3 Best Polyester Resin | Reviews + Guide

Those who have previously experimented with epoxy resin know the versatility of the material. It can be used for creating various structures - from swimming pools to jewelry and much more.

That said, epoxy resin can be expensive and quite tricky to work with, especially for beginners. If you are looking for an alternative, consider the next best item- polyester resin.

Polyester resin works as well as epoxy without you breaking the bank. Moreover, it is durable, versatile, and has water-resistant properties.

Looking for the best polyester resin for your DIY projects? Look no further. We have curated a list of the top 3 polyester resins you can experiment with.

Without further ado, let's get straight to the deets!

Best Polyester Resin

Whether you're working on a small project or a large-scale fiberglass construction, these polyester resins will provide you with the reliability and durability you need. So, without further ado, here's the list of the 3 best polyester resins for your various projects.

Bondo 3004.7879 Fiberglass Resin - Best for Professional Quality

Those looking for a high-strength, professional-quality product can consider the Bondo 3004.7879 Fiberglass Resin. It has a variety of applications, making it a versatile and easy-to-use product. Moreover, it is compatible with a number of paint types, including marine paint and gel coat. You can use it alone or with other materials for repair applications.

Sale

3M Bondo Fiberglass Resin, 00404, 0.9 Gallon Can

CREATES LONG LASTING BONDS for auto and boat restoration and...
100% WATERPROOF repairs on fiberglass, metal, and more

Why Did We Like It?

The Bondo Fiberglass Resin is commonly used to build boats, and automotive, and repair applications. It is trusted by most professionals, which piqued our curiosity and made us want to test it ourselves.

For starters, this polyester resin is very easy to use. The kit comes with an included product called Bondo Liquid Hardener. When used with the Bondo Fiberglass Resin, it allows you to sand the product within two hours, after which you can allow it to cure properly.

Moving on, you can use this product for a plethora of DIY home projects as well as for professional applications. It is an ideal solution for resurfacing surfaces like pools, bathtubs, etc., as it is completely water-resistant and forms a long-lasting bond effectively.

Lastly, it can also be used for all 3M Body Repair Systems, which enable you to repair automotive body parts with ease.

What Could've Been Better?

Overall, this polyester resin is an excellent solution for most applications. That said, it may not be ideal for larger applications like repairing a longboard.

Secondly, the product can be hazardous if not used with precaution. Ensure that you are wearing protective gear like gloves, eye protection, and a face mask.

Pros

Variety of uses
Detailed instructions
Can be sanded within two hours
Easy to use
Included liquid hardener

Cons

Can be hazardous if not used with precaution
Not enough product for large applications

TotalBoat Polyester Laminating Resin - Best for Water-Resistant Applications

As the name might suggest, our next product is a polyester resin that is primarily used for boats and other automobiles. It goes without saying, but the ingredients are entirely water-resistant and help you create products that are built to last. Curious to know more about it? Read on to find out.

TotalBoat Polyester Laminating Resin - Marine Grade...

GENERAL PURPOSE POLYESTER RESIN stays tacky to hold...
FAST WET OUT OF FIBERGLASS and other reinforcement fabrics...

Why Did We Like It?

After testing several products on the market, we chose the TotalBoat Polyester Laminating Resin as one of our top recommendations, and with good reason.

For starters, we loved how easy to use the product was. It comes with an included MEKP catalyst that can be adjusted to control the curing time of the resin.

As such, we recommend using one teaspoon of the MEKP hardener (for every quart of resin) for a slow gel, taking about 20 minutes. If you are looking to speed up the process, consider using two teaspoons of hardener per quart of resin for 15 minutes. And for faster gel time, use three teaspoons per quart.

We also appreciate that this resin does not require sanding between coats. This not only saves time but makes for a more efficient process.

Lastly, the resin contains no wax, which means that it dries tacky. This ensures that the surface doesn't get sticky, allowing for maximum adhesion.

What Could've Been Better?

Although this resin is versatile in its uses and functionality, we do not recommend using it on decks or any place which is exposed to constant, direct sunlight. It is best to use this resin for laminating and repair work for boats and other autos.

