10 Best Epoxy For Tumblers In 2023 For Beginners & Professionals
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Epoxy crafts have taken the world by storm, starting from resin jewelry, ornaments, and paint pouring projects. However, working with the best epoxy for tumblers for prolonged periods can be taxing to your health. Moreover, other people might have inhibitions about the safety of your tumblers.
So, we came up with this list to help you pick the best epoxy for tumblers for your convenience and safety.
Our Top Picks
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Best for Food Safety - Art Resin Non-Toxic Epoxy for Tumblers• Conforms to ASTM D-4236 |
Best for Budget Crafters - East Coast Epoxy Resin for Tumblers• Clear and high-gloss finish |
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Best for Rush Epoxy Tumblers - Counter Culture DIY Ultra Clear Fast Set Epoxy Resin• Shorter drying and curing time |
1. Envirotex Lite Pour-On Epoxy Resin
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What Customers Have To Say
According to Amazon shoppers, the Envirotex Lite epoxy for tumblers gives a high-gloss finish. Still, it needs a more aggressive torching than other brands because of the numerous micro air bubbles. It takes a little more extra to get used to, but everything is a breeze once you get the hang of it.
The finish is crystal clear, and most users recommend making your epoxy tumblers and other resin crafts. However, because it does not have an FDA food-safe designation, it is only best to use it on surfaces that do not contact food.
Why We Think It’s Great
We love Envirotex Lite’s versatile application. Crafters want supplies that they can use across crafts, so they don't need to invest in different tools for similar hobbies. This brand does not have volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and does not smell much.
This best epoxy for tumblers does not stain and discolor easily and works great with colors. It also improves the durability of materials.
Who Should Buy It
This epoxy for tumblers has become a go-to brand for crafters and offers value for money. This is perfect for beginners and professional crafters alike, even those who love working with wood and other media.
2. Clear Casting and Coating Epoxy Resin
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What Customers Have To Say
Professional crafters recommend mixing a small amount for each use (not more than 100 ml) unless you have a big surface to work on at a short time. Mix it well until there are no streaks to ensure even drying.
This epoxy for tumblers gives a lovely finish and glow-in-the-dark effect to the crafts made by customers. Please work only when the temperature is above 75°F unless you want to use a heat lamp or heating box.
Why We Think It’s Great
We recommend this best epoxy for tumblers for its wide cover ratio compared with other brands. It’s also great for glow-in-the-dark projects, but use it only with the same brand’s glow-in-the-dark pigments.
We also favor it for its ASTM D-4236 certification (safe for home use), is not flammable, and does not produce fumes. The company is thoughtful to include a safety data sheet that users can download to understand the product before buying it.
Who Should Buy It
This brand is perfect for crafters who work with epoxy tumblers, resin jewelry, and woodworking. This best epoxy for tumblers is recommended for beginners because it has a longer working time than 10 minutes compared to other brands.
Remember, always take necessary precautions and use appropriate protective gear when using this epoxy as it can be hazardous.
3. Art Resin Non-toxic Epoxy for Tumblers - Best in Food Safety
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What Customers Have To Say
According to Amazon shoppers, the ArtResin is the perfect epoxy for newbie crafters because it is easy to work with, and it levels itself and domes well. It lets you practice your skills with little manipulation on the epoxy, and it finishes beautifully.
However, you cannot use other brands of additives and colorants because some other brands sometimes cause discoloration.
Why We Think It’s Great
This is the best epoxy for tumblers, given its food-safe certification. Aside from the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) certification, ArtResin also passed a series of rigorous food safety tests.
It also passed 13 migration tests that ascertain the chemical transfer level from the material and the food. These standards got approval from governing bodies in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Australia, and the European Union.
Moreover, it passed the EU standard test for nonylphenol (NP), an endocrine disruptor like BPA that causes fertility issues, pregnancy complications, and metabolic abnormalities. Nonylphenol is also associated with breast cancer.
Who Should Buy It
This is the best epoxy for tumblers for those working on containers and surfaces that come in constant contact with food and drinks. We also recommend using it with ArtResin additives to preserve the food-safe certification.
