Understanding Types of Resins: Epoxy vs. Polyester for Canvas Art
Understanding Types of Resins: Epoxy vs. Polyester for Canvas Art
One of the many art supplies you will use to succeed in your creativity on a piece of canvas is a good quality resin to help protect the surface of the artwork. The type of resin used may be the difference between an outcome being beautiful but fragile and, instead, sturdy and handsome. Two common types of resins are epoxy and polyester. Each has its characteristics and benefits, depending on the individual project or purpose. In this article, I am going to explain the differences that can guide artists to make wiser choices for their work.
Epoxy Resin
Epoxy resin is a flexible, very strong and clear material with a wide range of uses. It is primarily composed of two components: the resin and the hardener. When the latter is combined with the former, it goes into a chemical reaction that cures and hardens the compounds. Here are some of the most important features of epoxy resin:
Clarity and Gloss: Epoxy resin offers a highly glossy finish that tends to deepen the intensity of the colors underneath, making it very ideal for artists looking to achieve that glass-like effect onto their canvas paintings.
Durability: Epoxy is very resistant to moisture and yellowing as well as UV light, thus the work of art would thus never decay in beauty. This durability helps particularly for any piece that has been meant to be exposed to sunlight or moisture.
Self-Leveling: The most attractive feature that epoxy resin possesses is its self-leveling characteristic. It is a fluid, which ensures a smooth finish with few imperfections.
Workability: Epoxy resin takes considerably more time to cure than polyester. This can sometimes be a benefit for artists who want to take more time working with their material to achieve their desired look.
Polyester Resin
Polyester resin is another very popular choice for artists due to its affordability and relative ease of use. Polyester resin alone is rarely ever used; instead, it is typically combined with fiberglass. The following properties describe polyester resin:
Cost-Effective: Polyester resin is generally cheaper than epoxy, and thus a cost-effective and attractive option for when on an artist's budget. This cost effectiveness may provide leeway for experimentation and larger projects.
Fast Set Time: Polyester tends to cure faster than epoxy and can be very useful for artists who need a faster turnaround for their work. The working time will be shorter, so it may only accommodate less complex techniques.
Less Clarity: Polyester can provide a glossy finish but is generally less clear than epoxy resins. In the presence of sunlight, polyester resins may yellow, and thus the beauty of the artwork might be compromised.
Less Durable: Polyester is not as strong as epoxy. In humid and UV-rich conditions, it may be more brittle and prone to damage; thus, the life of the artwork will be affected.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that whether epoxy resin or polyester resin will be the better choice for painting on canvas comes down to the individual needs and requirements of the artist. Epoxy resin-based paint appears to exhibit greater clarity, durability, and self-leveling properties, which are quite favorable for detailed designs and pieces with extended shelf lives. Polyester resin, being cheaper, may set faster, but that might just sacrifice clarity and, worse, durability.
The knowledge of these kinds of resin helps the artist make the best choice suited to his artistic vision and what he wants his final product, his canvas art, to be. Epoxy offers elegance or perhaps polyester just serves the purpose, but all resins can take creativity to higher levels of beauty and functionality in the production of works of arts.
Understanding Types of Resins: Epoxy vs. Polyester for Canvas Art
