How to Make Resin Art
Art is used by artists to express themselves and their feelings, in an abstract form.
It was once thought of as limited to sculptures or canvas painting, however, over the years it has expanded to incorporate many different mediums. Resin in its many different forms is one of them.
What Is Resin Art?
Resin art is really any type of creation or craft that is made by hand with epoxy resin thing like resin coasters, jewellery, furniture, sculptures the list is endless.
Resin art is a type of artwork that uses epoxy resin as the primary medium. Epoxy resin is a clear or translucent polymer that can be molded into different shapes and hardens over time through a process called curing.
Resin can also be pigmented to create a variety of colors and effects. It is often used in jewelry making, sculptures, and other decorative items such as resin coasters, shaker charms, countertops and furniture making.
Is Resin art Easy to Make?
Have you ever wondered, how to make resin art?
Recently resin has become a popular project medium because it can be as simple or as complicated as you want to make it.
Epoxy resin art can be created using a variety of techniques, including pouring, layering, and embedded objects. Pouring is the most common technique and involves pouring resin onto a surface to create a design. Layering involves adding thin layers of resin on top of each other to create depth and texture. Embedded objects are added to the resin before it hardens to create an interesting design.
Resin art is unique because it allows artists to create three-dimensional designs that can be both transparent and opaque or even glow in the dark.
The finished product has a glossy finish that makes it stand out from traditional artwork.
To create resin art, artists typically mix resin with pigments or other materials such as glitter dyes, powder, beads, or wood.
Once the desired effect is achieved, the mixture is poured into a mold or onto a surface to cure. After the resin has cured, it can be sanded, polished, or painted to create a unique piece of art.
The most common way to use resin is to pour it into molds or onto surfaces. This can create a variety of different textures, and it is often used to create 3D effects. Resin can also be used to create 2D images, by using it to coat surfaces such as paper or canvas.
Resin art is a versatile and fun way to express your creativity. With endless possibilities for color and texture, resin art is limited only to your imagination.
So get creative and give it a try!
Basic Guide for your first Steps into Resin Artwork
Decide What Type Of Resin Project You Want To Start
Resin art is a beautiful and unique way to create art. Projects such as:
- Resin painting
- Tables
- Sculptures
These are just to name a few different resin art projects the list is endless.
Choose The Right Type of Resin for Your Project.
The type of resin you decide on depends on the type of project you are creating.
When choosing the right resin for your resin artwork your choice depends on several factors including the size of your project and how you want to display it. These choices may drastically change your initial decision on what resin will be best for your artwork.
Here are some questions you need to ask when picking your resin:
What Environment Your Resin Art Project Will Be Displayed In?
Some resins are formulated for outdoor use, while others are intended for indoor display only. The type of resin you use also depends on the type of project you are creating.
How Much Pot Time/Working Life Do You Need to Finish Your Resin Art?
Pot time is how long you have to work with the resin before it starts to thicken making it more difficult to work with. if your project will take a long time to complete choose a resin that won’t turn to jelly before you are ready.
How Much Time Does Resin Need to Cure?
Some resins can take a few seconds to be fully cured while others can take days to cure completely. You may be planning to apply several layers or want to place an inclusion before applying an additional layer of resin.
You don’t want to have to wait days to apply each thin layer.
Does Your Resin Need to Be Clear?
Are you adding color to your project or are you going for a clear finish?
Clear color fee resins are expensive but are well worth the extra price if a clear resin is what you are aiming for. for instance, a cloudy resin will take away from the effect if you want to give the impression that an object is floating in mid-air.
There are many different types of resin on the market, with many different properties. So you will with a bit of forethought you will find the one you need. You should always purchase the resin with the properties closest to your needs.
Out of those many different types, there are three main families of resin used for resin artwork, epoxy resin, UV resin, and polyester resins.
- Epoxy resin and UV resin are best for beginners because they are easier to work with.
- UV resin doesn’t need mixing but is limited to small projects.
- Epoxy resin will take longer to cure and is easy to mix.
- Polyester resin is better for projects that require more strength or durability, such as sculptures, it is often laminated with carbon fiber or fiberglass for extra strength. It is also generally used in the manufacturing industry.
Gather the Materials and Equipment You Will Need For Your Resin crafts.
Have resin supplies you need to create your resin artwork on hand before you start your project besides your basic materials:
You will need additional equipment, this will depend on the type of resin art you are creating this additional equipment will be items like:
- Hard resin molds
- Wood panels
- Decorative pieces to add to your casting resin artwork like dried flowers
- Plastic spreader
- Canvas
- Reinforcement materials like wire mesh or fiberglass mat
The Importance of Clean & Dry Resin Tools:
Make sure you always start your project with clean & dry resin tools and silicone molds.
