Ready to take your home decor projects to the next level?
I remember spending hours researching epoxy resin brands, comparing parameters, reading specs, trying to figure out which one wouldn't ruin the walnut slab I'd been saving for months. YouTube made it look simple - just pour and wait. Reality? Each brand has its specifics. Pour depths vary wildly. Mixing ratios differ. Cure times can surprise you.
Here's what matters more than your pouring technique: choosing the right epoxy resin for your project type. Use the wrong formula, and you'll waste materials, time, and that beautiful piece of wood you've been saving.
I've worked extensively with some of the brands on the market, and built a good understanding of what to expect from the rest through specs, community feedback, and manufacturer data. This guide covers what I wish someone had told me when I started.
Table of Contents
What You Can Actually Make with Epoxy Resin
Epoxy resin opens up serious creative possibilities for custom home decor. Here's what actually works:
River Tables
Combine wood and epoxy resin to create the glass-like river effect between live-edge slabs. This is what got me hooked on resin work - the contrast between raw wood and crystal-clear epoxy is stunning when done right.
Coasters
Create unique coasters using pigments, glitters, and embedded objects. These are perfect beginner projects - small enough that mistakes don't cost much, but impressive enough to gift.
Wall Art
Pour abstract designs on canvas for smooth, glossy, three-dimensional pieces. Mix colors, create cells with additives, or keep it minimal with solid pours.
Serving Trays
Pour resin into molds and customize with colors and decorations. These make excellent gifts and sell well if you're thinking about turning this into a side business.
Jewelry and Small Accessories
Mold resin into pendants, earrings, and bracelets. Add dried flowers, metallic flakes, or color combinations. Small scale means you can experiment without wasting expensive materials.
Countertops and Surface Coatings
Apply epoxy coating to kitchen or bathroom surfaces for high-gloss, durable finishes. This requires more experience and the right product - not all epoxies work for horizontal surfaces that need to be food-safe.
Flower Preservation
Encase flowers in resin to create permanent paperweights or decorative blocks. Timing matters here - flowers must be properly dried first or they'll rot inside the resin.
These projects offer endless customization options. Every piece becomes a personal creation.
What Makes Epoxy Resin Ideal for Home Decor Projects?
High-Gloss Professional Finish
Epoxy resin creates a beautifully transparent, glass-like effect that elevates the look of your decor pieces. When properly applied, it's nearly indistinguishable from glass - but much more forgiving to work with.
Durability and Longevity
Cured epoxy withstands wear and tear while maintaining its appearance and structural integrity. A properly finished river table will outlast most commercial furniture.
Unlimited Customization
Easy to customize with pigments, additives, and embedded objects. This is where epoxy shines - you can create effects and color combinations impossible with other materials.
Low-VOC or Non-Toxic Options Available
Many modern epoxy resins are safer for indoor use, though proper ventilation still matters during application and curing. Don't believe marketing claims that any resin is completely odor-free - they all release some fumes during cure.
What to Look for in Epoxy Resin: Key Features
Clarity (Crystal-Clear Finish)
A crystal-clear finish ensures your projects have a professional, high-gloss look that enhances embedded objects and pigments. Cheaper resins often cure slightly cloudy or have a yellowish tint from day one.
Curing Time
Balance between quick curing and enough working time to fix mistakes or add creative touches. Fast-curing resins give you less time to work but get you to finished pieces quicker. Slow-curing formulas offer more working time but test your patience.
UV Resistance
Prevents yellowing over time, keeping your home decor items vibrant even when exposed to sunlight. This is critical for anything near windows or under direct light. Non-UV-resistant resins will yellow noticeably within months.
Heat Resistance
Essential for functional decor like coasters and trays. The resin must handle hot coffee mugs or warm serving dishes without softening, clouding, or developing ring marks.
Low Odor
Important for comfortable indoor use, providing minimal fumes and a healthier workspace. All epoxy releases some smell during cure - "low odor" means tolerable, not odorless.
Best Epoxy Resin Brands by Skill Level
Brands for Beginners
Artline Epoxy
Ideal for European beginners with its intuitive product naming system (Crystal, Honey, Extra Honey). The variety of viscosities means you can choose the right product for your project type, and the competitive EU pricing makes experimentation more affordable.
Their Crystal formula offers 1:1 mixing for coating work - simple math, forgiving measurements. The strong UV resistance across their range means your first projects won't yellow unexpectedly, which builds confidence in your material choice.
Promise Epoxy - Table Top (1:1 ratio)
Affordable and straightforward to use. The food-safe properties make it suitable for crafting kitchen-related items, and it offers a budget-friendly option for new users experimenting with resin.
Good for learning because mistakes don't cost as much. The 1:1 ratio on their Table Top product is beginner-friendly. Note: Their Deep Pour (2:1 ratio) is better saved for when you're comfortable with resin basics.
