Creating artwork with resin can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be if you know the basics.

Are you looking for a DIY project related to art and craft? Something enticing, colorful, and unique? This article will fulfill your curiosity, and after you’ve finished reading, you’ll get to know how to create your epoxy resin art.

Before you dive in, let’s take a look at what resin art is, the supplies you’ll need to create this art, and some tips and ideas on the type of projects you can do with resin.

What is a Resin?

Also known as Epoxy Resin, it is a two-constituent system that consists of resin adhesive and a hardener. When the two components are mixed, a chemical reaction occurs, and the liquid resin hardens into a solid plastic. The result is a high quality, glossy and clear surface that can be used on floors, make jewelry, tables, countertops, or for industrial and manufacturing purposes such as boat building.

Types of Resins

There are three types of resins, two of which are commonly used for DIY projects.

• Casting Resin: Casting resin has a low level of viscosity, where the substance is thinner and runnier than epoxy resin. Because of this watery nature, casting resins are not suitable for artwork as it can run off the side and is generally used to fill up a space like in molds.

• Epoxy Resin: Epoxy resin has a shorter cure time than casting resin which can be an advantage, but it also means there will be less time to work on your projects. Epoxy resins are mostly used for DIY projects, especially for crafting.

• Polyester Resin: Polyester resins are UV and water-resistant and are mainly used in the marine industry. It has a high level of viscosity and is used for quick fixes.

What is Resin Art?

You can create works of art using resin; art that will enchant everyone with their depth of color, illumination, and transparent nature. In recent times, the resin has become popular in households looking to do DIY projects. It has become widely available allowing the artist to make jewelry, creative tabletops, unique showpieces, and fantastic paintings. To get a detailed step-by-step tutorial on resin art, fluid-painting.com can help to create your first epoxy resin artwork.

If you plan on painting, epoxy resin can give that polished shine to your masterpiece. If you are creating woodworking projects, you can use resin on wood to get that glossy look and also create your very own river table with a mixture of colors. The possibilities of using resin are endless and if you like experimenting, then you’ll love working with resin.

What are the Supplies and Tools needed for Resin Art?

The supplies and tools you’ll need depend on the resin art project you’d like to create. You can use molds to create beautiful home decor and also add color using pigments and ink. You can use glitter or gold and silver flakes or add resins on dried leaves or flowers to create necklaces, earrings or finger rings. Anything is possible! But here are some basic tools you’ll need to create that masterpiece:

• Hand gloves
• Face masks
• Silicone Mats (to protect your workspace)
• Small measuring cups
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden or plastic spoons
• Toothpicks
• Different kinds and sizes of molds
• Color pigments (liquid or powder form), ink, glitter, flakes (optional)
• A painting ground or surface

The main ingredient you’ll need is a high-quality, clear resin. Paintings and artwork require crystal clear, including UV filter resins so that your projects don’t turn yellow under sunlight exposure or with time.

Which Painting Grounds are Suitable for Resin Art?

Porous and absorbent surfaces are not suitable for resin art; and so is a canvas. As resin is a heavy substance, the canvas would sag due to its weight. The surfaces on which resin art is suitable and can be used are:

• Glass
• Wood
• Metal
• Plexiglass
• Concrete

What Can I Make With Resin Art?

Simply anything! Since you’re a rookie, begin with something small and simple such as paintings, coasters or geode art.

Paintings are all about the mixture of colors and the story you want to portray. Before learning to paint, you need to understand and gather some essential skills needed to create great artwork. This also includes learning to sketch and draw and also understanding the use of color.

Before beginning to create an artwork, first, you need to decide on the type of project you intend to make. If it’s jewelry, keychains, or any other crafts, you can use readily available molds. If you’re going to paint, you’ll need a canvas.

Once you’ve decided on your projects, it’s time to gather your supplies, tools, and any drawing or sketching materials you may need. Be thorough when organizing your supplies so that a forgotten brush or a tool doesn’t interfere with your artistic momentum.

Next, clear your workspace. There is a chance that your resin art project may get messy, so make sure to keep important items away from your work area.

Take extra precautionary measures when working with resin. Place protective foil or newspapers on the floor and around your work area. Once resin solidifies, it’ll be difficult to remove. Also, make sure to wear disposable nitrile gloves rather than latex ones. Keep the room well-ventilated as liquid epoxy resin is a toxic substance.

Now mix your resin and hardener (generally a 1:1 ratio is used), and add in color pigments, glitter or any other embellishments you’d like to see on your project. You can also use dried flowers or leaves to accentuate your craft.

Finally, you can craft using a wooden base or a canvas. You can also use a variety of molds and experiment with different designs. After you’re satisfied with your craft, all you have to do is wait. Typically, most resin art will be fully cured in about 72 hours which also means this craft is all about having patience. Once it has been set, you can enjoy and celebrate a job well done as a beginner.

Bottom Line

Resin art requires a lot of supplies, tools, materials, and patience. It can be overwhelming, but once you get your checklists covered, you’re good to go. The important fact to remember is to keep the room well-ventilated, your space covered with papers or foil around the floor, and wear disposable gloves.

Once you get the hang of creating resin art, you’ll want to keep experimenting with different types of art and craft and probably even create a river table when you become a pro!