Resin is an amazingly durable and versatile product that’s often used as a casting material as well as an adhesive and sealant. While most types of resin cure to a hard-wearing, waterproof, and even food-safe material, it cannot withstand very high heat.
What are the best heat-resistant resins? While most types of resins can only withstand intermittent heat of up to 200°F, polyurethane resin and high-temperature epoxy can survive the extreme heat of up to 550°F, depending on the application.
If you want to find a heat-resistant resin that can withstand extreme heat, this article will tell you all about different types of heat-resistant resins and how you can use them in your next project.
Why Use Heat Resistant Resin?
If you are a fan of woodworking or arts and crafts, then you are probably familiar with a few types of resins, such as UV resins and epoxy resins.
These resins are commonly used as a casting material, adhesive, or sealant because they can cure to become a clear, hard, and waterproof material that’s highly durable and even food-safe.
However, one big disadvantage of UV resin and epoxy resin is the fact that they are not very heat resistant. They can start to ‘melt’ when the curing process is reversed under high heat.
It doesn’t take a lot of heat to start reversing the curing process for these types of resin. Epoxy will start to melt at about 190°F, and UV resin will melt at about 120°F.
That means one trip through the dishwasher, and your epoxy coaster will lose its shape. For UV resin, even just being left out in the car on a warm day will cause the resin to melt.
Of course, this also means there are a lot of applications where epoxy or UV resin are not suitable. You can’t use them to cast a dishwasher-safe bowl; you can’t use them to seal or adhere car parts, etc.
For these situations, it’s better to use a heat-resistant resin. Let’s take a look at some of them below.
Types Of Heat Resistant Resin
There are various kinds of hard-curing resins that are available, and how they work is similar to that of epoxy resin. The main components of these resins are a hardener and a resin base. When a hardener is added to the resin, a chemical reaction occurs, and the resin immediately cures.
However, if heat resistance is what you’re looking for, there are only two types of resins that can withstand the heat up to 500°F: polyurethane resin and high-temperature epoxy.
Polyurethane Resin
Polyurethane resin is very similar to epoxy resin, but the molecules that make up the resin base in polyurethane resins have more cross-link, resulting in polyurethane being more durable than epoxy resin.
While the epoxy resin is the crown prince of arts and crafts, polyurethane resin is often used in the production of molded components such as toys and sculptures. They can also be used in industrial applications to make structural components, like engine mounts and skateboard wheels.
Compared to epoxy resin, polyurethane is more heat-resistant. Polyurethane resin can resist up to 300°F after it’s cured. This makes it an ideal choice for various demanding applications, such as construction and automotive.
In addition, polyurethane resin doesn’t shrink after curing, which also makes it preferable to epoxy. Keep in mind that it’s not as waterproof as epoxy and also tends to yellow when it is exposed to sunlight, similar to epoxy.
High-Temperature Epoxy
High-temperature epoxy is a newly developed product that fixes the disadvantage of traditional epoxy. You’ll get the same hard-curing, durable result, but the cured epoxy will be able to withstand the temperature of up to 600°F, depending on the manufacturer.
This heat resistance is thanks to a new formula of epoxy with various additives such as titanium, which allow the epoxy to survive extreme heat. When working with high-temperature epoxy, you’ll be able to create a dishwasher-safe and food-safe product.
High-temperature epoxy resins offer excellent durability at service temperatures up to 250°F.
However, high-temperature epoxies are formulated to withstand extreme temperatures of up to 600°F; you will find that they will maintain their shape and form when exposed to very high temperatures.
All types of epoxy also have good abrasion resistance and low moisture absorption. They are known for being extremely durable and even chemical resistant. Similar to traditional epoxy, high-temperature epoxy also cures to become a clear, hard plastic.
High-temperature epoxy adhesive materials provide a durable bond to many substrates and offer excellent flow characteristics over a wide range of temperatures.
The combination of high thermal conductivity with low viscosity gives these materials a high degree of thermal shock resistance. This means that when exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures, the material does not crack or break down easily.
