable for a wide array of projects including casting, coating, paintings, countertops, tumblers, and more! So, it’s an excitingly versatile item!
Inside this kit, you will find the mixing cups, hand gloves, and mixing sticks in addition to the epoxy bottles so that you can get started right off the bat!
Mixing the liquids is pretty easy too and it gives you 45 minutes to add the decorative flairs. You won’t have to rush at all, allowing you to apply the finest finish! Mix the resin and hardener evenly then stir them carefully if you want to minimize the bubbles. Afterward, it will be ready to be used!
After applying, leave the substance to dry for 8 hours. That’s how fast it is! However, the ideal curing time may vary as it is affected by the temperature and humidity of the environment. Don’t do any sanding until it’s done curing.
Now, this thing cures into a crystal-clear finish that’s also incredibly durable. Thanks to its amazing color stability, the rich colors of your artworks will remain pristine and untouched! It’s rare to see epoxy resins dry to rock-hard materials in such a short time.
This item comes with 32 ounces of a quantity which is more than enough for most projects. You won’t have to buy the replacements as frequently. In fine, this can be your go-to doer for creating any creative resin coasters!
Highlighted Features:
- No harsh smell
- Allows 30 minutes to work
- Creates crystal clear coasters
- Heat-resistant up to almost 125°F
- Wide range of application
- Very easy to use
- Levels itself
5. Fast Curing, Crystal Clear Casting Resin Kit for Art, Craft
The last one of the toppers! This is yet another fast curing casting, non-toxic, and premium quality epoxy resin by QBCARRIER. It’s one of the best options if you like homemade crafts. The set time is about 40 minutes. And, your coasters will cure rock solid within just about 8 hours. However, you might want to allow 24 hours for it to be intact fully.
Curing happens pretty fast with sunlight or, a UV torch.
While curing, it self-levels pretty flat and de-gasses itself. You can work smoothly without even worrying about bubbles. When done, your coasters will have a clear and glassy finish. This offers scratch resistance, weather, and waterproof capability.
Worried about how much temperature it can tolerate? So, here comes the interesting part!
At the cured stage, this resin can resist up to 120 °F. Also, it doesn’t get yellow and withstands random weather conditions. You might also leave your resin coasters on the outsides deck tables. It doesn’t get damaged and does not even become sticky!
So, this is perfectly designed for any of your creative projects.
Its uncompromising expert tested result ensures that it fits any color pigments. You can easily mix it and put it into the coaster molds. Then you start showing off your creativity.
Highlighted Features:
- 120 °F heat tolerable
- Fast curing non-toxic
- Made with premium quality materials
- High customer satisfaction
- Simple to mix and mold
- Clear transparent finish
Polyester Resin Vs. Epoxy Resin: What is Best for Coasters?
Have you ever come across these two types of products? Yes or no, these are two different types of resins! Both might be suitable for a variety of similar craftworks. But, there’s a slight difference in which epoxy resin is best for making coasters.
So, wondering what are the differences between polyester resin and epoxy resin? And why epoxy resin is best for coasters? Let’s find out!
1. Bonding Strength
Epoxy resin is known for its incredible bonding strength. It’s capable of withstanding a lot more pressure than polyester resin. You can expect it to hold up to 2,000 psi while polyester resin’s capacity is less than 500 psi. As a result, epoxy will give you a more durable casting and coating. Now, as you can see, epoxy will make your coasters stronger.
2. Cost
Epoxy resin is comparatively more expensive than polyester. You’d have to spend more money if you want to make coasters with it. Well, it’s stronger and comes with a better formulation that’s suitable for coasters and crafting so it’s worth it.
3. Wear-Resistance
When it comes to wear-resistance, epoxy easily wins because it’s much more durable. It can resist cracking, peeling, environmental damage, corrosion, etc. Compared to that, polyester is rather fragile. If you want long-lasting coasters, epoxy is the way to go.
4. Odor
Polyester resin can be smellier than epoxy so you’d have a hard time working with it. On the other hand, high-quality epoxy resins produce little to no odor, making them more pleasant to be around.
