11 best Deep Pour Casting resins to use + Tips
Here are the best casting resins for deep pours. If you’re diving into resin art, choosing the best casting resin can make a big difference. Casting resin is a type of epoxy designed for deep pours, molds, and projects where you want crystal clear results and fewer bubbles.
It’s used in everything from jewelry and paperweights to larger home décor pieces like tables. In this post, I’m going over some of the top rated casting resins to use.
I’ve tested a lot of resins over the years, some with great results, and some not so great. When I first started making molds and larger pieces, I didn’t really know there was a difference between coating resin and casting resin.
Now I always keep a good casting resin on hand, especially for deeper molds or projects I want to keep super clear. Right now, I’m working on a resin table that has about 4 inches of resin that I’ve poured on the edges. I’m constantly learning new techniques to try.
What Is Deep Pour Casting Resin?
Casting resin is a type of liquid polymer that, when mixed and poured into molds or into wooden river tables, solidifies to form a durable, transparent and glossy material. These epoxy resins have two main components, a resin and a hardener, which, when combined in the correct proportions, initiate a chemical reaction causing the liquid mixture to solidify over time.
Best Deep Pour Casting resins For Deep Pours
Ok, let’s get into the best casting resins and below I share the one I’m using at the moment for a table I’m working on.
1. Rolio Casting Resin
Rolio Deep Pour is a clear epoxy that works well for everything from casting trays to coating tabletops. If you want to color the epoxy, it works fantastic with mica powders and pigment pastes. You will get a full cure with this epoxy in about 72 hours. They have several sizes too, so if you are just getting started and want to experiment you can grab a smaller bottle size. Keep in mind that this epoxy is 2:1 ratio.
2. Let’s Resin Casting Resin
Let’s Resin is a brand I’ve used a ton and I love that they don’t just sell resin, they have a fully stocked shop of all the supplies you could need. Their resin pours clear, self-levels smoothly, and gives enough working time that you’re not racing to finish. If you like to have everything from one shop like pigments and molds to tools, this brand makes it easy to stay stocked and ready.
3. NICPRO Casting Resin
NicPro casting resin is a good pick if you’re working on chunky jewelry or river tables. It flows nicely and gives you good working time before it starts setting. The finish stays clear and glossy, so your pieces come out looking bright and professional.
4. Kisrel Casting Resin
Kisrel casting resin is a great match if you’re already using their UV resin for smaller pieces. You can pair it with their UV products for gluing down inclusions like sea shells, or for making jewelry that needs a bit more depth or a slower cure. It pours smoothly and cures up with a nice shine which makes it easy to work with when you’re adding things like glitter or tiny embeds.
5. CraftResin Casting Resin
CraftResin is one of the top selling brands for a reason because it’s beginner friendly and gives a glossy, clear finish that looks great on everything from DIY resin coasters to jewelry. I’ve seen so many resin artists use it for both small projects and bigger home décor pieces too.
6. Total Boat Casting Resin
Total Boat casting resin is a favorite for larger projects like river tables and deep pours, and it’s known for curing crystal clear. One thing I love is that they also have a super helpful YouTube channel with tutorials and tips. It’s a great brand to explore if you’re getting serious about your resin work.
7. JDiction Deep Pour Resin
I’m using JDiction casting resin right now for a resin table project, and it’s been great to work with so far. It mixes well and stays nice and clear during the pour. I’ll be linking the full tutorial here soon so you can see how it turns out!
8. Promise Epoxy
Promise Epoxy is one of the best clear epoxies for deep pours. It stays crystal clear and doesn’t overheat too, even in thick layers up to about 4 inches. You can use it in river tables and deep coasters. Plus, it gives you enough working time to layer in things like glitter, flowers, or wood accents without it curing too fast.
9. Liquid Glass
Liquid Glass Epoxy is a good brand for deep pours and formulated to cure without leaving dimples. It can handle 2-4 inches, which means fewer pours for big projects like river tables or countertops. The low odor and easy flow help bubbles pop, so you get a smooth, shiny finish every time.
Deep Casting resin FAQ’s & Tips
How thick can you pour casting resin?
The thickness you can pour epoxy resin largely depends on the specific product you are using, as different formulations have different curing properties and limitations. Deep pour epoxy resins are generally designed to be poured in thicker layers than standard epoxies. Here are some general guidelines:
Manufacturer’s Recommendations
Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for the specific product you are using. They will give you the maximum recommended thickness per pour in their instructions or website.
Typical Thickness Range
Most deep pour epoxy resins can be poured to a thickness of 1 to 2 inches per pour. Some high-performance products may allow for even thicker pours, up to 3 to 4 inches, but these are less common. The table I’m working on right now is being poured at about 4 inches, but the sections are small so I can get away with it.
Epoxy Gets hot While Curing
If you pour deep pour epoxy too thick, it can actually get really hot, hot enough to crack or even smoke. That’s because the chemical reaction gives off heat as it cures, and thicker layers trap that heat.