Alumilite Amazing Clear Cast (1:1 ratio)
Perfect for small projects like jewelry, coasters, and coatings. The 1:1 ratio keeps mixing simple, and the 3/8" pour depth limitation actually helps beginners avoid overheating issues that plague deeper pours.
Start here before moving to their Amazing Deep Pour product - the coating resin teaches you fundamentals without the complexity of managing exothermic reactions in thick pours.
Craft Resin - Art & Craft (1:1 ratio)
Low odor formula makes it ideal for home workshops without dedicated ventilation. Simple 1:1 mixing and ASTM-certified safety features reduce anxiety for first-time users.
Their standard Art & Craft product is what beginners should start with - save the Deep Pour variant for later when you're ready for river tables.
Brands for Advanced Users
TotalBoat - Fathom Deep Pour (2:1 ratio)
Known for high durability and UV resistance, perfect for advanced users creating functional furniture like river tables. Fathom's 2"-3" pour depth capability demands experience managing heat buildup and timing multiple layers.
The marine-grade formula has a strong reputation for long-term durability and UV resistance - a key factor for client work or furniture that needs to perform for years. The 2:1 ratio and deep pour chemistry aren't beginner-friendly, but the specs suggest it's built for serious work.
Epodex PRO+ (2:1 ratio by weight)
Wide variety of colors and excellent UV resistance make it well-suited for advanced users aiming for customizable, intricate decor projects. The precise 2:1 mixing ratio by weight requires accuracy - measuring by weight is essential.
Their PRO+ system handles deep pours up to 5cm (2"), but managing the exotherm on pours that thick requires experience. Start with their ECO system if you're new to the brand.
UltraClear Deep Pour (2:1 ratio)
The 6-inch pour capability is impressive, but it's not for beginners. Managing that much resin curing at once - preventing overheating, eliminating bubbles, timing the pour correctly - requires solid fundamentals.
Free 2-day shipping helps when you miscalculate and need more resin mid-project, but you'll want several successful 1-2" pours under your belt before attempting their maximum depth.
Top Epoxy Resin Brands Compared (2026)
Here's an honest comparison based on real workshop experience. Prices and availability current as of February 2026.
Alumilite
Key features:
Versatile and compatible with dyes
Good for jewelry and detailed designs
1:1 mixing ratio (Amazing Clear Cast)
Also offers Amazing Deep Pour: 2:1 ratio, up to 2" thick per layer for river tables
Slight odor during curing (urethane resins release more fumes than standard epoxy)
Amazing Clear Cast not designed for large pours (formulated for small-scale casting and woodturning blanks)
Price Range: $50-65 per gallon / $13-17 per kg
Mixing Ratio: 1:1 (Amazing Clear Cast), 2:1 (Amazing Deep Pour)
My take: If you're into woodturning blanks or small-scale casting, Alumilite's urethane systems offer properties you won't get from standard epoxy - faster demold times and different mechanical characteristics. Their Amazing Clear Cast is excellent for coatings and small projects. For deeper pours up to 2", they also offer Amazing Deep Pour with a 2:1 ratio - this bridges the gap between their coating resin and true deep pour competitors.
ArtResin
Key features:
Non-toxic, truly user-friendly
Excellent clarity right out of the bottle
Perfect for beginners
Good for small decorative projects
Higher price point than competitors
Not ideal for thick pours
Price Range: $50-70 per gallon / $13-18 per kg
Mixing Ratio: 1:1 (Part A to Part B)
My take: This is what I recommend to friends starting out. Yes, it costs more. But the margin for error is higher, and your first few projects will actually turn out well instead of becoming expensive learning experiences.
Artline Epoxy
Key features:
Intuitive product naming (Crystal, Honey, Extra Honey, Wood PRO)
Excellent UV resistance across the range
Competitive EU pricing
Good for art pours, casting, and table tops
Limited availability outside EU
Requires precise measuring for some formulas
Price Range: €60-80 per gallon / €16-22 per kg
Mixing Ratio: Varies by product (1:1 to 2:1)
My take: Strong option for European makers who want to avoid international shipping costs and customs hassles. The Wood PRO formula handles Nordic woods well, which I've found matters more than most brands acknowledge - different wood species interact with epoxy differently.
Save with RCG: Use code ResinCraftGuild for 10% off your entire order
Craft Resin
Key features:
Low odour formula (ASTM-certified)
Available in UK, US, and EU
Art & Craft: 1:1 ratio for coatings and small projects
Also offers Deep Pour: 2:1 ratio, up to 5cm (2") thick for river tables
Good for jewellery, decorative casting, small art pieces
Not for large river table projects (standard product)
Simple product line
Price Range: £45-65 per gallon / £12-17 per kg
Mixing Ratio: 1:1 (Art & Craft), 2:1 (Deep Pour)
My take: Good choice for UK and EU makers doing smaller decorative work. The low odor claim is accurate - noticeably less smell than most brands during cure. The limited product range is actually a strength here - you're not trying to figure out which of six products does what you need. Their Deep Pour option brings them into the river table game.
