A good clear coating can take your grey tumbler from looking plain and old to glossy and jazzed up. Epoxy resins are quite popular among many DIYers because of their versatility. However, if you are new to this area, be it as a hobbyist or DIY artist, you may be wondering where to start.
No need to worry because we are here to help you find the best clear coat for tumblers. After hours of research, we have put together a list of 8 great products that can be just what you need. We have also included a buying guide and answered some questions to clear any doubts you may have.
Top 8 Best Clear Coat for Tumblers Review
Your first project with resin can feel overwhelming if you do not know what to use or what to do. However, there is nothing to worry about. Below you will find eight such clear coats that will be perfect for use for your tumbler. Take a look!
1. ArtResin Epoxy Resin Clear Non-toxic
The first product on our list is the one by ArtResin and has been made for artists who want to take their creativity to a whole other level. It has been specially made for arts and crafts and is known to leave a beautiful and glossy finish.
First of all, this clear coat is non-toxic when used as directed in the ratio of 0.5 gal resin and 0.5 gal hardener. It contains no BPA, no fumes, and is non-flammable, which makes it very safe to use, even being certified as food safe by the FDA.
This thing has been made using Hindered Amine Light Stabilizer, which keeps the coating from going yellow over time.
There is also the UV stabilizer that too is there to help the tumbler retain its glossiness and keep it from becoming yellow. The epoxy resin is able to handle temperatures as high as 50 degrees Celsius, which makes it a lot easier to work with.
After application, this thing can be cured in about 72 hours or take even more than a week, depending on how many layers you go with.
Overall, this is a great epoxy resin that you can use to make your tumbler a bit fancier. It can be regarded as the best clear coat for tumblers and is very popular amongst DIY artists.
Highlighted Features
- Nontoxic when used with the recommended ratio
- No fumes and non-flammable
- Provides protection against yellowing
- Cures completely in 10 days
- Can withstand a maximum temperature of 50 degrees Celsius
2. Epoxy Resin Kit By Craft Resin
Are you looking for an epoxy resin that will give your plain old tumbler a beautiful glossy finish? If so, we know just the thing you need! The Craft Resin is something that is easy to work with while also giving amazing results.
This pro kit will not only make your project look great but it is also formulated to be strong and long-lasting. This clear coat will leave your tumbler looking glossy, clear, and just basically gorgeous, enhancing its overall look.
Furthermore, the kit includes pretty much everything you need to work with this, including gloves and a reusable mixing stick.
You will find that this thing is super easy to use. The manufacturers of this have instructed users to follow a 1:1 mixing ratio where you just mix the two parts by weight.
When it is cured, you will not be disappointed with the results as it leaves a beautiful clear glossy finish. For maximum safety, this thing has been made to be nontoxic and includes no solvents and no VOCs.
Not just that, it is also non-flammable, which means you will not have to worry about it catching fire and causing a hazard. It does not have a smell either, which can be a plus point for many who prefer odorless products. All in all, this is a very good product that is worthy of all the praise it gets.
Highlighted Features
- Complete kit includes gloves and reusable mixing stick
- Nontoxic, odorless, and also non-flammable, which makes it easy to use
- Leaves a beautiful but durable finish
- Made to be easy to use
3. Clear Casting and Coating Epoxy Kit 1 Gallon Kit Art ‘N Glow
The best epoxy resin for tumblers is one that has all the characteristics needed for it to provide you with an excellent result. Here, the ART ‘N GLOW clear casting and coating epoxy kit fills most of the criteria, making it a great choice for anyone.
This is a great option for anyone with no experience working with epoxy resins as it is very convenient and easy to use. It is a 1-gallon kit with 0.5-gallon resin and 0.5-gallon hardener, all of which can easily cover about 20 square feet of artwork. So, you can guess just how much use you can get out of it when using on tumblers.
Also, this 1:1 ratio is said to be foolproof and great for beginners as it allows a work time of 40 minutes. It will enhance your artwork and leave a clear but strong and hard finish in the end.
The manufacturers of this thing have done a lot of intense testing to make sure the product matches all their glow in the dark as well as the other pigments. It has UV resistant properties, which prevent any sort of yellowing over time.
This thing is capable of handling temperatures as high as 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and it provides the best end result in a temperature range between 72 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. So overall, it is a very good self-leveling and odor-free resin kit that ensures amazing results.
Highlighted Features
- Self-leveling and odor-free
- UV resistance prevents yellowing
- Provides forgiving 40 minutes of work time
- Takes 3 days to completely cure
4. Epoxy Resin Art Resin Crystal Clear Formula
Here, we are looking for the best clear coats for tumblers, and this product we will be telling you about is one that can do it all. It is not only great for projects like enhancing your tumblers, but it is also good for tabletops, bar tops, and over table surfaces.
