BEST ArtResin Review 2024
In the world of epoxy resin, finding the perfect balance of clarity, strength, and UV resistance is essential, and one of our favorite brands that offers all three of these components, is ArtResin, a brand of epoxy resin made in the USA.
ArtResin Epoxy Resin promises to deliver on all of these fronts, and we can attest to their quality and their goal achievement in their product. But there are some things to consider if you are thinking of working with this super clear epoxy resin for your handmade resin jewelry, tumblers and other crafts.
In this art resin review, we'll take an in-depth look at ArtResin's formulation, exploring all of its qualities and whether it lives up to its claims.
ArtResin Review
We really love the story behind this brand of epoxy resin, and want to share it with you before getting into the details of the review.
This epoxy resin was started by a husband and wife team, David and Rebecca. They were both artists back in 2007 and were looking for a real solution to their art in terms of framing and loved the idea of epoxy resin, but back then, it just wasn't as good a product as they wanted it to be.
"Back then resin was produced solely as an industrial adhesive; it just happened to have a sleek look to it. As as result, artists like Dave and I were keen to capitalize on this aesthetic side effect. The problem with it being an industrial product was that it was hard to source, its toxic fumes gave us headaches, and worst of all, it discolored our work over time.
We were completely disappointed because we saw the potential in resin to greatly elevate the perceived value of our work; it was easy to DIY yet it looked like an expensive professional application. It was totally impressive—that is, until it went yellow. Unacceptable."
In the search for a better epoxy resin solution, they tried to develop their own resin from the perspective of an artist.
"We sampled products from chemists around the world… India, South Africa, China, the UK, the United States, and Canada. Most were terrible despite their best efforts. All we wanted was a crystal clear resin that was safe and easy to use."
Then, they found a really great solution.
"We mixed equal parts of the two-part formula together and spread it over a test photo. Unlike usual, it was safe to use in a well ventilated area. This resin was what he called a “clean system”, meaning there were no solvents or non-reactive diluents. Everything in the product reacts, so there were no harmful VOCs released into the air; nothing that could irritate the lungs or skin. Many curatives have a very powerful odor to them, but this product had virtually none."
From there, ArtResin was created for creative projects. A simple, 2 part art resin epoxy system that dries with a high gloss finish, that is hard and is super easy to use for first time resin art creators.
Now that we know a bit about how the resin was created, let's look at the product itself.
ArtResin Specs
Resin Clarity
ArtResin has garnered attention for its commitment to producing crystal-clear results and we can personally say that yes, they achieve this. This brand of epoxy resin has always dried extremely clear for us in a variety of non-dep pours, different crafts and jewelry projects.
Achieving that stunning glass-like clarity is often a top priority for resin artists. Let's dive into how well ArtResin accomplishes this.
Transparency
ArtResin is very transparent, and this transparency can be further enhanced with specific colorants like alcohol ink. When using alcohol ink with resin art, it is almost like tinting a clear, glossy resin. You still get that beautiful transparency.
If you prefer a colorant that is not transparent, opt for a mica powder or an acrylic paint.
Depth and Gloss
In the epoxy resin world, depth and gloss are highly sought-after attributes. ArtResin's Epoxy Resins truly stand out by adding a captivating depth and a glossy, glass-like finish to your clear epoxy resin projects.
It's like giving your creations a brilliant shine that'll impress even the most discerning resin artists.
Bubbles
When it comes to resin, it is hard to find one that really keeps the bubbles out of epoxy. You can get a really thick resin, but you are going to have to face the bubbles no matter what you do.
That is why you will need to have a heat gun when you are doing resin art.
See the heat gun we recommend for resin here
Resin Strength
Strength plays a pivotal role in determining the durability and suitability of epoxy resin for various projects. ArtResin doesn't give us a specific PSI rating, but I will say this from personal experience: ArtResin is great for projects that are not very deep casts.
It is fantastic as a high gloss finish over paintings and photos/art, and is really a good resin for making jewelry, keychains, pens and more creative projects like that, but any project where you need a deep pour or cast, it can get a little bit bendy.