Save with RCG: Use code RESINCRAFTGUILD_10 for 10% off your entire order (limited to one use per customer)
Epodex
Key features:
Wide variety of colors available
Multiple product lines: ECO (up to 1cm), PRO (up to 2cm), PRO+ (up to 5cm deep pour)
All use 2:1 ratio by weight
Excellent UV resistance (PRO+ has maximum protection)
Low odor compared to many brands
BPA-free, solvent-free
Slightly higher cost than some competitors
2:1 ratio requires accurate measuring by weight
Price Range: $55-75 per gallon / $15-20 per kg
Mixing Ratio: 2:1 by weight (all products)
My take: This is my go-to for most projects. The UV resistance is real - pieces I made over a year ago are still crystal clear. The low odor makes working in my small shop more tolerable. Being based in Prague, having a quality European manufacturer matters - shipping from the US gets expensive fast.
Promise Epoxy (ProMarine Supplies)
Key features:
Affordable for large pours
Food-safe options available
Table Top: 1:1 mixing ratio
Also offers Deep Pour: 2:1 ratio, up to 2" thick for river tables
Moderate yellowing under UV over time
Not the clearest finish
Price Range: $40-60 per gallon / $10-16 per kg
Mixing Ratio: 1:1 (Table Top), 2:1 (Deep Pour)
My take: Good value for learning or for projects where yellowing won't matter (darker wood combinations, heavily pigmented pours). Not what I'd use for a client piece in a sunny room. Their Deep Pour option makes them competitive for river tables at a budget-friendly price point.
TotalBoat Epoxy
Key features:
High durability and legitimate UV resistance
Excellent for river tables and functional furniture
Marine-grade formula
ThickSet: 1:1 ratio, up to 1/2"-2" pours
Fathom: 2:1 ratio, up to 2"-3" deep pours
Longer curing time (requires patience)
Higher cost
Price Range: $60-80 per gallon / $16-22 per kg
Mixing Ratio: 1:1 (ThickSet), 2:1 (Fathom Deep Pour)
My take: I haven't used TotalBoat personally, but it has a strong reputation in the woodworking community for good reason. The marine-grade background shows in the specs - UV resistance and durability that matter for furniture. If I were doing high-stakes client work that needed to last years in UV exposure, this would be on my shortlist. The Fathom system's 2"-3" pour depth puts it at the top end for deep pour capability.
UltraClear Epoxy
Key features:
Deep pour up to 6 inches per layer (highest I've seen)
Generous working time
Strong reputation for bar tops and furniture
Free 2-day shipping to lower 48 US states
Higher price point
Limited international availability
Price Range: $65-85 per gallon / $17-23 per kg
Mixing Ratio: 2:1 (Part A to Part B)
My take: The 6-inch pour depth claim is impressive - highest single-pour depth I've seen from consumer brands. This would matter significantly for thick river tables where you want to minimize the number of pours and waiting time between layers. The free 2-day shipping to the lower 48 is a practical advantage, especially when you're mid-project and realize you need more resin.
The Resins I Use Myself
My creative chaos corner
In my projects, I mainly use Epodex for its versatility, ease of mixing, low odor, and UV resistance. The low odor matters more than you'd think when you're spending 8-10 hours in your shop on a weekend. Their PRO+ system handles everything from coating to deep river table pours, and being able to source it locally in Europe eliminates the customs headaches.
I tested ArtResin in the past for smaller coating projects. It delivered on the clarity and non-toxic promise - I used it for pieces in my living space instead of the workshop. Good product, but I've since moved to other options for my current workflow.
I also work with Veropal Epoxy - a quality Czech local supplier that offers good UV resistance at reasonable prices. Being based in Prague, having access to a reliable local source matters for larger projects where shipping costs from international brands add up significantly. When you're doing a 2-meter river table, local pickup makes a real difference.
Each of these resins has specific strengths that suit different project types. I don't believe in the "one perfect resin" - match the product to the project requirements and your workshop setup.
Building partnerships for the Guild:
I'm working to bring you more hands-on reviews and exclusive member discounts across multiple brands. As these partnerships develop, expect detailed workshop testing on real projects. You'll get the same honest feedback you're reading here - just more of it.
Tips for Using Epoxy Resin in Home Decor
Surface Preparation
Properly prepare surfaces by cleaning, drying, and leveling them. Lightly sand the surface to improve adhesion. Ensure thorough cleaning and remove all dust particles before pouring resin.
I learned this the expensive way: dust you can't see with your eyes shows up perfectly once epoxy cures over it. Use tack cloth after sanding - it's worth the extra two minutes.