Best Heat Resistant Resins
If you are looking for a good heat-resistant resin for your next DIY project, let’s take a look at some of our recommendations below, with a wide range of heat resistance.
Rank | Product | Heat Resistance |
---|---|---|
1. | Specialty Resin & Chemical Fabri-Cast Polyurethane Casting Resin | Up to 300°F |
2. | MG Chemicals High Temperature Black Epoxy | Up to 437°F |
3. | Stone Coat Countertops 1 Gallon Epoxy Resin Kit | Up to 470°F |
4. | Counter Culture DIY Clear Artist Resin | Up to 500°F |
5. | Permatex 84102 High Heat Epoxy | Up to 500°F |
6. | J-B Weld 8297 HighHeat Epoxy Putty Stick | Up to 500°F |
7. | J-B Weld High Heat Epoxy Syringe | Up to 550°F |
1. Specialty Resin & Chemical Fabri-Cast Polyurethane Casting Resin
Fabri-Cast Polyurethane Casting Resin is a specialty resin that is ideal for all kinds of casting. Its quick cure time makes it possible to complete a project in just 10-15 minutes.
This resin is resistant to many chemicals and solvents, as well as water and other natural elements.
In addition, the final product can resist the heat of up to 300°F, which means it is more versatile than other types of craft resins.
Similar to epoxy resin, this polyurethane casting resin will cure to become a clear and hard plastic that’s super strong and durable, with great impact resistance.
The casting process is also similar to working with epoxy resin, so if you are familiar with resin casting, then using this type of resin would be no stranger to you.
However, this type of resin tends to produce a lot of heat while it cures, so you should take some caution while working with it.
Thanks to the low viscosity, you’ll find that this resin has exceptional detail resolution for producing high-quality reproductions of original artwork or other small-scale projects such as jewelry or figurines.
2. MG Chemicals High-Temperature Black Epoxy
MG Chemicals High-Temperature Black Epoxy is an impressive epoxy resin product that is suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.
One of the main reasons why it’s so versatile is because of its impressive serve temperature range, which means it can withstand extreme temperatures from – 40 to 437°F.
This means for applications that need to withstand extreme temperatures; this epoxy can be a highly dependable sealant and adhesive.
For engineering applications, you’ll also find that this high-temperature epoxy can be a great electrical insulator.
In addition, you’ll also enjoy various other benefits that epoxy is famous for, namely its resistance to chemicals and water, as well as its strength and durability.
3. Stone Coat Countertops Epoxy Resin Kit
Epoxy is an ideal material for countertops because it’s extremely durable and virtually scratch-proof. It has a glossy finish that looks great in any kitchen.
However, for kitchen counters that are regularly exposed to hot pots and pans, you’ll need a heat-resistant epoxy like this kit from Stone Coat Countertops.
As far as durability goes, it’s hard to beat this epoxy. The material is heat-resistant up to 470°F, so you can put hot pots and pans on your countertop without worrying about damaging them.
This Epoxy product is also UV stable, which means it won’t yellow over time as some other epoxies do. As you apply the epoxy, you’ll enjoy the fact that it’s self-leveling for a perfectly flat and even surface without any bubbling!
This formula is also completely free of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which means you can safely enjoy the working process. Once cured, the epoxy will also become food-safe, which is great for kitchen countertops that are regularly exposed to food!
4. Counter Culture DIY Clear Artist Resin
The Counter Culture DIY Clear Artist Resin is a perfect product for any artist looking to create their own resin jewelry. It’s made for artists, by artists.
The resin formula is thick and crystal clear, which means it’s super easy to pour any details added to the mix – glitter, flowers, or other details – will be suspended in place when the resin is completely cured.
Artists will also enjoy the fact that this resin is UV resistant, UV Resistant, and stabilized to help prevent yellowing.
The resin cures at room temperature in 12 hours, and once cured, it can become food-safe and heat resistant up to 500°F.
This means you can make a dishwasher-safe and food-safe bowl or coaster without worrying about the resin melting in the dishwasher.
