7 Best Epoxy Resins For Insects & bugs [2026]

Welcome to my guide on the best resins for preserving bugs and insects. Today you will learn what to look for when you need resin to cover insects with resin. Working with bugs and butterflies in resin is a creative way to make jewelry, paperweights, and display pieces that really stand out. The best epoxy resins for bugs need to dry clear, cure slowly, and flow well around small details.

A clear epoxy resin helps keep wings, legs, and textures easy to see once the piece is cured. Choosing the right resin also helps reduce bubbles and keeps your finished bug pieces looking clean and smooth. This guide covers the best epoxy resins for bugs and what makes each one a good fit for this type of project.

If you have ever tried to preserve a butterfly or beetle in resin, you already know how tricky it can feel. Tiny air bubbles love to hide around legs and wings, and it can be frustrating when things do not turn out how you pictured them. Many of us start these projects because we love nature and want to capture something special. This article is here to help you feel more confident and enjoy the process a little more.

And then you can go ahead and make your resin DIY jewelry, crafting projects and specimen displays. Are you ready to see the top resin for insects? Let’s go through this list together.

Best Resin For Bugs & Insects

1. Let’s Resin Epoxy

I’ve used Let’s Resin epoxy so many times over the years and love the brand. Let’s Resin is fantastic for preserving insects like butterflies due to its high quality, clear resin that is very clear. It helps the intricate details of these delicate specimens to shine through. They have a fully stocked shop, so if you need molds for bugs they have lots of silicone molds to choose from.

Its low odor and minimal bubbles provides a quality resin for preserving insects without compromising their natural beauty. This is a good choice of resin for insects for both beginners and experienced resin users.

2. Craft Resin Epoxy

Craft Resin is a top selling brand within the world of resin makers and is great for preserving bugs and insects. Known for its crystal clear formula, it is a good choice for entomological and insect preservation projects. So this makes it one of the best resin for casting insects for butterfly wing jewelry.

This resin cures clear, making it great for keeping even the smallest details of preserved bugs easy to see. Tiny features stay sharp and look the same once the resin has fully cured. This resin brand has a low smell and very low VOCs, which makes working on bug preservation projects more comfortable.

3. ArtResin Epoxy

ArtResin is one I have used a ton over the years, especially for covering artwork. It cures clear and flows nicely around wings and tiny details, which makes it great for bug preservation projects. It is also a top seller in the crafting world, so many resin artists use it for insect and nature based designs. ArtResin can be used to create butterfly jewelry and resin coasters with bugs inside as well.

Here’s an ArtResin Review to learn more about this brand.

4. Beast Bond Epoxy

A crystal clear resin like Beast Bond Epoxy works really well for preserving bugs and insects. It lets you capture delicate specimens in a natural looking way while keeping all the small details easy to see. This is a top choice for bug preservation in resin and has great feedback from crafters. The clear finish shows off everything from shiny wings to tiny antennae, making each piece fun to look at.

5. Hippie Crafter Resin

I have partnered with Hippie Crafter on other crafting supplies over the years, and I truly love the quality they put into everything they make. Their resin works great for bugs and detailed projects, and it is nice knowing you can grab all your supplies from one place. From resin to paints for resin, molds, and tools, Hippie Crafter makes it easy to find everything you need for resin art in one store.

6. Superclear Epoxy Resin

Using a quality resin for preserving bugs is very important. This shop has excellent feedback for their resin. What’s really great about this type is that it mixes at 1:1 ratio so it’s good for beginners. Superclear epoxy resin helps preserved bugs look clean and bright while also supporting the long term quality of the piece. It is made to stay clear over time, which helps slow down yellowing. That makes it a great choice for bug displays you want to enjoy for years.

7. Promise Epoxy

Promise Epoxy works really well for preserving bugs thanks to its clear finish and low smell. It makes insect preservation in resin more comfortable and keeps small details easy to see. Their shop also carries other resin supplies like their popular quick clean that helps get sticky resin off of surfaces.

