In the last several years, the variety of epoxy choices available to users has expanded exponentially, with online platforms like Amazon and eBay introducing a tremendous number of lesser-known brands into the market from 3rd-party sellers.

Within this recent surge, however, there has been seen a notable increase in the availability of epoxy resin "budget brands".

Common characteristics of these budget brands typically include:

• An attractively low purchase price.
• Brand names that you don't recognize.
• Production outside the USA or from sources that aren't transparently disclosed.

But the low price of budget brand epoxy isn't provided without compromise, and unfortunately, the downsides of this compromise are often passed onto the buyers—in the form of greatly increased health and safety risks.

In the next few sections, we'll discuss the ways that many of these budget brands cut corners in quality and safety standards, often seeking to manufacture in countries with lax regulatory oversight, and how that can potentially endanger the users of their products.

The Risks of Using Low-Cost Epoxy Budget Brands

Sifting through the vast selection of epoxy brands on the market can be overwhelming. Finding a high-quality resin product almost always involves delving into product descriptions, user feedback, and the credibility of the brand itself, which can be time-consuming and, at times, confusing.

In this maze of options, it's tempting to opt for an unfamiliar brand simply because it seems fine at a glance.

However, many epoxy users overlook important factors when deciding what to use, leading them to choose lower-quality epoxy resins from manufacturers who may not adhere to stringent safety and quality guidelines.

To avoid such an outcome when selecting epoxy, consider these essential points:

• Price often reflects quality. Opting for cheaper epoxy can mean compromising on the quality.
• Safety standards are determined by an epoxy resin's origin. Uncertainty about where the epoxy is manufactured should raise a red flag.
• Initial savings might lead to greater expenses down the line. Especially if the product fails or causes damage.
• Low-quality epoxy can compromise your health. Avoid epoxy products that lack proper certification or safety credentials.

We'll explore these points further to help you make an informed decision when purchasing epoxy resin.

Concern #1: Price Often Reflect Quality

When shopping for epoxy, the first thing you'll likely notice is how much it costs. Epoxy resin prices vary significantly, and these variations are typically reflective of the product's quality.

The influx of new, lesser-known epoxy brands has led to the emergence of a category often referred to as "budget brands". These products entice potential customers with their remarkably low prices, but the old adage "if it seems too good to be true, it probably is" applies here.

Substandard Products at Questionable Prices

To achieve such low pricing, some manufacturers compromise on the production standards of their epoxy resin. For instance, instead of using high-quality ingredients, they might opt for cheaper alternatives or dilute their formula with fillers, resulting in a product that might at first appear the same as a premium epoxy resin but is nonetheless prone to failure or damage over time.

Immediate positive reviews on these platforms can be misleading, as the real test of an epoxy resin's quality is how it performs and endures over time, with many issues only becoming apparent months down the line.

The Solution: Choose trusted, premium epoxy brands.

By opting for a well-established, reputable brand, you can steer clear of these potential issues. Primaloc stands out by offering premium-grade epoxy resin, backed by a commitment to customer support and service.

We ensure transparency and reliability, offering detailed product information and guidance, and comprehensive customer support from our resin specialist team. Our experts are on hand to assist with any questions you may have or issues you might encounter, from initial purchase to project completion and beyond.

For more information, visit our Primaloc Bar & Table Top Epoxy page.

Concern #2: Safety Standards Are Determined by an Epoxy's Origin.

When selecting an epoxy resin to use for a project, one crucial aspect often overlooked is the product's origin. Understanding where your epoxy is manufactured can provide significant insights into its quality and safety.

Where Was It Made?

With the rapid expansion of online commerce, there's been an influx of epoxy brands manufactured abroad and imported into the U.S., reaching consumers without them fully understanding potential risks. These imported epoxies are not held to the same rigorous quality or safety checks as domestic products, making their reliability questionable. Instead, the standards they meet are those of their country of origin, which can vary significantly from the stringent regulations enforced in the U.S.

The disparity between domestic and imported epoxy resin can mean that many foreign-produced epoxies fall short of the American quality and safety benchmarks. In contrast, U.S.-made epoxy resins are subjected to thorough inspections, ensuring they adhere to the nation's high standards.

The Solution: Look for Epoxy Made in the USA.

To ensure the product you're purchasing aligns with top-tier industry standards, opt for a brand that manufactures its epoxy within the United States.

Our Primaloc Epoxy proudly stands as a product 100% made in the USA, reflecting our commitment to quality and safety. When you choose us, you're not just buying a product—you're investing in reliability, superior quality, and peace of mind, knowing that every batch meets rigorous American manufacturing standards.