There are plenty of ways to use this product! You can use it to cast in a mold, on a river table, or use it as a sealant for other materials.
You’ll enjoy working with this resin because the formula contains no VOCs, which means you can safely work with it without inhaling any toxic fumes in the process.
5. Permatex 84102 High Heat Epoxy
The Permatex 84102 High Heat Epoxy Adhesive is a high-performance, two-part epoxy adhesive that provides a fast and permanent bond to many surfaces, including metals, hard plastics, ceramics, glass, rubber, and more.
The high heat resistance (up to 500°F) of the compound makes it ideal for applications such as sealing exhaust manifolds, headers, and other components that must withstand extreme temperatures.
The epoxy sets in 10 minutes at room temperature. After curing, it has an extremely high tensile strength – up to 2500 psi – which is ideal for heavy-duty applications like exhaust systems or underhood automotive repairs!
6. J-B Weld 8297 HighHeat Epoxy Putty Stick
J-B Weld High Heat Epoxy Putty Stick is a high-temperature epoxy putty that can be used to bond and fill in metal, ceramic, glass, and even wood.
This epoxy has an incredible working range and withstands continuous heat up to 450°F and intermittent heat up to 500°F!
Although this putty is made from epoxy, it requires no mixing like traditional two-part epoxies. Once applied, it takes 1 hour to set and cures in 8 hours.
This epoxy putty is perfect for high-temperature equipment such as engines, exhaust systems, brake systems, mufflers, etc.
The superior strength of this product makes it ideal for applications such as metal tubing clamping, metal casting molds, engine repair, automotive repair, and more.
7. JB Weld High Heat Epoxy Syringe
J-B Weld’s High Heat epoxy is a two-part epoxy system that provides strong, lasting, and heat-resistant bonds.
Although the two-part system still requires mixing like other epoxy products, the syringe design allows the two parts to be mixed quite conveniently. Since the set time is 1 hour, you still have a lot of time to adjust your bond and work with the epoxy before it sets.
At room temperature, HighHeat cures in 24 hours. Once cured, it can resist high heat of up to 550°F, which is a higher range than most other products on our lists.
This epoxy can be used as an adhesive or filler for repairing cracks, holes, and voids on metal, plastic, and PVC surfaces. It also works well on wood, concrete, and ceramic tile surfaces.
J-B Weld High Heat can be used as a filler for fiberglass repair and boat restoration projects where heat resistance is required.
How To Use Heat Resistant Resins Correctly
Most types of resins are not heat-resistant, meaning the heat resistance of most high heat products comes from an additive (like titanium) rather than the resin itself.
That means heat resistance is not a given, and you will need to use these products correctly to get the desired results.
Here are some tips for using heat-resistant resins correctly to get the best result.
Avoid Adding Too Many Additives To The Resin
We know that casting resin means you have the fun option of adding a few extra touches to the mix. Since the resin will dry clear, anything you add to the mix, including dry flowers, pigments, or glitter, will show up beautifully in the final result.
Unfortunately, all of these extra elements may weaken the temperature resistance of the final product. If you add a lot of these extra touches, you can expect that your work won’t be able to withstand the heat indicated by the manufacturer.
If you plan to use these extra decor touches, we recommend pouring another layer of clear heat-resistant resin over it. That way, any contact with heat will be protected by the clear layer.
Wait Until The Resin Is Completely Cured
Most resins have a set curing time, which can range from an hour to a week. Curing is the process where the hardener interacts with the resin base to solidify it completely, and this step is essential to ensure that the final product will become strong and durable.
If you don’t wait until the resin is completely cured before using it, it can be very dangerous. The bond or casted material won’t be completely solid, it won’t be able to withstand heat, and it’s not completely food safe.
If you can’t tell if the resin is cured or not, you can give it a little sniff. If it is solid but still has a strong smell, that means it’s not completely cured.
You should always wait after the resin is completely cured, following the time indicated by the manufacturer) before using your resin product!
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