How to Put Lights in Your Epoxy Resin Projects

Adding lights to your epoxy resin projects can take your creations to the next level, creating stunning visual effects and adding a touch of uniqueness. As a maker of wooden iPhone cases and other unique projects incorporating epoxy resin, we've experimented with creative ways to combine resin with LED lights to create eye-catching, functional designs. 

Whether you're working on resin art, furniture, or decor, embedding lights in your resin projects opens up endless possibilities for personalization. Let's break down the process of safely adding lights to your epoxy resin projects, from choosing suitable materials to achieving professional-looking results.

How to Put Lights in Epoxy Resin

Lights can highlight intricate details, add dimension, and make your epoxy resin piece stand out, especially in low-light settings. Lights also allow for creative personalization, transforming a simple resin project into a unique, attention-grabbing statement piece. Let's walk through the steps of creating a beautiful, illuminated design.

1. Prepare the Materials

Before jumping into the fun part, you must get all the necessary materials together. Having everything ready makes the entire process smoother. Materials you'll need include:

• Epoxy resin: Choose a clear, UV-resistant epoxy resin to avoid yellowing, which could reduce the brightness of your lights. Suppose you want to use multiple types of resin in your project. In that case, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with casting resin vs. epoxy resin.
• LED lights: Battery-operated LED lights, fairy lights, or LED strips are perfect options because they emit low heat and are easy to embed. Battery-powered lights are simpler, but wired LEDs work well for long-lasting pieces. Just make sure to leave the battery pack accessible.
• Heat shrink tubing: These coverings will protect your electrical components from resin leaks.
• Silicone mold: The mold should be large enough to fit the resin and your lights comfortably.
• Measuring and mixing tools: You'll need measuring cups and wooden or plastic stirring sticks.
• Protective gear: Wear gloves, safety goggles, and a mask to protect yourself from fumes and resin exposure.
• Hot glue gun: If your lights don't stay in place, you can use a small amount of hot glue to affix them to the resin.
• Heat gun: This will help you eliminate bubbles that commonly appear during the resin curing stage.

2. Set Up Your Workspace

After gathering all the essential materials and supplies, inspect your environment to ensure you have ample room to work in a safe space. Pay attention to these factors:

• Ventilation: Always work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling the fumes from the resin.
• Surface protection: Cover your workspace with plastic or disposable sheets to protect it from spills.
• Lighting: Ensure you have good lighting to see all your project details.

Safety Measures

To ensure your safety, take the following precautions when working with lights and epoxy resin:

• Wear gloves and goggles to protect yourself from the resin.
• Keep a fan or window open to maintain airflow.
• Use a respirator mask when working with resin to avoid inhaling harmful chemicals.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby when working with electrical components, especially wired LED lights.

3. Plan Your Resin Project

Now that you have your specific silicone mold, lights, and epoxy resin in hand, take some time to map out how you want the lights to look inside your resin art project. Consider the following:

• Positioning: Where do you want to place the lights inside your mold? Will they be scattered, in a pattern, or focused on one area?
• Color choices: Will your lights complement or contrast the resin for a bolder effect?
• Light patterns: What light effect are you going for? Different placements and patterns will have a varied impact, so experiment with other ideas.

4. Mix and Prepare the Resin

It's time to mix the resin with your materials prepped and your design in mind. Follow the manufacturer's recommended resin-to-hardener ratio. Then, stir the mixture slowly for 3 to 5 minutes to avoid creating bubbles.

Gently warming the resin before pouring it can help reduce the number of air bubbles that develop. Do this by placing the resin container in a warm water bath (around 100°F or 38°C) for a few minutes (make sure the water doesn't splash into the resin). This step decreases the resin's viscosity, allowing bubbles to rise to the surface and pop more easily. Alternatively, you can use a heat gun or hair dryer on a low setting to apply gentle heat, further helping to release any trapped air bubbles before pouring.

5. Pour the Resin and Embed the Lights

After you've mixed the resin, it's time to embed the lights in between resin pours. Here's what this process looks like step by step:

Test the lights: Before embedding them, test your lights to ensure they work correctly. Afterward, disconnect the power supply to avoid any accidents.

