Resin art is a brilliant craft for those who want to try something new, versatile, and unique. From making wall hangings to gifts such as paperweights, coasters, jewellery, and more, there's so much you can do when it comes to working with resin. If you're wondering how to get started with this cool craft, our crash course is sure to help!
Resin, also known as Epoxy Resin, is created by mixing liquid resin and a suitable hardener. Once mixed together, the resin will gradually start to harden over the next few hours until it forms a solid, and, after a few days, completely 'cures'. This is caused by a chemical reaction, and because you're working with chemicals, safety is paramount when making your creations. We strongly advise wearing gloves and goggles, a mask or respirator, and working in a well-ventilated space. Make sure you keep Epoxy fumes away from children and pets too.
The equipment you'll need may differ from project to project - for example, if you're using moulds to make 3D art, you may need a blow-torch, and when creating art on a canvas, you might want to use a spatula or a brush to create a variety of effects like you would with typical painting. But, regardless of what you're creating, you'll always need the following in addition to your safety equipment:
*Tinting your project is technically optional, however, if you want to create a colourful piece of art, finding a tint that works for you is a good option. Plus, it's always a great idea to have this in your arsenal for when you're ready to move away from clear projects.
Measure out and pour your resin and hardener into a plastic mixing cup, adding your colours at this stage too. Stir slowly, scraping the sides and bottom of the cup until all the components are thoroughly combined, otherwise your project won't cure properly and will remain sticky. Mixing slowly reduces the chance of bubbles appearing, but doesn't get rid of them completely.
Once you've mixed your resin so it's clear and smooth, you'll have around 30 minutes to work with it before it hardens, therefore, it's always best to work with your resin in small batches.
Once your mixture is ready to go, it's time to pour! Pour it slowly into your mould if you're using one, using your mixing stick to help you get into all the corners. If you're using resin over canvas artwork, start from the middle and use a spatula to help guide your resin over the piece. Be sure to smooth any drips from the edge with a gloved finger and make sure your canvas is slightly raised - you can do this by using cups or cardboard - to prevent the resin from sticking the canvas to your work surface. After you've poured your resin and it begins to settle, you can use a heat gun to gently encourage bubbles to rise to the surface and pop, leaving you with a smooth finish.
The curing time depends on what kind of Epoxy you're using and what you're making. Always read the label on your Epoxy to help you get the perfect curing time - it usually take between 24 hours and 3 days. Unfortunately, there's no real way to speed up the process. Regardless of what tips and tricks you hear, adding more hardener, putting it in the oven, or using a different brand of hardener that promises a quicker drying time, will not help. Using a space heater to warm the room might help a little bit, but the most sure-fire way is through patience.
It may be tempting to check your resin by touching it, but don't! If it hasn't dried fully, doing this can leave you with a ruined piece and a finger covered in sticky resin, or leave visible fingerprints on your work. Leave it alone for at least 24 hours before moving or peeling it from your silicone mould.
It's also a good idea to cover your work to protect it from dust or pet hair. You can do this by placing raised carboard over it using the cup method in the pouring stage.
If you're itching to try this cool, versatile craft but still aren't sure where to start, you can test the waters by using a resin kit. These kits often come with most, if not all, of the tools you need to help you get started. Once you've experimented with techniques and different project types, you're sure to get addicted - luckily, you can check out our resin collection for a variety of tools and inclusions.
