There are so many different brands of epoxy resin to choose from on your next project, but they're all the same. A good epoxy job takes a lot of time, but it's worth it in the end.

The only basic difference between any of these products is quantity and price, so you'll need to sift through our buyer's guide to find the quantity and price match that's perfect for your project.

In this ProPaintCorner.com guide, you will learn:

• The best epoxy resins for wood
• Tips and tricks for applying the best epoxy resins for wood
• Applications for the best epoxy resins for wood
• And much more!

Below is a quick list of our top 5 products. Keep scrolling to learn more about how to choose and use the top rated epoxy resins for wood.

Our Top Epoxy Resins For Wood

1. Pro Marine Supplies Crystal Clear Epoxy Resin & Hardener
2. DR CRAFTY Clear Epoxy Resin
3. Liquid Glass Deep Pour Epoxy Resin Kit
4. Incredible Solutions Epoxy Resin
5. FCGI Superclear Premium

What Are Epoxy Resins For Wood?

Epoxy resins are two-part glue that forms an amazingly hard finish on anything from wood to fabric.

There are many different types of epoxy resin, but the two most commonly used resins are polyester and epoxy resins, and these resins are used to form a hard and sturdy finish on anything from wood to composite materials.

Resin on a wood surface is comparable to making petrified wood without having to wait centuries for the softwood to turn into something hard. Plus, this process is so inexpensive and easy that basically anyone can do it. 

Epoxy is an extremely versatile substance used for automotive repair, boat repair, carbon fiber production, and more, so you can't go wrong with keeping a gallon or two of epoxy in your arsenal or toolbox.

What Are The Different Types of Epoxy Resins For Wood?

The type of epoxy product you buy depends on your project. Most of these products are virtually the same thing-- a clear epoxy that you can put a powder dye or metallic particles in to make attractive art or furnishing.

The only real difference between products is quality, price, and work time. That's right, some products take longer to cure than others. That's because they contain a hardening agent that cures slower.

How Does Epoxy Resin Work?

The resin application process is very simple. Simply mix the recommended quantities of each pair, and apply it to the surface of the wood using either a paintbrush, paint roller, putty knife, etc.

After the epoxy is evenly applied, it will cure into a hard finished product that actlikeas a super-strong clear coat made to last for years and years.

You must sand the finished epoxy product for the best results. Cured epoxy with a rough surface must be sanded with 120 or 80-grit, and cured epoxy with a smoother surface can be wet sanded for extremely smooth surfaces.

Now that you're educated on the basics, here are some supplies you'll need for the job: 

Paintbrush/Paint roller/Foam brush 

Using a paint roller is the best way to cover large areas with epoxy resins, and paintbrushes/foam brushes are the best way to accurately apply epoxy to wood surfaces.

Spreader 

Some epoxy jobs are easier with an epoxy spreader rather than a paint roller or paintbrush.

If you're working with an extremely flat surface, like laying up epoxy to a surfboard, for example, a plastic spreader is much faster, and it slides over the flat surface faster, filling in all the pores of the wood/fiberglass/carbon weave.

Respirator/Cotton Mask Safety Glasses 

Don't forget that many epoxy resins are extremely toxic, and you should avoid breathing their fumes. You should definitely wear a respirator if you plan on sanding epoxy resin to avoid breathing in tiny sharp particles of epoxy dust.

Nitrile/Chemical-resistant gloves

Using nitrile gloves is the ritual when working with epoxy resins. If you do happen to spill epoxy on your skin, you should use rubbing alcohol and a rag to immediately remove it before it cures.

Torch/Heat gun/Hairdryer

Heat removes air bubbles from the process. After you lay up the epoxy either using a paintbrush/roller or plastic spreader, you'll notice that air bubbles may form, and you'll need to hit them with heat to get them out before the glue dries. Don't apply so much heat that you burn the resin, but rather move the heat in waves over it to avoid holding it on one spot for too long.

A hairdryer also works for removing air bubbles in the common case that you don't own a heat gun or torch.

Sandpaper/Electric Sander 

Sanding is almost always a necessity when working with epoxy. Chances are, the epoxy doesn't cure smoothly, and an electric sander is a solution for making it smooth again.

Masking materials 

Many projects require covering up a certain part to avoid getting epoxy on it. Remember, if you let epoxy dry on an undesired surface, it can be ridiculously difficult to 

Dropcloth 

A painter's drop cloth is a good surface to place your epoxy project on to avoid getting epoxy all over the place. Sure, a dryer sheet might be the right solution for using latex paint on your bedroom, but epoxy will sink right past the sheet and glue to the floor.

Weight Scale

Using a weight scale is sometimes necessary when mixing epoxies. Why? Because two-part epoxies are generally mixed by weight, not by actual volume (the level in the cup). If you want to be extremely exact about your resin mixture, you'll use a 

Measuring cups 

Measuring cups help to get the right mixture with most epoxies. Simple 1:1 ratios require that you pour the same amount of epoxy into each cup, and then mix.