This NAKED FUSION epoxy resin has been specially formulated for artists. Be it beginners or professionals, everyone will have a very easy time using this following the 1:1 ratio and thanks to its long working hours.
It is a clear and non-toxic resin and even free of any odor, which makes it perfect for anyone with breathing problems. This is a 3.78-gallon kit with 64 ounces of resin and 64 ounces of hardener, which allows you to work on many projects with just a single kit.
Also, it is best to use it in an open space or a very well-ventilated room to avoid safety concerns. Like any good clear coat, this one too is made to be UV resistant, which prevents yellowing. This self-leveling resin cures as hard as a rock and leaves a very clear and glossy shine.
It is BPA-free and food-safe, which means you can not only use it on tumblers but also on countertops and other kitchen items. Due to its low viscosity, odor-free and non-toxic properties, you can work with this for as long as 45 minutes in one go.
Highlighted Features
- UV inhibitors resist yellowing
- Allows long work time of 45 minutes
- Nontoxic and odorless
- Self-leveling
5. Epoxy Resin 1 Gallon Kit for Super Gloss Coating
The fifth product on our list is from East Coast Resin, which is known for its super glossy and rock-solid finish. This is a highly popular product for clear coat among many DIY artists, and by the end of this review, you will see why!
You can make a lot of use out of this 1-gallon resin kit that should be used in a 1:1 ratio as recommended by manufacturers.
This thing consists of UV inhibitors, which ensures that it will not slowly turn yellow over time and instead preserve the clear and glossy coating. With that said, you still should not expose your coated artwork to direct sunlight.
The best temperature and conditions for your project would be something between 72 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows 100 percent coverage and no air bubbles. It does a great job resisting water as well as UV rays, which keeps the coated item durable and well preserved.
This is an incredibly clear coat that will leave a clear and glassy finish on your tumbler. Not just that, after curing, it becomes very sturdy as well. So, do make sure you check out this product!
Highlighted Features
- Made to allow embedding objects into tumbler
- Rock solid and clear glass-like finish
- UV inhibitors prevent yellowing
- Easy to use with a recommended mixture
6. Alumilite Amazing Clear Cast 10590
Are you looking for a clear coat that will last you a very long time? If so, the Amazing Clear Cast 10590 may just be the thing you are looking for. It is well-known for its great performance and also for being FDA approved!
First of all, this thing includes two 8-ounce containers of clear coat and cast resin. To create a cast here, you have to mix portions of the two together and work accordingly.
Not just that, the package also contains two stir sticks along with three measuring cups that can hold up to two tablespoons of the substance. To make your life easier, there is also an easy-to-follow guide.
You need to make sure you use equal parts of the clear coating and casting resin. Since it is self-leveling, you will have an easier time working with it.
It also has a long work time, which makes it convenient to use, and it dries hard and clear. If you want, you can even add a little bit of glitter to make the tumblers look even better.
This thing can help you make many beautiful crafts if you let it! You can make tumblers, jewelry, and many other amazing artworks, all with this package. The best part is that you get all these amazing properties and excellent products at a very reasonable price.
Highlighted Features
- Quite reasonable priced
- FDA approved, which makes it very safe to use
- Dries clear and strong
- Easy to use with long work time
7. FanAut Epoxy Resin Crystal Clear
This seventh product that we have on our list is truly one of the best we have seen so far. It is an excellent quality epoxy resin that will allow you to make the best of it and leave you with beautiful results.
Also, this thing is very easy to mix, and like the other products mentioned on our list, it should be mixed using a 1:1 ratio, which makes it smooth and very convenient to pour.
However, this is not the only reason for its ease of use. What makes this epoxy resin so convenient is that it has quite a long and forgiving work time of 40 minutes. That means you can work on your artwork with care without having to worry about it drying up.
It is very safe to use with its nontoxic properties. Along with that, this thing is also odor-free, self-leveling and self-degassing. It also prevents yellowing, thanks to its UV inhibitors, which will allow your artwork to retain its clear and glossy look and great quality.
Moreover, this resin comes with two droppers, two usable sticks, and one pack of resin glitter, along with a pair of rubber gloves.
You can work on many different projects with this, including tumblers! It cures rock solid and crystal clear, making the tumbler look shiny and glossy. So, if you are looking for a good epoxy resin, do not hesitate to give this one a try!
