Resin art produces beautiful, one-of-a-kind results — like our signature wood phone cases. But we fully appreciate the art form's complexities and customization possibilities. It requires patience, technical know-how, and a solid understanding of the materials. Are you curious about making your resin art? We're here to guide you through some of the basics.
What Is Resin?
Resin is a liquid compound that, upon curing, forms a stiff, glossy, and transparent surface. It allows artists and creators to embed objects, create depth, and achieve glass-like finishes. Different types of resin exist, with epoxy, polyester, and polyurethane resin being the most common for art.
Epoxy resin is better for beginners due to its ease of use and low odor. It cures slower but offers a glossy, durable finish. Polyester resin is more challenging but has a more pungent smell and requires more safety precautions. Polyurethane resin cures quickly but is more sensitive and requires precise measurements and conditions.
Essential Supplies for Starting Resin Art
For beginners, using a budget-friendly, non-toxic, safe resin is best. As you improve, investing in premium-quality resin can ensure more sustainable and durable products that reflect the craftsmanship in your artwork. You'll also need the right tools and accessories. This includes nitrile gloves, safety goggles, personal protective equipment (PPE), measuring cups, mixing containers, stir sticks, and spreaders.
Also, make sure you have the following on hand: a level (to make your art piece perfectly horizontal), a torch (to get rid of bubbles), and toothpicks (for fishing out bits of dust), plus a dust cover to protect your work while it cures and paper towels with isopropyl alcohol for cleaning sticky tools.
Preparing Your Workspace
Cleanliness is critical in resin art: a tidy workspace enhances efficiency. But your setup isn't just about being neat — it's also about your safety. Start by positioning a large, flat surface (like a table) in a well-ventilated area; this enables maximum airflow and keeps fumes at bay. Cover the surface with a tarp or plastic sheet to protect it. Keep paper towels handy for immediate clean-ups and unexpected spills and ensure your safety gear is within easy reach.
Mixing & Pouring Resin
Begin by pouring the resin and hardener into a mixing cup, adhering strictly to the manufacturer's guidelines — usually a 1:1 ratio. Stir gently, yet thoroughly, for about seven minutes until the mixture achieves a fluid, honey-like consistency. Avoid whipping the resin, which will introduce unnecessary air bubbles. Resin takes color beautifully, so consider adding your preferred pigment, glitter, or dye, stirring until it fully integrates with the resin.
If you want, add embellishments. For example, small glass pebbles can serve as DIY crystals, elevating the artistic value of your masterpiece. Or embedding flowers can add a natural element. Always embed these additions while the resin remains wet to ensure they adhere correctly.
How to Avoid Bubbles
Bubbles can infiltrate your artwork at the mixing stage or appear if you pour the resin too quickly or apply heat directly to the surface. To prevent bubbles:
- Pour the resin slowly and evenly over the center of your workpiece, allowing it to spread naturally.
- Eradicate any bubbles with a heat source like a heat gun or hair dryer.
- Use quick, sweeping motions about 2-3 inches above the resin surface to prevent scorching.
Finishing & Curing Your Resin Art
Typically, the curing process takes 10-24 hours. Cover your artwork with a dust cover to protect it from debris and verify that it remains level. Tilted surfaces could lead to uneven spreading of the resin or color displacement. Keep it dry and at room temperature for the best results, as any dramatic shifts in temperature or humidity could lead to a sticky mess or an unstable art piece.
Creative Projects to Start With
Numerous simple projects are manageable for resin art beginners. Here are just a few suggestions:
- Coasters
- Trays
- Jewelry
- Ornaments
These are excellent starter projects because they require only a basic understanding of pouring techniques and curing. They also usually require minimal material, making resin mistakes less costly than more oversized items. They also offer a perfect way to experiment with choosing colors and creating layers. Use pre-made silicone molds for these projects, available online in various shapes and sizes. Practice mastering transparency, adding embellishments, and achieving a smooth, glossy finish.
Advanced Techniques to Explore
Like any art form, resin art offers limitless opportunities for creativity and experimentation. Once you've mastered the basics, you're ready to develop your skills further.
- Achieving total transparency: Ensure you have mixed your resin thoroughly, without mixing so vigorously that air bubbles form. If bubbles do appear, a heat gun or a blast of warm air could help remove them.
- Creating layers: To develop a feeling of depth, pour one resin layer, let it cure slightly, and then pour another. To create multiple layers, repeat this process, adding colorants and embellishments as needed.
- Adding embellishments: You can add nearly anything to resin, from crushed glass and glitter to small trinkets. Just be sure that any add-ins are dry and moisture-free, so they don't hinder curing.
Health & Safety Precautions
Epoxy resin is a fantastic medium for art but is toxic. It mandates certain precautions, particularly when it reaches a semi-cured state. Personal protective equipment (PPE) significantly reduces exposure risks, so wear nitrile gloves, goggles, and other PPE to keep the substances off your skin and out of your eyes.
Proper clean-up and disposal methods also play an essential role. Working in a ventilated area dissipates epoxy fumes, making the environment safer. Always ensure the leftover resin is cured before disposing, as liquid resin can react with other substances, causing potential hazards. Likewise, wiping spills with paper towels and disposing of them only after the resin cures will keep your environment safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is making resin art expensive?
Creating resin art may require an initial investment due to the cost of high-quality epoxy resin, which can be pricey per gallon. However, most projects don't necessitate a large amount of epoxy or resin, meaning small quantities go a long way in resin art.
What do I need to start making resin art?
Depending on the type of resin art you plan to make, you will need a combination of resin, silicone art molds, alcohol ink, plastic cups and stir sticks, wood panels, metal trays, a heat gun, a hairdryer, inclusions, sandpaper, a suitable workspace and curing space, and personal protective equipment.
Is resin easy for beginners?
Epoxy resin is indeed beginner friendly. It's a fun medium to explore your artistic side, and you'll be amazed by what you can create, even if you are a beginner. Resin art offers endless opportunities for new ideas, techniques, and projects.
What is the difference between art resin and epoxy resin?
Art resin is an epoxy resin designed specifically for artists and crafters. For example, epoxy resin is commonly used in wood art projects because its honey-like consistency provides reasonable flow control. Premium art resins are formulated for home use. They are non-toxic, low-odor, and solvent-free, offering safer options for budding artists.