You might not immediately consider resin art a viable option when seeking out new hobbies to pursue, but you will be captivated by its endless possibilities. When allowed to cure, the chemical compound known as resin hardens into a smooth, shiny, and tough plastic. It is completely transparent when used alone, yet it may be transformed into a myriad of artistic masterpieces when combined with colors or poured over other materials.

You want to try your hand at resin art? Great job! You’re about to go on an incredible adventure. Take a look at our novice’s guide. It is tempting to skip the research and go right in initially. Resin art presents its unique obstacles, and the sheer volume of information required to master the medium can be intimidating.

Resin: What Is It?

Resin is a thick, sticky material that can be naturally occurring (formed from plants) or artificially produced (from a combination of chemicals). In response to harm, plants release resin: Natural resin can be identified by the thick, yellow-orange fluid that trees exude.

In the context of crafts, resin typically denotes synthetic resin, casting or epoxy resin. The chemical substance known as “synthetic resin” consists of two components: resin and hardener. It takes about 24 to 72 hours for the two liquid components to solidify after being combined. Once dried, resin is non-toxic, tough, glossy, and waterproof; yet, it is potentially dangerous while working with; thus, protective gear is required.

Epoxy: What Is It?

Epoxy resin, or simply epoxy, is a man-made substance that combines a liquid resin with a hardener to form a synthetic resin. It is typically used as a coating, imparting a durable sheen.

Casting Resin vs. Epoxy Resin: How They Differ

Casting resin is another kind of resin you should be familiar with. It is an epoxy resin manufactured from a slightly different chemical combination than the others. Casting resin is poured into molds to create coasters, trays, and jewelry, whereas epoxy resin is typically applied as a coating (imagine a thick varnish). These hefty things are more suited to casting resin, which sets more slowly than epoxy resin.

What does resin art Mean?

One of the primary materials used in resin art is epoxy or casting. You may make beautiful patterns and designs by combining resin with paint or inks. It also makes a great protective layer when poured over paintings. You can also use it to cast dried flowers or shells into molds. Abstract paintings and practical objects, like jewelry or home goods, are both forms of resin art.

Epoxy Resin Art

The resin is used in epoxy art like a thick and long-lasting varnish. One option is to combine epoxy with paint or alcohol ink; another is to pour it directly onto a completed painting for an extra glossy finish.

Casting Resin Art

The resin is contained in a mold before it becomes hard in a casting process.

Instructions for Creating Resin Art

Being a hazardous substance when liquid (albeit non-toxic when set), resin art necessitates specialized materials that you might not already have in your crafting cupboard and safety gear. Making resin art isn’t rocket science but requires a steady hand and careful attention to detail.

While the materials and techniques for creating many forms of resin art are similar, the specific procedures for doing so will vary. Various forms of resin art can be created using the following instructions:

• Clothing for protection: latex gloves, aprons, drop cloths, and, ideally, safety goggles and a respirator.
• Mixing spoons made of plastic and a spatula
• Jug or cup for measuring (little ones work best for jewelry creation)
• Casting resin art requires molds.
• Flowers, glitter, or shells for decoration.

Various Resin Art Supplies

All the aforementioned materials can be bought separately, or you can get resin art kits with everything you need to create jewelry, geodes, and paintings. To locate a project to begin, you can visit online or brick-and-mortar crafting stores such as Etsy or Amazon. While epoxy art and casting resin art kits are great for beginners, you’ll probably want to branch out once you’ve mastered the basics and have a good supply of materials.

Make your resin artwork: a beginner’s guide

Outlining your piece’s general style or design should be your first step. You can use puddle pours, dirty pours, flip cup pours, and many more pour styles! Once you’ve made a decision and considered the colors you want, everything is set to go.

• A well-ventilated, spotless, and dust-free environment is ideal.
• Wear something that can easily get dirty, because you never know what can happen!
• Your next step in getting everything ready for work is laying your heavy plastic sheeting on your table.
• You should prepare your substrate after you have prepared your work area. Masking or decorative tape might be useful if, for instance, you intend to pour resin onto a canvas but would like to avoid coating the edges with the material.
• Once prepared, the substrate can be placed on top of the stands.
• Using your level, verify that the substrate is perfectly flat. If needed, put something under the stand(s) to level them.
• Wearing gloves is the next step.
• Following their directions, measure out the resin and combine it.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter and mix the resin completely for at least three minutes.

Get creative now that you have resin and a workspace!

• Put a small measuring cup for each color you intend to use into the batch of resin you just mixed.
• Use a few drops of liquid pigment or a lollypop stick to gather powder pigment and mix it with your resin. You can also color your resins using this method.

• If you need extra pigment, add it. Be careful not to use too much, as it can change the resin ratio and make drying difficult.
• If you wish to incorporate cells into your artwork, now is an excellent moment to incorporate a few drops of silicone. After adding the resin, stir it well.

After mixing everything, you’re ready to go!

• Now is the time to pour and start making art. A little tilting of the canvas or the use of an implement like a plastic spatula or a wooden stick can assist in moving the resin along.
• Using your torch, you can pop any bubbles that may have formed after you’ve poured. To achieve this, gently and rapidly run the lit torch over the bubbles. Keep the flame moving at all times.
• Be mindful of the time because various resins have varying curing durations. Once the drying process has begun, the resin will turn stringy and resemble chewing gum, so it’s best to finish your project as soon as possible.
• Upon completion, inspect the resin thoroughly for any foreign objects, such as hairs or dust, to ensure its quality. If there are any, you’ll need to use tweezers or a toothpick to remove them.
• After that, set your work aside to cure by covering it with a cardboard box or something comparable. Even after 24 hours, resin is still easily broken if handled incorrectly; it will be hard afterward. The typical curing time for resin is three full days.

How to get your place clean

You won’t have trouble cleaning your measuring and mixing cups after use. If you want the residue to drain out of the cups slowly, turn them upside down into the thick plastic sheeting that covers your table. After around five hours, you may easily draw up the cup to remove the solid resin from the table.

Rinse any implements that come into contact with the resin using isopropyl alcohol. Spray it on and then wipe it off with a piece of kitchen paper.

If you happen to get resin on your skin, you can remove it with a mixture of vinegar and soapy water. Although isopropyl alcohol is an option, we do not advise using it because it rapidly dries out the skin.

There are also specifically formulated soaps available at do-it-yourself stores that can remove it.

Conclusion

Resin art is a great medium for creative expression, whether your taste is more traditional, modern, or somewhere in between. Let your imagination go wild and make whatever you desire! When working with resin, safety must always be your first concern. Young painters can use safer alternatives to epoxy resin instead of the potentially dangerous material. For instance, water-based resins are preferable since they produce less fumes and are simpler to clean up afterward.