Find our short overview of different resins types depending on the project you have chosen to tackle.
What are the Different Types of Resin?
There are a many different types of resin, each with its own composition and properties. We will be giving a little insight into the following types of resins: UV Resin, Epoxy Resin, Coating resin and Polyester Resin. Most resins are made up of two components, being the hardener (catalyst) and the base resin. When you mix these components, it causes a chemical reaction that enables the resin to set. UV resin is different in that it is only one component, as this type of resin requires exposure to UV light to trigger the chemical reaction and allow the resin to set.
1. UV Resin
As mentioned, UV resin is different to other resins, in that it is made up of only one component. UV resin sets very quickly, as it only requires exposure to UV light to activate the chemical reaction to that allows the resin to set.
Application
To work with UV resin, you simply must pour it over the item you have chosen to coat, you can color or tint the resin before you pour it, should you choose. To set the UV resin you will need to expose it to UV light. How long you need to expose it to the UV light is dependent on the thickness of the resin you have poured, and the size of the piece.
2. Epoxy Resin
This is a very versatile form of resin, with so many uses, making it the go to resin for a great numb.
Application
How you go about applying epoxy resin, is all determined by what project you are doing. In short, in the basic application, one applies the resin layer by layer, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next layer. While you can sand down the resin once you have applied the initial coat, no more sanding should be done between any of the additional coats.
3. Coating Resin
Coating resin can be used to coat a surface or an item, and thereby creating a durable protective finish, which has a high gloss to it. Coating resin is ideal to coat the likes of concrete flooring.
4. Casting Resin
Casting resin is a particular type of epoxy resin that has a low level of viscosity. Casting resin has a thin consistency which makes it a very useful type of epoxy resin, a negative to the thin consistency is that the casting resin takes longer to dry. Should you have a hollow void or area in wood or other materials, you can use casting resin to fill the space. An alternative use for casting resin is that you can completely submerge an item in it, allowing you to preserve the item.
5. Polyester Resin
Like epoxy resin, polyester resin can be used to make models, it is most often used to make ponds, swimming pools, and in the building of boats. The resin has a fiber structure and is a strong resin, which is also water-resistant.
Application
Polyester resin requires you to combine the two components prior to using the resin, you will need to add the hardener to the resin. The amount of hardener that is added determines the curing time of the resin. Once you have combined the two components you need to mix them completely, ensuring that neither of the components settle at the bottom of the container. Once you have combined the components you can then use the resin to laminate or to make a mold. If you have chosen to make a mold, make sure you apply the coats in one direction, this will help you avoid creating any air bubbles as you apply the resin to the glass fiber.
Conclusion
Which type of resin you should use is completely linked to the project you have chosen to tackle once you have decided on your project you can then identify which resin to use. As shown each resin has its own pros and cons, one of the greatest positives of resin is that it can blend in and become camouflaged as the substance that it is adhering to.
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