PRICE COMPARISON: 1 gallon Grand Finale: $89.95 1 gallon (combined) KSRESIN: $140 Also - thank you for sharing all your tips and tricks for using crystalac products. I’m going to keep practicing with them and continue to learn more! ❤️
I love and use Hyperion. Hyperion came out before GF. Helios II glue is a 30 minute wait time. Gas off time for spray paints is 2 hours with Hyperion. I have been an epoxy free tumbler maker for many years due to severe epoxy reactions which sent me to the doctor even using full PPE and applying epoxy outside in a grow tent. I have been using Hyperion since April. Hyperion does not discolor glitter or turn white glitters amber. I suggest trying the Hyperion and Helios II glue. I also make a lot of 3D cups and Hyperion works great over clay. Also you can flood coat with Hyperion resulting in less layers. The Helios glue can also be used to apply your foils. There are many different brands of epoxy and a few epoxy free brands. We just have to find what works best for us individually.
Thank you so much. As a small family business it means so so much that you would consider using the products we make. There are several tips to doing less coats and getting that glass like finish. We would be glad to help.
Hi David. I jumped up and down when Mal started using the glitter glue earlier this year! She mentions in ALL of her videos how much she loves it! I have been a Crystalac user for almost 2 years now. I was an epoxy user for less than half of a 16 oz. kit. The rest is a paperweight.
I’d imagine that it is a steep learning curve for each technique, depending on what you are used to. I haven’t tried epoxy alternatives, but when I first started with epoxy, the ones I chose smelled so incredibly awful, including a very popular one that is sold at Michaels. Also learning that there are different epoxies for top coating, fast curing, heat resistance…. But I absolutely LOVE epoxy resin. I love using it to make tumblers or little ornaments , trinket containers…. I super appreciate you for doing this comparison and for being honest that you are still learning and growing, aren’t we all 😊
To me, there is a huge learning curve coming from epoxy to an epoxy free alternative. I find that GF is a lot easier to use than Hyperion. It’s thicker, to me. I bought a drill attachment for sanding and it helps smooth out the Crystalac.
i will say.. and i’ve never seen anyone else do it.. that i have done a few cups with crystalac or GF only.. and then just finished it off with a coat of epoxy .. and they’re my best looking cups 🤷🏻♀️
I don’t have anywhere to safely use epoxy, that’s why I chose Crystalac. I’ve seen so many people have allergic reactions to epoxy and it’s just not worth the risk to me.
Cute tumblers Mal! I've never used anything but CrystaLac products. Grande Finale 2.0 is amazing! I can do a fully glittered with decal tumbler in 72 hours. I love their line. 💜
@Kayla Isbell depends on the glitters and decals I use and if I use a little thicker coat. For a regular coat, I wait 2-2.5 hours before recoating. If it's a little thicker for say, chunky glitter, I wait a little longer. Up to maybe 4 hours like with Brite Tone. The GF 2.0 gives a glassy gloss finish.
I like the epoxy one better and now I can get epoxies that dry to touch in 30 minutes and finish a whole cup in less than a day. I do have a container of Brite Tone. I'll just let my nephew use that.
Yes, you need to sand every 3 coats, but you CAN finish as quickly as you can with epoxy if you follow the proper steps. I challenge you to learn them and do a cup start to finish the Crystalac way. Including proper prep, painting, glitter glue technique, grand finale & sanding. You will be amazed at how beautiful the cup is. You challenged your mom to do a cup. I challenge you. Are you up to the challenge? They have their own inks now. Pretty much an alcohol ink alternative.
Just tried GF and BT and I wanna love it because no PPE and no mixing but I just can’t get a bubble free or streak free finish in the end no matter how many different ways I apply.
I attempted to use epoxy about 5 years ago and hated the mess and the smell! I was so happy when I discovered Crystalac products and have made many cups with it with no issues. I have NEVER had to put 9 coats of even BT over glitter to get it smooth! Let alone that many of GF.