Most deep pour resins are made for pours around 2-3 inches or less at a time, so it’s better to go slow and pour in layers if you need something deeper. Always check the label for the pour depth before you start. It’ll save you a lot of trouble (and wasted resin).
Higher temperatures can cause the epoxy to cure too quickly, which can lead to excessive heat buildup in the resin and potential cracking. Cooler temperatures may allow for thicker pours but can also extend curing times. If you are working on large items, some people like to set up fans for cooling, but then you also risk stuff flying around and getting into the resin which sucks!
Heat buildup can cause issues such as cracking, resin yellowing, or incomplete curing. In thicker pours, heat dissipation is something to keep an eye on, and some epoxies are formulated to better manage heat during the curing process.
Additives and Modifications
Some epoxy resins can be modified with additives to allow for thicker pours, such as heat dissipating fillers or slow curing hardeners. Consult the manufacturer or product specifications for recommendations on these options. This kind of treatment is not for beginners.
How do I Stop air bubbles in my resin castings?
This is such a headache for deep pours. When you cast epoxy resin, mix the resin and hardener thoroughly but without introducing excess air. This will help minimize air bubbles. Another thing I will do is wait and pop bubbles for at least 10 – 15 minutes with my heat gun as I see them coming up. Then I’ll keep checking on my thing every 15 minutes until I know no more bubbles will show up.
Pour the mixture slowly and in a thin stream, and use a heat gun or torch to carefully remove bubbles that rise to the surface. Let the mixed resin to sit for a few minutes before pouring can help air bubbles escape. Check this guide about Bubbles In Resin, there’s some great info there.
This guide on the best pressure pots for resin will help you with bubbles for smaller items.
Can I speed up the curing process of casting resin?
No, you can’t really speed up resin curing times because it’s a chemical reaction that needs to run its course. Trying to rush it with extra heat can cause problems like bubbles, yellowing, or cracking. It’s always best to follow the instructions and give it the full time it needs to cure properly.
How do I Get a crystal clear finish with casting resin?
To get a clear finish in epoxy castings, start with a clean working space and molds. Measure and mix the epoxy resin for casting hardener & resin properly, and try your best not to introduce air bubbles when stirring.
If clarity is what you want, choose a casting resin specifically formulated for transparent results. The best clear epoxy resin for casting will usually have casting resin or deep pour resin right on the bottle.
Casting Resin Safety
Always follow safety precautions and use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with epoxy resin, like a proper resin mask. Read up on the proper safety precautions when working with resins.
Can I color casting resin?
Yes, you can color casting resin using specially formulated resin pigments or liquid dyes. These additives are designed not to interfere with the resin’s curing. Add pigments or dyes in small increments, mix thoroughly, and test the color in a small batch before pouring it into your main project.
Remember that some additives may affect curing time, so follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the specific coloring product you choose.
This guide How To Choose Colorants For Resin covers basics.
Casting resin vs epoxy resin
You may be wondering if casting resin is the same as epoxy? Epoxies and casting resin are both types of synthetic polymers, but they have distinct characteristics and applications.
Regular two part epoxy resin is usually thicker and meant for shallow pours, like coating tumblers, sealing artwork, or making jewelry.
Casting resin is thinner and made for deeper pours, like river tables or molds with layers. The key difference is how deep you can pour it at once. Casting resin can handle more depth without overheating, while regular epoxy needs to stay shallow to cure right.
Carefully read the product descriptions, specifications, and customer reviews to understand the specific characteristics and recommended uses of each product. If you are just getting started, you might want to try a complete clear resin casting kit.
The choice between the two depends on what you are working on right now. See this guide Best Epoxy Resins For Crafts.
Tips For Using Casting Resin
If you’re working with casting resin, one of the first things to remember is to pour in layers if you’re doing something deep. This helps prevent overheating and keeps bubbles under control. Even though casting resin is designed for deeper pours, it can still get too hot if you go over the recommended depth.
Always check what the label says, and don’t be afraid to pause and let one layer cure before adding the next. It’s also a good idea to pour in a warmer room to help reduce bubbles. If it’s a cold winter day and you have no heat in the garage, that just not the right place to be doing this.
Another tip is to mix your resin slowly and scrape the sides and bottom of your cup as you stir. Casting resin is thinner than regular epoxy, so bubbles rise more easily, but fast stirring can still trap air.
After pouring, you can use a heat gun or torch to pop surface bubbles, but don’t overdo it or you’ll risk warping your mold. And finally, give it plenty of time to cure. Casting resin often takes longer, but the results are worth the wait.
Thanks for reading! I hope this helped you figure out which casting resin might work best for your next project. Don’t forget, using the right kind of resin really does matter, especially when you’re working with deeper molds. Feel free to share this post with other resin crafters, and keep checking back for more tips and supply lists.
