When you look up resin on the good old internet, you will come across several terms like cast resin, casting epoxy resin, polyester resin, and synthetic resin over and over again. This can get really confusing. Does this mean not all resins are the same acrylic casting material? If you have a pending art project that involves acrylic casting resin supplies, you must be having all these questions on which type of resin to use. Clarification is upon you as we’ll summarise everything you need to know about casting epoxy resin, polyester resin, and acrylic resin. Gear up for a bit of a science lecture.
Resin: An Overview
Resin is a chemical compound found naturally in plants like tree sap. Although it can include both solid and highly viscous materials, resin commonly refers to liquids which harden based on heat, light, or setting agents. Resin is broadly categorised in two: natural and synthetic. Any other forms of resin used today are manmade. Beyond synthetic and natural, there are further categories of synthetic resin types: thermosetting plastics (polyester and epoxy resins) and thermoplastic (acrylic). But basically, they all involve the same principle: liquid hardening into solid.
Resin is too broad a term and saying that you want to use resin without specifying which type may cause all the more confusion. It’s worth noting that there are many forms and variations of glues, epoxies, and resins to choose from. So, are epoxy resins, polyester resins, and other casting acrylic resins all the same? We can skip the complex chemistry part because the short answer is yes. However, they have different properties and can be used for many different purposes.
The Same, But Not Quite Similar
Most casting resins used for art, façade, and cladding are special casting epoxy resin products. They consist of two components, which are the actual liquid resin and the matching hardener. When you mix these two, a chemical reaction occurs to match their chemical properties, causing the mass to harden after some time. Their properties have been specially adapted to the requirements of casting decorative elements, figures, moulds, and other areas of application. As such, the resin can fill the smallest gaps and cavities as it has a very thin consistency.
Today, there are different resins commercially produced, and they differ significantly in the duration of the curing process and their hardness. Their heat resistance and the maximum layer thickness in which they can be poured onto a material also differ.
Casting Epoxy and Polyester Resins
Since both epoxy and polyester resins are found in a wide variety of products, it can be difficult to distinguish between casting epoxy resins and other polyester resins. So, before we delve deeper, let’s establish this first: resins are distinguished from one another through their viscosity, i.e., thickness. Distinguishing resins and their different properties can be helpful when choosing a suitable epoxy, polyester, or acrylic casting material. An unsuitable choice of epoxy, polyester, or acrylic casting resin supplies may well prove costly on your part. So, when choosing a material, just remember that synthetic resins can either be used for casting or laminating.
And depending on what your project is, you can choose between laminating and casting resins.
Casting Acrylic Resins
Acrylic resin have grown in popularity in the solid surface manufacturing industry. It has several advantages as it can be heated, bent into shape, and cooled without any physical effect, making it more durable than polyester. Additionally, acrylic resin can hold up to heavier use.
When made with acrylic casting resin supplies, product seams are far more solid than products made with its polyester counterpart. However, acrylic casting material exhibits less visual depth and is more expensive than polyester. Still, its advantages give more value to your money. When you look into real-life applications, acrylic resins provide for better adhesion than other products commercially available. For superb product outcomes, water-based acrylic polymers are the smartest choice.
Acrylic resins are used everywhere: brake lights, car tires, dentures, phone screens, art and sculptures, and even theming and decorations. There is no shortage of possible uses of acrylic casting material.
Casting Resins: Low-Viscosity Resins
Viscosity refers to the resistance of a liquid to change in shape or movement. When we speak of low viscosity, it means a liquid is particularly thin. Casting resins have a relatively low viscosity, which means they are thin and free-flowing. Due to their low viscosity, they have longer working time and also curing time. Since only a little heat is released, the chemical reaction between the actual liquid resin and its hardener takes longer. Low-viscosity resins usually need about 12 to 24 hours to cure.
The casting of thicker layers in one application is possible. Remember that curing time takes longer, so you can process thicker layers and larger amounts of the resin in one step. If you want to make river tables or cast moulds, low-viscosity casting epoxy resin may be right for you.
