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Honestly, I love being able to play with different crafts. Over the past few years, Epoxy Resin is something I have played with a lot. When I finally managed to get my hands on the set-up, that was it. I was completely obsessed with what you can create with this magical stuff.
What is Epoxy Resin?
I generally use 2 forms of resin in my projects. Epoxy resin and UV resin.
UV resin is perfect for small projects, such as adding a glaze to my polymer clay earrings or using it as glue to attach earring posts. It cures differently from Epoxy requires a UV lamp for the resin to set, and does not need to be mixed.
Basically, Epoxy Resin starts in a liquid form, of 2 separate compounds. When you mix the 2 together, it creates a solid form (after curing for a few days). Once the resin has cured the result is a high-gloss and durable product with a clear surface. Epoxy resin is not a new thing, It has been used for years for a multitude of things such as floors, tables, and industrial reasons. Not forgetting resin is used for resin art.
The importance of SAFETY with Epoxy Resin.
So second to knowing what Resin is, and what you can do with it. Safety is one of the most important factors to look into before you attempt to use/buy or even open any resin.
Resin is a totally fun craft to get your hands on, however, one important thing to remember is to make resin, you are playing around with chemicals, and chemicals always come with warnings.
Epoxy Resin has been known, to have effects on people’s breathing, especially over time. I would highly recommend to anybody before they start doing resin to do plenty of research into safety before starting to use it.
Gloves should always be worn when using resin, as well as an appropriate breathing apparatus.
There is a Facebook group that talks about Resin safety issues, ‘Epoxy is not my friend‘ It is worth checking out and reading some of the posts of people who have been working with Resin.
So, How do you make resin?
Mixing your resin up is simple. It will depend on the resin you have purchased. most resin is mixed at a 1:1 ratio, but to be certain, ensure you are checking the instructions from the manufacturer.
The 1:1 ratio means half part a, half part b. So if you are mixing 80ml of resin, you need 40ml part A and 40ml part B.
if you have purchased a resin that is a 1:2 ratio, you are pretty much doing the same thing, except it becomes 60ml and 20ml.
Is creating with Epoxy Resin expensive?
This is a bit of a hard question to answer. I wouldn’t say that Resin for a hobby is the cheapest thing, however depending on how much you are creating, and your purpose for creating, it doesn’t have to be expensive. Amazon, & eBay have some amazing starter kits, to help get you started on the resin journey, however, you do need a few bits before you can start creating.
What you should have to make resin art, A full list.
Epoxy Resin
The main ingredient in making resin art, you will need your epoxy resin. I highly recommend DIPOXY. which has a 2:1 ratio. Honestly, the best resin I have worked with, and I have had the least problems with it. You can buy a variety of quantities of resin from them.
Silicone mat
I have a silicone mat to protect my work surface! as well as my general craft mat. Because Resin will not stick to silicone. it has been a godsend having this because no matter how hard you try not to drip your resin it does tend to manage to get in places you don’t want it to be.
Safety bits
So like I have touched on, You will need safety bits to keep yourself safe whilst playing with Resin Art.
Make sure that you have plenty of vinyl gloves and a respirator as a bare minimum. But it is also advised to wear protective goggles, Although this is not essential.
Measuring cups, and stirrers
Annoyingly it took me ages to realize that there are reusable measuring jugs and stirrers! and they are honestly the best thing I have discovered for resin, you just use your jug, and allow it to dry, then peel the excess resin away! and clean, then you have a cost-effective and manageable resource. Which is so much more ecologically friendly, as you won’t constantly be throwing plastic away. You can do the same with silicone stirrers to mix your resin with. (If you place your jug upside down on a silicone mat it is even easier to clean up once dried.)
Alternatively, paper/plastic cups and wooden lollipop sticks will also work perfectly.
Mica powder & Inks
Mica powder is what you use to add the colours you want to your resin mix, there are hundreds of pretty colours to choose from and this doesn’t seem to be too expensive considering they will last a long time. you only need a small amount of mica powder to colour your resin.
Alternatively, you can also use Alcohol Inks to colour and create amazing effects! This is something I love experimenting with, especially with swirling colours.
Other pretty things.
There are lots of things that you can use in your resin art. Glitters, Dried flowers, small embellishments, anything you fancy including in your resin art.
I love to incorporate all my crafty obsessions into one where I can and have found using Cricut to create decals in with my resin projects a lot of fun also.
Silicone moulds.
Moving on to the most addictive purchasing part of Resin Art. Buying Resin Moulds.
The silicone moulds are what you pour your resin mixture into, the mould will shape your resin. So you can buy moulds for a variety of things.
The reason I say that this part is the most addictive part of resin make purchases is before you know if you have loads of moulds and still want more!
TIP: SHIEN and Aliexpress have Silicone resin moulds to purchase and they are ridiculously cheap! (although you need to watch for quality when purchasing from these)
Heat gun/lighter
The key thing for having a heat gun nearby when creating your resin art is to use the gun/lighter to remove any unwanted bubbles from your work.
Baby wipes
Honestly, I HAD to add this to the list. Overall baby wipes are one of the most used things in our craftroom. We are constantly running out. They don’t need to be expensive to buy, or anything special. But, having baby wipes to hand at your workspace is so handy. especially working with resin. To wipe up any accidents with. Especially with spills on your workspace. As resin is impossible to remove!
What can I make with Epoxy Resin?
Once you have the supplies you need to start creating with resin, the possibilities are endless.
- Trinket trays
- Home Decor
- Memory pieces
- Keyrings
- Jewellery
- Bookmarks
- Ashtrays
- Pencil Pots
- Make-up brush holders
- Ornaments
What are your thoughts on Resin Art?
So what do you think? What do you love and what don’t you love about Resin? Let me hear your resin stories! I’ve had many oops moments! and many ruined clothes. It is all a learning curve.
Please leave me your thoughts in the comments below!
Check out our available resin art for purchase at Tap&Co Designs.
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