Stir stick/Blender

2-part epoxies must be stirred together beforehand, and the simplest way to do is it by using a stir stick. More industrial operations might use a blender to mix the epoxies after weighing them on a scale. 

Acetone

Acetone is the chemical used to clean epoxy. It's used to clean injection/press molds and machines like impregnators and 3D printers. 

Rubbing alcohol

Other chemical solvents like rubbing alcohol are also extremely useful in cleaning uncured resin off of surfaces. Keep in mind that cured resin is nearly impossible to remove from fabrics and other soft surfaces.

Read Also: How To Stain Wood (5-Step Guide)

What To Look For In The Best Epoxy Resins For Wood?

Color

Epoxies come with lots of different powder dye colorants that you add after the epoxy is applied by mixing it into a spray bottle with alcohol. These kits typically change the epoxy into a marble color. If you want you can buy dye kits separately from the actual product.

The best epoxy for you depends on the job at hand. For example, if you’re planning to apply epoxy to a large surface area like a floor, for example, you’ll need a higher quantity of epoxy, so you’ll want to buy a more industrial product in 5-gallon buckets. 

Square Feet: How many square feet does 1 gallon of epoxy cover?

1 gallon of epoxy will cover anywhere from 1 to 2 thousand feet of a flat surface, but it's hard to know for sure when talking about project specifics. 

One thing is sure, the thicker you apply epoxy to a surface, the harder it will cure, and the lighter you can make it by sanding. Of course, applying too much epoxy to the job will create a sanding nightmare in which you'll need a respirator.

You get the picture. Just buy enough epoxy to get the job done. 1 gallon will likely cover a countertop job, and you may need smaller quantities for smaller jobs like a coffee table, stool, etc.

VOC Content

Some epoxy products are more toxic than others, so it's important to make sure you're purchasing a product that doesn't emit volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere. Low VOC content is also good for your health because you don't want to expose yourself to dangerous chemicals in the process of applying epoxy to wood.

Quantity

Although most of these are 1/2 gallon and 1 gallon kits, many of these products are sold in different quantities. Look at the Amazon carefully to determine whether or not each product comes in more or less than 1 gallon.

Mixing Ratio

Most epoxy resins for wood are mixed in a 1:1 ratio---that means you equally mix the resin and hardener. However, there are a couple of products that are 2:1 ratio listed here. This molecular handshake must be correct for the epoxy to cure properly.

Keep in mind that more industrial-style epoxies meant for auto/boat repair or carbon fiber use a much higher resin to hardener ratio. For example, if you were to do a boat repair, the epoxy to hardener ratio would be something like 50:1, and the hardener would function much more aggressively. If you were to up the ratio of the aggressive catalyst, the epoxy would cure almost instantly.

Read Also: What’s The Best Way To Stain Wood? (5-Step Guide)

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Do some additional research to find out how toxic (or non-toxic) each product is. Typically, products are required to print a material safety data sheet on the back of the container. 

Yellowing 

Some epoxy products guarantee that their product won't turn yellow over time. 

Scratch-Resistant

One of the best parts about applying epoxy resins to wood is that it creates a scratch-resistant finish to the surface.

Our Reviews Of The Best Epoxy Resins For Wood

Our Top Pick

Our top pick is Pro Marine Supplies Crystal Clear Table Top Epoxy Resin & Hardener because. itis a high-quality choice, and it also comes with stir sticks, gloves, measuring cups, and foam brushes in a complete kit that provides you with basically everything you'll need for the job.

With thousands of great Amazon reviews, you can't go wrong with buying Pro Marine, plus the quality is much more reliable than other brands.

Final Thoughts On Best For Epoxy Resins For Wood

Did you read the instructions carefully?

We highly recommend following the epoxy bottle instructions with extreme care before starting the project.

Additional Supplies Needed For Your Epoxy Project

Are you new to working with epoxies? We've got your back. Here are some additional supplies that you might need to complete your project:

• Nitrile Gloves 

• Use nitrile gloves 

• Safety Glasses

Safety glasses are a definite necessity when working with epoxies. Even low VOC epoxies still harden with time, so that's not a substance you want in your eyes. Be sure to rinse your eyes out extremely thoroughly if you do happen to get epoxy in your eyes.

Sandpaper 

You'll need to at least wet sand the surface of your project with 600-grit sandpaper after the epoxy cures. Some projects might require that you use 80 or 120-grit sandpaper on projects where the epoxy cures with a finish that isn't smooth to the touch.

Electric sander 

An electric sander is great for sanding epoxy. Use a vibrating or orbital sander for the best results, and in the event of a disaster epoxy job, you may have to pull out a belt sander fora

Stir sticks

You'll need stir sticks to mix the two parts of epoxy. Professional composites operations use an impregnator machine that automatically mixes epoxy, and smaller operations even use a cake batter mixer to get a finer epoxy mixture.