4. KS Resin Liquid Art Epoxy for Tumblers
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What Customers Have To Say
Customers particularly appreciate how the company offers support, especially with tutorials and instructions on making things right when crafting. There are also fewer air bubbles, unlike other brands, so you only have to torch lightly. Poking those bubbles with a toothpick is also easy because they are very few and far between.
Why We Think It’s Great
Bulk-buying of this best epoxy for tumblers makes more considerable savings. Although some users reported that the crafts they made using it took too long to dry, it has a short curing period of 7 days. It also has a broader working temperature of 65-90°F.
You can also work on various crafts with just one epoxy resin, and this one belongs to the less expensive spectrum. Not to mention that it does not smell much, making it easier to work with as you don’t need to deal with headaches.
Who Should Buy It
We recommend this epoxy resin to crafters with hypersensitivity issues who love working indoors. This is also a good alternative for those who are on a tight budget.
5. FX Poxy Epoxy Resin Kit
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What Customers Have To Say
Customers think that this is the best epoxy for tumblers because it finishes beautifully and is food-safe. It mixes well, and you get a crystal clear finish every time. Some customers complained of air bubbles, but they left out the info if they torched their work. However, most buyers found this epoxy resin excellent for crafts with a clear and professional finish.
Why We Think It’s Great
We love the company’s responsive customer support, putting up downloadable instructions, coverage charts, and even restrictions and preventive measures. They also put together epoxy craft workshops to help would-be craftsmen and artisans. The product itself is also high-quality and versatile.
Who Should Buy It
For excellent results, we recommend this best epoxy for tumblers to professional craftsmen and artisans working with various media. It also works great with concrete, wood, Formica, laminates, ceramics, and granite tiles.
6. East Coast Epoxy Resin for Tumblers - Best for Budget Crafters
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What Customers Have To Say
Users appreciate this epoxy for its clear and smooth finish. It is also odorless, making it very easy to work with indoors. It is perfect for newbie crafters because of its long work time and does not produce too many air bubbles.
Why We Think It’s Great
Working with a versatile epoxy is perfect for most crafters since you can use it for woodwork finish and other woodcrafts, cast epoxy jewelry and ornaments, and coating crafts like epoxy tumblers and cups.
Who Should Buy It
We recommend this epoxy resin for newbie crafters because of its 30 to 35-minute work time and affordable price. Making epoxy crafts is hard to perfect, and this epoxy resin helps with stress-free practice sessions.
Longer work time lets newbies practice their epoxy tumbler skills without fearing for gelled epoxy. Lesser air bubbles also mean less torching as over torching can affect the finished product’s curing time and quality.
7. Stone Coat Countertop Epoxy Kit
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What Customers Have To Say
Most customers are repeat buyers who can’t get enough of the flawless and durable finish they get for their projects every time. The surfaces are scratch-resistant and crystal clear, so you see the designs under the epoxy. To enjoy an entirely inert and UV-resistant product, let it cure for 30 days before using.
Why We Think It’s Great
This best epoxy for tumblers has a good 45-minute working time, especially when making intricate designs such as geode finishes on your tumblers. You don’t have to rush through your project, knowing you have enough time to do it.
The company put together a mean collection of super easy crafts to do with epoxy, so the sky's the limit. It is also UV-resistant, so even if your tumbler gets some sun, it won’t have any discoloration.
Who Should Buy It
Give your old stainless steel tumblers a new life! This is the best epoxy for tumblers that have lost their glory days from constant wear. Just give the exterior a good sanding and wash, and you’re on your way to creating something extraordinary.
8. Craft Resin Clear Epoxy Resin for Tumblers
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What Customers Have To Say
The Craft Resin is the best epoxy for tumblers for many of its users. Unlike other epoxy resin brands that leave a lingering odor to your workstation, this one is odorless, making it perfect to use for art projects. It doesn’t work differently than more expensive brands in quality of finish and durability. If only it is available in bigger containers, it would have been perfect.
Why We Think It’s Great
Would you rather have an epoxy that’s easy to work with and cures relatively fast? This is the one to get. It has excellent air release, so you get fewer bubbles. It is also easy to use and has a low viscosity, but a little warmth from a hot water bath solves it.