Resin is sticky and retains dirt, oil, and resin dust so you will want to make sure your resin tools are clean and dry when using them. It’s best to use disposable tools because they will not retain the resin or have any surface contaminants that can be transferred to your next casting. Some of the best tools to use are disposable wooden sticks and disposable plastic spreaders. If you use wood, make sure it’s hardwood like maple or oak, as some softwoods will absorb your resin.
if you do decide to use reusable resin tools you will need to clean the epoxy resin off between uses with alcohol or acetone. When you rinse the tools in acetone the chemicals will react to break down epoxy resin, washing it off the surface of the tool.
Your molds will also need cleaning after each use. The easiest way to clean your molds is to use a mixture of one part denatured alcohol and two parts water. We also recommend using mold release on your molds if you plan on making multiple casts with the same mold. this will help the silicone mold last longer. and produce more castings before you have to buy another mold.
What Type of Resin Art projects can I do?
Resin Painting
Resin painting is a type of painting that involves using an epoxy resin-based paint similar to conventional painting you apply the liquid resin with a standard brush or airbrush being careful not to let the resin run.
Resin Pouring
Resin pour art is a type of resin painting in which the artist uses a pouring technique to apply epoxy resin onto canvas or wood panels. The epoxy resin creates a smooth, glossy surface that can be manipulated with tools or a heat gun to create interesting effects and designs. Resin pour art is a relatively new type of painting, and it is becoming increasingly popular among artists and hobbyists alike. This type of resin painting is the ideal method to use for creating resin wall art.
Resin casting
Resin casting is a process where a mold is filled with liquid resin, and then the resin is allowed to harden. The hardened resin can be sanded, painted, or otherwise decorated.
Resin casting is a popular technique for creating art pieces because it allows for a high degree of detail. The hardening process also makes the finished product very durable. Resin casting can be done with simple materials that are widely available, making it a great option for beginner crafters.
One reason casting is so popular is that it allows crafters to create a wide variety of products. These can include jewelry, decorations, special gifts, and even drink coasters. Casting can be used to create almost any item that you can imagine.
Epoxy Resin and Woodworking
Woodworking and epoxy resin are two things that go great together. You can use epoxy resin to make all sorts of different pieces ranging from river tables to filling voids to make otherwise unusable timber into beautiful furniture. Epoxy resin is perfect for woodworking because it is clear, can be tinted, and is very malleable. Some epoxy resin also works great as glue.
Embedding Objects in Resin
another epoxy art method is the process of embedding objects in resin that can be used to preserve items such as leaves, flowers, or other interesting objects.
A layer of resin is poured into a mold and left to fully cure, then the object is placed on top of the resin in the mold and then covered with resin.
Once the resin hardens, the object is preserved and can be mounted for display. Often displays consist of some type of mount with a led light that shines through the resin highlighting the object in an interesting fashion.
It is also a great way to preserve memories. Embedding objects in resin is a popular trend that is here to stay.
Just remember for best results the object should be free of moisture. and always use clear-casting epoxy resin.
Resin Coating
Resin coating is a process of applying a thin layer of resin to an object. The purpose of this is to protect the object from damage, wear and tear, or to make it more durable.
Resin coatings can be applied to a variety of materials, including metals, plastics, glass, and wood. In many cases, the resin coating will improve the appearance of the object as well.
There are several methods for applying a resin coating. One common method is spraying the resin onto the object. Another method is dipping the object into a vat of resin.
The thickness of the coating can be controlled by the amount of time that the object is dipped into the vat.
Once the resin has been applied, it needs to be covered to prevent dust particles from settling on the surface until it has cured completely.
Resin Coating Floors and Countertops
Epoxy coating is becoming a common material in the construction industry and is often used as an alternative to polyurethane. Epoxy floors are made by mixing epoxy resin and hardener with fillers and pigments.
Epoxy is ideal for covering concrete because it has a high hardness and can be tinted to match any surface. Epoxy coating also provides an excellent slip-resistant surface because of specific additives that can be used.
Epoxy is a versatile coating, and more than one type can be used on a substrate. This is called multi-layered epoxy. For example, the first layer might be fast-curing epoxy with a special additive that resists heat or abrasion.
The use of epoxy resin coating also becoming popular to recoat older countertops giving them a new lease on life. this is because the epoxy is durable, easy to clean, and requires little ongoing maintenance. The mixed resin is poured or sprayed over the substrate, which is then heated to assist the curing process.
What Materials Can I Apply Resin To?
How to Apply Resin to Canvas
Make sure you use a resin that is compatible with your canvas. You simply pour the resin and hardener mix onto the canvas.
