Editorial StaffThe best epoxy for tumblers adds an exquisite finishing touch to any artwork to enhance its appeal. If you are either a professional or a beginner, consider adding a coat of epoxy resin to transform the look of your beautifully painted artwork. And in this case, a tumbler is one object you can uniquely design using high-quality epoxy resin.
When the resin is applied to the tumbler, it gives it a crystal clear look and a glossy finish that you will love. Professionals and DIY artists use different types of colours to create the look they desire.
What is Epoxy?
Epoxy is an adhesive, paint or any other material created as a polymer of epoxides. Epoxy is a term used to describe coatings made from two components, meaning resin is a combination mix of two different chemicals. Thus, an epoxy resin is a class of reactive pre-polymers and polymers that contains epoxide groups.
Nowadays, manufacturers have flooded their products on the market, and all claim theirs is the best quality making it difficult to choose the best suitable resin. That’s why we have listed the best epoxy for tumblers in the market, buying guide and other important information you need to know before making the final decision.
1. DR CRAFTY Clear Epoxy Resin
DR CRAFTY clear epoxy resin is a full package as it comes with everything you need for your project. Furthermore, it offers you a choice to either buy a full or half a gallon or both. It also comes with the following items: a plastic spreader, two measuring cups and two mixing sticks. The plastic spreader comes in handy so that you won’t have to use your fingers or a popsicle stick to apply it on the tumbler.
Moreover, its UV resistant hence preventing yellowing. Also, its moisture-resistant coating provides you with excellent results for your project. When applying, ensure that you mix equal quantities for a good formula that will stick to plastic, metal and ceramic tumblers,
It’s easy to apply the formula and also cures very quickly. Conversely, ensure that you add colors sparingly if you want colorful tumblers to avoid affecting the curing process. The best thing about this epoxy resin is that it’s food safe and low odor. In addition, the resin is safe to use in indoor areas.
Pros
- Food safe
- UV resistant
- Easy to mix and apply
- Ideal for glitter tumblers
- Low odor and VOC-free
Con
- Mixing with many colors affects the curing time
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2. CRAFT RESIN Epoxy Resin Kit
CRAFT RESIN is crystal clear and one of the best epoxy for tumblers that is easy to use for your projects. You can work with this resin on the jewelry, art and crafts, utensils or the countertop and the results are perfectly done. Its food-safe and the coatings are acceptable for food utensils. The final finish is durable and UV resistant.
This resin makes the applying process easy, especially the beginners, due to its viscosity. However, be sure that the fluid will not unnecessarily runoff as you are trying to work on your project. CRAFT resin is high quality and is made of non-toxic materials that are environmentally and user friendly. The resin makes a tumbler look great, and many users attest to it as the best.
Pros
- Its non-toxic
- Food safe and environmentally friendly
- UV resistant
- Its durable
- Easy to use
- Comes with a starter kit
Con
- Does not come with a nozzle for pouring only in jars
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3. JANCHUN Crystal Clear Epoxy Resin
You will get to create different crafts and designs you desire with the help of JANCHUN crystal clear epoxy resin; since it offers one an opportunity to create endless possibilities. With this resin, the finish of your project will look both presentable and attractive. The epoxy has that high glossy look that is durable. You can confidently use this epoxy casting resin because it’s easy and safe to work with. Moreover, it has a low odor, low fumes and is non-toxic hence making it one of the best epoxy for tumblers on the market for anyone willing to explore.
Additionally, its budget-friendly and diverse. In that, it’s the ideal option for different projects you have at hand. Unlike other resin brands, JANCHUN does not produce air bubbles; therefore, expect neat finishes and vivid results. The resin is worth the value for your money, and in the end, you will get to enjoy a memorable working experience.
Pros
- Its non-toxic
- Affordable
- Durable
- Simple to use
- Self-leveling
- Glossy finish
Con
- Less liquid for multiple projects
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4. Teexpert Epoxy Resin and Hardener
When it comes to crafting perfect tumblers, Teexpert epoxy resin is the ideal expert. It’s easy to use the ratio by volume of this epoxy resin since the instructions are clear and simple to understand, especially for beginners. The finish is crystal clear. You will get to enjoy your presentable and attractive tumbler for a long period without worrying about yellowing caused by UV rays. No bubbles are left behind after the final finish.
