If you’ve ever poured epoxy resin over a canvas, tabletop, or jewelry piece and watched it harden into a crystal-clear, glossy surface, you know the magic of this versatile material. Epoxy makes colors pop, protects surfaces, and gives your art that professional look.
But here’s the thing:
not all epoxy resin is created equal. There are several types, each with different properties. Knowing which type to use can save you time, money, and headaches — and make your artwork last longer without yellowing or cracking.
Whether you’re making a river table, jewelry, or resin art coasters, this guide will help you understand the basics — and show why
iCoat Epoxy is trusted by professional artists around the world.
What Is Epoxy Resin?
Epoxy resin is made of
two parts:
- Resin (the base)
- Hardener (the activator)
When you mix them, a chemical reaction begins, and over time, the mixture cures into a strong, glossy plastic. The type of resin and hardener you choose affects
clarity, curing time, flexibility, and UV resistance — all important for creating long-lasting,
beautiful art.
The Main Types of Epoxy Resin for Artists
Here’s a simple breakdown of the
types of epoxy resin you’ll encounter, and what they’re best for:
A little technical, but see what we deal with!| Type | Key Features | Best For |
| Bisphenol A (Bis-A) | Strong, clear, general-purpose | Tabletops, coasters, art pours |
| Bisphenol F (Bis-F) | Thinner, more chemical-resistant | High-traffic surfaces, large art pieces |
| Aliphatic Epoxy | UV-resistant, stays crystal-clear | Jewelry, river tables, outdoor art |
| Novolac Epoxy | Heat and chemical-resistant | Specialty or functional art |
| Cycloaliphatic Epoxy | Weather-resistant and durable | Outdoor art, resin lighting pieces |
| Epoxy Hybrids (like Epoxy Acrylate) | Fast-curing, sometimes UV-cured | Small detailed art projects |
Most
artist-grade resins are blends of
Bis-A and Aliphatic epoxy, which give you clarity, UV resistance, and a smooth, glossy finish.
The Hardener Makes a Difference
The hardener you use is just as important as the resin. Fast-cure hardeners are perfect for small projects or thin pours. Slow-cure hardeners are ideal for deep pours, larger pieces, or when you need more working time to create effects.
Choosing the right combination ensures
bubble-free pours, crystal-clear clarity, and long-lasting results, exactly what artists want.
Why iCoat Epoxy Is the Top Choice for Artists
There are many resin brands on the market, but
iCoat Epoxy stands out because it offers the
largest professional range for artists and creators. Here’s why:
- Artist-focused formulas: iCoat resins are crystal-clear, self-leveling, and easy to work with, making them perfect for art pours, coasters, jewelry, and river tables.
- UV-resistant: Their resins resist yellowing over time, keeping your colors vibrant and whites bright.
- Versatility: iCoat has a resin for every creative project, from deep pours and tabletops to fine-detail art pieces.
- Professional quality, easy to use: You don’t have to be a chemist; iCoat’s formulas are consistent, reliable, and safe for artists.
- Support and resources: iCoat offers tutorials, workshops, and technical advice to help artists improve their resin skills and finish projects like a pro.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for
the best epoxy resin for art, it’s important to understand the type of resin you’re using. Different resins give different results in clarity, curing time, flexibility, and UV resistance.
For professional results,
iCoat Epoxy is a brand that artists can trust. With their wide range of professional-grade resins, UV protection, and artist-focused formulas, your resin projects will stay vibrant, glossy, and durable for years to come.
We are here to answer all your different types of epoxy resin questions. (602) 258-1114
