Alumilite Explains: How to choose an epoxy

Wondering how to choose an epoxy for your project? Are you trying to figure out what epoxy is best? In this video, Jordan walks through the 4 different types of epoxy, some of their features and benefits, and what epoxies work best for different projects.
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[@arghyadipojha5917]

I am a researcher working with material science. For 2 weeks I've been trying to learn about epoxy coatings, and I've not learned from research papers as much as I have learned from your 10 mins videos. Thank you !

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Glad to help!

[@warrenfernandes508]

Is it possible to cast epoxy using topology optimization , generative design

[@earthenscience]

Most whitepapers seem to be written by space aliens, not written in an empathic or human way for beginners or newbie researchers to understand well. Mostly it seems papers for experts written by experts.

[@charlic1773]

This is the most helpful explanation of resin that I have ever seen! GREAT Job!

[@JerryBWagoner]

Another amazing video. You really know how to deliver these. I certainly want to understand more about hardness, especially considering that not everyone uses the same scale.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

That's a great point, Jerry! We'll look into it and see what we can do!

[@chriswright1721]

I like your video. It’s very informative and helpful. My only problem is when you flipped the white board and stopped using the terms the way you had used them in the first part, I got confused. I know this was because you’re using the names of your products instead, but my brain has a hard time keeping track without the continuity. I appreciate the good information!

[@TimaA-mh4dl]

Wonderful information. Thank you

[@waseemahmed2028]

Thanks for such a wornderful informative video. Keep up the good work buddy.

[@dawnburke9359]

You are a fantastic teacher !! Thank you !!

[@9262361]

Just ordered my first epoxy (2 gallons). I’ll give it a try. Your videos are funny but informative!

[@kereti71]

New to epoxy after falling in love with a diorama artist. Thought I should check out safety and other things first and glad I did. Excellent helpful informative content. Thanks heaps.

[@kitsune6526]

Here's the thing. I want to make one single small project, and according to this video I would need AQC and ADP for that (seal the wood, then pour ~1,5cm). Is it possible to seal the wood with ADP and just wait a little longer? Or do you have to use AQC for that? Because having 1 type of epoxy lying around is one thing, but I don't want to have an entire shelf full of materials for this one project By the way, AMAZING video!!

[@stevenshackelford1937]

Ohhhh my!!! If only all KZbin informative videos were made by you! Your style is perfect and your helpful-'to the point' are the best on KZbin ---> BAR NONE ! THANK YOU!

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

This is high praise, Steven! Thank you for watching!

[@arif.1139]

i think after all this detail ! we know how to make rocket,, i mean tons of information i m glad you made it a very friendly presentation which was my favorite,, thanks god you didn't act like a high profile CEO during explanation,, thank you very much,,, i love your presentation method , simple and down to earth mood. ,,,, regards

[@drsofaking]

Another attribute that you should consider is high temp resistance. Epoxies are available that resist heat up to 500 degrees, and are used for countertops (put a hot pan on it) or for coasters and/or trivets. Most epoxies are only good up to about 140 degrees F., before they start to soften.

[@boxsterman77]

What an incredible analogy!!! Well done!

[@TashaLaRae]

This is extremely helpful! Thanks so much for this 😃 I paint wood with acrylic paint and cover it with resin. Currently I use UV resin but I noticed after it cures there’s this weird thing happening between the paint & resin where it looks like they’ve separated. I hope that made sense. I’ll have to try your AQC.

[@cachejewels8532]

BTW - I share your videos in my groups to help newbies. I especially like to share this one and your resin safety video. Thank you for them.

[@BarelaLures]

Your video was awesome!

[@BrickhouseCraftWorks]

Loved this! Great breakdown! - Seth

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Hey Seth - glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.

[@dorcasanthony6418]

please where do small projects like jewelries, coasters, trays etc fall on this spectrum please. this is a question I've been trying to answer for a while, your response will make my dayyy!!

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Great question! For all of the projects you mentioned, our Amazing Clear Cast will work really well (Amazing Clear Cast Plus if you are extra concerned about UV rays)! But for the really small projects, like jewelry and keychains, our Amazing Quick Coat will save you loads of time and work just as well!

