Diamond Clear Epoxy 101: Table Top Epoxy vs. Casting Epoxy

As a way of adding protection and gloss to items, Diamond Clear Epoxy are widely used for bars, tabletops, river tables, jewelry, and much more. Epoxy resins are a popular product used for various applications. However, determining the best type of epoxy for your project can be difficult. 

Two common types of epoxies are table top epoxies and casting epoxies. While the two are very similar, they each have their unique properties and ideal uses. Regardless of the epoxy needed for your project, be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions because mistakes can have a huge impact on the final product. 

Table Top Epoxy vs. Casting Epoxy

Two of the most popular Diamond Clear Epoxy are table top epoxy and casting epoxy. These two share similarities, but they are very different to work with and are meant for different applications.

Table Top Epoxy

As the name implies, table top epoxy is best for pouring over flat surfaces, such as table tops, bars, counters, or resin art. It is a self-leveling epoxy meant for thin pours in thicknesses of usually 1/4’’ or less. Pour thicknesses vary depending on the application, but it is important to note that using table top epoxy for embedding thick objects takes several applications and hours. 

With table top epoxy’s recommended 1:1 mixture, it is ideal for use by both beginners and professionals. The main advantages of table top epoxy over casting epoxy are its higher viscosity and faster cure time of 12-24 hours. 

Casting Epoxy

Also referred to as deep pour resin, casting epoxy is used for thick pours of up to 2’’. Casting epoxy is commonly used for river tables, embedding and encasing objects, jewelry, and more. It offers a lower viscosity than table top epoxy and a slower cure rate of 24-36 hours. 

The longer cure time for casting epoxy allows for a longer working time, but care must be taken to prevent dust and debris from settling into the resin. The typical mixture for casting epoxies is 2:1, although some manufacturers have variations with a 1:1 or 3:1 ratio. 

Advantages of Diamond Clear Epoxy

There are several features of Diamond Clear Epoxy epoxies that make them ideal for many applications. Advantages of using Diamond Clear Epoxy in your project include:

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• Blush Resistant. Even in high humidity conditions, Diamond Clear Epoxy does not blush or sweat. 
• High Gloss. The formula for Diamond Clear Epoxy cures with a highly glossy and transparent finish. To achieve this polished appearance, it typically takes only three coats or less. 
• Simplified Mix Ratios. Simple mix ratios make using Diamond Clear Epoxy easier to measure and mix. This makes it preferred by many as it reduces the risk of minor errors that affect the final product. 
• Tough Surfaces. Diamond Clear Epoxy are formulated to tough industrial standards, providing indestructible surfaces for your project. Epoxy results in long-lasting, maintenance-free surface protection that resists scratching, yellowing, and distortion.
• Wood Adhesion. Diamond Clear Epoxy are the ideal solution for porous materials, helping protect the surface while accentuating the wood’s natural features. 

Copps Industries’ Diamond Clear Epoxy

At Copps Industries, we offer an Diamond Clear Epoxy line made for your unique applications, from sealing a bar top to adding a gleam to objects. With our high-quality consumer epoxy products, we can meet your bulk order or private label needs.

The two primary varieties of Diamond Clear Epoxy we feature are Diamond Clear Epoxy Coat Table Top Epoxy and Diamond Clear Epoxy Casting Epoxy. Our commercial-grade craft epoxies are self-leveling and create beautiful and clear finishes quickly and easily with superior physical properties. You can apply our Diamond Clear Epoxy using foam brushes, rollers, or squeegees. 

From comprehensive sales and customer service to product development and technical support, Copps Industries is here to provide the best solutions for our customers. To learn more about our line of Diamond Clear Epoxy, or to get started on your epoxy solution, contact us or request a quote today.

Applications of High-Temperature Epoxies

Epoxy resins adhere and cure on hard surfaces, providing a versatile polymer adhesive. Beyond their temperature-resistance capabilities, high-temperate epoxies feature many favorable qualities, including resistances to moisture, chemicals, impact, and corrosion. 

High-temperature epoxies maintain their properties even when exposed to extreme temperatures. Harsh industrial environments rely on high-temperature epoxy coatings over other adhesive types because of the improved heat resistance and durability they provide in severe operating conditions. This blog post will discuss the versatile nature of high-temperature epoxies and their uses across various industries. 

What is High-Temperature Epoxy?

For many applications, finding an appropriate high-temperature adhesive is vital for the success of the project. Manufacturers working in challenging environments often opt for a high-temperature epoxy resin, a specially formulated product that withstands temperatures up to 450°F and cures even in high-heat conditions. Other advantageous qualities of high-temperature epoxies include:

• Durability
• High abrasion resistance
• Good clarity
• Low viscosity
• Thermal conductivity
• Dimensional stability at high temperatures

These epoxy resins offer exceptional wetting characteristics when used in conjunction with aramid or carbon fiber. They display high degrees of chemical resistance and withstand steam exposure. Additionally, high-temperature epoxies are an ideal choice for encapsulation and potting, thanks to their thermal conductivity.

When the time comes to choose the appropriate adhesive for a project, it is essential to account for the expected operating temperature and the requirements for the product’s ultimate performance properties. Other vital considerations include:

• Duration of exposure to high temperatures
• The glass transition temperature of an adhesive
• Coefficient of thermal expansion and bonded substrates

High-Temperature Epoxy Applications

The versatility of high-temperature epoxies makes them ideal for use in a wide range of industries, such as: 

• Construction
• Adhesives
• Coatings
• Composites
• Electronics

They also provide excellent adhesion to many materials, including:

• Plastics
• Ceramics
• Metals
• Glass

High-temperature epoxies feature a versatile range of capabilities. Examples include:

• Creating ultra-thin bond lines 
• Superior protection and performance when bonding/coating electronic components
• Protecting and sealing porous materials
• Wet-lay laminating and vacuum-bagging of composite parts 
• RIM tooling and vacuum forming
• Bonding and encapsulation

Our High-Temperature Epoxy

As one of the industry’s leading providers of high-caliber, sustainable epoxies, Copps Industries designs and manufactures high-temperature epoxy resins suitable for use in various unique environments. We work closely with our customers to find the ideal solution for their application, improving results while reducing costs. 

Our product line contains two epoxy resins specifically designed for high-temperature use.

High-Temperature Ceramic Wear Compound K-037

Our High-Temperature Ceramic Wear Compound K-037 system is suitable for environments with temperatures up to 450°F. This ceramic-bead-filled, two-component epoxy system features strength, corrosion resistance, and abrasion resistance in severe service conditions.

REDBAC XTra Temp High-Performance Grout K-052

This epoxy system provides significant strength and chemical resistance, making it ideal for applications involving corrosive compounds. The REDBAC XTra Temp High-Performance Grout K-052 system maintains performance in temperatures up to 400°F. It can handle a wide range of challenging tasks, such as protecting concrete surfaces, grouting machine bases, and repairing damaged foundations.

High-Temperature Epoxy Solutions From Copps Industries

For over 40 years, Copps Industries has been designing high-quality, heat-resistant epoxy resins. With over 400 clients in industries ranging from electronics to civil engineering, our diverse product line contains solutions to meet any customer’s unique needs. We are ISO 9001:2015-certified and dedicated to producing sustainable and reliable resin solutions. 

To see how our high-temperature epoxy resins can improve your high-heat application, please contact us or request your quote today.