Learning Resin the Easy Way!
Learning Resin the Easy Way!
Resin art/ work is something a lot of people have been getting into lately. I've been working on it for a couple years now. I love creating awesome pieces for loved ones or for my small business. Resin is a tricky medium to use, it is very picky! Somethings I learned the hard way, let's just say that. I'm here to tell you there's an easy way! Just keep reading!
Step 1: Choosing the right resin for what you want
- If you're going for a resin that's for bigger picture art; or wood pieces such as tables, you'll probably want any big batch of 2-part resin. Amazon has some good deals!
-But if you're going for small detailed art, like jewelry, earrings, trays, etc, you'll want to go for the 2-part resin that has minimal bubbles and no yellow tint. I've found some resin brands know how to keep bubbles at bay, but others do not. And weirdly enough some low-quality resin is yellowish- best to stay away!
**My personal recommendation for resin can be found on Amazon, it's perfect for small projects and jewelry. It can be found through this link
Step 2: Make sure to have the right tools
There are many different tools one could need when using resin, I will go over my favorites and some essentials you will need! Having all the right tools will make your creating process go a lot smoother!
-Silicone cups (can be cleaned and reused) or paper (one-time use
-Popsicle sticks (for stirring) and/or my favorite power mixer (so much better and quicker I promise!)
-Reusable silicone measuring cups or a scale (note that most resin does call for volume measurements, not weight) The resin I suggested above can be measured by weight (oz), that's the only way I do it.
-Silicone Gloves or Disposable gloves (whichever one you prefer! So far I've struggled to find silicone gloves that fit me well enough to move around in.) Nitrile or Latex gloves are best!
-Respirator Mask, honestly this is a tough one. I hate using this type of mask but it is recommended heavily. Resin omits fumes that aren't great to inhale for the first couple of hours after mixing. I personally open the windows and have an air purifier going. I typically use a mask that was appropriate during Covid times.
-A long lighter and a hot air blower, kinda like a blow dryer for hair but this one for resin! Having both handy is needed, you don't want those pesky bubbles!
-Silicone Ended Tools are great for maneuvering items around resin or moving around those bubbles!
Step 3: What you can put in resin
This step is more so suggestion than anything, but here are some things you can put into your resin.
-Candy/ Sprinkles
-Sparkles and glitter
-Dried Flowers (homemade works too!)
-Laminated paper
-Vinyle inserts
-Sea shells/ Sand
-Plastic little objects (toys)
-Mica Powder (this is a must! My favorite :)
-Alcohol Ink (used best for special effects)
-Pigment (just for color)
-Glow in the dark Powder (super awesome stuff!)
-Stickers
-Clay inserts (super cute tinnies)
Honestly, the list could go on, but I'm sure you get the picture, nothing alive or wet. Meaning no fresh flowers or fruit, and anything that still has moisture, it will turn colors or disintegrate.
Step 4: Lastly Choose your Molds Wisely
I say choose wisely mainly because some molds aren't strong enough or have the support needed to make the proper product. Some molds form weirdly because the resin is more voluminous than what it can handle.
The best way to determine whether the molds are worth it is to look at reviews! People tend to speak their minds, especially if it's a bad product.
Lastly, find reputable brands you can trust. I've gotten dirty molds before, or ones with imperfections that reflect in the resin. It's not super common but always check your molds before diving in!
And Whatever you make should have a purpose or meaning to you, wasting molds happens but it's best to keep waste to a minimum when working with resin!
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