[@stacielarson1599]

This video really helped me! I want to make a locket with flowers in it so now I know to use the ACC+ for it! Thank you!

[@DIYLove-be1ug]

Hi , I made this flexible strip of "ribbon" with epoxy and glitter and Swarovski "rocks" using a long silicone tray (cut later) ... I attempted to repeat it today and now I can't get the ratio of A&B perfect to make it flexible. I may also be using a different type of resin, but I'm pretty sure it was ice resin because I need the backing to be clear. I'm not sure what the heck I'm doing wrong and I'm hoping you can help me!! Also if my two cents mean anything, I love the sciencey stuff!! Thanks for all you do ❤

[@garycoburn2052]

This video was absolutely 100%free of any and all forms of bullshit. As well as encouragement to like the video; only if the viewer genuinely likes it.

[@SamAgro2024]

You are the epoxy guru on YT and if you are still active, I am wondering if you can suggest a readily available epoxy that will have very low shrinkage. I am working with tight tolerances so it should also be abrasion resistant. Thank you.

[@KyokushinKichiKai]

Great explaination(s) Sir! Thank You!

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching!

[@beezlebubz5428]

7 months late here but loving all of the videos you all are putting out. Cheers 🤘🏼

[@user-qr7ws5po2j]

I'm considering a deep pour epoxy on vertical timbers with backlighting drilled from back to the crevice of the cured epoxy. Q1: what's the best epoxy for light conduction? Q2: best epoxy for no run over years? Q3 is there a good epoxy for this or should I be looking at acrylics? My plan is to backlight with a light interrupting wheel that may give the illuminated resin the look of water flow. Thank you, im just beginning

[@vikoxss8898]

Wonderful The best teacher Seriously really good and clear explanation!!

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for the kind words 😄

[@kylerathdesign]

I love how Table Top, abbreviated to TT looks like the Pi symbol 😂. Apt for the Pie 🥧

[@AllyshaSampson]

Thank you! I appreciate this video

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

thanks for watching!

[@john2097]

Really enjoying the videos covering Epoxy Facts. I’ve been using epoxy for surfboard construction for many years. A lot of things you have covered I’ve learned the hard. You guessed I’m new to your KZbin channel. Perhaps you have covered this in other videos but I’d love to learn the science behind “fish eyes” in surface coatings. And how to prevent them. Cheers, love the white board.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

This is a great video idea! We have videos on how to fix fish eyes but not one on how to prevent them - we may have to add that to our list!

[@thomasgronek6469]

I just want to patch and level a portion of a porcelain over cast iron sink. The rot is under the escutcheon of the faucets, it’s not just cosmetic

[@truck6859]

I want to use resin in a small craft, like the size of a ballpoint pen. I need it to maintain its shape, but be slightly soft and bendy to the touch.

[@antheawald3998]

I'm an aspiring artist interested in sustainability with my materials. Are there any suggestions when it comes to recycling epoxy?

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Sadly there isn't a way to recycle epoxy but there are a lot of habits you can implement into your making-process to minimize the amount of waste you create with your art. We highly recommend checking out @fantasyfigments on Instagram - she has some great tips for reducing waste in her "Process" highlight!

[@philippeterson9512]

You can’t recycle, but there are epoxies and curing agents that are made from natural oils and recycled products.

[@TheArcSet]

Thanks for this video.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching!

[@colettemorgan4503]

You should be a science teacher,great job. I make concrete benches for outdoor garden which epoxy or resin should I use to coat the top?.

[@franswi3026]

It just occurred to me that if you were my local tv weatherman spitting out the weather report with the same enthusiasm as in this video I would have my arm chair pulled up and do not disturb written in big bold letters on the calender tacked to the door for every day of the week at that timeslot! I'd buy a tv if I didn't have one and subscribe to cable! WTG good job!

[@RavenMeer]

Great information. Thanks QUESTION What makes a resin food safe? I see some resins touting the fact that they are food safe. Are there any resins that are not food safe or are there things to look for to ensure a resin is food safe?