Epoxy has come a long way since then. So many options now. There is a relatively new one out called Tumblers that is amazing! Practically no odor, zero VOC, a lower cure time and practically bubble free! Another good one is made by Let's Resin. They have an epoxy for every need.
Question for uv resin they say dont drop and leave in sun it will break and melt in sun. Does the grande finale if u drop will it break and if u leave it in the sun?
I wouldn’t ever recommend using UV resin as a final coat. All epoxy will likely crack if dropped. Grande finale is the same. I also wouldn’t recommend leaving either epoxy or grande finale out in the sun for too long!
Super cute designs! The finish on the epoxied tumbler is sooo pretty and sleek looking. Question. Not everyone has “outdoor” space or extra rooms galore. So, you’re saying they shouldn’t use epoxy? Even those that state it’s are safe to use indoors? Epoxy free alternatives aren’t really “alternatives” for some. Price and the number of coatings are pretty significant.
You *can* use epoxy in your home, if you choose to. It’s best to have a well ventilated area and use PPE while you’re mixing and applying. I used to do my epoxy in my garage, and in my new house, I’ve been using epoxy in my basement (I’ll be switching to a shed later this month). I keep the door and windows open while I work and then just leave the room once I’m done.
Thank you, hon! I’m right by my windows and keep those open and close it off when I’m not using my turners. I only have 3 MH turners that I use in there. So, it’s never more than a few at a time. By the way, I’m extremely new to all of this. I haven’t been at it 6 months, yet. After reading my “comment” again, I hope it doesn’t sound abrasive or anything. Like I said, I’m extremely new to all of this, but I have been loving it. It’s a really long story as to how and why I started though. Thank you, again, for taking time to answer me. I truly love all of your designs. You’re very talented!
I tried grande finale and wasn’t a fan. Couldn’t get it to not be streaky. Also, I think it’s bad business practice to release a 2.0 version after everyone already bought gallons of the original grande finale.
I didn’t like it either. It never dried clear for me. They all stayed cloudy and I had to strip a bunch of tumblers. I think the 2.0 is the second change they’ve had to make since originally releasing it. I don’t think it was tested for long before they released it.
Mal, both tumblers are beautiful; however, I love the unicorn tumble - love the color combo, love the diagonal strips and the pin striping you did. Now, as someone that has been into tumbler crafting for about a year and has only used Crystalac, I really appreciate your matter of fact comparison. The reason I started with Crystalac is due to my health and I have pet birds and dogs. So, I totally agree with your summation - people need to evaluate the different products and use what works best for them. It’s like everything in the world: you do you and I’ll do me. 🥰🥰
@@kylieghnicole oh nice! Thank you 🙏🏻 I’m still new to the tumbler scene, it’s nice to know this. I’m going to give it a try and see how it works for me 💕
A quart of GF has lasted me just short of 6 months. The thing is when I’m watching tutorials, the amount of epoxy being applied each coat is usually any where b/t 15-30 mls. With BT it’s about 5ml and GF is 7.5 mls. Given those numbers, you can put 3-6 coats of BT and 2-4 coats of GF for each coat of epoxy. Also, how often you rebuy depends on how many tumblers you are creating. So, personally, I don’t think you can make a comparison. 🥰
Thanks for asking that question, as I live in an apartment in the Midwest where our weather is quite unpredictable and ever-changing. The paint Mal used looked silky smooth. Definitely going to try that brand. I would like to ditch the spray paint for good!
So you have mixed GF and epoxy on the same cup? Look for some ideas to move some of the process forward and yeah, not mix epoxy. 😂. But use epoxy as my final coat....
I have. I'm not sure if thats recommended or not... but in my experience it has worked great. I do wait a few days before switching between products though. My tester cup that I tried it on first has been holding solid for about 8 weeks with no issues!
Because acrylic paint doesn't have binding agents to bind to metal like spray paint or FNA paints do. It's recommended in general to prep and prime you project before you use acrylic paint. A simple coat of Brite Tone or Grande Finale before starting your design will ensure a great beginning to your project.