This type of artwork is heavy and may stretch the canvas making it droop from the frame. the best way to prevent this is to provide support directly under the canvas this support should be roughly the same thickness as the frame.
The support may be a solid wood frame or a 3/4-inch plywood board. You can even use foam, cardboard, or other material to provide support. It should extend the width of the canvas to allow the resin pour to run over the canvas without it drooping.
The support must be very clean and free of dust, grease, or other contaminants. Not having the canvas droop will give a nice professional look.
How to Apply Resin to Timber
The timber should be dry and free of any grease, oil, tree bark, dirt, or any other contamination. If any is present, it will not be possible to achieve a good bond between the resin and timber. Removing any paint or foreign material will allow the resin to adhere to the surface and not just float on top of it.
Before applying the resin, use a sanding block with fine-grain sandpaper to smooth the surface. This will remove any sharp edges or splinters that might hide any air bubbles.
Often it is a good idea to apply a thin layer of clear epoxy resin to seal the timber before doing the bulk of your pour, this will ensure any air bubbles or contaminants trapped in the timber do not make their way out during the main pour and cause issues with your project.
Will Resin Stick to Glass?
Yes, the resin will stick to glass without too much difficulty. Applying epoxy resin to glass is the same as applying Resin to other surfaces. you can create breathtaking epoxy resin art with resin and glass such as vases and other fascinating resin art. however, this type of painting surface should be reserved for indoor use only.
This is because glass is a very fragile material and cured resin can expand and contract when exposed to the elements and varying temperature changes, this can cause pressure on the class and cause the glass to break ruining your resin painting.
How Do I stop Air Bubbles from Forming in My Resin?
There are several different ways to stop air bubbles in your resin. The best way to stop bubbles in resin is by using a vacuum chamber. By using a vacuum chamber, you can remove all the air from the resin and ensure that your finished product is bubble-free. A vacuum chamber is the most expensive way to stop air bubbles in resin and can be out of reach for many beginners.
The second way to stop bubbles in resin is by using a degassing agent. A degassing agent is a chemical that helps remove bubbles from the resin.
The third way to stop air bubbles in resin is by using a vacuum pump. A vacuum pump is not as effective as a vacuum chamber but it can still help remove air from the resin.
Another more commonly used way is to let the resin sit for several minutes after mixing and then pour slowly. once you have poured the resin wave a butane torch or heat gun over the resin to release the bubbles, this works reasonably well for most non-professional applications in resin art once you get the hang of it.
Is Resin Art Bad For The Environment?
Resin art can be bad for the environment because it is a synthetic polymer that when in its liquid form emits volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air.
VOCs are harmful to human health and contribute to air pollution. They are also greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to climate change.
There is also a high level of waste materials generated when working with epoxy art.
You need to deal with the leftover epoxy resin and the plastic pot in which it came from, as well as overpour, wax paper, and resin dust caused by the finishing process.
There are some steps you can take to reduce the environmental impact of resin art. Choose resins that are low in VOCs, use recycled or recyclable materials and use a workspace ventilator that contains a filter to trap the airborne particles and vapor.
Is Resin Art a Good Business Idea?
There are a few things you need to consider before starting a resin art business. First, you need to have a good understanding of the product and how to use it. You also need to be able to create consistent results. And finally, you need to be able to market your products effectively.
If you can do all of those things, then starting an epoxy art business could be a great idea! You could potentially make a lot of money and enjoy doing something you love. But if you don’t have a good understanding of the product, don’t have the best product, or can’t market yourself effectively, then it will be hard to make any money at all.
Where Can I Sell My Resin Artworks?
There are many places where you can sell your resin artworks, including online stores, amazon/eBay, brick-and-mortar stores, and craft shows.
When selling your resin artworks, it is important to price them correctly. If you price them too high, you may not be able to sell them. However, if you price them too low, you may not make a profit. It is also important to take into account the cost of materials and shipping when pricing your artwork. additional costs you might not think about when pricing your work are wear and tear on your tools, research and development, and supporting material costs which are materials that are used to help make your product.
Is Resin Dangerous to Work With?
When it comes to resin art, there are a few safety concerns to keep in mind. While the fumes from resin can be irritating, their harmfulness builds up over time. If you’re working with large quantities of resin or if you’re particularly sensitive to fumes, it’s important to take precautions.
Inhaling too much of the fumes from the resin can cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness. If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to step out into the fresh air and take a break from your project.
Always wear a respirator when working with resin. A hobby is never worth becoming sick.
Another safety concern with resin is skin contact. The chemicals in the resin can cause irritation, so it’s important to wear nitrile gloves when working with it. If you do get resin on your skin, be sure to wash it off immediately.