[@hildahambone7277]

Yeah I know the video is at least 2 years old. Don’t know that you’ll ever see my comment. At 76 I’ve just discovered resin craft. I’m nuts about it but it will take time to learn what to use and how to use it. Love, love the “WHICH SILICONE” chart. BUT, when you say 2” for ADP, what about the cat you used in the Silicone video. That’s much taller than 2”. So is ADP the one I’d use for a 5” chicken statue? Thanks in anticipation. Understanding how temperature of the resin affects it’s use would be a great help too. Your such a fabulous teacher why are there not more videos by you? Hope your ok.

[@fredmunson8603]

What would you recommend for a 1/2" board with small cracks and a knot? Bought go all the way through the wood. Going to cover the whole board with TT epoxy after filling the cracks and and knot. This is for a charcuterie board.

[@pjshat]

So helpful! Thank you so much!

[@delmar-9253]

Nicely prepared, acted and edited video. But, my friend, just for u to know, "l'indice de résistance" means "the degree of hardness" and not "the applications" (which spells the same in french ;) ). Peace from France and thanks for your products and explanations. Keep it on !

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks, Delmar!

[@mmcneil1939]

Lots of great info! Just what I was looking for 🤙

[@LowEffortDucks]

What kind if epoxy would you use for making like, motorcycle armor or other protective clothing?

[@dannybaker8795]

If you are using two different types of deep pour for example; one a 2:1 mix ratio and one a 3:1 mix ratio can you pour one over the other when the first pour is in the gel stage?

[@edwardcheng5714]

Thanks for your explanation !! U make it fun man 💪💪 and super easy to understand

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

We're glad you like it!

[@armandokeever9087]

Thank you my friend Excellent explanation, your video is very useful. I'm wondering: how can I identify the products that suppliers sell so I can classify them within their chart because I noticed that those names appear on some product labels but not on others? Again, thank you very much.

[@brianlindsay9097]

Thanks for this! So for casting, I'm trying to understand how to interpret the "depth" numbers. Does this mean epoxies (specifically Deep Pour) shouldn't be used in molds with over a 2" vertical depth? Similarly, 3/8" seems like a really shallow mold. I've been using polyurethanes up till now, and I'm thinking about expanding into epoxies, but these numbers seem kind of limiting. How easy is it to get around these limits with successive layers? Thanks!

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Great questions Brian! Unfortunately depth limitations on their own are very difficult to say "this is the exact way to do this." What really matters is the mass of the pour - so for something like a river table or cutting board with Deep Pour, you'll never want to pour over 2 inches or you'll get a large exothermic reaction. Same with ACC and 3/8inch. Filling something like a coaster mold will be no problem with epoxy. Larger molds do work better with Deep Pour, etc. Happy to help clarify further if needed!

[@iceman1st1]

im assuming if wanting to wrap carbon fibre over motorcycle plastics i would use the uv resin?

[@michealferrell1677]

So I have a big question for you and please give me your best advice!! My 8th time great grandmother’s tombstone from 1673 is one of the oldest in the country and I’m thinking of having it cast in epoxy to preserve it . The stone is approximately 4 to 5 in thick 24in wide and about 5 ft in length . 75 percent of it is solid and the other 25 percent is in 2 pieces. You can find a 1901 picture of it on find a grave . Look up Dorothy “Drew” Farrell 1676 . I have to do something to keep it for future generations to see .

[@ahmadkinanzeituni8780]

nice informative video, a question from a beginner: can epoxy parts be glued together?

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

To get a good bond we would recommend using an epoxy glue and buffing the surfaces beforehand.

[@kandiecandelaria1423]

How about which ones to use for pen blanks, label casting and those type of things?

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Hi Kandie! Those applications typically dip into our urethane resins (Alumilite Clear, Clear Slow) but Amazing Clear Cast epoxy and Amazing Deep Pour epoxy can be used for blanks as well - they just take much longer to cure than your typical urethane resin.

[@DeborahBillman]

What's the best epoxy for a 5" turtle mold? should I use deep pour for the shell and casting for the fins? or??? thank you for your help ~!