PRICE COMPARISON:
1 gallon Grand Finale: $89.95
1 gallon (combined) KSRESIN: $140
Also - thank you for sharing all your tips and tricks for using crystalac products. I’m going to keep practicing with them and continue to learn more! ❤️
I love and use Hyperion. Hyperion came out before GF. Helios II glue is a 30 minute wait time. Gas off time for spray paints is 2 hours with Hyperion. I have been an epoxy free tumbler maker for many years due to severe epoxy reactions which sent me to the doctor even using full PPE and applying epoxy outside in a grow tent. I have been using Hyperion since April. Hyperion does not discolor glitter or turn white glitters amber. I suggest trying the Hyperion and Helios II glue. I also make a lot of 3D cups and Hyperion works great over clay. Also you can flood coat with Hyperion resulting in less layers. The Helios glue can also be used to apply your foils. There are many different brands of epoxy and a few epoxy free brands. We just have to find what works best for us individually.
I love crystalac! And they just improved grande finale! Aug 2023!
Thank you so much. As a small family business it means so so much that you would consider using the products we make. There are several tips to doing less coats and getting that glass like finish. We would be glad to help.
Hi David. I jumped up and down when Mal started using the glitter glue earlier this year! She mentions in ALL of her videos how much she loves it! I have been a Crystalac user for almost 2 years now. I was an epoxy user for less than half of a 16 oz. kit. The rest is a paperweight.
I am clearly a rookie! Lol
I’ve learned so much from everyone here in the comments. But I would absolutely love to learn more and keep practicing! ❤️
@@tinahaynes175 Thank you so much. Epoxy is an amazing product. It's just so important to use it safely.
@Made By Mani and Mal I don't know about that rookie stuff! Obviously a pro! So creative and the skills of a surgeon!
I’d imagine that it is a steep learning curve for each technique, depending on what you are used to. I haven’t tried epoxy alternatives, but when I first started with epoxy, the ones I chose smelled so incredibly awful, including a very popular one that is sold at Michaels. Also learning that there are different epoxies for top coating, fast curing, heat resistance…. But I absolutely LOVE epoxy resin. I love using it to make tumblers or little ornaments , trinket containers….
I super appreciate you for doing this comparison and for being honest that you are still learning and growing, aren’t we all 😊
To me, there is a huge learning curve coming from epoxy to an epoxy free alternative. I find that GF is a lot easier to use than Hyperion. It’s thicker, to me. I bought a drill attachment for sanding and it helps smooth out the Crystalac.
i will say.. and i’ve never seen anyone else do it.. that i have done a few cups with crystalac or GF only.. and then just finished it off with a coat of epoxy .. and they’re my best looking cups 🤷🏻♀️
I’ve done this too! And they’ve turned out great! No issues so far!
Love Crystalac! I use epoxy free alternative for my tumblers and art. If you're use to epoxy the numerous coats may get old quick lol
I am a Crystalac girl all the way. For me and my family it's the best alternative.
I don’t have anywhere to safely use epoxy, that’s why I chose Crystalac. I’ve seen so many people have allergic reactions to epoxy and it’s just not worth the risk to me.
Cute tumblers Mal! I've never used anything but CrystaLac products. Grande Finale 2.0 is amazing! I can do a fully glittered with decal tumbler in 72 hours. I love their line. 💜
How long do you wait in between coats?
@@kaylaisbell3993 2 hours, no PPE and you can use it indoors!
@Kayla Isbell depends on the glitters and decals I use and if I use a little thicker coat. For a regular coat, I wait 2-2.5 hours before recoating. If it's a little thicker for say, chunky glitter, I wait a little longer. Up to maybe 4 hours like with Brite Tone. The GF 2.0 gives a glassy gloss finish.
I like the epoxy one better and now I can get epoxies that dry to touch in 30 minutes and finish a whole cup in less than a day. I do have a container of Brite Tone. I'll just let my nephew use that.
👀 what epoxy are you using? I want some.
