craftgrrl | polyester vs. epoxy resin (Reply)

i'm planning on making ashtrays using record bowls and resin. i want to embed a picture on the bottom of the record bowl and seal the whole thing with resin.

my question is, should i use polyester or epoxy resin? i've heard that polyester is always slightly tacky after it cures and it seems like this wouldn't work well for putting out cigarettes. i've also read that the side that's exposed to air takes on a sort of weird texture. since i won't be popping it out of a mold the (potentially) ugly side will be on the outside. on the other hand, i'm a little worried i'll accidentally pour the epoxy resin too thick (since you can only do it 1/8" at a time). also i don't like the fact that it has to cure 8 hours between layers since i am incredibly impatient.

i've never used resin before but i plan on buying some today and expiramenting. it's expensive enough that i'd rather only have to buy one type.

any thoughts? thanks in advance!

ETA: ok, so it sounds like resin won't work. so now i'm thinking of putting glass on the bottom of the record bowl. but i also don't want the record part to melt if someone accidentally puts their cigarette out on it. would shellac protect it/be safe? it seems like it might emit fumes but so far it's the best thing i've thought of...