Middle-aged man in safety gear spray painting a boat with epoxy coating in a workshop.

What Is Gelcoat? The Secret to a Super Smooth, Glossy Finish!

Are you diving into the world of resin and fiberglass? Maybe you’ve heard experienced crafters or boat builders mention gelcoat and wondered, “What’s the big deal?” Well, think of gelcoat as the magic topcoat that turns rough, dull surfaces into sleek, shiny masterpieces. Whether you’re restoring a boat, crafting custom car parts, or just experimenting with resin, gelcoat can be…

Person spray painting the interior of a boat hull with a spray gun in an indoor workshop.

When to Apply Gelcoat: Timing Is Everything for a Flawless Finish

Gelcoat is the protective and aesthetic outer layer of many fiberglass-reinforced products, such as boats, countertops, shower bases bathtubs, car panels and molds. If you are planning to make a part using a mold you apply the gelcoat first before any other layer. Applying the gelcoat first makes it the outer layer when the part…

A crafter's workspace featuring jars of amber-tinted hemp resin, natural fibers, crafting tools, and a potted plant in a warm, eco-friendly setting.

Challenges of Using Hemp-Based Resins: What Crafters Should Know

Hemp-based resins are becoming a popular choice for eco-conscious crafters. They offer a sustainable alternative to traditional resins, reducing reliance on petroleum-based materials. However, like any product, they have their limitations. This article explores the challenges of using hemp-based resins and offers simple solutions to help you decide if they’re right for your projects. Technical…

A workspace with silicone molds, bottles of hemp resin, dried flowers, and crafting tools, showcasing the process of working with hemp-based resin for eco-friendly projects.

How to Work with Hemp-Based Resins

Introduction Hemp-based resins are becoming a popular choice for eco-conscious crafters due to their sustainability and versatility. These plant-based resins are suitable for a variety of projects, from jewelry and home décor to wood coatings and encapsulations. However, working with hemp-based resins requires some specific techniques to ensure the best results. In this beginner’s guide,…

A woman crafting jewelry using eco-friendly materials, highlighting the benefits of hemp-based resins in sustainable crafting.

Top Benefits of Hemp-Based Resins in Crafting and Beyond

What Are Hemp-Based Resins? As the world embraces sustainable alternatives, the benefits of hemp-based resins have gained attention for their eco-friendly and versatile applications. Derived from the renewable hemp plant, these resins offer a unique blend of environmental benefits, safety advantages, and aesthetic appeal. In this article, we’ll explore the top benefits of hemp-based resins,…

Bottles of hemp oil with cork tops surrounded by hemp leaves and seeds on a wooden table, illustrating the extraction process for crafting materials.

The Production Process of Hemp-Based Resins: From Plant to Polymer

Hemp-based resins are emerging as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional petrochemical resins. Derived from the versatile hemp plant (Cannabis sativa), these resins undergo a detailed production process that transforms raw plant materials into a durable and functional biopolymer. In this article, we’ll explore the step-by-step journey of hemp-based resin production, highlighting its environmental…