Teexpert epoxy resin comes with a hardener that helps it to transform from a liquid form to a more durable finish. What separates this product from the rest is that its reliability and wide use are unmatched. Ensure that you use a 1:1 ratio to avoid any frustrations when working with this resin; This helps save time that you would be learning how to use the product instead you can use to create.
Pros
- Non-toxin
- Crystal clear finish
- Free from air bubbles
- UV resistant
- Ideal for beginners
- Non-toxic
- Solid and glossy finish
Con
- Self-leveling works when you pour sooner
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5. ProMarine Supplies Art Resin
If you are looking for the best resin to design the glitter tumblers without too much effort, then ProMarine Supplies Art Resin is most suitable for you; This epoxy resin is the best for resin artists. In addition, you can use this resin for other products; all you have to do is learn the basics of how to mix and apply it.
The best thing about this epoxy resin is that it’s a self-leveling formula that produces a high-gloss and crystal clear finish that’s UV resistant. It’s also very easy to use, and all you need to do is mix a ratio of 1:1 of the resin and the hardener thoroughly before pouring it on your ideal tumbler.
Another thing that makes this epoxy resin desirable is its VOC-free, odorless and non-flammable. Its curing time is 72 hours. So if you are looking to design the best glitter tumbler, this resin will allow you to mix it with any liquid pigment to help you achieve your desired results. It’s also food safe and budget-friendly in different quantities.
Pros
- Versatile
- Budget-friendly and comes in different quantities
- VOC-free
- Odorless and safe to use both indoors and outdoors
- Food safe
- Cures after 72 hours
Con
- It can easily bubble
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6. Art’ N Glow Clear Epoxy Resin
Art’ N Glow Clear Casting and Coating Epoxy Resin is ideal for beginners who want to design a tumbler. It’s odorless and solidifies after it has cured. Moreover, it boasts a coating that is UV resistant, its self-leveling and self-degassing. Alternatively, go for a product that is forgiving for your novice skills. This product is suitable for that purpose; it allows a person to work on their tumbler for up to 40 minutes before it starts to cure.
Art’ N Glow clear epoxy resin is non-flammable, and it’s the best at making amazing clear cast tumblers. The resin comes in two bottles, one filled with epoxy resin and the other with the hardener. All you need to do is mix the two chemicals in a ratio of 1:1 in a measuring cup and slowly stir the mixture for five minutes.
It’s advisable to leave the Art’ N Glow clear epoxy resin for 72 hours to cure fully, especially when it comes to hot beverages. Furthermore, it’s an affordable epoxy resin with BPA and VOC –free, therefore, safe to use indoors and outdoors. Also, it’s easy to apply, and you can add as many epoxy layers until you are satisfied with the outcome.
Pros
- Easy to use and mix
- Cures crystal clear within 72 hours
- BPA and VOC-free
- Affordable
- Self-leveling and self-degassing
- Low odor, so you don’t need a mask
Con
- Easily bubbles
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Safety and Precautions When Using Resin for Tumblers
Creating tumblers and other projects using resin for artwork can be very interesting; however, it carries some hazards. Those individuals who don’t follow manufacturers’ guidelines or don’t pay attention to their working environment can suffer the consequences very badly.
- Ensure that you read all the information and warnings provided by the manufacturers when using resin to craft. Remember to work in properly ventilated areas, use respirators when needed and, cover loose skin and your working area.
- Don’t forget to keep kids and pets away from resin. Keep everyone safe as you enjoy your creative process; you will produce better crafts as years go by in peace and happiness.
Even though we have provided information about what we feel are the best epoxy resin for tumblers, staying safe should be a priority!
Factors to Consider Before Buying the Best Epoxy for Tumblers
Let us take a look at these factors we have put together to help you choose your ideal epoxy that’s suitable for your artwork.
1. Viscosity
Viscosity refers to the material’s thickness. In this case, the viscosity defines epoxy’s application like priming, coating, sealing and potting. There are there levels of epoxy viscosity: high, low and moderate. Go for epoxy with low viscosity that you can easily layer multiple times and allow long shelf life.
2. UV resistant
A UV inhibitor is an added additive that prevents premature fading of gel exposed to ultraviolet. UV inhibitors must be present for an epoxy resin to work well. Even though epoxy resin has UV inhibitor present, ensure that your tumblers coated with epoxy are not exposed to ultraviolet.
