The Best Epoxy Resin for Your Project: Which Resin Should You Choose?
If you’re crafting resin art — whether it’s ocean boards, coasters, trays or jewellery — choosing the right resin makes all the difference. A lot of makers don’t realise that not all resins behave the same, even though they might all be labelled epoxy resin. Once you understand the difference between coating resin, casting resin and UV resin, it’s a whole lot easier to get the results you want.
All of these are epoxy resin products designed for craft, just formulated a little differently depending on how you’re using them. Craft Outlet Australia has a great range of options whether you want surface coatings, deep pours, or fast-curing small projects.
Before we dive in, here’s the best place to start if you want to browse the full range of craft-grade epoxy resin for your projects in Australia:
https://craftoutlet.com.au/collections/epoxy-resin
What Is Epoxy Resin and Why Does It Matter?
When people say “resin art,” they’re usually talking about epoxy resin. Epoxy resin is a two-part liquid (resin + hardener) that cures clear, hard, and glossy. Depending on the formulation, it can be used for thin coatings, deep mould fills, or small decorative items.
Across the Craft Outlet Australia range you’ll find epoxy resins for every craft use — from coating resin for top coats and river boards, to casting resin for mould work and UV resin for jewellery and charms.
Epoxy Coating Resin
Best For Ocean Boards, Surface Art and Glossy Top Coats
If your project is primarily surface-based — like ocean boards, geode art, resin on timber, or canvas — go with a coating epoxy resin.
A popular choice in this category is the Art Resin Epoxy 1:1 - 4L Kit — it’s designed for flat pours and gives a smooth, glass-like finish that’s perfect for ocean and river art boards. You can find it here:
https://craftoutlet.com.au/products/art-resin-epoxy-1-1-4l-kit
Why choose coating resin:
- It self-levels beautifully across wide surfaces
- Thickness and gloss are optimised for art boards and bar tops
- Best for projects where depth isn’t significant
Coating epoxy resin isn’t meant for deep mould pours — if you pour it too deep it can trap bubbles or overheat.
This type of resin is some of the best epoxy resin in Australia for surface art and large-scale pieces.
Epoxy Casting Resin
Best For Moulds, Coasters, Deeper Pours and Keepsakes
For anything where you’re filling moulds, especially deeper projects or embedding items like flowers and shells, go with casting epoxy resin.
A solid example in the Craft Outlet range is River Epoxy Resin Deep Cast 2:1 - 3 Litre Kit — designed to flow into mould details and cure clearly in deeper fills:
https://craftoutlet.com.au/products/river-epoxy-resin-deep-cast-2-1-3-litre-kit
Casting resin is generally thinner and formulated to:
- Reduce heat build-up in deep pours
- Help bubbles escape more easily
- Produce clear, solid results even when the pour is thick
If you’re making coasters, tumbled shapes or deeper resin art pieces, casting epoxy resin is one of the best epoxies Australia makers use for reliable, clear results.
UV Resin
Best For Small Jewellery, Keychains and Fast-Curving Pieces
UV resin is a single-part resin that cures when exposed to UV or LED light. It’s great for smaller items where you want fast results without mixing.
You can filter to UV resin options in the Craft Outlet epoxy resin range here:
https://craftoutlet.com.au/collections/uv-resin
UV resin works well for:
- Jewellery pieces like earrings or pendants
- Doming small pieces
- Keychains, charms and tiny mould forms
This type isn’t designed for deep pours — it cures best in thin layers under a UV light. But when you want little pieces that are quick and clean, UV resin is a great tool.
Quick Resin Guide by Project
If you’re still unsure, here’s the simple version:
Ocean boards → Coating epoxy resin
Canvas or art top coat → Coating epoxy resin
Silicone mould coasters → Casting epoxy resin
Deep moulds or embedded items → Casting epoxy resin
Jewellery and small charms → UV resin
Common Resin Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Using coating resin in deep moulds
This often causes overheating or excess bubbles. Always use casting resin for mould work.
Pouring too thick too quickly
Even casting resin has a recommended maximum pour depth. Always check the product instructions.
Incorrect measuring
With epoxy resin, accurate measuring and thorough mixing are critical. Scrape the sides and bottom of your mixing cup.
Working in a cold space
Cold temperatures can affect curing and clarity. Resin performs best in a stable, warm room.
Final Tip: Think About Depth First
When choosing your resin, ask yourself one question:
Am I coating a surface — or filling a mould?
Surface = coating epoxy resin
Mould/depth = casting epoxy resin
Small and fast = UV resin
Once you match the resin to the purpose, everything becomes much easier — fewer bubbles, better clarity, and a much more enjoyable crafting experience.
Tips for Great Resin Results
- Measure and mix exactly — epoxy resin needs accuracy to cure properly.
- Work in a stable, warm space if you can — cold can affect clarity.
- Follow the recommended pour depth — too deep can cause issues even with casting resin.
- Use good quality moulds for clean demoulds every time.
Once you know which resin to use for your purpose, everything flows better. Whether you’re searching for the best epoxy resin Australia makers trust for ocean art or jewellery, picking the right formulation ends up being the key to happy resin crafting.
