Making resin art involves pouring resin and wood into a mold, creating stunning pieces as unique as they are beautiful. But here's the catch — not all wood and resin combinations are created equal.
Choosing a suitable wood for your resin art is crucial. For example, we go to great lengths to find the ideal Buckeye or Maple wood burl for our wood and epoxy resin iPhone cases.
Let's explore the best types of wood for resin art and how to prepare wood to ensure your next project is a masterpiece.
Factors That Influence Wood Choice
Not all woods are ideally suited for resin art projects, so several factors must be considered in your decision-making process.
Moisture content: The wood's moisture content significantly impacts resin adherence. If it's too damp, the resin may not be set correctly. Consider wood treatment options and accurately measure the moisture level of your selected wood before applying the resin.
Hardwood vs. softwood: Hardwoods, recognized for their durability, hold up well under the weight of the resin, making them excellent options for large-scale projects such as tables or countertops.
Wood grain: This factor can dramatically affect the look of your finished piece. Dense-grained hardwoods such as oak and ash or figured woods, including curly maple or birdseye maple, produce spectacular results when paired with epoxy resin.
Sustainability: Some wood species are threatened due to overharvesting. Therefore, to be environmentally considerate, it's best to source sustainable wood for your resin work.
Top Wood Choices for Resin Art
While many types of wood can work well with resin, some popular choices include:
- Black walnut: This wood is ideal for live-edge wood and resin projects and is admired for its strength and durability. Its dark, rich grains interact beautifully with the transparency of the resin, building striking contrasts.
- Cherry: Cherry wood's dark red hue deepens over time. It is also resistant to warping due to its good shock resistance and flexibility. Its smooth grain and rich color can significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of epoxy resin crafts.
- Maple: A versatile wood suitable for various resin art applications. Its light tone allows for vivid color contrasts when you use it with dyed resins.
- Mahogany: Offering a premium aesthetic, mahogany is an excellent choice for more luxury resin works. Its reddish-brown hue beautifully accentuates the golden-amber resin tones.
- Elm & yew: Elmwood is ideal for outdoor resin art due to its heat and water resistance. Yew wood is highly valued for its sturdiness, elasticity, and flexibility. Its high oil content accelerates resin hardening but contains toxic substances requiring safety precautions.
Preparing the Wood for Resin Application
Proper wood preparation is essential to ensure the quality of your wood and resin pieces.
Ensure the Proper Moisture Content
Check the wood's moisture content. Excessively moist wood causes issues with epoxy resin, leading to improper curing, discoloration, warping, or even rotting. Generally, a moisture content of 10% or less is ideal.
Sand & Smooth the Wood
The wood must be smooth for the best wood and resin compatibility. Sand down any rough patches on your wood, focusing on edges and knots that could interfere with the resin. Proper sanding (80 to 120 grit sandpaper) ensures the best possible resin bonding.
Seal the Wood
Sealing the wood before you apply the resin prevents absorbency issues. The seal forms a barrier that prevents the resin from penetrating too deeply into the wood, causing blotches or uneven finishes. Opt for a sealant compatible with your resin; otherwise, you risk the resin failing to adhere properly.
Ensure a Clean Surface
Resin requires a clean surface to set. Whether working with black walnut, cherry, or maple, you must remove dust, grease, or loose particles. Clean the wood surface using a lint-free cloth before applying resin.
Prepare Your Work Area
Maintaining a clean and controlled-temperature workspace (69°F to 75°F, or 21°C to 24°C) while applying the resin is vital to prevent contamination and ensure proper curing. A controlled environment will allow your resin to be set correctly, resulting in a high-quality finish.
Maintenance & Care for Resin Wood Art
Proper care of your resin wood art can increase its lifespan and keep it looking perfect for years and years.
Long-Term Care Tips
- Keep your resin art away from extreme heat sources and direct sunlight.
- Dust your resin wood art with a microfiber cloth to keep it clean without scratching the surface.
- Stick to warm, soapy water for the best results since chemical cleaners can dull the shine of resin.
- For functional resin pieces like tables, always place hot items on heat-resistant mats or coasters to preserve the epoxy finish.
Repair & Restoration
- Restore scratches or dull spots by lightly sanding the surface and reapplying a thin coat of resin.
- Deep cracks in the wood may require a more extensive repair process. Remove any loose debris from the crack, clean the area, and fill it with mixed epoxy.
- Refinish the wood when it starts showing signs of wear. Start by gently sanding the wood sections before applying a suitable wood sealant or finish.
- When in doubt, seek help from a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put resin on bare wood?
Yes, you can put resin on bare wood. However, it is crucial to prepare the wood surface first. This preparation involves removing dirt, debris, and possible oily or waxy residue from the wood to ensure the resin sets correctly.
What kind of wood is used for resin tables?
Maple, a type of hardwood, is a frequent choice for resin table projects. Its light color, intricate grain patterns, and smooth surface make it an excellent choice.
How do you keep wood from floating in resin?
Clamps can prevent wood pieces from floating in resin. If your molds are too tight for clamps, consider using small wood blocks covered in tape and scrap wood with clamps for effective hold-down.
Can you pour resin on the finished wood?
Yes, you can apply resin to the finished wood. However, you must thoroughly dry the stain on your wood before using epoxy.
Is plywood good for resin art?
Yes, you can use plywood in resin art. Other surface alternatives may include stretched canvas, canvas boards, or MDF boards. However, it would be best to take care with plywood larger than A4 size, as some shrinkage pull may occur after the resin has cured, causing the plywood to cup.