Top 10 Bar Top Epoxy Brands [2024]
Here are the best bar top epoxy brands. When it comes to creating a shiny bar top, the right epoxy is key. With so many brands available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your project.
You want something that’s easy to use, gives a smooth, clear finish, and lasts for years. That’s where this guide comes in handy. And since we work with resin all the time, the best info for you is right here.
In this article, we’ll share the best bar top epoxy brands that are perfect for both beginners and pros. Get ready to find the perfect epoxy to make your bar top the centerpiece of your space.
In this blog post, we’re exploring the best resins that’ll turn your bar tops into that shiny and glittery surface.
So, grab your tools, put on that DIY spirit, and let’s talk about the go-to resins for your bar.
Top Bar Top Epoxy Resins
For bar tops that really stand out, the best resin often depends on the specific needs of your project and aesthetics.
If you’re looking to completely cover your bar top with an inch or more of resin, a deep-pour epoxy resin like EcoPoxy or Superclear Liquid Glass will give you that thickness you need.
Epoxy resins, like ArtResin and Promise Epoxy, are also good choices for bar tops because they are very clear and great ones to use for embeds and for adding elements like glitter. These brands will also give you a smooth, glass-like finish on top of your bar.
Consider factors like UV resistance, ease of use, and durability. Choosing the proper resin will help prevent the resin from going cloudy and other common problems like dimples in resin.
1. EcoPoxy
EcoPoxy is a great choice for bar tops because it offers a durable and high-gloss finish that’s scratch-resistant.
Its formula is designed to help protect the surface from yellowing over time. If you are making a white bar top or lighter colored one, do read up on why epoxy starts to turn yellow.
2. Promise Epoxy
This resin has a hard, self-leveling finish that helps protect your bar top from moisture & impact. It’s easy to use, with a straightforward 1:1 mixing ratio, making it pretty easy for both beginner resin users and experienced DIYers.
Promise epoxy also states that their resin is food safe once cured, so you can use it on surfaces like tabletops that may come into contact with food. Additionally, it works well with pigments and dyes, allowing for creative customization.
See our article all about food safety with resin.
3. Superclear Table Top Epoxy
This is a good one to use if you have a bar top that just needs a quick fix. It’s a good one to use for those times when you just want to fix something up. This epoxy will cure hard and you can mix it with colorants like mica, glitter and acrylic paints.
4. Superclear Liquid Glass
Here’s the upgrade to the one above. They made another formula that is more durable. This is a top selling resin for not only bar tops, but for tables and large surfaces. Like the ones above, you can color it, mix it will glitter and embed objects.
5. ArtResin
ArtResin is a great choice for bar tops because it has a super high-gloss finish that enhances the natural beauty of the wood or material underneath. Its formula is designed to be easy to work with, with a 1:1 ratio of hardener and resin.
I use this one all the time and love how it doesn’t have a strong resin or chemical smell like some resins. Check out the review of ArtResin Epoxy resin.
6. Let’s Resin For Bar Tops
Let’s Resin is a great option for bar tops because it has an impact-resistant finish that can handle daily use, making it perfect for busy surfaces. Its easy-to-use formula allows even beginners to use.
Additionally, Let’s Resin can work well with pigments and other additives, so you can customize your bar top with unique colors and effects to match your style.
7. Beast Bond Epoxy
Beast Bond epoxy resin is also a good choice for bar tops because it gives a shiny, clear finish that keeps the surface safe from scratches and moisture.
It’s easy to work with, thanks to its smooth, self-leveling formula. Customers also love how fast it cures, allowing them to see results quickly and finish their projects sooner
8. Craft Resin
This is another brand I have worked with and it’s also a good option for bar tops. This one is a 1:1 ratio of hardener and resin so it’s easy to work with. It also comes in small to larger sizes so you can order sample sizes before going ahead and pouring your whole bar top.
Not only do they have the resin, they also have mica powders for resin too so you can shop all at once.
9. Magic Resin
Magic Resin’s is a clear, two-part epoxy that mixes easily with colors like mica powders. It has a low thickness, making it simple to blend. Keep in mind that this one has a 2:1 mix ratio, not 1:1 like some of the others on this list.
10. Total Boat Deep Pour Epoxy
Total Boat is a professional-grade resin that’s known for its clear, strong finish, making it perfect for high-quality projects. It’s easy to mix and works well with different colors and additives, thanks to its low viscosity.
Choosing The Right Epoxy for your bar top
When selecting epoxy resin for bar tops, there are some things to know before going ahead.
You might not know that there are actually different resins on the market. Epoxy resins are popular for their clarity, durability, and self-leveling properties. It’s the type that you see being used on epoxy resin countertops.
If you’re working on thick bar tops with embedded objects, get a deep-pour epoxy that can handle thicker applications. Learn all about the different types of resin and their applications. There’s some really helpful info there because epoxy resin is not the only type out there.
UV resistance is important to prevent yellowing, especially if your bar top will be exposed to sunlight and is near large windows. But like I mentioned before, if yellowing is a concern, then you might want to pour a darker colored resin.