That said, you can use it for other applications as well (research well beforehand). However, the material does have a specific melting point, and exposing it to excessive heat may lead to issues.

Pros

Easy to use
The hardener amount can be adjusted for the best results
Does not get sticky after applications
You do not need to sand it between coats

Cons

Not ideal for products that are exposed to continual, harsh heat

True Composites Polyester Fiberglass Resin - Best for DIY Projects

The next item on our list is the True Composites Polyester Fiberglass Resin. It is a high-grade resin that is primarily used by professionals for a variety of applications. Manufactured in the US, it is a top-rated product that is easy to use and compatible with fiberglass as well as other coring materials.

True Composites Fiberglass Resin Polyester Resin Marine...

✅ GRADE A-True Composites is a renowned name for its...
✅ CURES FAST-Reach cured quickly-4 hours minimum to 24...

Why Did We Like It?

Are you struggling to find an affordable alternative to epoxy resin for DIY projects or professional use? The True Composites Polyester Fiberglass Resin will not disappoint you.

Made of the highest Grade A materials, this product is an ideal option for a multitude of applications. It is primarily used by professionals but can be used for several home-based DIY projects as well.

The polyester resin is perfect for use as a base coat for repairs, resurfacing, and other processes. Moreover, it is an excellent sealer for wood repair work. It can also be used with metals without hassle.

The kit includes a fantastic MEKP hardener that comes in a small 2-ounce bottle. However, don't let its size fool you - it is enough to use with the entire 1-gallon resin. The product is a DCPD-type material that ensures tack-free drying without the need for wax.

What Could've Been Better?

All said and done, this resin has quite a strong, foul odor, which can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours to dissipate completely. We recommend using it outdoors so you can avoid most of the odor. Fortunately, once your project cures, the smell automatically disappears.

Pros

Tack-free drying without wax
Easy to use
Dries relatively quickly for small projects
Compatible with a variety of materials

Cons

Strong, foul odor

Best Polyester Resins Comparison Table

Product	Cure Time	Volume	Coverage	Application	Use	VOC Level
Bondo 3004.7879 Fiberglass Resin	2 hours	0.9 Gallon	Up to 12 sq. ft.	Fiberglass repairs	Automotive, marine, DIY	Low
TotalBoat Polyester Laminating Resin	1-2 hours	1 Gallon	N/A	Laminating, coating	Boat building, crafts	Low
True Composites Polyester Fiberglass Resin	4-24 hours	1 Gallon	N/A	Fiberglass projects	Automotive, marine, DIY	Low

Buying Guide For The Best Polyester Resin

Moving on to the next section of our guide, we have curated a buyer's guide to help you choose the right polyester resin. While all the products we mentioned above are top-rated and offer multiple applications, you need to take time to choose the right one that will be suitable for specific requirements.

Here are a few essential factors to keep in mind when choosing the right polyester resin for your projects.

Quality And Price

We already mentioned that polyester resin is the inexpensive sibling of epoxy resin. That said, when looking for a good quality product, it is best not to go by its price. Instead, look for the ingredients used and the customer reviews.

This will tell you everything you need to know about product quality. While it is always good to have a budget before purchasing any product, opting for the cheapest item may not be the right strategy.

It is especially true if the applications you are using the product for require a long-lasting, durable bond. In cases like these, we recommend researching the quality of materials used and whether it is suitable for your DIY project or not.

The Reinforcing Material

More often than not, polyester resin is used with some type of reinforcing material. These vary from glass fiber mats, glass filament fabric, glass fiber fabric, and more.

Although you have a range of options to choose from, it is imperative to select the right reinforcing material with a specific resin. This also depends on the result of your project and what you plan on creating. Ensure that you choose it carefully, so you end up with the best results from the project.

The Thickness Of The Glass Fiber Mats

This is one of the crucial factors to consider when purchasing the right polyester resin for your projects. You will find glass fiber mats in varying thicknesses for different applications. We admit it; the choices can be overwhelming and confusing for most beginners.

Furthermore, the thickness of the resin itself varies from product to product and for different applications. As such, we recommend having a clear goal about what you want to create before opting for the right thickness for both the glass fiber mat and polyester resin materials.

