The short answerFor coasters, trays and molds, buy a 16 to 32 oz starter kit of 1:1 epoxy for $20 to $45. For small jewelry, a UV resin kit with a lamp costs $15 to $35. Add nitrile gloves either way.
What to buy
Small jewelry and charms
UV resin kit with a UV lamp
No mixing, and it hardens in 1 to 5 minutes under the lamp. It only cures in thin layers and costs much more per ounce.
$15 to $35
See options on Amazon →First epoxy project
16 to 32 oz 1:1 epoxy starter kit with molds and mixing cups
Enough resin for several coasters or a small tray, with the cups and sticks included. You wait about a day before you can unmold anything.
$20 to $45
See options on Amazon →Buy with any kit
Nitrile gloves, safety glasses and an organic vapor respirator
This is the gear that keeps resin off your skin and out of your lungs. A paper dust mask does nothing for vapors.
$25 to $50
See options on Amazon →Coating art and tabletops
1 gallon kit of 1:1 coating epoxy
Far cheaper per ounce once you know you like it. It's made for thin layers, so thick pours overheat and crack.
$45 to $90
See options on Amazon →Thick pours and river boards
Deep pour casting epoxy
It cures slowly so it can go 1 to 2 in thick without overheating. It takes days to harden and the mix ratio is often 2:1.
$60 to $120
See options on Amazon →Links go to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
What the numbers mean
- Epoxy vs UV resin
- Epoxy is two liquids you mix, and it hardens on its own in about a day. UV resin is one liquid that hardens in minutes under a UV lamp, in thin layers only.
- Mix ratio
- How much resin to hardener. Most craft kits are 1:1 by volume, and it has to be exact or the piece stays sticky.
- Working time
- How long you have before the mix thickens, often 20 to 45 minutes. Bigger batches heat up and set faster.
- Cure time
- Most epoxy is hard to the touch in about 24 hours. Full hardness takes 3 to 7 days.
- Pour depth
- Coating epoxy goes on about 1/8 to 1/4 in per layer. Deep pour epoxy is made for 1 to 2 in at a time.
What not to pay for
- Assuming it's food-safe
Cured resin is only safe for food contact if the maker states it meets food-contact rules. Even then, don't cut on it or serve hot food on it.
- Latex gloves
Resin can soak through latex. Use nitrile and change them when they get sticky.
- A gallon before your first pour
Opened hardener yellows over time. Start with 16 to 32 oz and size up when you run out.
Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses, and work with windows open and a fan pushing air outside. Repeated skin contact can cause a lifelong allergy, so wash drips off with soap and water, never solvent. Wear an organic vapor respirator if airflow is poor, and keep resin away from young kids.
Questions
Is epoxy resin food safe?
Only if the maker says the cured product meets food-contact rules, and only when mixed exactly and fully cured. Use it for serving dry or cool food. Don't use it as a cutting surface.
Why is my resin still sticky?
Usually the ratio was off, it wasn't mixed long enough, or the room was colder than about 70°F. Waiting longer rarely fixes it. Scrape off the soft resin and pour a fresh, well-mixed layer.
Can kids use a resin kit?
Resin isn't for young kids. Uncured resin irritates skin and can cause allergies. Teens can do it with an adult, nitrile gloves, glasses and open windows.
Written by the DIY Project team. We recommend by type and spec, cheapest option that does the job first. How we check
Updated October 3, 2026. Prices are estimates.