Tips For Pouring Resin Over Bugs

Select the Right Resin

Choose a high-quality, clear casting resin suitable for entomological projects like our suggestions above. Epoxy resins vs. UV resins are often the preferred choice because of their clarity and durability. Make sure that the resin is specifically designed for embedding or casting like the brands above.

Prepare Your Specimen

Carefully clean and prepare the insect specimen by pinning or positioning it in the desired pose. The insect must be completely dry and free of any moisture, as moisture can cause bubbles and mold in the resin. I can’t stress enough that the bug must be totally free of moisture.

Use a Vacuum Chamber

To help stop air bubbles in the resin, consider using a vacuum chamber. This step can greatly enhance the clarity of your preserved bug or butterfly wing.

Layered Pouring

When pouring the resin, do it in layers if your thing is deep. Pour a thin layer first, allow it to partially cure, and then add the insect in the desired position. This helps secure the insect in place before doing your final pour.

Avoid Direct Sunlight and Heat

Once your insect is encased in resin, be mindful of its long-term storage and display. Avoid exposing the resin encased insect to direct sunlight or excessive heat. This is one of the major causes why the resin will yellow or become brittle over time. Display your preserved bugs in a location with controlled lighting and temperature.

Never Kill A Bug Or Butterfly

This is one of the absolute important things. Killing bugs for creating resin pieces is ethically questionable and unnecessary. First and foremost, it raises ethical concerns about the treatment of living creatures and is inhumane.

There are alternative methods to source insect specimens, such as using naturally deceased or ethically sourced insects, which respect the insects’ lives and their place in the ecosystem. Try getting bugs from a local sanctuary where the bug has expired naturally. Or if possible, take a walk through your yard or local park.

Many insects play vital roles in pollination, decomposition, and food chains, and their loss can have negative consequences on the environment. Besides, it’s just plain mean. Just don’t do it. Insect preservation can be done responsibly and ethically without causing harm to living creatures.

Preserving Bugs In Resin FAQ

Why do people want to preserve insects in Resin?

People preserve insects for many reasons, from science and education to art. Preserving bugs helps researchers study ecosystems and see how different species interact. Preserved insects are also great for learning, letting students and hobbyists explore entomology and understand the natural world. For artists and collectors, insects make detailed and fascinating subjects for displays and resin projects, like butterfly jewelry.

How do I prepare insects for resin casting?

Properly clean and prepare the specimen by pinning or positioning it in the desired pose. Make sure the insect is thoroughly dry, as any moisture can lead to bubbles in the resin.

How do I Stop air bubbles in the resin?

Using a vacuum chamber to degas the resin mixture before pouring it can help eliminate air bubbles. Pouring the resin in thin layers and working in a clean, dust-free environment also helps reduce the risk of bubbles. See this guide on bubble removal in resin.

What’s the best way to position the insect in the resin?

You can experiment with various positions, but most insects look best when they are posed naturally or in a lifelike stance. Be patient and take your time to get the positioning right.

How long does it take for the resin to cure fully?

The curing time varies depending on the specific resin used. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for curing times and conditions. It can range from a few hours to several days. Check out this article about common resin cure times.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when preserving bugs in resin?

Common mistakes include not thoroughly drying the specimen, using the wrong type of resin, overpouring, and neglecting to remove air bubbles.

Can I preserve delicate insects like butterflies and moths in resin?

Yes, you can preserve delicate insects, but it requires extra care. The insect must be completely dry to prevent molding over time. Consider reinforcing fragile parts with a tiny amount of UV resin before encasing in resin.

Can I use UV Resin For Bugs & Insects?

UV resin can cure quickly and is good for most small crafting projects. It will be harder to pour properly onto the specimen if your insect is larger. That does not mean you can never use UV resin, because it does have a use for top coating or for making really small jewelry pieces where you do not need a deep pour. You can also use UV resin for securing your insect before pouring the epoxy resin.

I hope this guide to the best epoxy resins for bugs helps you feel confident in your resin projects. Using the right resin can make your preserved insects look clear, bright, and full of detail. If you found these tips helpful, share this article with a friend who loves resin or bug displays. Your friends will thank you, and it helps others discover easy and fun ways to preserve insects in resin.

Next, learn all about Lac Resin that’s made from insects.