Mixing Ratios
Precise measurement prevents curing issues and sticky surfaces. Use a digital scale to weigh components accurately. Mix thoroughly for the recommended time to properly combine resin and hardener.
Eyeballing ratios works about as well as eyeballing measurements when baking. Sometimes you get lucky. Usually you don't.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Use a heat gun to remove bubbles, stir gently to minimize air introduction, and pour thinner layers initially. Work in a dust-free environment while items cure and cover them to protect against dust.
The heat gun technique: Hold it 6-8 inches from the surface, keep it moving, never focus on one spot. Too close or too long and you'll overheat the resin.
Work Area Setup
Work only in well-ventilated areas to avoid respiratory irritation from fumes. Cover your work surface with drop cloth or plastic sheeting to catch spills and ease cleanup.
Maintain room temperature between 70-75°F (21-24°C) - temperature significantly affects curing behavior. Too cold and cure times extend drastically. Too warm and you risk exothermic reaction problems.
Layering and Embedding Objects
When layering or embedding objects in resin, let each layer cure until tacky before adding the next. This creates strong bonds between layers and prevents embedded objects from floating or sinking.
For flowers or other delicate items: seal them first with a thin layer, let it cure, then do your main pour. Skip this step and flowers will float to the top.
Essential Tools and Accessories
Silicone mixing spatulas for thorough mixing
Heat gun for bubble removal
Leveling tools for even pours
Disposable gloves (nitrile, not latex)
Resin spreaders
Respirator mask (not just a dust mask)
Digital scale accurate to 1 gram minimum
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Decor Epoxy Resins
What's the difference between epoxy resin and casting resin?
Epoxy resin is typically used for thin coatings and projects requiring a hard, durable surface. Casting resin is formulated for deeper pours and is ideal for embedding objects or creating thicker castings. The main difference is heat management during cure - casting resins are designed to handle the exothermic reaction in thicker pours without overheating.
Can epoxy resin be used outdoors?
Yes, but UV protection is critical. Epoxy without UV inhibitors will yellow noticeably within months of sun exposure. Use UV-protected formulas for outdoor projects.
In wood projects, watch for wood-resin separation over time due to temperature fluctuations, humidity changes, and wood expansion/contraction. This is more about wood selection and preparation than the resin itself.
Is epoxy resin safe for food-contact surfaces?
Some epoxy resins are food-safe once fully cured. Always check product specifications to ensure the resin is FDA-approved for food contact. Proper curing is essential - partially cured resin is not food-safe even if the formula is rated for it.
How do I remove scratches from cured epoxy resin?
For light scratches: sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper, then buff with rubbing compound. For deeper scratches, you may need to apply additional resin layers to restore the original finish. See our complete sanding guide for detailed instructions.
How can I prevent bubbles in epoxy resin projects?
Bubbles can be minimized by:
Mixing slowly to avoid introducing air
Using a heat gun or torch to remove surface bubbles
Warming the resin slightly before use (speeds bubble release)
Letting mixed resin rest 10-15 minutes before pouring
Using a vacuum chamber for crystal-clear results (advanced)
Which epoxy resin brand is best for beginners?
ArtResin is the most forgiving for beginners due to its 1:1 mixing ratio, good self-leveling properties, and clarity. Promise Epoxy is a good budget-friendly alternative for learning. Craft Resin is another excellent beginner option, especially for UK/EU makers, with its low odor formula and simple product line. All three are more forgiving of measurement errors than 2:1 ratio products.
Do all epoxy resins yellow over time?
No, but UV exposure is the primary cause of yellowing. Resins with UV inhibitors resist yellowing significantly better. Indoor pieces away from direct sunlight will maintain clarity longer than outdoor or window-adjacent pieces, regardless of UV protection.
Learn More and Get Inspired
Looking for step-by-step tutorials to create stunning home decor projects using epoxy resin? Visit resincraftguild.com for detailed guides, tips, and creative ideas.
Start with these foundation guides:
Final Word
Epoxy resin opens up serious creative possibilities for home decor projects. Choosing the right brand is essential for achieving professional, long-lasting results.
Whether you're a beginner experimenting with your first coasters or an experienced maker tackling a river table, the resins reviewed in this guide offer solutions for different project types, skill levels, and budgets.
The best resin for you depends on your project requirements: budget, UV exposure, pour depth, cure time requirements, and desired finish quality. Match the product to the project, and you'll save yourself frustration and wasted materials.
Start with a small project using a beginner-friendly brand like ArtResin. Learn the fundamentals. Then experiment with other brands as your skills and project ambitions grow.
Got a favorite resin brand I didn't cover? Found a technique that works better than what I described? Share it in the comments - the community learns from real workshop experience, not just manufacturer marketing.
Petr
Resin Craft Guild
www.resincraftguild.com