I absolutely love these cups but that small business owner one is absolutely gorgeous! I LOVE THAT CUP!
Thank you so much!!
Thanks for the side by side comparison!
Yes, you need to sand every 3 coats, but you CAN finish as quickly as you can with epoxy if you follow the proper steps. I challenge you to learn them and do a cup start to finish the Crystalac way. Including proper prep, painting, glitter glue technique, grand finale & sanding. You will be amazed at how beautiful the cup is. You challenged your mom to do a cup. I challenge you. Are you up to the challenge? They have their own inks now. Pretty much an alcohol ink alternative.
Of course I am up for the challenge! I’ve learned so much from everyone here in the comments - I have much to learn on the epoxy free side of things!
i am trying just straight up crystalac right now on a tumbler! i am super impatient myself so excited to see a finished one with just GF
I use both on one cup also. I use the grand finale after light sanding or if im in a rush to leave and want a coat before work
Just tried GF and BT and I wanna love it because no PPE and no mixing but I just can’t get a bubble free or streak free finish in the end no matter how many different ways I apply.
I wouldn't mind using grand finale it just doesn't have that shine and finish like epoxy. Love both tumblers
GF does have the glass like shine. Watch their tutorial videos and give it a try.
@@tinahaynes175 kinda aggressive. Do you own the company?
I thought that at first too, but really GF has a really nice shine just like epoxy once it’s built up and you can’t tell the difference. ☺️
I attempted to use epoxy about 5 years ago and hated the mess and the smell! I was so happy when I discovered Crystalac products and have made many cups with it with no issues. I have NEVER had to put 9 coats of even BT over glitter to get it smooth! Let alone that many of GF.
I definitely need to practice more with the epoxy free stuff! I have much to learn 🤣❤️
Epoxy has come a long way since then. So many options now. There is a relatively new one out called Tumblers that is amazing! Practically no odor, zero VOC, a lower cure time and practically bubble free! Another good one is made by Let's Resin. They have an epoxy for every need.
Where do you purchase your printed vinyl ? That is so much easier than layering
Vinyl cottage, peachy olive glitters, bamf custom creations. Lots of places carry semi transparent vinyl but those are my favorites!
Beautiful Tumblers!❤️
Thank you! 😊
Can you do a list of epoxy free alternatives please! I am terrified of the safety of epoxy. I appreciate your videos!
Thank you! Here are some of the ones I know of:
Brite Tone & Grand Finale (Crystalac Co.)
Hyperion
WaterCote (JustResin)
Thank you so much @made by mani and mal
@@madebymal_studio Thank you so much!
Thank you for doing this video! Very informative! And I LOVE your T-shirt ❤
Thank you! 🥰
Question for uv resin they say dont drop and leave in sun it will break and melt in sun. Does the grande finale if u drop will it break and if u leave it in the sun?
I wouldn’t ever recommend using UV resin as a final coat. All epoxy will likely crack if dropped. Grande finale is the same. I also wouldn’t recommend leaving either epoxy or grande finale out in the sun for too long!
Beautiful designs. Film a test video on Hyperion, please . FYI, your mom is awesome.
Thank you so much!
I want to try this for my tray tables, would you recommend this product? I can’t use epoxy anymore.
As long as you use super thin coats you should be able to use it for tray tables!
Super cute designs! The finish on the epoxied tumbler is sooo pretty and sleek looking. Question. Not everyone has “outdoor” space or extra rooms galore. So, you’re saying they shouldn’t use epoxy? Even those that state it’s are safe to use indoors? Epoxy free alternatives aren’t really “alternatives” for some. Price and the number of coatings are pretty significant.
You *can* use epoxy in your home, if you choose to. It’s best to have a well ventilated area and use PPE while you’re mixing and applying. I used to do my epoxy in my garage, and in my new house, I’ve been using epoxy in my basement (I’ll be switching to a shed later this month). I keep the door and windows open while I work and then just leave the room once I’m done.