UV Resistance
UV resistance is paramount for epoxy resin projects exposed to sunlight or UV radiation. ArtResin claims to offer reliable protection against UV damage, and we will look at the reasons why.
UV Protection in the Formula
ArtResin has a special formula that includes UV stabilizers included right in the formulation. This means that when you use this resin for your projects, it helps protect them from the potentially harmful effects of UV rays and sunlight. So, your beautiful resin creations will stay vibrant and appealing even when displayed in well-lit areas or near windows.
Anti-Yellowing Properties
This added UV protectant is what gives ArtResin that anti-yellowing effect. All resins will turn slightly yellow to very yellow over time, but some resins take a long time to do so, and when they yellow, they only yellow to a bit of a degree of color.
ArtResin, with its HALS and UV stabilizers, is one of those resins where any slight yellowing will happen very slowly over time. This is one of the least yellowing resins we have worked with.
In the epoxy resin community, we have heard from so many other resin artists that this is one of the best resins offering protection against yellowing. So if this is important to you, take note!
Mixing Ratio and Curing Time
Ease of use and the curing process can be quite important considerations when choosing an epoxy resin. Here are some details about mixing ratio and cure time for ArtResin.
Mixing Ratio
ArtResin offers a 1:1 ratio, which means you mix equal parts (volume) of epoxy resin and hardener. This balanced mixing ratio makes the mixing process pretty straightforward, making it user-friendly and ensuring that you achieve consistent and reliable results with your epoxy resin projects.
However, it's always a good practice to refer to the specific instructions provided with the kit for precise details directed on the mixing ratio for your particular project. Following instructions will alwasy help get the results you want.
Curing Time
Generally, it takes around 24 hours for the resin to cure to a touchable, durable, non-tacky state. However, it's important to note that full curing, where the epoxy resin reaches its maximum hardness and durability, may take several days for crafts, depending on things like temperature and humidity.
As a general guideline, it's best to allow your ArtResin projects to dry and cure in a dust-free and well-ventilated space for at least 72 hours. This will give you 5 stars in terms of results.
Food Safe
ArtResin, once fully cured, is generally considered food-safe for incidental food contact.
This means that it is safe for use with items like coasters or trays that may come into brief contact with food. However, it's essential to understand that epoxy resins, in general, are not recommended for direct or prolonged contact with food meant for consumption, such as plates or utensils.
Non Toxic Resin
ArtResin claims to be non toxic and safe to use.
Something we always say is that, yes, the resin and the hardener that are sold may be considered non toxic separately, however, when they are mixed together they create a chemical reaction where it would be best that you wear a proper respirator for. This is the case for every single resin out there. Always wear the proper equipment when working with chemicals.
With ArtResin, you really don't get those really bad odors when creating your artwork, but we still say, wear the proper safety tools such as the respirator and proper gloves for working with chemicals.
And if you are wondering which respirator to use, we will include some resin respirator information at the bottom of this article for you and a link below:
See the proper respirator we recommend (and use) for resin here
See the gloves that we use with resin art here
Price
ArtResin is a fantastic product to start with if you are a resin newbie (or an expert!), especially when it comes to the price.
This is a competitive price point, and we are happy that you can purchase this resin on Amazon (make sure you are buying the real ArtResin and not a knock off, as those have been peeping up on the Amazon listings).
Here are some of the different sizes of ArtResin you can purchase on Amazon for price comparison:
*For larger scale projects or if you own a business making resin crafts, you can also get a 10 gallon ArtResin Kit with super handy pumps.
ArtResin - What Projects it is Good For:
- Paintings
- Photography
- Art
- Jewelry
- Table tops and wood
- Woodworking
- Clear coating
- Cutting boards
- Coasters
- Non deep casting
- Dominoes
- Keychains
- Pens
- Tumblers
- and more
Here is some of the information we got with our ArtResin order for your reference:
Conclusion
We really love working with ArtResin for small projects and were happy to review it. It is truly one of our favorites for non-deep epoxy resin casting if you want a crystal clear epoxy resin that doesn't have much in terms of odor.