Highlighted Features
- Self-leveling and self-degassing
- Prevents yellowing over time
- Comes with droppers, sticks, gloves, and even resin glitter
- Offers long work time of 40 minutes
8. Nicpro 16 Ounce Crystal Clear Epoxy Resin and Hardener Kit
For the last product on our list, we have the Nicpro Crystal Clear Epoxy Resin and Hardener Kit that is good at what it does and a great choice for clear coating tumblers.
This one is a highly recommended epoxy resin for clear coats among many DIY artists. It is the complete package that includes pretty much all the properties needed in such a product.
Not only is it nontoxic with little to no odor, but it is also self-leveling and self-degassing. Thanks to its anti-yellowing properties with advanced additives, you will not have to worry about the tumbler going yellow and losing its transparent or glassy look.
Here, you get 236ml of resin and 236ml of hardener, and you take the portions in a 1:1 ratio for an easy mix. It has a 30-minute work time and takes 24 hours to cure. After it is completely cured, your tumbler or whatever project you are working on will be left with a clear and rock-solid finish.
All in all, this is a great quality product that will challenge your inner artist and allow you to make beautiful artwork. This thing really leaves little room for disappointment.
Highlighted Features
- Features anti-yellowing properties
- It is non-toxic, which makes it food safe
- 30-minute work time with 24 hours hard cure time
- Easy to mix 1:1 ratio
Factors to Consider While Buying Clear Coat for Tumblers
So, now you know all about these great products. However, you may still be wondering which one you should get. For that, there are some things you need to consider. Here, we have prepared a buying guide that you can follow to see what features you should look for when buying a clear coat for tumblers.
Hardness
You want the resin to cure hard so that it does not leave a dent the moment you touch it. Although epoxy resins tend to be harder than casting resins, it may not always be the case. It mostly depends on the viscosity and mixing ratio, so you would want to get a gel that has a low viscosity.
Viscosity
So, what is viscosity here? Well, it is the thickness of the material. You will find there are 3 levels of epoxy resin viscosity that are low, moderate, and high. As mentioned earlier, low viscosity is ideal as it allows easy multiple layering and provides a longer shelf life.
Work Time
When you are doing artwork, you want to be careful to make sure it turns out great. If an epoxy resin has a short work time, you may find it difficult to work with. That is why clear coats that have a very forgiving work time are absolutely great.
You should look for something with a work time of about 40 minutes, if not more, which will allow you to take your time and turn out with amazing results. There are quite a few we have mentioned on this list that has a long work time.
Smell
Most epoxy resins have some kind of smell. Now, this can range from low to very powerful or even uncomfortable. If strong chemical smells bother you, you should be looking for something that has a very discreet smell.
UV Resistance
If you want a good epoxy resin, make sure it has UV inhibitors. UV inhibitors are additives that keep the resin from going yellow after being exposed to UV light. However, even with these additives present, make sure you do not coat your tumbler under direct sunlight.
Heat Resistance
No epoxy resin is resistant to very high heat. However, how much they can withstand does vary from one gel to the other. Most of them can go as high as somewhere between 120 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. In most cases, that is enough.
Forming Bubbles
When bubbles form on the coating, it removes any chance of the gel curing into a smooth finish. This is another reason why low viscosity resins are great, as they do not allow the bubbles to stay and instead make them disappear.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it safe to use epoxy resin clear coats on tumblers?
This depends solely on the resin you are using, not all of them are food safe. Check for food safety compliance and if it is FDA-approved. Many of the gels we have mentioned on our list are completely food-safe and non-toxic.
2. Why is a low viscosity better for epoxy resin?
Low viscosity allows multiple easy layering and prolongs shelf life. They are easy to work with and provide better end results as well.
3. Which type of tumbler should be used for resin?
No matter which type of tumbler you go with, it is better to pick one that is insulated or with double walls. This is because it can come into contact with temperatures as high as 120 degrees Fahrenheit, so it may result in the cured resin becoming soft.
4. What type of materials does epoxy not stick to?
There are quite a few materials that epoxy resins do not stick to. This includes acrylic, wax or parchment paper, polycarbonate plastics, silicone, polythene, and rubber, along with many others.
5. Which one is the best epoxy resin for tumblers?
It can depend on a lot of things, especially the user. There are different properties and features to consider. However, if we had to pick one, we would probably go with the ArtResin epoxy resin we mentioned first on our list. It ticks most of the boxes that make a great clear coat for tumblers!
Final Words
So, there you have it! These are all pretty much everything you need to know about these 8 clear coats. We hope you found this review helpful and that it can help you find the best clear coat for tumblers.
Before making a purchase, do make sure to carefully go through our buying guide to know what it is that you are looking for.