Renowned for its versatility, epoxy resin serves both as a sealant and as a medium for crafting various art forms.

While commonly referred to simply as "epoxy resin," there is a variety of distinct variants, each tailored to specific project requirements. In fact, it's not uncommon for multiple types to be utilized together to achieve the desired outcome.

Because each epoxy variant offers unique advantages in scenarios it was designed for, understanding it's useful to know which one is right for your project. At Primaloc, we sell two variants of epoxy—a casting resin and a traditional table top epoxy.

In this article, we'll discuss a question we get sometimes, "Is casting resin better than table top epoxy?" This will include comparisons between the two types of epoxy we sell: our Primaloc Bar & Table Top Epoxy and our casting resin, Primaloc Deep Pour Epoxy.

Is Casting Resin Better Than Table Top Epoxy?

Casting resin isn't better than table top epoxy in the literal sense, but it does excel over table top epoxy in certain areas while being less effective in others.

Here's a feature overview for each epoxy:

Table Top Epoxy

Table top epoxies lean more toward strength over flexibility. They're viscous and can't be poured in thick layers, but they cure to an ultra-strong finish which allows them to withstand heavy use.

Table Top Epoxies Have:

• Extra High Durability. They're one of the strongest epoxy resin types.
• A Viscous, Self-Leveling Nature. Table top epoxy is poured onto substrates in a thin, viscous layer that self-levels.
• A Short but Adequate Working Time. These epoxies start to cure sooner than other epoxy resins, and as a result allow the user less time to apply them after mixing.
• A Wide Range of Applications. This is the type of epoxy used for basic flood coating; it's the most common choice for table tops, bar tops, and countertops.

In our store, you'll find our premium Primaloc Bar & Table Top Epoxy.

Deep Pour Epoxy

Deep pour epoxies are a type of resin that favors flexibility over strength. They lack the viscosity and sheer durability of table top epoxies but can be applied in remarkably thick individual layers.

Deep Pour Epoxies Have:

• High Durability. They're still strong, just not as strong as table top epoxy.
• A Low-Viscosity, Watery Consistency. These epoxies can be poured in thick layers with far more depth than the average table top epoxy.
• A Generous Working Time. Deep pour epoxies provide an extensive working time, allowing you to apply it at your own leisure after mixing.

In our store, you'll find our premium Primaloc Deep Pour Epoxy.

When to Choose Casting Resin Over Table Top Epoxy

Knowing when to choose casting resin over table top epoxy is a matter of understanding your goals and opting for the more suitable resin.

For example, in crafting a river table, you'll need to pour a layer of substantial depth to produce the epoxy river vein, which is typically cast between two pieces of wooden substrate material.

While not all river veins are deeply poured, most do exceed the thickness that tabletop epoxy is designed to handle effectively. In such cases, deep pour casting resin is the more appropriate option for filling these gaps.

Why Is This Effective?

Deep pour epoxy is better suited for thick layers due to its lower viscosity. When epoxy is applied to a porous substrate, it seeks to fill any small pores, grooves, and openings in the material. As it cures, it forms a strong, firm bond with the substrate. However, these pores often contain air, which is displaced as the epoxy fills them. The air then tries to escape to the surface.

In thicker applications, like with table top epoxy, the air may not reach the surface and instead forms bubbles within the resin. This problem can be mitigated by applying a seal coat first.

In contrast, deep pour epoxy, being thinner, allows air to escape more easily, even through layers as thick as two inches.

This principle is relevant to any epoxy project where the required depth surpasses what tabletop epoxy can handle.

Use Whichever Resins Help You Achieve Your Goals

Ultimately, the choice of epoxy should be guided by the specific needs of your project rather than simply choosing the strongest epoxy available. All epoxy varieties offer durability and longevity with proper maintenance, and they're straightforward to clean and require minimal upkeep.

For projects such as standard countertops, bar tops, or tabletop finishes, our Primaloc Table Top Epoxy is likely ideal. It provides superior resilience and physical resistance.

If your project involves creating an epoxy river table or if you plan to undertake deep casting with silicone molds, Primaloc Deep Pour Epoxy would be more suitable. For added durability, consider topping off any deep pour project with a layer of Table Top Epoxy to enhance its resilience.

If you're uncertain about which epoxy to use, please contact us at Primaloc. Our experts can assist in planning your project to ensure the best results.

Primaloc Epoxy: Premium Epoxy for Premium Results

With our premium Bar & Table Top Epoxy and our Deep Pour Epoxy, Primaloc gets the job done. Our epoxy resins are premium-grade, with high performance in every category, including:

• Unmatched Strength: A Primaloc finish won't buckle, even under high pressure.
• Long-Lasting Resilience: Primaloc epoxy lasts for many years with minimal care, and can endure high-traffic environments with ease.
• A Crystal-Clear Coating: With its pristine, transparent appearance, looking at a cured Primaloc coating is like peering through a window.

Epoxy resin can be beautiful, strong, and long-lasting—which is why you shouldn't compromise on quality. With Primaloc Epoxy Resin, you get the ultimate finish in durability and visual appeal.

Protect your surfaces by giving them a rock-solid epoxy finish. Choose strong. Choose reliable. Choose Primaloc.