5. Water-Resistance
Epoxy can be completely waterproof as it can prevent water from breaching in. Therefore, it isn’t easily damaged by moisture. Polyester resin isn’t all that effective in resisting moisture. It’s known to be water-permeable, so it will allow water to pass through. You want your coaster to be water-resistant because you’re likely to put wet glasses or bottles on it. That’s why epoxy is the better choice.
6. Cure Time
As we’ve mentioned before, cure time for resins can vary depending on the temperature and humidity. Polyester resin can be slightly faster than epoxy. However, the difference isn’t all that big. The curing time can be manipulated by changing the environment such as – using UV torchlight or direct sunlight.
7. Shelf-Life
Epoxy offers a longer shelf-life than polyester resin. You can leave it to sit in your garage for many years as long as you haven’t mixed the substances. Polyester resin won’t last that long.
Conclusion
With the best resin for coasters, you will be able to break your limits, explore your creativity, and make astoundingly beautiful coasters! Our in-depth review is filled with some of the best products on the market. They are all beginner-friendly and super-effective.
So, go ahead and pick any of them to start molding amazing coasters or use them in other projects!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is cured resin heat resistant? What temperature can a resin coaster withstand?
Answer: Cured resin’s heat resistance depends on the quality of the epoxy. The standard heat-resistant epoxies can resist heat to some degree. You will find the common ones to withstand up to 120-150 degrees Fahrenheit. Some of the specially formulated ones can offer up to 600-degree Fahrenheit of heat resistance.
You can find out how much temperature a specific model of epoxy can handle just by reading the packaging or asking the salesmen.
2. Can you melt hardened resin? Does resin melt in the sun?
Answer: Yup, it’s possible to melt hardened resin. Epoxies come with a glass transition temperature (Tg) which is also known as softening point. If you manage to heat the hardened resin above its Tg, it will start debonding and softening. Most of them will start melting from 200 degrees. You can use a hot air gun for that.
Whether resin will melt in the sun depends on the quality of the epoxy. If it’s a heat-resistant one that comes with UV-ray protection, it won’t melt in the sun. Most of the products we’ve reviewed are suitable for outdoor projects.
3. What is the best heat resistant resin for coasters?
Answer: “Teexpert – Crystal Clear Resin Kit” is one of the best resins for making heat tolerable coasters. It’s designed to resist UV rays so it can withstand long-time exposure to the sun with ease. As a result, it can resist heat without any problem. So, feel free to use it for outdoor applications!
4. Do you need heat-resistant resin for coasters?
Answer: Of course, you need a heat-resistant resin for coasters. That’s because you will be placing hot glasses or bottles on the coasters. If the coaster isn’t built with heat-resistant resin, it’s going to melt or soften. That’s something you don’t want now, do you?
So, make sure to get a heat-resistant resin kit for making your coaster. Otherwise, it won’t be able to serve your purpose. Fortunately for you, all of our reviewed products are heat-resistant!
5. Can you put hot drinks on resin coasters?
Answer: Resin coasters made with heat-resistant epoxy resin will be able to withstand the heat of hot glasses or bottles. They will not melt or soften. You won’t have to deal with glass or bottle marks either. However, you shouldn’t place burning hot drinks on the resin coasters.
They aren’t capable of withstanding extreme temperatures. Don’t put something on your resin coaster right after taking it out of the microwave!
6. Why do my coasters stick to cups?
Answer: It’s simply because of the condensation that causes the bottom of cold bottles or cups to be wet. When that happens, a hermetic seal is created by the water which prevents the passage of air. As a result, when you lift the cup, you end up creating a vacuum between the coaster and the cup.
This, in turn, results in the creation of a force that causes the coaster to stick to the cup.
7. How much resin do I need for coasters?
Answer: For creating a single beautiful coaster, you will need at least 3 ounces of resin. Make sure to mix equal amounts of hardener and resin. Stir them for 2 to 3 minutes to get the perfect mixture. You will need more for creating multiple coasters.
Just remember to be careful and follow the instructions if you’re a beginner.