[@KellyAnderson_now]

You talk about just four types, and I am loath to point at a competitor but.... Just in Urethane casting resin that -on place has multiple series 10 if not hundreds of shore hardnesses, some very elastic some rigid. Most of the time when I go looking for just the right epoxy material I just end up giving up. I will tell you a short story. I had these plastic cups that I loved, but over time the became brittle and in the two decades I have owned them there is only one left that is undamaged. I almost never use it now because I am afraid I would damage it. Well I though I should make a mould of it and cast some bran new cups, and clearly I should use platinum silicone. Well after taking a masters class in shore hardness, I found the silicone that I needed. Only reading the safety information I learned that it could only be used in a dedicated epoxy shop with specialized equipment and expertise or else the epoxy will reach the temperature of our galactic center and burn a hole through our cement floor and the cement floors of the four apartments below us and the parking garage below that straight down through the crust of the earth reigniting the ring if fire that surrounds the paradise in which I live turning my beloved homeland into a fiery volcanic hell scape. Also I cannot find a single video about casting things out of silicone, everything is about making moulds out of silicone, but how the he double hockey sticks does one make things out of silicone. Then I thought maybe there are some food safe urethanes out there, I think maybe there are or maybe not, but in any case you cannot make anything in urethane that can be like just a millimeter thick, and elastic, and with a shore hardness in the 90s. This is generally the point that I decide that casting my cup is impossible and it needs to be injection moulded plastic, which is way out of my league. So I give up and try to find a similar cup on Amazon and all I can find are big plastic "V"s which look like they will tip over if I even think about putting my hand near one. After an hour of Amazon frustration, another masters class in types of cups and glasses and their uses, I determine the nobody knows anything about cups and glasses in the manufacturing industry on Amazon. Then I throw my self down on my bed, burry my face in my pillow and scream and scream and scream, then I eat ice cream binge watch "Game of Thrones" or "Strange New Worlds" until I finally fall asleep until I have that dream of my last perfect cup shattering into a million pieces and I wake up in a cold sweat. Then neurotically I have to check on my cup to make sure it is ok, but I don't dare touch it, so I gently close the cabinet, take a leak, crawl into bed and sleep, just so I can do it all again the next day. So I guess my only question is can I cast my cup or should I just take my cup out in the woods and put it out of my misery?

[@mowbreydacosta237]

Which one to buy for making a machine part that will be exposed to 150F heat?

[@richardchiaramonte8726]

Ok, that's good, but, specifically, which epoxy is best for knotholes and/or cracks. Sounds like ACC, but it wasn't mentioned. Thanks

[@covyro]

Great video! nice info but still not sure what kind of epoxy I can use to cover a cigar ashtray. Any advice? I need a high temperature resistance on that resin as the cigar can bring a 500-700 C deg temperatures. I searched the internet but can't find any real info. Your advice is very much appreciated. Thanks!

[@JALLIENAJEANAGUSTINOHERRERA]

Is Epoxy resin mixed with cellulose fiber sheet ideal for jalousie slat making? does expoxy can withstand the heat index here in the philippines approximately heat index here reaches about 43 celsius

[@KarasAlamyr]

I want to make epoxy figures, paint them and sell them. Is there a suitable mold material that I can pour them into? Just like making a clay sculpture, taking its mold and then pouring plaster into that mold. But it will be epoxy instead of plaster.

[@curvygyrl]

I just want to make jewelry and keychains. Which is best? If you need to mix ,how to?

[@gmedia9838]

Great video mate Which one will best for cricket bat toes ?

[@magpiestevens1424]

When can I start sanding my project (tumbler)? What part should I pour first? Because I have heard you pour part B first.

[@Just_The_Average_Dude]

What is the drawback to using a deep pour resin in shallow pours. Going to take longer to cure obviously but is that the only downside?

[@realreviews8540]

How to begin epoxy flooring and everything to know.

[@tunstan1]

What is the best epoxy to use for waterproofing 1/2 inch to 1 inch gap in the concrete floor/patio.