Read Also: How Do You Get Spray Paint Off Wood? (5-Step Guide)

Paint Roller/Paintbrush

Using a paint roller and paintbrush is a great way to apply epoxy.

Acetone

Acetone is how you clean epoxy from your paintbrushes, and it will also help you clean cured epoxy off of undesired areas. 

Measuring cups 

Measuring cups help you get an exact mixture. Properly mixing the correct amounts of epoxy is crucial in getting perfect results. For example, if you fail to mix in the proper amount of hardener, it may take longer for the resin to cure.

Putty knives/Spreaders

Some projects don't require paint rollers. When building a surfboard, for example, all you need is a spreader to distribute the resin across the surface of the board.

Need some ideas for your next project? Here are a few:

There are so many different things you can do with epoxy. Whether you're a passionate DIYer or contractor, the sky is the limit with epoxy. We're here to help you get as many ideas as possible for your next job, so try things like:

Cork

Cork is naturally soft and spongy, but with an epoxy coating, you can ensure that your cork project doesn't get scratched or misshaped.

Benches/Stools/Wooden tables

Paint benches, stools, wooden tables, and more with epoxy for a long-lasting finish.

Woodcutting boards

Wooden cutting boards are an attractive way to embellish the look of your kitchen, but the only problem is that food and water stay in the pores of wood if epoxy isn't applied.

A quality resin epoxy creates a food-safe cutting board for an excellent and natural-looking kitchen utility.

Any piece of wood

Apply epoxy to virtually any piece of wood to protect it from the elements for years to come.

Reclaimed Wood

Protect reclaimed wood on siding, bedroom, furniture, and RV projects by painting on some clear epoxy.

Plywood

Plywood looks and functions fantastic with epoxy applied over the top. If you want a simple and attractive countertop, you could apply to build it from plywood, and then apply epoxy using a paint roller.

Laminate

Laminate surfaces like flooring, floor joists, etc. are a great candidate for applying epoxy to extend its life.

Bamboo

Bamboo and culeou are attractive wood species, and can you can add additional protection with an epoxy product listed above.

Pennies

Have you ever been to a bar where the table is made of pennies? The artist places all of the pennies on the table, pours epoxy over the top, and then sanded it to perfection.

Sculptures

Preserve your wood and stone sculptures.

Marble

Protect your stone products from water damage by sealing them in with a clear or tint/dyed epoxy. 

Canvas 

Epoxy is a great option for locking in paintings and preventing them from damage/destruction.

Photos

Photos can be embellished and protected with a clear resin coating (see Art 'N Glow epoxy).

Rocks

Even rocks like granite naturally absorb water, but epoxy helps keep water and UV rays out.

Copper

Protect copper from denting and scratching with one of the products listed above.

Puzzles

Did you complete a ridiculously hard puzzle? Save the image by pouring some self-leveling epoxy over the top.

Bottlecaps 

Glue old bottle caps to a flat and level surface, and pour epoxy over the top to lock them in.

Any Questions? Contact Us

We're here to help you with all of your paint and epoxy needs. Don't forget to drop us a line on our page, and we'll be happy to give you a helpful answer to your question. Good luck with your next job!

Do you want to remove blemishes from your epoxy job? The first step in removing blemishes is applying epoxy to a ridiculously clean surface. Remember, you're locking your desired wood surface in for basically forever, so any tiny spec of dust that sits underneath the epoxy will be visible for many years to come.

The next solution for removing blemishes is sanding. Sanding the epoxy evenly is extremely important for avoiding intentions in the wood. If you're using a sanding sponge, don't apply pressure to the surface when moving the sandpaper back and forth. Instead, simply move your hand back and forth evenly on the epoxy surface, and don't forget to use an electric sander for the best results on your wooden surface epoxy job.

How Long Is The Curing Process?

Let's remember that the curing process for epoxy resins is linear. That means the epoxy starts as a liquid, and then it gets harder and harder over time until it reaches its final cured state. Working time is generally anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on humidity, but curing can take much longer.

It can take as long as two weeks for the resin to cure completely, and it all depends on the humidity and amount of catalyst mixed in. For these 1:1 ratio products, the dry time will be consistent with the time listed on the container.

Don't use a paint sprayer, but do use a paint masker when applying epoxy

Applying epoxy with a paint sprayer is possible, but it's not recommended because it could ruin your paint sprayer. You should, however, use a paint masker to help you properly protect other surfaces from getting epoxy on them.

Are you wondering which painter's tape to use for the job? We recommend either the blue or green Scotch tape along with 3M masking plastic. Try to avoid using masking paper as it can damage your project/make things difficult.

What Is Low Viscosity?

Low viscosity is a liquid's ability to produce friction. Most epoxy resins are low viscosity, meaning they're a thin mixture that pours easily.