There are many things that can cause your bar top to yellow that has nothing to do with the resin itself.
Check for any special considerations such as odor, ventilation requirements, and whether the resin is food-safe if you plan to use the bar top for dining.
Lastly, read reviews from fellow crafters to get even more info into the performance and results of the resin you’re considering using.
Ways To Use Epoxy Resin For Bar tops
1. Simple Bar top Coating:
For a classic look, a common use of resin for bar tops is as a protective coating over wood. Epoxy resin creates a glossy, durable surface that enhances the natural beauty of wood or other materials, providing a sleek and modern finish.
2. River Table bar top:
Create a custom river table bar top by pouring tinted or clear epoxy resin into a recessed area between two pieces of wood. This technique gives you a cool river-like effect. It looks like there is a river within the bar top. You can add glitter, rocks and gold leafing inside. See our article about the best golds for resin for more ideas.
3. custom bar top Designs:
Use resin to put in designs into your bar top. You can add small objects, like shells, or create patterns with colored resin. This adds a personalized and artistic touch to your bar top. One thing that I really like doing is to pour clear resin and then pour on some colored resin here and there. Then I get a spray bottle with some isopropyl alcohol, give it a light spray and that makes some really neat designs.
4. Customizing bar top Surfaces:
Resin allows for endless creativity in customizing surfaces for a bar top. Incorporate pigments, dyes, or even metallic powders into the resin to get unique color effects that go with your bar aesthetics.
5. Embedded Objects:
This is one of my favorites. Try some mixed media by embedding various objects, such as coins, flowers for resin, or photographs. This not only adds a personal touch but also turns your bar tops into a conversation piece with a story to tell. If you are using pictures or paper, you will need to seal them first so that the ink does not bleed.
Resin For Wooden Bar Tops FAQ’s
To minimize bubbles, mix the resin thoroughly but don’t stir passed the recommended time according to the manufacturer. Using a heat gun or resin torch to get rid of surface bubbles. Watch for bubbles that start to rise to the surface for the first 40 minutes or so. Don’t just pour it and walk away. It will need to be looked after until it starts to set.
Read our pro guide on how to get rid of resin bubbles.
Cure times vary among resins. Generally, epoxy resins take about 24 to 72 hours to cure to a hard cure and then it will keep curing for up to two weeks after that. Follow the brands instructions for the specific product you’re using. Be patient, allowing ample time for each layer to cure if you are doing a layered design.
Yes, you can use various types of wood for your bar top since it will be covered in resin. Make sure you choose a dry wood to prevent warping.
Softwoods like pine may require additional wood stabilization prep to avoid resin penetration so do be aware of that. Hardwoods like oak and walnut are popular choices because of their stability and aesthetic appeal.
Good question. Before pouring your resin, the surface must be completely level or the resin is just going to pour off. Use a leveling tool to make sure it’s level before pouring or you are going to have some serious problems. Sometimes the prep takes longer then the application of the resin.
You have a variety of options when it comes to coloring resin for your bar tops. Liquid pigments, powdered mica designed for resin, alcohol inks, thermochromic mica powders, and even acrylic paints can be used.
The quantity of pigments to resin is important. Read up on how much pigment per gallon of resin to use.
Do a small test batch. If you’re looking for more detailed guidance on choosing and using colorants, check out our guide on colorants for resin.
Troubleshooting Resin Bar Tops & Fixes
1. Bubbles in Resin:
- Issue: Bubbles can form during mixing or pouring.
- Solution: Mix resin slowly, use a heat gun or torch to remove surface bubbles, and pour in thin layers to minimize bubble formation.
2. Uneven bar top Surface:
- Issue: The resin surface is not level or smooth on the bar top.
- Solution: Make sure the bar top is level before pouring resin. Apply an additional coat if needed to level things out.
3. bar top is starting to yellow:
- Issue: Over time, some resins may yellow, especially when exposed to UV light.
- Solution: Unfortunately once resin starts to yellow, there is no stopping it. Choose a UV-resistant resin like the ones mentioned above. And if you think this is going to be a problem long term then switch to darker colors for your bar top.
4. Resin Not Curing Properly:
- Issue: The resin remains sticky or doesn’t cure fully on the bar top.
- Solution: Make sure you are doing accurate measuring and mixing ratios. Check for temperature and humidity requirements, and allow sufficient curing time. Consider using a heat source if working in a cooler environment. Guide: Why Resin Is Not Curing
5. Cracks or Warping on the bar top:
- Issue: The wood or resin surface develops cracks or warps on the bar top.
- Solution: Use dry and stable wood for your bar top. Seal the wood with something like Cactus Juice before applying resin to prevent moisture-related issues. Apply resin in multiple thin layers instead of a single thick layer to minimize stress on the wood.
Remember to refer to the specific guidelines provided by the resin manufacturer and conduct small test projects before tackling larger bar top creations.
Thanks for taking the time to read up on the best epoxy for your bar tops with us! We hope this guide has provided valuable tips and solutions for your bar.
If you have more questions or want to dive deeper into the resin universe, feel free to check out our other resources.
Thanks again for reading.
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