[@amberjohnston7941]

Great video you break it down nicely & make it not quite so intimidating!! I don't know if I missed some information somewhere in this or not, but I'm wondering about heat. UVis right out in the open & easy to understand but sis I miss info on which ones are best in f heat might be a factor? Not like super hot...I'm talking coasters for drinks. I have heard so many artists complain that even after weeks of curing they have issues with stickiness if a hot cup of coffee is places on a coaster! I understand than some are probably inexperienced folks that maybe didn't mix properly, but not all of them. I have a commission to do for kitchen tile & I want to make sure there aren't any heat issues. Which do you recommend for heat protection on tile?!?

[@marieochs1882]

Epoxy projects are fully cured but when in the sun they still tend to get soft and bendable. Still looking for a way to eliminate this. Adding flood coats making the project thicker helps but doesn’t solve the issue. Any tips would help I have tried all different brands of epoxy. Thanks

[@atmnasernahediador2807]

Love your videos.. Want more and more from you. Not boring at all. Can you make resin casting videos with family mold with runners ?

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

This is a great idea! We'll look into it!

[@j4259]

What kind is best for fixing carbon fiber cracks?

[@titch_can_i_nail_it3847]

Great information thank you, I've just bought my first kit so excited to try it out. Need to check if I have the right stuff now lol tfs😁

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Haha, we're excited for you! Reach out if you ever have any questions - our customer service is awesome ([e-mail])!

[@hermanboyd3367]

Great video. Have you ever poured a bathroom sink? I would like to do that but looks like it may not be a good idea. Thanks

[@kristinperry3321]

Awesome breakdown, thanks for doing the video

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching!

[@missyguidry1619]

which one would you recommend for 3/4 x 3/4 x 5" pen blanks and can I use ADC with a pressure pot? Thanks.

[@meirisrael1728]

What about floors. Wood or concrete

[@frankalviso3147]

I'm using clear cast + one a deep engrave on a cutting board. Is the ok or should I use ACC

[@ang9515]

I am making a 6 feet, 3/8inch thick, 20inch diameter cylindrical transparent aquarium to be kept outside under the sun, it gets up to 50 celsius from where I am from. Is it advisable for me to make this out of UV resistant resin. Or should I be using some other material?

[@JavierVladimir]

So I hope you can help. I purchased the ACC epoxy to do a photo casting. But the mold is a 5x7 with a 2-inch depth. Can I pour a 3/8 depth, let it harden, and pour another 3/8 "

[@MrTerryh123]

Will the AQC hold up under the sun outside? I'm assuming it will discolor but will it hold up to weather and lots of sun?

[@CarlosPerezPhotography]

What epoxy you recommend to do carbon fiber part repair for a spoiler of a vehicle. I need to have high UV resistance, but will it work well with Carbon Fiber or is there a different product to use?

[@vongsoukheng1305]

very great eplaination

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Thanks for watching!

[@mariv4251]

When happens when I run out of acc and add a little of acc+ to complete my projects tumblers , coasters, key chains, painting how does that make a difference of the coating Or vice versus from each other

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Hi there! Great question - don't mix the raw materials or your project likely won't cure. Wait for one epoxy to fully cure, and then you can add a layer or a coating of the other epoxy.

[@mariv4251]

@@AlumiliteCorporation thank you good to know lol now I know better first ever coasters was a fail cause it still tacking I didn't wait till it fully cure lol lesson learned

[@jlevy2000]

Great job. Super helpful.

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Glad it was helpful!

[@thomlb4301]

Can you use those with carbon fiber or glass fiber ? Also, is it good with heat ?

[@merahorne3247]

Hello Jordan, does Polycarbonate resin exist for casting? If not, what can be used for space application?

[@judyarellano718]

What epoxy for topcoat on surfboards? I just came across your videos,😊very nice.

