All Epoxies Are Not Created Equal

We are all familiar with the phrase “all men are created equal”—a great sentiment, but the same cannot be said about epoxy. Many people think of epoxy resin simply as glue, a sealer for flooring, or for various commercial uses. While that’s true to some extent, modern epoxy formulations have evolved into highly specialized products designed for specific applications in controlled environments.

Originally invented in the 1930s for dentistry, epoxy quickly expanded into a wide range of adhesives. Today, epoxies line water tanks, repair bridges, and serve many commercial purposes. But they’ve also taken on new life in construction and the arts and crafts world.

Like most commodities, epoxy varies widely in quality and price. Add pigments, mica flakes, additives, and factor in variables like heat and humidity, and it takes experience to achieve that bubble-free, crystal-clear finish you’re working hard for. I’m here to help you choose the right epoxy for the job.

Epoxies for construction and arts and crafts generally fall into three categories:

1. Countertop or Finish-Coat Epoxy:
These are designed to be poured over finished substrates to create a high-gloss protective layer typically ¼” thick or less.
What to watch for: A quality epoxy for this purpose should offer excellent UV protection and a high heat resistance to prevent yellowing (ambering). It should have good bubble release, zero water retention, and contain flow agents and additives to ensure a flawless finish.

2. Casting Epoxy:
Made for thicker pours—from ¼” up to 3 or 4 inches—used for river tables, cutting boards, coasters, and similar projects.
What to watch for: Consider the demolding time carefully. Some deep-cast epoxies take up to a week to fully cure, while others with lower exothermic heat can be demolded in 24 to 48 hours. Choosing the right casting epoxy is crucial to avoid cracking, bubbling, foaming, or unwanted flexibility.

3. Metal Illusion Floor Epoxy:
A 2:1 mix designed for application at 10–14 mil thickness as a decorative flooring coating. It can be pigmented with metallic effects, acrylics, dispersion colors, or used clear as a topcoat.
What to watch for: This epoxy offers exceptional bubble release and creates stunning, durable floors when applied properly over compatible primers. It works well on wood, concrete, canvas, and other well-prepared substrates.

For expert advice on your upcoming epoxy project—whether for work or leisure—you can always reach out to Tim Phelps.

Known in the industry as “The Wizard,” Tim brings 30 years of craftsmanship and artistry in epoxy and decorative concrete. More than just a user, he collaborated with a chemist to develop proprietary, chemically engineered formulas that outperform the competition and deliver superior results. With comprehensive systems and training for countertops, flooring, walls, and stamped concrete, working with Tim and iCoat feels almost like magic.

Tim began his journey in the U.S. Military before founding iCoat, carrying that commitment to service into helping contractors and tradesmen deliver top-quality work. His dedication to excellence shines at events like the annual World of Concrete Show.

He has also been featured on TV home repair shows such as Flip This House, Extreme Home Makeover, and SpacesTV, as well as various online productions.

Tim loves to give back and always makes himself available to those skilled in the industry and those looking for a start, contact him on 877-669-1110 or tim@icoatproducts.com