Concern #3: Initial Savings Might Lead to Greater Expenses Down the Line.

Opting for budget epoxy brands might seem cost-effective initially, but this choice often leads to increased expenses down the line.

Cheaper epoxy alternatives may be less durable, more prone to damage like scratching or yellowing, and could require frequent repairs or even complete replacement much sooner than expected.

The Solution: Invest in Durable, High-Quality Epoxy

While trying to economize is wise, it's not always obvious what the best decision is. With epoxy resin, choosing a high-quality epoxy can actually be the more economical option over time. A premium brand may have a higher upfront cost, but its longevity and reduced need for repairs can offer better value in the long run.

Our Primaloc Epoxy Resin is designed for durability, with an expected lifespan of at least seven years if applied and maintained correctly. And when it's time for a touch-up, a straightforward re-coating process can restore its original luster.

Choosing Primaloc Epoxy not only ensures a lasting finish but also gives the satisfaction of knowing that your epoxy finish was designed to stand the test of time.

Concern #4: Low-Quality Epoxy Can Compromise Your Health.

The last essentail concern we'll examine is the potential health risks associated with using epoxy resin.

In the U.S., two-part epoxy resin, which separates the resin and hardener into distinct components, is generally considered safe when used correctly. This type of epoxy, like the one we provide here at Primaloc, undergoes a chemical reaction when mixed, eventually hardening into the durable surface epoxy is renowned for.

Epoxy Is Safe—After It Cures.

Once fully cured, high-quality epoxy resin becomes inert, devoid of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—and even food safe.

However, during the curing process, it's possible for any epoxy to emit fumes that might be bothersome, especially to individuals with respiratory sensitivities. Epoxy can also irritate the skin upon direct contact, potentially causing redness or a rash in rare cases.

These concerns are minimal with top-tier epoxy products. Adequate ventilation, the use of an N95 respirator, and wearing nitrile gloves can mitigate most risks. If contact occurs, premium epoxy is also typically easy to wash off the skin.

Lower Quality, Higher Risks

The risks are magnified with lower-quality epoxies, which may incorporate inferior or unknown chemicals and fillers. The uncertain composition of budget epoxies heightens the potential for unexpected and more severe health reactions.

Without clear knowledge of the ingredients in a low-cost epoxy, its safety is questionable. There's a risk of encountering substances that could provoke stronger reactions, potentially hazardous even to those not typically sensitive to resin.

That's why we recommend against using budget-brand epoxy resins. The small initial savings aren't worth the potential health hazards.

The Solution: Opt for a Trusted Brand

Choosing a reputable brand ensures the epoxy you use is free from harmful contaminants and adheres to safety standards. While it's prudent to use protective gear like gloves and a respirator when working with any epoxy, a premium product like Primaloc Epoxy Resin minimizes health risks.

Our Primaloc Bar & Table Top Epoxy is carefully formulated to be skin-friendly and, once cured, is inert and VOC-free, affirming its safety for regular use.

A Risk-Free Conclusion

Our goal with this article has been to explain the state of epoxy resin production, so that you can make informed decisions when choosing the right resin for your epoxy project. The quality of your epoxy resin can make all the difference in achieving an ideal outcome.

With that in mind, we also invite you to consider Primaloc for your next project. We maintain high standards of production for our resin, ensuring that it meets every one of the high standards brought up in this article.

With Primaloc Epoxy, you can expect an epoxy resin that is:

• Superior in Quality: While our epoxy might come at a premium compared to budget options, the value and performance it delivers are unmatched.
  
  
• Domestically Produced: Primaloc Epoxy is proudly manufactured in the USA, ensuring consistent quality and adherence to strict safety standards.
  
  
• Durable and Long-Lasting: Our epoxy is designed to endure, offering many years of reliable service and the ability to rejuvenate its appearance with simple maintenance.
  
  
• Food Safe and VOC-Free Once Cured: Primaloc epoxy is formulated to minimize risks during application and, once cured, is inert, devoid of VOCs, and safe for food contact.

Each of these traits underscores the importance of opting for a resin that not only ensures the longevity and aesthetics of your projects but also prioritizes your health and safety.

Primaloc Epoxy: Premium Epoxy for Premium Results

When it comes to epoxy resin, Primaloc Epoxy gets the job done. Our epoxy resin is premium-grade, with high performance in every category.

Epoxy resin can be beautiful, strong, and long-lasting—which is why you shouldn't compromise on quality. With Primaloc Epoxy Resin, you get the ultimate finish in durability and visual appeal.

Protect your surfaces by giving them a rock-solid epoxy finish. Choose strong. Choose reliable. Choose Primaloc.