Resin is a crucial component of woodturning. It is the final layer of a craft and it serves as a protective and decorative finish. The resin can be dyed, or colored, and can be made as glossy or opaque as you want. But what is the best resin for woodturning? Alumilite is a popular high-quality option that is easily customizable for any turning or woodworking project. Alumilite has a few variations depending on what your usage will be and there are also other resins such as polyester resin.
What would be the best woodturning resin for your projects? Take a look below to learn about the variety of resins available and the pros and cons of each:
Best Wood Turning Resin
Alumilite Amazing Clear Cast Resin
Pros
- High color customization.
- Even curing and leveling.
- Easy to mix.
- A multitude of applications.
Cons
- It might take time to set if used in deep molds.
- May bubble if not mixed in properly.
The Alumilite Amazing Clear Cast UV Resistant Plastic Coating & Casting Epoxy Resin will encapsulate your crafts and make them last a lifetime. This transparent epoxy resin can be very versatile and can be used in many projects, including woodturning.
It’s easy to use even for beginners and has a 1:1 mixing ratio by volume, which is very easy to follow, and you’ll have no trouble measuring out and mixing the resin and curing agent.
This 2-part epoxy resin can be used for pretty much anything that you can make with resin. You can color the resin with alumilite dyes, inks, and other non-water-based colorants.
The company has also done its best to make the resin UV resistant. This will delay the yellowing that occurs with resin products—keeping the resin clear for a long time.
Product Details:
| Package Dimensions | 11.81 x 11.54 x 5.75 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 17.49 pounds |
Alumilite Amazing Clear Cast Multi-Purpose Epoxy Resin Liquid Kit
Pros
- It is very clear.
- Easy to use and pour
- Slower curing time to be able to blend color without rush.
Cons
- The work time of mixing and setting can be tedious.
- There may be a lot of bubbles if not mixed properly.
- Does not provide a mixing cup.
The Alumilite Amazing Clear Cast Multi-Purpose Epoxy Resin has a straightforward 1:1 mixing ratio that’s great for beginners to work with. You can make a wide range of art projects casting, bar tops, encapsulation, and other artwork.
You can make unique designs with this 2-part epoxy resin. The sky is the limit, thanks to the fact that this resin is colored using different dyes like Alumilite, alcoholic inks, or other non-water-based colorants.
This Epoxy resin has ultraviolet light inhibitor qualities to slow down the yellowing process. The resin is food safe but doesn’t put your completed projects in the dishwasher. It also works well with furniture and woodwork. The epoxy resin has a glass-like shine finish and does not require a topcoat.
Product Details:
| Product Dimensions | 1 x 1 x 1 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 9.46 pounds |
Alumilite Amazing Quick Coat Epoxy Resin 2 Part Kit
Pros
- Fast curing.
- Very flexible and can add dyes.
- You have enough time to mix in colors without worrying about the resin setting.
Cons
- Bubble formation.
- It may take time to set in deep molds.
The Alumilite Amazing Quick Coat Epoxy Resin gives you a high-quality glossy finish and cures exceptionally fast. It’s easy to mix with a 1:1 volume ratio. The company assures the resin is FDA compliant if and when it is measured, properly combined, and fully cured accurately.
Shallow set molds like tumblers can set in less than 24 hours. You’ll also get a crystal clear finish every time without fail. The application possibilities are endless and work best with thin castings. YOu can create jewelry, tumblers, and coasters, and it can also be used as a wood sealer before any mass cast application.
The resin can also be dyed using on-water-based dyes and poly color resin powders.
Product Details:
| Package Dimensions | 8 x 8 x 8 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 5 pounds |
Alumilite Amazing Deep Pour Epoxy Resin Kit
Pros
- Easy to pour
- the two-part mix well
- Ideal for deep pour resin casts.
- Little or no bubbles.
Cons
- It may take time to set.
- Quantity may not be enough for big projects. You may have to order more.