Insulate the wires: Cover any exposed wire connections or joints with heat-shrink tubing. Cut the tubing to size, slide it over the connections, and use a heat gun to shrink it tightly around the wires. This ensures the resin won't seep into the wiring, protecting the electrical components from damage during and after the curing process.

Pour the first layer: Pour a thin resin base into the mold. This layer acts as the foundation, ensuring your lights aren't pressed directly against the bottom of the mold, which can affect their glow or lead to uneven curing.

Secure the lights: Place your LED lights on the base layer. If the lights shift or don't stay in position, use a small dab of hot glue to secure them. This will prevent any movement as you pour the remaining resin.

Manage the wires: Ensure you've appropriately arranged the wires from the LEDs and they have a clear path out of the mold. This will allow you to connect them later without disrupting the resin surface.

Pour more layers: Gradually pour additional layers of resin over the lights. Pour slowly and allow each layer to cure slightly before adding the next. This technique helps avoid bubbles forming around the lights and ensures a smooth, clear finish. Keep the resin layers thin to prevent overwhelming the lights or creating uneven curing.

Eliminate air bubbles: After pouring each resin layer, use your heat gun to help release trapped air bubbles. Hold the heat gun on a low setting several inches from the resin and move it sweepingly to avoid overheating any area or disturbing the embedded lights. This will ensure a smooth, clear finish.

6. Finish Your Resin Project

Let the resin cure for 24 to 72 hours, keeping the area dust-free for a smooth, flawless finish. Check periodically for bubbles—if any appear, use the heat gun again to eliminate them without overheating the resin. 

After the epoxy resin has cured, gently remove it from the mold. If it's stuck, use a mold-release spray. Sand any rough edges with fine-grit sandpaper and polish the surface for extra shine. Mastering how to polish resin after sanding will ensure your projects look professional. 

Finally, test your lights to ensure everything works and the resin remains clear, allowing the light to shine perfectly.

How to Troubleshoot Common Issues

Perfecting the art of working with epoxy resin can take time, patience, and lots of trial and error. Here are some common issues beginners might encounter and how to avoid them:

• Bubbles: Use a heat gun or torch to pop bubbles after pouring but avoid overheating the resin.
• Light malfunctions: Test your lights before pouring resin to prevent malfunctions after curing.
• Overheating: Use low-heat LEDs to prevent warping or overheating of the resin during curing.
• Lights shifting during curing: Secure LEDs with hot glue or tape to keep them in place while the resin cures.
• Wire visibility: Conceal wires within resin layers to maintain a clean aesthetic.
• Resin cloudiness: To prevent cloudiness, use dry materials and follow the manufacturer's instructions for the correct mixing ratios.
• Inconsistent curing: Pour the resin into thin layers and maintain a stable temperature (70-75°F) for even curing.

The Best LED Lights for Epoxy Resin

When choosing LED lights for epoxy resin projects, consider heat resistance, lifespan, waterproofing, and price (a good set of LED lights typically costs between $10 and $25). Here are some top-rated lights based on their durability and customer feedback.

Note: Ratings are sourced from Amazon and may vary over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can LED lights be used to cure resin?

Yes, UV LED lamps can cure UV-sensitive resin, though the curing time varies depending on the light source.

What types of lights are best for embedding in resin?

Battery-operated LED lights or strips are best because they emit low heat and come in various colors and brightness levels.

Can I embed battery-operated lights in resin?

Yes, but leave the battery pack accessible outside the resin.

How do I prevent bubbles when pouring resin?

Pour the resin slowly and use a heat gun or torch to pop bubbles. Warming the resin slightly can also help release trapped air.

What are some creative ideas for using lights in resin projects?

You can add LED lights to resin wall art or river tables for a glowing effect, highlighting depth and enhancing the design. Resin centerpieces with embedded lights offer functionality and a unique, eye-catching aesthetic. You can also use lights in resin terrariums for illuminated designs that stand out in low-light settings.