Finding the Right Epoxy for Your Crafting Projects: What to Know Before You Buy

If you’ve ever searched for the best epoxy for tumblers or crafting, you already know how overwhelming the options can be. At Siete Gift Shop, we often get asked, “What epoxy brand do you recommend?” The honest answer? It depends on your environment and crafting preferences.

Why Not All Epoxies Are Created Equal

Each epoxy resin brand has its own formula—some are thick, others are runnier. Some cure fast, others give you more working time. But what works like magic for one crafter may cause bubbles or yellowing for another. Why? Because your personal environment plays a huge role.

Here are a few key environmental factors that can impact how epoxy performs:

1. Temperature

Most epoxies are designed to work best between 70°F–75°F. If your workspace is too cold, your epoxy may become too thick, cure slowly, or cure improperly. If it’s too warm, it may set too fast—leaving little room for mistakes or bubble release.

2. Humidity

High humidity can lead to cloudy finishes or surface issues like blushing (a greasy, waxy layer on the surface). This is why some crafters love one brand and others struggle—it often comes down to how moisture in the air interacts with the epoxy formula.

3. Ventilation

Proper airflow is essential for safety and curing. Some epoxies have stronger odors or VOCs, and your ventilation setup will determine what you can tolerate for longer crafting sessions.

Popular Epoxy Brands (And What They’re Known For)

While we don’t sell epoxy ourselves, we’ve worked with many different brands over the years and gathered feedback from our amazing crafting community. Here are a few widely used options:

KS Resin – Known for clarity and UV resistance. Great for beginners.

FGCI (Famous for Super clear) – Offers fast-curing and deep pour options.

ArtResin – Designed for artists with minimal yellowing but tends to be pricier.

Counter-Culture DIY – Offers several formulas including thin, medium, and thick viscosity.

Alumilite – Popular among tumbler makers for its fast cure and glass-like finish.

⚠️ Pro tip: Not every formula works well for tumblers, so always check if the brand is FDA-compliant for incidental food contact when coating cups.

Our Best Advice? Start Small

Before committing to a gallon of epoxy, we highly recommend buying sample or trial sizes of a few brands. Try them out in your actual crafting space—this will give you the best idea of how each epoxy behaves with your temperature, humidity, and workflow.

Here’s a quick testing checklist:

How long is the working time?

Are there bubbles?

Is the odor manageable?

How long does it take to cure?

Does the finish stay clear?

Final Thoughts: Your Perfect Epoxy Is the One That Works for You

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to epoxy. What matters most is how the epoxy performs in your unique space and how comfortable you are working with it. Take your time, test a few, and don’t be discouraged if the first one doesn’t work out.

At Siete Gift Shop, we’re here to support your creative journey with the best pigments, glitters, flakes, and crafting tools to pair with whatever epoxy you choose.

Have a favorite epoxy brand? Let us know on social or tag us in your projects—we love seeing what you create!

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