Mainly used for:
- The casting of all kinds of moulds
- Creating moulded parts in the field of model-making
- Filling cracks/holes in wood with epoxy
- Manufacturing epoxy resin jewellery
- Producing epoxy resin floors (living area, garage, wherever applicable)
- Producing furniture like resin river tables
Laminating Resins: High-Viscosity Resins
In this category, the various products are often referred to as laminating resin. You probably have an idea by now that laminating resins are more viscous than casting resins. Now, when we talk about more viscous, highly viscous, or medium viscous synthetic resins, think of the tough consistency of honey.
Since it is thicker, it has shorter curing and processing time. This part is crucial: – when laminating, only thin layers up to a maximum of 2 mm of the liquid resin should be poured at once. We recommend our Triaxial Fibre, between each laminate for strength. True to its name, laminating resin is particularly suitable for laminating or coating surfaces.
Mainly used for:
- Casting of paintings with epoxy resin (i.e., resin art)
- Certain variants of epoxy resin jewellery
- Deco objects (resin petri dishes)
- Finishing of paintings and all kinds of art
- Sealing of worktables, kitchen countertops, and other flat surfaces
Looking for a tough acrylic casting material?
If it’s tough and durable acrylic casting resin supplies you’re looking for, Australia Composite Solutions is here to offer A1 (Acrylic One), a two-component material composed of water-based acrylic resin and mineral powder that can be moulded and laminated. When it comes to low toxicity and high durability, you can trust A1 for all your project needs.
Got any more questions? Feel free to call us at +61456471883 or send us an email at info@activecomposites.com.au.
At ACS, we continually get asked which acrylic epoxy resin they should use, but as we always say, it depends on what you want to use the acrylic epoxy or acrylic resin for. In some circumstances, you may require casting resins, while in others, a liquid acrylic resin may be more appropriate. What all forms of acrylic epoxy resin have in common is that they are naturally occurring or synthetic chemical compounds that will harden if deliberately exposed to heat, light or setting agents are added.
Casting resins are most commonly used by artists or to produce facades or cladding. Casting resins usually comprises of a liquid resin and a hardener. They are frequently used to fill gaps or cavities to provide a decorative finish. Acrylic resin is often used in manufacturing to produce solid surfaces. When heat is applied, it can be crafted into different shapes and is also suitable for heavy usage. However, some people will opt for polyester resin as it gives the impression of extra depth and is considerably cheaper than acrylic epoxy.
Casting resins usually have a low viscosity and are suitable for most moulds. You may have come across these types of resin in model-making, jewellery or filling in gaps in wood to produce a unique and hardwearing finish. When you use this type of resin, you should never apply a coating of more than 2 mm per layer. Thereafter, between each layer, our Triaxial Fibre should be applied as reinforcing. Our team can make helpful suggestions and offer advice regarding which type of acrylic epoxy resin is most suitable.
Making the right choice when it comes to deciding which resin you should use for your project can save you considerable time and effort as well as financially – and if you are experienced in working with resin you will probably have a good idea which you should use already – but just in case here a few pointers to help you.
The earlies resins that were used were derived from plants, as liquids, which late hardened into durable solids. With advancements in technologies, today there are many synthetic acrylic epoxy resins available with varying qualities that endear them to certain uses. Most commercially available resins require an agent to turn the liquid into a solid form and this process can happen within a couple of hours or take as long as 24 hours or more.
Generally, resins are graded by their thickness, or viscosity, and this in turn determines their most appropriate uses. Epoxy and polyester resins exhibit low viscosity, meaning that they flow relatively easily and can be used for fine and detailed casting and moulding work.
Acrylic resins are now extremely widely used in manufacturing industries and can be found in many everyday and household items; they are easier to work with as they can be reheated and shaped easily, but are more expensive in the short term, but their superior durability offers better long-term value for money.
And finally, the most viscose resins are used for sealing and laminating surfaces and generally require more attention when being used.
One more important notice – Jesmonite is a trade name, the same as Acrylic One – both are manufactured to a similar formulae, just that A1 is 2:1 Ratio, far easier to use than Jesmonite, being a 2.5:1 ratio. visit you tube videos https://youtu.be/-jgNcb7DvG8
Hello Mani,
I am very interested in Acrylic One to use for casting my sculptures. I need an alternative to bronze casting created in bronze foundries.
