i dont think epoxy is the way to go

i completely redid the test ring. this time i waited till the epoxy was almost set till i dipped and brushed it on and it still left clean spots where the epoxy just dripped away. absolutely infuriating results but ugh what can i do? i think its back to just clear coating with paint, it should be durable and safe enough right?

here is a pic right before i put epoxy on