11 Useful Epoxy Resin Application Tools

In this article, learn about 11 useful epoxy resin application tools for DIY projects.

The epoxy resin application tools I mention in this article help me produce awesome projects for my clients while minimizing costly mistakes.

If you simply want the list of my best epoxy resin tools without an explanation, I included the full list below.

11 Best Epoxy Resin Application Tools

The 11 best epoxy resin application tools are as follows:

Epoxy Resin (All Purpose)
Liquid Glass(For Thick Pours)
Stonecoat Countertop Epoxy (Table Top Coat)
Measuring Containers
Nitrile Gloves
Isopropyl Alcohol
Digital Scale
Mixing Sticks
Silicone Caulk
Respirator
Mica Pigment Powder & Glow Powder
Mini Torch
Plastic Spreaders

Video Tutorial: Epoxy Resin Tips

Best Epoxy Resin

In order to use epoxy resin tools, you need epoxy resin.

Obviously, there are many epoxy resin products on the market which confuse many folks.
Some are specific to certain applications while others are more versatile (all purpose).
In order to make choosing epoxy resin easier, I segmented them into 3 different applications.

• All Purpose Epoxy Resin
• Best Epoxy Resin for Deep Pour
• Best Epoxy Resin for Table Top Coat

Additionally, I wrote an in-depth article about the epoxy resin to use for different applications you may be interested in reading.

All Purpose Epoxy Resin

Ultimately, most folks simply want an affordable epoxy resin to use for a variety of projects such as woodworking or resin art.
For these projects, I recommend liquid glass table top epoxy.

Epoxy Resin for Art Projects

Liquid glass table top epoxy performs well on epoxy resin and wood projects, resin art, thin resin castings, and as a protective top coat.
However, this epoxy resin cannot be used for epoxy pours deeper than 1/8″ to 1/4″.

Epoxy Resin for Woodworking

The best epoxy resin for woodworking is Total Boat Epoxy. 

To clarify, I am referring to resin inlays in wood and using resin to repair wood cracks, wood checks, and wood knots.

Best Epoxy Resin for Thick Pours

Normally, epoxy resin limits the thickness of pours to 1/4″ to 1/8″ due to heat.
In turn, there are epoxy resins which cure very slowly.
As a result, this allows deep epoxy resin pours from 2″ up to 4″ thick.

The best epoxy resin for deep epoxy pours from 2″ to 4″ thick is SuperClear 2.0.
I used liquid glass SuperClear 2.0 on many large projects such as this seashell epoxy table & epoxy river rock table.

Furthermore, another fantastic product for deep epoxy pours up to 2″ thick is Total Boat Thickset Epoxy.
This epoxy performs just as well as superclear 2.0 with added benefits and a heftier price tag.
Other benefits include low voc, low odor, UV resistant, and a natural bio-based formula.

Best Epoxy Resin for Top Coat

An epoxy top coat protects the resin art or wood table top. Arguably, this coat is the most important as it is the most visible and provides protection.

The best epoxy resin for top coat is Stone Coat Countertop Epoxy.

Essentially, this epoxy can be used for resin table tops, casting projects such as my epoxy resin ocean table, outdoor epoxy bar tops, or to recoat a countertop.

Plastic Measuring Containers

Most epoxy resin, such as Pro Marine table top epoxy mentioned above, is measured by volume.

In turn, I use measuring containers to add equal parts of Part A and Part B.

How to reuse epoxy resin mixing containers? 

Clean the measuring containers with 91% rubbing alcohol or acetone to reuse them.

Nitrile Gloves

In order to protect my hands, I use nitrile gloves.

Also, I am a fairly big guy (6’7″ and 230 pounds). 
These gloves have large sizes such as XXL.

Rubbing Alcohol or Acetone

Inevitably, epoxy resin finds my floor on just about every project.

How To Clean Epoxy Resin Application Tools?

Isopropyl Alcohol or Acetone removes epoxy resin from any surface and cleans epoxy resin tools very well.
Also, I always seem to get resin on my hands or clothes. 

Rubbing alcohol works great for removing resin from clothes or skin.

Digital Scale

As I mentioned earlier, most resin is measured by volume.

However, some resin requires a measurement by weight.
A digital scale makes it easy to measure 2 part resin by weight.

Mixing Sticks

In order to mix epoxy resin, I use 2 types of mixing sticks.
First, I use paint mixing sticks for large epoxy resin mixtures.

Second, I use craft mixing sticks for smaller mixtures.
If you are on a budget, use pieces of scrap wood.
However, make sure to remove dust from the wood before mixing epoxy resin.

Silicone Caulk

In order to prevent epoxy resin leaks, I use silicone caulk to seal river tables and on epoxy resin molds.

Not only does silicone caulk seal, but it also does not bond to epoxy resin.  
In turn, it is easy to remove.

Respirator

While many epoxy resin have low VOC, I still wear a respirator (most of the time).

I recommend a respirator while working around or with any foreign chemical or material.

Resin Glow Powder, Mica Pigment Powder, and Dye

Most resin art projects and epoxy river tables contain mica pigment powder, dye, or resin glow powder.
Each of these add a unique effect to epoxy resin.

What is the best way to add color to resin?
Resin Pigment powder, acrylic paint and resin dye are the best way to add color and unique effects to resin. 

First, acrylic paint is a viable option to color resin for an opaque look.

Mica pigment powder for resin comes in many different colors and looks such as pearl, mica, and many others. 

These mica pigment powder are used for soap, slime, and epoxy resin projects.

Resin Glow Powder

I enjoy using phosphorescent powder, or resin glow powder, on my projects to make the resin glow without lights.

More specifically, many of my epoxy ocean inspired tables and beach inspired tables glow to emphasize the water features.

How long does resin glow powder (phosphorescent powder) last?
Phosphorescent powder can glow for hours depending upon how it is charged.
Essentially, glow powder charges via sunlight (natural light) and UV black lights provide the best charge for glow powder.

Heat Gun or Mini Torch

Often times, air pockets form when pouring resin and need to be removed before the resin cures.

How to reduce bubbles in resin pours?
To reduce bubbles in resin pours, mix the resin with a slow circular pattern rather than using a ‘whipping’ action.

In order to remove air pockets and bubbles from resin, I use a heat gun or mini torch depending upon the situation.
A mini torch removes bubbles from resin very efficiently.
I recommend using a swooping action and do not allow the flame to touch the resin.

Often times, I elect to use my heat gun to remove air pockets from resin.
More specifically, I use it most when working with resin mica pigment powder.
The heat gun moves the resin which allow the mica fragments to spread evenly.
Since heat guns blow warm air, they often introduce foreign contaminants such as dust – especially when working in a wood shop.

Plastic Spreaders

Mostly, I use flexible plastic spreaders to apply resin seal coats on wood.
Resin does not adhere to plastic very well which makes it easy to remove the resin from the spreader.

Conclusion

I hope this article on the 11 Best Epoxy Resin Application Tools provided you with value.

Related Posts:

How To Fill Wood Voids with Epoxy
4 Best Finishes for Epoxy Wood Tables
How to Set Shells in Resin
11 Best Epoxy Tips You Need to Know