What The Purpose Of The Product Is

The next vital aspect to consider is what the purpose of your product will be. If you plan on resurfacing surfaces like bathtubs and pools, the type of resin suitable for the project will differ from if you plan on using it to repair and seal other materials.

Basic auto repairs require a durable form of polyester resin that can withstand specific conditions. As such, you will find several different brands and types of resin which vary in their thickness and applications, so ensure that you research beforehand.

Keep in mind that no polyester resin can be used for every type of application. Each resin has its own purpose and use, so purchasing the right one for specific projects is imperative.

Curing Time

Another essential factor to consider when purchasing the right polyester resin is its curing time. You will find several types and brands in the market - some of which take as little as two to four hours to cure and some which take one or two days.

Knowing the curing time of the resin can help you plan projects while understanding the time constraints of your work. Once you mix the resin, it is vital to apply it and allow it to cure for the specified time; otherwise, the project may fail or not yield optimal results.

Furthermore, it ensures that you don't remove the resin from its mold before it has completely cured. Doing this can significantly affect the result, so it is best to research well before beginning a project.

Shelf Life

Typically polyester resin has a shelf life of around six months. Of course, this can differ from brand to brand, but the difference is not significant.

Before purchasing the right polyester resin for a project, consider its shelf life. We recommend buying a product that you plan on using completely before half of its shelf life. The longer you store resin, the more it starts to lose its value.

Moreover, resin kept for too long in the wrong environment can start yellowing prematurely, which is a sign of its spoiling. Once it becomes unusable, you have no option but to throw it away, which is a waste of money and resources.

Another minor factor to keep in mind is that the longer the shelf life of a product, the lesser its price. Although this is not a golden rule, most manufacturers and brands follow it. Consider purchasing a resin with a longer shelf life so you can store it without worrying about spoilage.

Polyester Resins FAQ's

Polyester resin and epoxy resin are two different types of resins with distinct properties. Polyester resin is generally less expensive and cures faster than epoxy resin. However, epoxy resin offers better chemical resistance and is more commonly used for high-performance applications. The choice between polyester and epoxy resin depends on the specific project requirements.

Yes, polyester resin can be used for outdoor applications. It provides good weather resistance and durability. However, it is important to note that exposure to prolonged UV radiation can cause polyester resin to yellow or degrade over time. To enhance its longevity, it is recommended to apply a UV-resistant topcoat or use a resin specifically formulated for outdoor use.

The curing time of polyester resin depends on various factors such as ambient temperature, catalyst ratio, and specific product instructions. Generally, polyester resin cures within a few hours, but complete curing may take up to 24-48 hours. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and allow sufficient curing time before subjecting the resin to stress or further manipulation.

Yes, polyester resin can be colored or tinted using compatible pigments or dyes. There are a variety of colorants available specifically designed for polyester resin. By adding these colorants, you can achieve desired hues or create artistic effects in your projects.

Polyester resin is typically applied using a brush or roller. It is important to prepare the surface properly, mix the resin and catalyst in the recommended ratio, and follow the specific application instructions provided by the manufacturer. It is also advisable to work in a well-ventilated area and wear appropriate protective gear during application.

Yes, polyester resin can be sanded and polished to achieve a smooth and glossy finish. Once the resin has fully cured, it can be sanded using fine-grit sandpaper to remove imperfections or achieve the desired shape. Polishing compounds and buffing can be used to enhance the resin’s shine and clarity.

Yes, polyester resin is generally waterproof once it has fully cured. It provides a strong and impermeable barrier against water. However, it is important to note that polyester resin is not completely impervious to moisture, and prolonged exposure to water or constant immersion may cause degradation over time. To enhance water resistance, additional topcoats or sealants can be applied.

Conclusion

It's finally time to wrap up our guide.

We hope you enjoyed going through it and found the right polyester resin for your projects. Consider the buyer's guide carefully before choosing a product to make the best of your purchase.

We recommend opting for polyester resin after researching thoroughly how to use it, as you require a certain skill level for it. You can always watch tutorials or take help from others around you.

Let us know what you think of our recommendations and if you agree with our picks. Until then, stay safe!

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