Most of my clients are from churches requiring a statue of a saint to be placed outdoors on a plinth, so the obvious choice is bronze.
The problem of bronze casting is the huge price, which many cannot afford and so I loose potential clients.
I have recently tried Jesmonite, which seems to address this problem by being able to use outdoors without the huge costs involved.
I am looking into trying to source an acrylic product that is able to be strong and withstand the outdoor settings and last for a long time.
Would A1 do this same job? Is there a reliable supply to order? Am I able to laminate and mould using a similar technique such as cold cast bronze?
I have seen your name on Linkedin.
Please send me your complete manual on Acrylic One.
My address is 20 Greenway Drive, Surrey Downs, SA 5126
Hope you may have a product that will answer my concerns.
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Hi Mani,
Thank you for this blog, which I find very helpful. I have been using A1 for many years now, and recently used some Epoxy again, only to get a huge reaction to the product, landing me in emergency at North Shore Private Hospital, where I spend the night, and the best part of the next day, doing extensive tests to my system. Needless to say that I am no longer allowed to keep any expoxies in my workshop, as the reaction activates the moment I walk in to the premises, so A1 it is forever.
Regards Raina
Hi Raina, just wanted to thank you for your continued support.
Thank you for the blog, I am a current A1 user and will not change back to epoxies, as I get no reaction to A1. Thanks for the information. Melvin
Hi Melvin, thank you for your continued support
I have also seen the Floating, what looked like a duck to me, and was pleasantly surprised that is was made with A1
Thank you for your comment
Could you tell me if this floating duck item is solid or is it hollow?
Hi Hugo, it is laminated and had a wall thickness of approximately 6 mm, and at the base about 10 – 12 mm
Will your A2 products work to replicate concrete surface?
Hi Raymond, yes A2 Stone is ideal for concrete look alike surfaces, just add our a1 Pigments to get the desired concrete colour and cast or laminate.
Yes I also have used and continue to use Acrylic One, and I am finding more and more projects to use it on.
Thank you for your support Joseph
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Hello, I want to thank you for your information, but I am still confused, and would appreciate your further advice. I am wanting to cast rectangular blocks approximately 25mm square and approximately 200mm long. I will then place them in a lathe and turn them to rounded 22mm thick. The finished product will be attached to a wood part to create a walking stick. Can you tell me the best product to use both for processing and in final strength for the end use. Any assistance/recommendations will be appreciated. My email address is rons8330@gmail.com
Hello Ronald, thank you of your post, and I will reply to your email. But to answer your question, Yes A1 will, and can be useful for that purpose.
Wonderfull post, but I am still a little confused regarding Acrylic One. I have a huge figure that I would like to cast solid, but when I calculate the costs, using your figures in your manual, it works out very expensive. Could you enlighten me please.
Hello Surry. Without knowing the details of your figure, and what the end result you are trying to attain, there are many ways that you can cast the figure in a very cost effective way, using a combination of A1, and A2 and certain additives. Send me more information to my email address on the website, and I will certainly offer some guidelines.
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Thank you for your comment Dersleri
Could you advise me if A1 can be applied successfully onto a EPS mould, and then once applied, can it be easily sanded, and polished to give me a smooth casting .
Thank you for your comment Noel. I have many customers that are doing that simple and very cost effective way to make moulds, but each one is unique, so I can only comment once you share more information. Please send any comments to my email, available on the website.
Thank you for the usefull information, I have learnt a lot, and your information will assist me with my project. I will be placing an order soon, and will need some more information with casting my latest sculpture using A1.
Hi Gerry, thank you for the comment, and I look forward to assisting you.
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Hi Gregory, I am happy that you are enjoying Acrylic One
Thank you for information.
Hi, I’m looking to create a mould from latex so i can recreate some fairy homes. Which resin do you recommend for the actual material the houses should be made from? I need a few to pop at kinder for the kiddies to paint also trying to find the more cost effective option
thanks 🙂
Hi Nicky, thank you for your comment. A1 will be perfect for that, it is non toxic, user friendly. I will also send you an email, and please do not hesitate to contact me should you require further info.
Hello, , thank you for your question. Could you elaborate more on your question please. Are you looking for a paint or a resin?