Who Should Buy It
This best epoxy for tumblers is perfect for crafters who buy their supplies in smaller quantities. It is ideal for those who only use their epoxy resin for hobbies and don’t have much time to devote to crafting.
9. Counter Culture DIY Ultra Clear Fast Set Epoxy Resin - Best for Rush Epoxy Tumblers
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What Customers Have To Say
Customers found this epoxy to be more expensive than other brands. However, it helps cut time when working with bulk orders since it dries less than 2 hours. This brand is the best epoxy for tumblers if you’re in a hurry to complete a project.
Why We Think It’s Great
Why wait for 5 hours or more to apply a new coat if you can do it in 90 minutes? However, it is prone to discoloration because it is a fast curing, so the company recommends using dark-colored bases to mask the yellowing. To inhibit further discoloration, it has maximum UV inhibitors.
Who Should Buy It
The Counter Culture Fast Set Epoxy Resin is perfect for professional crafters working on small projects. If you have rush orders and can’t afford to wait for days to cure, this brand is the ideal alternative. This is also the best epoxy for tumblers used for hot drinks.
10. ProMarine Clear Epoxy for Tumblers
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What Customers Have To Say
Amazon customers who have tried several brands think this is by far the best epoxy for tumblers. It finishes beautifully and durably, with a crystal clear finish. It also produces fewer bubbles than other brands, so it is easier to torch.
Why We Think It’s Great
The ProMarine epoxy allows you to work indoors or outdoors as it has no dangerous fumes and volatile chemicals. It has a high-gloss finish and resists discoloration over time. It is also very durable and scratch-proof.
Who Should Buy It
This best epoxy for tumblers is ideal for newbie crafters because it has a long work time. Thirty minutes is more than enough to practice your epoxy tumbler skills. It is also perfect for professionals who love to make intricate designs on their tumblers, and it is viscous enough for a geode design.
Best Epoxy for Tumblers Buying Guide
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Safety
It is important to remember that all epoxy brands are toxic in liquid form, even if they are labeled food-safe. Epoxy is only safe to use when fully cured about 72 hours and after it has turned into an inert state.
Choose an epoxy with low to no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), bisphenol A (BPA), and other phenols. It should also not be flammable. Most importantly, use an epoxy resin certified safe for art and home use and conform to ASTM D-4236 standard.
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Heat Resistance
Epoxy lowers the heat tolerance of a cup or tumbler. So if you want to use your tumbler or cup for hot drinks, stay away from epoxy. You should not use it for drinks hotter than 120°F. However, you can use epoxy to make coasters but not for wooden trivets for hot dishes.
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Curing Time
Curing time depends on the brand of epoxy. Some need 48 hours, while others require up to 72 hours. To turn an epoxy craft into entirely inert plastic, store it for 15-30 days at room temperature. Please note that curing time is affected by the surface’s temperature you are working on and the heat generated by the epoxy.
Epoxy works like blubber. The thicker it is, the more heat it generates. So, one way to hasten the curing process is to make your epoxy thick enough to keep the warmth in. But do not attempt to use insulators to help with the heat as it can cause spontaneous combustion.
It is essential to allow at least 15 days for your tumblers to cure. Be sure to give the same instructions and precautions to your clients regarding the curing process, too.
Pro Tip: Monitor your epoxy crafts during the curing process to prevent spontaneous combustion. If you observe smoke or if it feels too warm, move it outdoors. Do not inhale the smoke.
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Versatility
You’ll appreciate your epoxy if it works on various media. This means economy and value for professional crafters. For beginners, it allows taking on different projects before picking a niche.
Epoxy bonds with wood, stainless steel, glass, and fabric. It won’t bond with silicone, vinyl, rubber, PE plastics, and surfaces with wax or grease.
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Viscosity
For epoxy tumblers, go for medium to high viscosity epoxy resin. It has the consistency of honey—not too runny but not too tough to pour. Viscosity also affects curing time, so the less watery the epoxy is, the longer it is to cure.
Best Epoxy for Tumblers FAQ
1. What can I use instead of epoxy on tumblers?
Water-based polyurethane (CrystaLac) is an excellent alternative to use instead of epoxy for tumblers. It’s water-based, no VOCs, and non-toxic. You also won’t have to deal with allergic reactions with fumes from the epoxy components’ chemical reaction. It also has a better heat resistance of up to 350°F.
