Inexpensive epoxy resin has been used to create beautiful effects on craft projects for many years. The secret is using a proper mix ratio of each component and using care to get the amount correct.
This way, the resin cures properly and your piece is more durable. It’s easy to go overboard when you’re first starting out because the resin looks so pretty!
Before you apply the epoxy, be sure that your surface is flat and clean—if it isn’t, air bubbles will develop as you lay down a coat of resin. This can ruin all your hard work!
What do I need to start using epoxy resin?
If you’ve ever thought about using epoxy resin in your project, you know that it can be a bit intimidating. You’re probably wondering what exactly you need to get started so you’re not left high and dry in the middle of resin craft.
If this is the case for you, read on for a handy checklist of items that will make epoxy crafting a breeze!
The first thing you’ll need is the most obvious: resin and hardener. However, there are many different types of resins available, each made for different purposes. For example, ArtResin was developed by artists for artists and is specifically meant to be used on artwork.
It works well over a canvas, photos, prints, and more; and it won’t yellow overtime as other resins do.
Next up are some plastic cups with which to mix your resin-and-hardener combo in. While wooden popsicle sticks are often used as stir sticks while mixing (which we’ll talk about in a minute), they simply aren’t great at scraping down the sides of these plastic cups when mixing smaller quantities of epoxy resin (like what’s needed when making jewelry).
We recommend using a flexible all-purpose spatula instead – especially one with beveled edges like our Flexible Spatulas – as they’ll allow you to scrape down those sides quickly and easily…
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What do I need to start doing epoxy resin?
Epoxy resin is a material that’s often used for complex projects, such as making figurines and home decor.
When it dries, epoxy resin hardens into a material that’s more durable than other materials you might use for similar projects. Epoxy resin can be found in many arts and crafts stores and online.
To make a figurine out of epoxy resin, you need a mold. There are two types of molds: silicone molds and liquid silicon molds. You can find both types of molds at arts and crafts stores, online, or by making one yourself.
Before you start working with the resin, make sure to wear gloves to avoid getting the material on your skin or clothing accidentally.
To work with epoxy resin properly:
- Read the instructions carefully before you begin working on your figurine project. Follow all warnings on the labels of all materials—including eye protection when using certain tools such as pieces of sandpaper or heat guns (which are commonly used to remove air bubbles from the top layer of dried epoxy). Epoxy is toxic if ingested; avoid contact with food containers or other objects that may come into contact with foodstuffs like salad dressing containers.”
How do beginners use resin?
Epoxy resin is a great medium for beginners to learn how to work with. It’s far less complicated than painting or drawing, and you don’t have to buy expensive equipment.
The process of creating is easier than sculpting, and there are fewer steps involved in the initial stages.
Here’s a quick summary of what you’ll be doing:
- Preparing your resin for use by mixing it properly
- Pouring it into molds or onto your work surface
- Decorating your piece while the resin is still wet
Do I need a heat gun for resin?
I’m sure you’ve heard that you need a heat gun to remove bubbles in resin. While this is true, it is not essential. A hairdryer does the same job—in fact, a heat gun is just an extremely intense hairdryer!
If you do have a heat gun, be very careful using it near your resin project. It’s better to move the heat source back and forth across the surface of your project than hold it still in one spot. If you hold it still, it will melt your resin!
Do you need UV light for resin?
Resin does not cure without UV light. Yes, all resin is cured with UV light, so you will need a UV lamp for your resin project and it will help the resin dry faster and make it less sticky.
You can use a UV lamp (like this one) or natural sunlight to cure your resin.
What do you mix epoxy resin in?
When you’re using a two-part epoxy resin, it’s important to know what container you’re mixing the parts into. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Epoxy resin will stick to just about anything it comes in contact with, so make sure you have a container that can be discarded after use. Most people use paper or plastic cups for this purpose. Get at least two cups of the same size and shape, one for the resin and one for the hardener.
- Use disposable stir sticks that are at least 8 inches long. It’s also helpful to have a few short ones as well as some making spatulas on hand as well. If your project involves adding color to your epoxy resin, test out colors on some disposable stir sticks before adding them directly into your work cup.
- Always wear gloves when working with epoxy resin—it can cause skin irritation and is difficult to remove from skin or clothing once it has set up (and no, soap and water won’t cut it). You’ll also want painter’s tape, cardboard or plastic sheeting to protect surfaces where you’re working, paintbrushes, rubber gloves if you are painting with pigments (so they don’t stain your hands), and safety glasses if any sanding is involved in your project.
How do you make resin step by step?
Epoxy is a two-part resin, meaning that it comes in two separate parts (Part A and Part B) that you mix together at the right ratio to create a unified substance.
If you’ve ever wondered how to use resin, it’s incredibly simple—all you need to know is the correct way to mix, pour and cure it for your project!
Mixing: First thing’s first: measuring! Once you have your Part A and Part B measured out (a scale is essential for this), simply combine them in a cup or mixing container, using a stir stick to ensure that there aren’t any bubbles. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before moving on.
Pouring: Now that we’re ready to pour, make sure that your piece has been thoroughly cleaned and sanded.
Depending on which resin you’re using, pouring can be done by hand or with the help of a dispenser (which helps reduce bubbles).
If you have areas of your project where resin could potentially splash or drip over the edge of your object or mold (this is called an overflow area), tape those edges off with painter’s tape so they don’t get stuck permanently together if any drips do occur.
Make sure not to fill all the way up though—we need room for our objects!
Curing: This is where we wait! Do not disturb anything while curing—resist touching it. You’ll also want to keep an eye on temperatures in this area while curing; epoxy cures faster as temperatures increase and slower as temperatures decrease.
Most resins cure within 24 hours, but larger pours will take longer than smaller pours due to heat generation; some may take longer if the temperature isn’t warm enough.
Checking for Doneness: When curing is complete, carefully remove painter’s tape from overflow areas by pulling it up slowly at an angle away from your cured piece so as not pull any fresh resin up with it (again—
What do I need for resin?
When you are just starting out with resin, you don’t need to buy a ton of supplies. There are a few things you need to have though.
- Epoxy resin is the number one thing on your list.
- Don’t forget an epoxy resin mixing cup so you can accurately measure your resin and hardener ratios.
- A stirring stick is also necessary for mixing this fast-curing material.
- A mixing container is handy as well, especially if you plan on using more than one color of resin or casting objects into molds (you can never have too many cups)!
Once you get going, there are a few more things that will make your life easier:
- An inexpensive heat gun (or torch) helps pop bubbles in the surface and cures the bottom layer of epoxy faster.
- A UV light cures the top layer quickly and evenly without creating bubbles by applying heat from below.
These two tools together allow for a bubble-free finish without having to wait hours between layers!
Conclusion
Epoxy resin, as we’ve explored, is a versatile substance that can be used to create a wide range of items. It’s fairly easy to learn the basics and hard to mess up a project beyond repair.
Hopefully, this article has given you enough information to start using epoxy resin for your own projects.
