Oytra Art Resin vs Deep Pour Resin

If you’re new to the world of resin art, chances are you’ve come across a confusing mix of terms—art resin, casting resin, deep pour resin, 2:1 ratio, 3:1 ratio—and wondered what it all means. While resin typically looks like a shiny solution, there are so many types of resins out there! 

Watch out for Oytra’s series of explainer blogs for beginners, where we pour out the basics just like resin into a mold—slow, smooth, and designed to set the perfect foundation for your creative journey. 

In this blog we explain, the primary uses of resin- casting vs coating, details of art resin and deep pour resin each and a summary of key differences between art resin and deep pour resin in terms of their usage, appearance, pour thickness, curing time and best suitable projects. 

Primary uses of Resin- Casting vs Coating:

 

Before diving into the specific differences between Art Resin and Deep Pour Resin, it’s important to understand the two primary ways resin is used in art projects: 1) for casting and 2) for coating.

Casting involves using resin as the main material to create an object. In this process, the resin is poured into a mold where it gradually hardens into a solid form —essentially becoming the artwork itself.

Coating, on the other hand, is when resin is applied as a clear, protective top layer over a finished piece. The purpose of this final coat is typically to give the artwork a glossy appearance and protect it from damage, such as scratches or moisture.

What is art resin? What is it ideal for- casting or coating?

 

Art Resin, also known as epoxy art resin, is a versatile type of resin that can be used for both casting and coating.

Imagine you’ve created a pair of colorful resin earrings embedded with glitter and tiny beads. In this case, art resin acts as the core material {casting}.

 

Oytra's Art Resin Kits  are perfect for beginners as well as hobbyists, you can handcraft the accessory of your choice- earrings, keychains , or small coasters.   

 

Alternatively, if you’ve finished a detailed canvas painting of a sunset, you can pour a thin layer of art resin over the dried canvas. This coating resin is then gently spread using a stick to evenly cover the surface. Once cured, it not only adds a glossy finish but also ensures durability. 

For smooth, bubble-free coating needs as well as for quality-assured general casting requirements , you can choose Oytra’s Art Resin{2:1} .

Art resin attains touch dryness in 4-5 hours and cures completely by 24 hours. It has a short working time of 45 minutes to 1 hour, allowing for very quick decorations before the hardening begins.

But the limitation lies in the maximum thickness it can achieve. Typically, art resin can be poured to a maximum thickness of 10 mm. Pouring it thicker than this can lead to problems like overheating, cracking, or uneven curing.

This is precisely the challenge that Deep Pour resin solves. Deep pour, as the name itself suggests, can handle thickness of anything between 2-4 inches! 

What is Deep Pour Resin? What is it ideal for- casting or coating?

 

Deep Pour Resin is a specialized type of epoxy resin, specifically good for thick casting projects, which cannot be achieved using art resin.  It can be poured in layers up to 2 inches (or more) at once without overheating or cracking, making it ideal for applications where depth and durability are essential. Unlike standard art resin, deep pour resin is not recommended for coating needs. 

Oytra’s Deep Pour Resin {2:1} offers a crystal-clear finish with perfect hardness and depth.            

Imagine you're building a river-style kitchen countertop using two live-edge wooden slabs. The space between them is filled with deep pour resin, tinted with blue pigments to create the illusion of a flowing river.

 

For furniture makers and DIY enthusiasts, Oytra's excellent range of deep pour resin packs  delivers excellent flow, color blending, and strength. Choose the one you would like to try- an aesthetic river table ? or an artsy kitchen countertop?

Deep Pour Resin has a longer curing time—typically up to 42 hours for full curing and minimum 18-24 hours for turning touch ready. This ensures a strong, glass-like finish with minimal bubbles. You'll begin to see the resin set within 4 to 6 hours, though the edges may take longer to fully harden than the center due to air exposure and varying thickness. Even the working time is up to two hours, longer and more flexible for creating intricate designing than possible with art resin. 

Art Resin vs  Deep pour Resin- Summary

• Usage- Art Resin can be used for both coating  {finished surfaces like canvas paintings, wooden boards, photo prints} and casting with a thickness of up to 1mm {resin earrings, pendants, coasters, keychains, and other decorative items}.          Deep Pour Resin is ideal for large, deep casting projects like river tables, kitchen countertops, large wall art, resin blocks, sculptures, and projects that require deep layering and embedding 1-2 inches.
• Appearance- Art Resin gives a glossy, glass-like finish, perfect for surface coatings. It has a thick consistency { high viscosity, like honey}, which makes it easy to handle while coating and also, slightly higher tendency for bubble formation.
  Deep Pour Resin dries crystal clear, ideal for layering, swirls, and embedding materials. It has a thinner consistency { low viscosity , more watery} , which make it tricky to handle and has lower tendency for capturing bubbles.
• Pour Thickness- Art Resin is limited to thin layers—maximum 10 mm.
  Deep Pour Resin can be poured up to 1- 2 inches or more in one layer without issues.

• Curing Time - Art Resin cures faster, usually in 24 hours.
  Deep Pour Resin cures slowly, taking 42 hours for full hardness ( 72 hours for larger projects, rare case}.

When it comes to resin art, choosing the right resin can make all the difference. Oytra’s Art Resin{2:1} and Deep Pour Resin {2:1} packages cater to a variety of interesting project needs. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned artist, Oytra resin kits and our detailed blogs will help you make the right choice of resin and begin your creative journey !