You won’t have to deal with fisheye, microbubbles, and other quality issues. It takes 10-15 layers of CrystaLac as opposed to 2-3 layers of epoxy. The drying time, though, is shorter, and the curing time is longer at 30 days.
2. How do you prepare a tumbler for epoxy?
There are few methods you can do to prepare your tumbler for epoxy. The first one is to use a cotton ball wet with 91% rubbing alcohol to clean the tumbler off of oils, adhesives, and dust.
The second method is sanding it with a P400 or P600 sandpaper. Wash it with water and dishwashing liquid and let dry. You can also tape the tumbler’s mouth and base and then apply paint (spray or brush).
3. What causes fish eyes in epoxy?
Contamination is one of the most common but overlooked reasons for imperfections in your epoxy crafts. Remove all traces of grease, oil, wax, or silicone from your surface by washing it with dishwashing liquid and water or using cotton and rubbing alcohol.
Another reason is not enough epoxy in the application. It is crucial to apply the correct amount of epoxy between coats, spreading it evenly with your gloved hand or fingers.
Finally, lack of priming can also cause fish eyes. If the epoxy does not have enough grip on the surface, it will drip away. To solve this issue, sand off the smooth surface to increase the surface tension. You can also use flat paint to achieve a better grip.
4. How do you make epoxy cups smooth?
Preventing imperfections in your cup is easier than correcting an imperfect finish. If applied properly, the epoxy has a doming effect, giving it a smooth finish.
Always prepare your tumblers well to remove all foreign matters on them. Apply just the right amount of epoxy to your tumbler and torch it to remove the air bubbles.
Use a dust cover in the first 6 hours of applying epoxy to avoid dimpling. Also, be sure that your cup turner does not wobble or favor one side.
However, if your cup turns out to have lumps and bumps, you can still work on it as long as the imperfections are not too noticeable. For ridges, you can just sand it off carefully, so the glitters or design is not affected, then apply a new layer of epoxy.
If you have fisheyes or divots, you can correct it by sanding off uneven edges and applying another epoxy layer. Do not forget to torch after each application.
Your cup turner’s improper speed may also cause the constant occurrence of fish eyes or divot. Some turners can go as high as 9 RPM, and it would be tempting to use them. If you are using adjustable speed cup turners, start with the regular 5-6 RPM, lower it to 3-4 RPM after 3 hours.
5. Is epoxy safe to use indoors?
Yes, depending on the epoxy brand you use. Some products are certified home-safe, especially for arts and crafts, so you can use it indoors but only if it is well-ventilated. You can use fans but do not use air-conditioning.
That also means you need to take precautionary measures and wear protective gear. Always wear a good pair of safety goggles and nitrile gloves, a PVC apron, and a respirator.
Manufacturers always recommend working with epoxy in a well-ventilated area, all for good reasons. Combining the resin (A) and the hardener (B) produces a chemical reaction that releases harmful fumes. Inhaling epoxy fumes may result in allergic reactions and irritation of the respiratory organs.
Sanding epoxy also presents a danger to the mucous lining of your mouth, nose, windpipe, etc., resulting in respiratory irritation, inflammation, and allergic reactions.
The most common symptoms of epoxy fume and dust inhalation are shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, heaviness in the chest, and severe headache.
Also, do not get epoxy on your skin. Repeated exposure can cause severe skin irritation, leading to eczema and other chronic skin problems. A single exposure of the eye, however, can cause serious eye infections and even blindness.
Conclusion
Since we use tumblers and cups for our drinks, safety is a must. For this review of the best epoxy for tumblers, we choose the Art Resin Non-toxic Epoxy Resin as the winner because of its impressive food safety standards. Just remember to use the same brand for colorants and additives to maintain its certification.
For beginners and budget crafters, we give our vote to the East Coast Epoxy Resin. This is the most affordable brand on the list, but its features are similar to more expensive ones.
If you’re in a rush with orders, get things done half the time with the Counter Culture DIY Ultra Clear Fast Set Epoxy Resin. Aside from shorter drying and curing time, it has a higher heat resistance for coffee cups and tumblers.