SUMMARY

Depending on the reactants, epoxy resins can have a wide range of properties, from fast to slow curing, opaque or clear color, water-proof or just water-resistant, and flexible or rigid. As such, resin is used in for many different applications.

In addition to artistic uses, epoxy resins can be used for many different purposes. This article outlines some of the may ways this multi-purpose product can be utilized for:

• Adhesives
• Industrial products
• Electronics
• Aerospace products
• Home appliances and furniture

CO-REACTANT	RESULT
Epoxy Resin (Homopolymerisation)	When combined with itself with a addition of a catalyst, resin has high thermal and chemical resistance, but is very brittle. Homopolymerisation can create UV coatings, if an appropriate catalyst is used.
Amines	When combined, a secondary amine is formed which can also react with the resin. The severity of this second reaction depends on the type of amine used. This co-reactant can improve temperature resistance, and alter viscosity and other resistance. Applications include flooring and other protective coatings.
Anhydrides	Used when curing is taking place at very high temperatures. This co-reactant has low viscosity and high latency properties, and may be used for creating high voltage electric insulation.
Phenols	Polyphenols are used in high temperatures as well, and often require an added catalyst. The resulting resin has higher chemical and oxidation resistance. Common phenols are solids, so this co-reactant is often used to create powder coatings for appliances.
Thiols	This co-reactant cures the epoxy very readily, even at low temperatures. Though high resistance is rarely produced, this option is ideal for production where high temperatures are not possible. Domestic adhesives are commonly made using thiols.

ADHESIVES

• Under the category of Structural Adhesives or Engineering Adhesives
• Used when a high strength bond between materials is vital
• May be flexible or rigid, opaque or transparent
• Better heat resistance than other adhesives
• Construction of:
  • aircraft
  • automobiles and boats
  • bicycles
  • snowboards and skis
  • golf clubs

INDUSTRIAL USES

• Tooling applications for the production of casts, molds, laminates, fixtures, composite parts
• This "plastic" can replace wood, metal, and other materials
• Results in a lower cost and shorter production time
• More expensive than other resins, but stronger and more temperature resistant for certain applications

ELECTRONICS

• Serve as good electrical insulators
• Protect against moisture, dust, short circuiting
• Used for bonding circuit boards
• Better for heat conductivity
• Used in construction of:
  • motors
  • generators
  • transformers
  • LEDs (clear for full aesthetic or fogged for diffraction)
  • inductors

AEROSPACE

• Used as a structural matrix, reinforced with fibers of glass, Kevlar, or carbon
• Heavy duty adhesive
• Protective heat shielding (ie: Apollo 8)

APPLIANCES AND FURNITURE

• Creates an extremely hard, protective coating
• Cast iron and cast steel coatings
• Reduced flammability compared to other coatings
• Primers for improved paint adhesion
• Assist metal surfaces in resisting rust
• Environmentally friendly alternative to some laminates
• Specific applications:
  • powder coatings on washers, driers, etc
  • Interior of metal food cans
  • Decorative flooring

Order EX-74 UV Resistant Epoxy Polymer

A wood panel print with resin and painted edge

Resin on artistic displays results in an eye-catching, high gloss surface that adds vividness to color and depth and dimension to grayscale images, while protecting the product from scratching, scuffing, and environmental damages.

Though similar to a glass or plexiglass cover over a flat artwork, because the resin is adhered directly to the image, an almost three dimensional effect is achieved due to the way the light is forced to reflect and refract off the surface. Our high quality resin is UV resistant, as well, which means your print will not fade, and the resin will not yellow or degrade over time. Nonetheless, we suggest your print be kept indoors and out of direct sunlight to keep it beautiful for as long as possible.

Prints and original artwork can be coated in resin, though it is important to keep in mind that this application is permanent and removal will damage the image. Resin will adhere, diamond-hard and with high clarity, to wood, acrylic and watercolor paints, paper prints, canvas, and most three dimensional objects. Wax paper and soft media, like pastels and charcoal, to not work well with resin coatings. (If you have an original in one of these mediums, you can always choose resin coating for the print!)

RESIN ON CANVAS

RESIN ON DI BOND

Adding resin to a Di Bond dry mount creates a contemporary display that softens the sharp edges of the uncoated mount, and protects from dust and fingerprints.

Alternately, your image can be mounted on Gatorboard, foam board, or Sinta prior to being coated with resin.

RESIN ON WOOD

The result is a unique combination of contemporary and rustic, with the sharp, frameless image surrounded by the soft tones of the wood.

RESIN ON 3-DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS

Depending on the number of resin layers and the depth of the object, resin can be applied to make objects appear to be floating within the sculpture, or simply create a high gloss shine and protective coating on the entire project.

MULTIPLE RESIN LAYERS

Each resin coating is 1/16" thick, and we recommend a double coating for photographs as 1/8" is the best depth to achieve the above-mentioned qualities. However, there is no limit to the number of layers that can be applied to your print. The deeper the resin layer, the most dimension your image will have.

A print on wood panel with resin

A 3D found object relief coated with resin

If you would like your artwork coated in resin, you can find out the cost using our Resin Coating price calculator. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns. Our knowledgeable staff are happy to assist you in deciding what pieces would most benefit from resin, and the ideal amount to apply. You may also read our Resin FAQ section: Resin Coating FAQ

Ready to try applying resin on your own? We sell the product we use in our online store. Order now: EX-74 Epoxy Resin.