3. Odor
A tumbler that produces disturbing and persistent odor makes it unfit for usage. Thus, ensure that your epoxy does not produce a foul odor. For a high-quality product, it takes several days for the odor to disappear, and average quality products take longer.
4. Hardness
Generally, epoxy resins are harder, unlike other casting resins. However, the case is quite different. The ingredients used to make resin do not cause the hardness; rather, the viscosity and the mixing ratio affect it. Thus, ensure that you buy epoxy with low viscosity to obtain the correct hardness.
5. Cure time
Cure time is used to describe the length of time needed for the epoxy resin to cure or dry fully. For example, epoxy resins for tumblers begin to gel after 20 minutes. After 10 minutes, these compounds produces high heat when left in the mixing container. You will notice that epoxy gel rapidly because they pour thinly.
6. Susceptibility to bubbles
Consider buying epoxy with low viscosity because they are thin and easier to pour using multiple layers. They also allow the rise of bubbles to the surface and vanish almost immediately.
7. Ease of use
Ensure that your ideal epoxy resin is not viscous so that you can easily pour it into a measuring cup. Moreover, if you want to make a coat with your resin, don’t worry because it’s very easy; all you need is to mix the hardener and the resin in a 1:1 ratio. Finally, remember to go through the information and details of the product for ease of use.
8. Heat tolerance
You will find that no epoxy resin is resistant to high heat. So, epoxy begins to soften at around 120-150 degrees Fahrenheit. However, an epoxy system is available to apply that temperature, but it’s expensive.
How Do You Mix the Best Epoxy for Tumblers?
Now that you have an idea of your ideal resin knowing how to mix is the next thing you need to know as it affects your application. That’s why we will describe an effective way to mix epoxy for tumblers.
STEP 1: Gather the ingredients
Firstly, gather your ideal epoxy resin, measuring medicine cups, wide popsicle sticks and silicone cupcake pan. Epoxy resin does not stick to silicone. That’s why it’s advisable to use it for mixing. Moreover, wide popsicle sticks are most preferred because they allow less stirring movements in the cup, thereby producing fewer air bubbles.
STEP 2: Measure
Measure the amount of hardener and resin you want using a measuring cup. Hardener and resin are sometimes labeled as sides A and B or parts A and B. However, ensure that the ratio is 1:1,2.1 or 100:45, considering that the hardener should be the lesser number.
STEP 3: Pour contents
Now it’s time to pour your hardener and resin into one silicone cup holder. You don’t need any sequence on which liquid goes first into the cup. Though you need to scrape all the contents into your holder.
STEP 4: MIX
As we suggested earlier, gently stir the mixture using a wide wooden popsicle or mixture to prevent air bubbles. You will notice that as you stir the mixture, it becomes a little cloudy, but once you get them bonded properly, it becomes clear again. Do the mixing for about 1-3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Epoxy for Tumblers
1. Does low viscosity epoxy resin produce beautiful artwork?
Yes, Low viscous epoxy resin produces desirable and quality artwork compared to thick resins. Low viscous resins are easy to work with and allow longer shelf life.
2. What kind of tumbler is the best to use epoxy resin?
It doesn’t matter the type of tumbler you choose; however, it’s best to choose a double-walled or insulated one; This is because a regular tumbler does not accommodate hot beverages because it causes the cured resin to soften; he reason being the maximum temperature tumblers can come into contact with hot beverages is 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. What kind of materials does not stick to epoxy resin?
An epoxy resin poorly bonds with acrylic, polyvinyl chloride and polycarbonate plastic. Also, it does not bond on Teflon, polyethylene, nylon and polypropylene.
4. How long should you turn the tumbler?
Whether you turn the tumbler with your hand or a cup turner, what matters is that you continue rotating it slowly for about 4 to 6 hours most. However, the timing depends on the temperature and humidity of your environment.
5. Is epoxy resin recommended safe to use on tumblers?
Be sure that not all resins out there provide food safety. However, you can ensure the resin is safe for making tumblers by checking for food safety compliance. Also, check whether it becomes an inert plastic after it’s cured. You will find that all reputable companies provide information about the resins they produce. However, for safety purposes, remember to check and read all the warnings and directions of your ideal resin you want to work with.