Thank you, hon! I’m right by my windows and keep those open and close it off when I’m not using my turners. I only have 3 MH turners that I use in there. So, it’s never more than a few at a time.
By the way, I’m extremely new to all of this. I haven’t been at it 6 months, yet. After reading my “comment” again, I hope it doesn’t sound abrasive or anything. Like I said, I’m extremely new to all of this, but I have been loving it. It’s a really long story as to how and why I started though. Thank you, again, for taking time to answer me. I truly love all of your designs. You’re very talented!
Can you use GF or BT as a sealer under epoxy? Like clear coat or polycrylic.
I’m not sure if that’s recommended, but I have done it. I usually wait 24-48 hours after using GF to apply epoxy and vice versa
I tried grande finale and wasn’t a fan. Couldn’t get it to not be streaky. Also, I think it’s bad business practice to release a 2.0 version after everyone already bought gallons of the original grande finale.
I didn’t like it either. It never dried clear for me. They all stayed cloudy and I had to strip a bunch of tumblers. I think the 2.0 is the second change they’ve had to make since originally releasing it. I don’t think it was tested for long before they released it.
Mal, both tumblers are beautiful; however, I love the unicorn tumble - love the color combo, love the diagonal strips and the pin striping you did. Now, as someone that has been into tumbler crafting for about a year and has only used Crystalac, I really appreciate your matter of fact comparison. The reason I started with Crystalac is due to my health and I have pet birds and dogs. So, I totally agree with your summation - people need to evaluate the different products and use what works best for them. It’s like everything in the world: you do you and I’ll do me. 🥰🥰
What’s the average price comparison between the two products. With the need for more layers of crystalac just sounds like it would be more costly.
It’s not more expensive. You need more coats, yes, but they’re way thinner than epoxy. Crystalac has a good comparison chart by ml on their website.
@@kylieghnicole oh nice! Thank you 🙏🏻 I’m still new to the tumbler scene, it’s nice to know this. I’m going to give it a try and see how it works for me 💕
Do you seal the decals before doing the epoxy?
Sometimes! I didn’t in this case.
Yeah but how often to you users of the alternate source (other than epoxy) have to re-buy it since so many coats have to go on a single tumbler?
A quart of GF has lasted me just short of 6 months. The thing is when I’m watching tutorials, the amount of epoxy being applied each coat is usually any where b/t 15-30 mls. With BT it’s about 5ml and GF is 7.5 mls. Given those numbers, you can put 3-6 coats of BT and 2-4 coats of GF for each coat of epoxy. Also, how often you rebuy depends on how many tumblers you are creating. So, personally, I don’t think you can make a comparison. 🥰
What base paint do you use? It gives you great coverage.
I use Delta Creative Ceramcoat acrylic paint! I get it at Target or Hobby Lobby. It’s literally the best acrylic paint I’ve ever used lol
Thanks for asking that question, as I live in an apartment in the Midwest where our weather is quite unpredictable and ever-changing. The paint Mal used looked silky smooth. Definitely going to try that brand. I would like to ditch the spray paint for good!
My schedule (and attention span) doesn’t allow me to use CrystaLac. I’ll just be outside in the garage in an N95 and epoxy.
Lol I feel you on that!
Is it cheaper than epoxy to kinda even it out some?
It is less expensive than epoxy!
So you have mixed GF and epoxy on the same cup? Look for some ideas to move some of the process forward and yeah, not mix epoxy. 😂. But use epoxy as my final coat....
I have. I'm not sure if thats recommended or not... but in my experience it has worked great. I do wait a few days before switching between products though. My tester cup that I tried it on first has been holding solid for about 8 weeks with no issues!
The crystalac company says that it is not recommended to use acrylic paint as a base coat, why?
Because acrylic paint doesn't have binding agents to bind to metal like spray paint or FNA paints do. It's recommended in general to prep and prime you project before you use acrylic paint. A simple coat of Brite Tone or Grande Finale before starting your design will ensure a great beginning to your project.
This is a great tip!