The Alumilite Amazing Deep Pour Epoxy Resin gives you 2 inches of high gloss finish. The resin has a fantastic glass-like crystal clear cast that’s great for table tops, woodworks, art projects, etc.
This epoxy resin is an excellent choice for deep-pour projects and can be used as concrete project fillers. It’s a good choice if you need resin for projects that are more than 3/8 inches.
The mixing ratio is a simple 2:1 ratio. The mixing agents can be measured out and mixed together in containers. The epoxy mixes in a short time and can set quickly as well. The solution has low viscosity and produces less heat while combining; thanks to this, you can pour thicker layers at a go without layering, unlike other two-part resins.
This 2 part resin mix has a self-degassing feature making them appropriate for deep pour projects. The company promises crystal-clear castings all the time; from making bar tops to resin blanks, it has multiple applications, and you can add dyes like alumilite, polycolor resin powders, glow powders, and also glitters. This means you’ll be able to create unique pieces with your essence.
The Resin is FDA compliant, meaning it is very safe to use, and when it’s completely cured, the resin is food safe. You can use it for your cooking and food projects.
Product Details:
| Compatible Material | Glass , Concrete , Wood |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 29.5 pounds |
| Size | 1.5 gal. |
TotalBoat Polyester Laminating Resin
Pros
- Holds pieces together even when wet.
- Nice finish.
- Sturdy product results.
- Multiple uses.
Cons
- It may take time to dry.
- No mixing equipment
- Measuring out substances can be tedious.
The TotalBoat Polyester Laminating Resin is great for building and repair jobs. The Surface remains tacky and does not dry upon contact with air while you’re completing projects. It’s reasonably priced and an excellent way for stacking up fiberglass. Even though the resin does not dry quickly, it can create powerful bonds when used on woodturning crafts.
This polyester laminating resin is marine grade and has a viscosity that is ideal for fiberglass mat, fiberglass cloth, and carbon fiber with no sagging even when kept on a vertical angle. It can also be used as a base coat and for laminating applications. You won’t have to worry about pattern print-through on gelcoats making, which makes it a perfect gelcoat repair kit.
It’s an easy-to-use resin kit that requires an MEKP catalyst to work correctly. The catalyst is provided along with the resin. All you have to do is add the catalyst and stir thoroughly. Once it’s stirred in and mixed thoroughly, you’ll need to use the solution immediately.
The resin is also flexible; you can adjust the setting time by adjusting the amount of MEKP hardener you add to the solution. You can check online guides on how to change the quantities and check the temperatures and work time to get the appropriate mixture.
To complete the curing process, you can apply a final layer of resin for a tack-free, hard finish that will be ready to sand or paint. It’s 100% made in the USA and cones in Quart and Gallon sizes along with the catalyst.
Product Details:
| Included Components | Resin, MEKP Hardener |
|---|---|
| Size | Gallon |
DR CRAFTY Clear Epoxy Resin
Pros
- Superb quality.
- Excellent finish.
- Mixing equipment included.
- Crystal clear finish.
Cons
- It may not harden appropriately if the mixing ratio is off.
- Chance of becoming rubbering when other things are added to mixtures like colorants or dyes.
The DR CRAFTY Clear Epoxy Resin has exceeded all customer expectations in quality and finish. The formula is lovely and easy to handle and is an excellent kit whether you are a beginner or a pro. The Resin is a dream to work with and will bring all your projects to life. They even provide mixing containers and wooden sticks, which saves you the hassle of finding containers and mixing equipment.
It’s a 2 epoxy solution with resin and hardener that you’ll need to mix together to use. Once mixed, you will have 45 minutes of work time at room temperature before the resin starts to cure. Its highly compatible with wood and can be used for casting, coating, making jewelry, and many more art projects and DIY fixing projects.
The company includes a user guide manual to help you with all queries and concerns. This is great, especially if you’re a beginner making it super easy to get started on all your resin projects and simple to make them too.
