Getting started with using resin products like epoxy resin can be a bit tricky if you're not familiar with the various types and the ways in which they differ. Though there are different categories of what is called resin, some of which are so disparate from the others that they may as well share nothing but a name, there are a select few that tend to be preferred for normal everyday use in art, crafts, and finishing/sealing.

In turn, it's valuable for beginners to these materials to have an understanding of the purposes for each and to know where best to start.

In this article, our goal is to explain the world of resin crafts, talking about common resin categories and the different types of resins within them. After that, we'll explain our thoughts on what we consider to be the best resin choice for beginners who have a desire or interest in DIY resin art, crafting, or finishing (e.g., coating surfaces using resin as a protective sealant).

Before we begin, let's clarify what the term "resin" itself means in this context.

What Is Resin?

Resin is a versatile compound used extensively in creating plastics, adhesives, varnishes, along with a range of other applications. These substances vary in viscosity—which affects their applicable uses—and they come in both natural and synthetic forms.

Natural Resins

Produced by plants, particularly trees, natural resins initially serve as a protective mechanism for the plant lifeform, sealing off damage and deterring pests. These remarkable substances appear as transparent or semi-solid and have historically been used in products such as varnish, adhesives, and even incense.

However, in modern applications, natural resins like amber, rosin, and copal have largely given way to synthetic alternatives, which offer more consistent properties and greater versatility.

Synthetic Resins

Synthetic resins are engineered compounds that have become predominant due to their customizable properties and robustness. There are many different kinds of synthetic resin, and each kind serves particular set of purposes.

For instance, there are synthetic alternative the the natural resins listed in the previous section such as rosin. Despite their manufactured state, they can be hypoallergenic, with high purity that reduces or nullifies potential health concerns.

Epoxy Resin and Other Thermosetting Polymers

On the other hand, there are also resins for which there is no natural counterpart. These types include thermosetting polymers, which start out as liquids that harden into a tough plastic material after curing is initiated through a chemical reaction (typically achieved by blending two components together).

Key types of thermosetting polymers include:

• Epoxy Resins: Known for their excellent adhesive properties, visual clarity, and structural strength, epoxy resins are favored in coatings (such as for bar tops), electronics, and crafts. Recently, epoxy has become particularly popular among DIY enthusiasts for its clarity and durability.
  
  
• Polyester Resins: Though similar to epoxy, polyester resin is more commonly used for manufacturing fiberglass and composites than for finishing furniture and fixture surfaces. Polyester resins are less favored for individual (or DIY) crafting due to their relative brittleness and complexity in handling compared to epoxy.
  
  
• Polyurethane Resins: One of the most versatile resin types, polyurethane resins are used in foams, elastomers (rubber-like materials), and various coatings—including as a varnish or finish. They're valued for their flexibility and resilience.

The many applications and of synthetic resins have cemented their value across numerous industries, proving essential in countless manufacturing, commercial, and hobbyist projects.

What Is the Easiest Resin for Beginners?

For those new to DIY resin projects, we highly recommend starting with epoxy resin. It stands out for its user-friendly nature, its minimal odor—a significant advantage over other resins—and its ease of handling. In fact, those are some of the reasons why we're proud to specialize in epoxy resin here at Primaloc.

Opting for a premium product like Primaloc Bar & Table Top Epoxy offers several key benefits:

• A Clear, Customizable Finish—Reach Your Aesthetic Goals.
  
• A Strong, Durable Surface—Achieve a Rock-Solid Finish That'll Last Many Years.
  
• Ease of Maintenance—Minimize the Time and Effort You Spend on Upkeep.
  

Benefit #1: A Clear, Customizable Finish

One of the main draws of epoxy is how well it allows for a versatile finish. By default, cured epoxy inherently clear, with a completely transparent appearance like glass.

Moreover, this glasslike aesthetic can be fully customized by using colorful pigments (available in powder and liquid form) to change the appearance and transparency levels of the epoxy resin.

Learn more about epoxy pigments here.

Benefit #2: A Strong, Durable Surface

Once cured, Primaloc Epoxy Resin transforms into an incredibly hard substance, ensuring longevity and resilience. This makes it an exceptional choice as a finishing option for surfaces in high-traffic areas, such as bar tops, table tops, countertops, and various types of seating.

Because epoxy is also cleaner than most other resins, emitting only mild fumes during curing and becoming food safe once it finishes, it's become one of the most popular choices by DIY users and professionals alike for sealing delicate substrates such as wood, marble, granite, and more.

Plus, with a premium epoxy resin, you're all but guaranteed a long-lasting lifespan on your resin finish. Our Primaloc Epoxy Resin, for instance, will endure for a minimum of 7 years without issue when applied properly at the start.

Epoxy's closest resin contender is polyurethane. Learn more about how they compare here.

Benefit #3: Ease of Maintenance.

The straightforward cleaning requirements of an epoxy resin surface make it an attractive choice for those seeking low-effort upkeep. With just warm water and mild dish soap, most substances can be easily removed from an epoxy surface, making it look good as new.

Sanitization is not a problem, either, as epoxy's inherent resistance to a variety of chemicals allows for many disinfecting cleaners to be used on it without issue.

Furthermore, epoxy's remarkable durability and resistance to many common forms of damage allow it to remain in excellent condition even when consistently exposed to typical sources of wear and tear that would degrade other types of sealants.

Epoxy Projects Are Easy to Dive Into

In addition to its straightforward application process, the abundance of available resources like video tutorials and step-by-step guides makes epoxy resin an excellent starting point for beginners.

Whether your goal is to finish an epoxy bar top, to craft a river table, or to create your own resin art, such as keychains and coasters, there are guides for any situation, including the fundamentals of epoxy resin itself (such as how to measure).

Primaloc Epoxy: Premium Epoxy for Premium Results

When it comes to epoxy resin, Primaloc Epoxy gets the job done. Our epoxy resin is 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.