FX Casting Resin
I am an amateur woodworker of some experience but only started using resin in projects about 5 years ago. I chose FX because I needed a resin with relatively high temperature resilience and capable of doing deep pours. This product was the only one I found that met these criteria. Having used FX several times now, I don’t know why I would ever use another casting resin. Not inexpensive, but buy good stuff and cry once.
FX dries very hard, very clear and is easy to work. Long working time and relatively low viscosity so it gets in all of the cracks and crannies (but it will also find some cracks and gaps that you didn’t know about). As with any resin, surface preparation is critical. I found many useful entries on their blog. Follow the directions for use and you will not be disappointed. Customer service is responsive and helpful.
Bottom line is results though, and the serving boards with river flows that I made 4 and 5 years ago still look almost as good as when I made them.