[@surajingle7976]

Absolutely loving your videos! I am working on a project where I need to make Epoxy art in the shape of long cylinders that are around 0.5 to 2 inch in diameter and 2-3 feet in length. Can you suggest me what kind of epoxy should be considered for such small diameter and lengths? I have the creative freedom and might use bonding with small wooden chunks as well

[@wesleyblue7715]

So I'm investigating phenolic for a heat barrier. I've found 2.5g of formaldehyde 2g of phenol. With ?g of HCl to cure it. I want to make nozzles and a thin tube 70mm-ish OD / 67mm-ish. Can you make a video on phenolic casting (adding chopped material)?

[@BTech5]

I'm looking at doing a bar top outside I see I will need the ACC+ this bar will not be covered it will be directly in the elements and we do have hot summer (110°F) and cold winters (-20°F) so my question would be how would Is temperature affected and about how long before the UV take a toll on it based off your experience?

[@seanpavani8251]

very informative . does any one know what would be the best type of resin to bond laminate sheets of plywood together in a mould for making skateboards. lm looking for a strong but flexible bonding with the ply but don't want to use pva glues as they can be brittle. ant one have any idea

[@ackpelon]

Hello, I’m new to this epoxy thing, I’m trying to build a bar in my basement, and the bartender counter top Ill to make it of 3/4” plywood, but I’ll like to know what epoxy to lay on top ! I’ll try to make it look like marvel, any recommendations are welcome

[@martiruda]

can I apply epoxy over a vanity with a complete FLAT bottom so that I can build a slope and water can drain?

[@charlesjosef6045]

When pouring resin on rough wood for a table, does the wood need to be processed any specific way to ensure that it does not pull away from the resin when it is finished?

[@groverdog13]

I have the same question as Charles and would also like to know if there are any wood stain products (Minwax?) that are compatible as a base? I'm working on a bar top bar top with collectible fibre board coasters embedded. GREAT VIDEOS!!

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Whenever working with wood and resin you want to make sure your wood is completely dry first - getting out a moisture reader is your best bet!

[@ScarIingDarling]

I find it interesting that tabletop and deep pour are separate epoxies -. Because it seems like you're supposed to pour at least 1/8 inch deep, or even a little more... So is tabletop not actually good for it's intended purpose? Similarly, I'd hate to have my counters start to yellow after s short while , so should one get uv resistant? If so, that brings me back to the first question - how to get the depth needed/desired? Haha. Maybe I'm wrong about the depth most use on tabletops/counters..🤔 But it sounds to me like the ideal formulation would be one that combines uv resistance, depth, & ease of use the tabletop kind offers..?

[@esautwinn]

I am making lamps, and I need a resin that doesn't break easily, something that I can pigment but lets light shine trough it, the lamps are thin like 1 or 2 mm thickness, and it has to harden quickly in case I want to make many in a day or two, what would you suggest?

[@Delcorealtor1]

What kind of respirator would you recommend for sanding a piece with an epoxy river pour? I want to make sure we get the kind that will handle that fine of a particle. Thanks

[@Strubizbee]

What is the best resin for fiberglass and carbon fiber

[@richardmaxwell4489]

I mixed one to one forgot to read the mixing amounts, did not cure I had poured other epoxy that was already Pre measures bottles had no problems Can I pour new epoxy over the wrong Batch of shed floor and will it harden Right . The bad batch was one gallon Resin and one gallon hardener my fought ok I’m an edit. Or do I have to Remove the bad pour and I what chemicals to use. What type of Respirator do you recommend ?

[@krystaleu4470]

Are any of these epoxy good for a thin coating of a cars splitter..just to add more durability and strength to it over a vinyl

[@tracyaguillon7442]

Can you do multiple 3/8" pours with ACC+ to build up thickness?

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Absolutely!

[@nicolemiller2838]

I know this video was 3+ years ago, I’m new to your channel. I liked and subscribed to your channel!! I just ordered molds and a small resin epoxy kit from TEMU - yaaay! 👀 I am hoping to make projects for sale. I’m starting out with custom coasters, from what I saw in this video, the best epoxy would be ACC+? Is that correct??

[@victorstalick3719]

Where does one find this chart to download?

[@AlumiliteCorporation]

Hi Victor - we're currently working on one. We'll be sure to throw it in the description when we have one available!