The solution has an even consistency, and you can use a heat gun to blow away bubbles once you’ve poured the solution. This will provide the best results and give you a clear & strong Epoxy finish every time. They also assure the highest quality non-toxic solution, which offers a crystal clear finish and guarantees that the epoxy is fully resistant to yellowing.
Product Details:
| Color | Clear |
|---|---|
| Compatible Material | Wood |
| Size | 16 oz |
Types of Woodturning Resins
Woodturning is a craft that’s been around for centuries, and with updated chemical compositions, resins have become an excellent way to protect, give shine, and personalize the finish of crafts. The inclusion of Alumilite has made the craft more flexible, and woodworkers can now produce various colorful products, all in different shapes. Here are a few types of woodturning resins:
Alumilite
Its clear cast resin has been popular among woodworkers for woodturning projects specifically. The product is FDA compliant, which is pretty much the standard for most epoxies. However, I can be at a higher price point. It may be challenging to use if you don’t measure the formula out to the exact ratio.
Alumilite has many applications and is excellent for woodturning. Alumilite dyes are easily pigmented, opening many possibilities for a creative finish.
Polyester Resin
The Polyester resin has a great layout, flexible work time, and is set well. Its best for projects in the marine industry like boat building. The end result is a pretty hard resin product. It’s much more affordable than most types of resins, but there may be more fumes when mixing, so you’ll have to be cautious about that.
Epoxy Resin
One excellent quality of epoxy resin is that it cures fast. It can also withstand general wear and tear and will not break or crack even when dropped. Also, you have better control over the solution since the ink layers do not mix. They are also much more robust than casting resin and are water-resistant.
Woodturning with Resin – the Basics
Here are a few things to keep in mind while using resin:
- The lathe speed, along with tool pressure can impact the result. If too much or too little pressure is applied to the resin, you may get unwanted results.
- If it’s your first time, try making a scrap project before starting with your actual one.
- Measure out accurate portions if you’re using the two-part solution.
- Keep all essential tools ready and nearby.
- Check the temperature of the mold and resin as it can affect the presence of bubbles.
- Vacuum or pressure casting is recommended to get a result free of any bubbles or disparities.
- You can also roll the resin around in the mold and use a vibration source to avoid bubbles. You can pop bubbles with gloved fingers and knuckles to flatter larger surfaces and remove the stubborn ones with heat guns or butane torches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best resin for woodturning?
The best resin for woodturning is alumilite. It produces fewer fumes, has high machinability, can be polished for a high gloss finish, and has the least shrinkage.
How long should you let the resin cure before turning?
After resin application, you should let the resin cure for around 72 hours. Any less than that and you risk ruining the resin as it may not be cured completely. If you applied a very thin layer you could check if it is completely cured at 48 hours, only if waiting longer than that is not an option.
Is a vacuum chamber or a pressure pot necessary?
Well, a vacuum chamber may not be completely necessary but is recommended for stubborn air bubbles. If they persist after you’ve tried to fix the bubbles, then you will need one.
For the most consistent results, use a vacuum chamber or a pressure pot when applying resin to your crafts. Otherwise, bubbles may appear depending on the pour, type of wood, ambient temperature, and other external factors.
Is face protection needed when applying resin?
Yes, face protection is required while handling resin. You’ll need to protect your respiratory system from the fumes even when there’s less of it. Other safety gear is also recommended, like gloves, an apron, and a well-ventilated workspace.
Closing thoughts
In closing, the Alumilite Amazing Clear Cast Resin is the best option when using resin for woodworking and woodturning. They’re great to pour, you can dye them with the Alumilite brand dyes and others, and there are fewer fumes too.
Alumilite has shown over and over to be the top product in terms of glossy clear resin for all types of crafts, and we can recommend this product with confidence that you’ll get great results when paired with a good technique. Happy turning!