One of the questions asked when people first start working with epoxy resin for crafting and DIY projects is how much resin will I need, and of what type? Of course, there are variables to be considered before these questions may be answered correctly, so let’s take a look…

Epoxy Coverage Calculator Considerations:

• Seal Coat Requirements - When figuring epoxy amount calculations using the resin calculator, one of the considerations is whether the project requires a thin first-layer seal coat or not. It is always best to assume a seal coat is needed than not however, this is dependent upon several factors. Is the substrate material porous such as untreated wood, or smooth like a laminated surface? Also, if the project involves placing and sealing memorabilia of a porous nature such as photography and printed materials – a seal coat is needed to protect these items.

• Project Scope - What is the actual size of the piece being created and therefore coated with epoxy resin? And how many coats of resin will be applied to reach the desired results? The epoxy coverage calculator on this page takes these variables into account – simply plug in the dimensions requested into the resin calculator, and the epoxy amount calculator will provide results for the amount of epoxy resin needed.

• Pour Thickness - The epoxy pour calculator on this page also takes into account the epoxy resin coating thickness desired. Simply enter the sought-after thickness in fractions of an inch via the dropdown menu into the resin calculator - and along with the other dimensions entered – the epoxy amount calculator will automatically determine and display the amount of epoxy resin a project requires. 

• Handling the Edge Work - One of the keys when considering the amount of epoxy resin needed for a project, is whether the material will flow over/around the edges of a project or not. Projects where a dam or framework is not used to contain the material will require more epoxy resin than those that utilize molds or frames to contain the polymer. The epoxy pour calculator on this page also takes this variable into account.

It is important to accurately acquire the correct amount (and maybe a bit more) epoxy resin to achieve the proper coverage and desired project results. Epoxy resin progresses from fluid to solid (also known as the curing process) quickly. Therefore, the material’s working time – when the mixture may be manipulated is short - usually no more than 25-45 minutes depending upon the type/formula of epoxy resin being used. The epoxy resin calculator is designed to help one easily figure out the amount of epoxy resin a project requires.

Note: If one runs out of epoxy resin mid-project, the material will have solidified before another batch may be mixed and poured. The prior coat will have to be sanded in its entirety before another coat is applied. It is best to avoid this situation by ensuring enough resin is available for the task at hand by using the resin calculator to determine the amount a project requires.

Types of Epoxy Resin & their Applications:

We, here at ProMarine Supplies, are happy to offer four main types of epoxy resin – each uniquely formulated to best address myriad applications:

• Tabletop Epoxy Resin - Versatile tabletop epoxy resin was initially created for use on bar and tabletops but has been used in a variety of other applications as well including arts and crafts projects, and DIY maintenance and repair tasks. It may be applied in thin layers for artwork, or multiple layers for casting – however specialty resins (below) are a bit better suited to these applications.

• Art Resin - Designed to be used as a surface coating and protective sealant for delicate artwork and intricate craft creations; self-leveling art epoxy resin is used by artisans and crafters to protect and seal drawings, paintings, photographs, wood crafts and more. Art resin works with a variety of materials, mixes easily with tints and dyes, and features a hard-shell UV resistant coating that provides moisture, corrosion and handling protection.

• Casting Resin - Casting resins are designed for thicker pours such as encapsulation projects (paperweights, figurines, jewelry) and crafting furniture like river tables for instance. Their slightly thinner viscosity provides for longer working time, and cooler and slower curing – perfect for casting objects and building furnishings.

• Marine-grade Epoxy Resin - Specially formulated for marine applications, marine grade epoxy resin is designed for boat building, maintenance/repair and restoration. Marine epoxy resin bonds with a host of substrates including fiberglass, metal, wood and fabrics; cures to a superior-strength solid; and may be used with slow or fast hardener depending upon the application.