Here is a quick summary of the key points for art resin: the general pros, and the general cons.
Art Resin Pros:
- Great resin for beginners
- 1:1 mixing ratio
- Non toxic formula (we recommend using a the proper epoxy resin mask though!)
- Low to no odor
- Great for jewelry, wood projects, clear coat and/or other non-deep projects
- Dries crystal clear and very glossy (high gloss)
- Transparent
- Food safe for incidental contact
- Has UV stabilizers added so resin doesn't yellow easily/quickly
- Consistent results
ArtResin Cons:
- Not good for deep casting
- If poured too deep, it can be "bendy"
Here are the most frequently asked questions about ArtResin epoxy resin with answers:
Q: Is ArtResin safe to use?
A: ArtResin is made with safety in mind. It claims to be non-toxic. It is a low-odor epoxy, and it does not contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). However, it's always important to always follow the safety guidelines, to use it in a well-ventilated area, and to wear appropriate protective equipment, such as gloves and a mask with the right filters on it for resin work, to avoid skin contact as well as inhalation.
Q: Can ArtResin be used on various surfaces?
A: Yes, ArtResin is versatile epoxy and can be used on a wide range of surfaces, including wood, canvas, ceramics, and more. It's essential to make sure you prepare the surface properly; make sure that it's clean and is free of contaminants so the resin adheres the way you want it to.
Q: How long does it take for ArtResin to cure?
A: ArtResin typically cures within 24 to 72 hours, depending on factors like temperature and humidity. It's very important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for curing times and conditions to get the best results.
Q: Can ArtResin be used for casting and embedding objects?
A: Yes, ArtResin is suitable for casting and embedding various objects, such as flowers, photographs, or small trinkets. It isn't really recommended for deep casting though. If you want to cast smaller objects, it provides a clear and glossy finish, making it ideal for preserving and showcasing shallow embedded items.
Q: How can I prevent bubbles in my ArtResin project?
A: To minimize bubbles, it's essential to mix ArtResin thoroughly but avoid overmixing, as this can introduce more air. Additionally, using a heat gun or torch to carefully pass over the surface can help get rid of those air bubbles. Working in a dust-free environment and allowing the resin to rest before pouring can also help to prevent those bubbles in your work.
Q: Can ArtResin be colored or tinted?
A: Yes, ArtResin can be tinted or colored using different colorants or pigments and dyes designed for epoxy resin. It's important to use products compatible with epoxy resin and follow the recommended mixing ratios to get to the desired color without affecting the resin's curing properties. ArtResin specifically has their own line of pigments you can check out.
Q: Can I sand and polish cured ArtResin?
A: Yes, cured ArtResin can be sanded and polished to get a smooth and glossy finish. Use progressively finer grits of sandpaper and polishing compounds for the best results. And always make sure you follow the safety guidelines, such as wearing a mask, to avoid inhaling dust particles.
Q: Can ArtResin be used outdoors?
A: While ArtResin provides UV resistance to prevent yellowing, it's not designed for prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, like all resins. If used outdoors, it's recommended to protect the resin-coated surfaces from prolonged sunlight exposure by applying a UV-protective topcoat or placing objects in shaded areas.
Q: How should I store ArtResin?
Here are some more resin articles you may find interesting or worth bookmarking to read later!
Resin How To's
Resin Supplies & Purchasing Advice
Best Resin For Your Project
USE RESIN SAFELY
No matter what type of resin you decide to use, always use personal protective equipment (PPE). Take time to carefully go over safety data sheets before making anything with resin, and make sure you have the proper gloves on (not latex) and the right respirator for resin protection.
Here are the exact gloves we always use
This is the respirator we use and recommend for resin work
Read more about resin safety here
And please remember, even if your epoxy resin of choice is "VOC-free, odor free" and/or "non toxic", please always wear the proper respirator for epoxy resin.
Here is the BEST respirator mask for epoxy resin: this Full Face Organic Vapor Respirator checks off all of the boxes for resin safety, and comes with
- free 30 day returns
- a 1 year factory warranty
- free US shipping and free shipping on international orders
Here it is:
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