Resin Art – A Complete Introduction to Epoxy Resin Art
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With these instructions, we would like to make it easier for you to get started with the fascinating process of resin art. What is resin art? What materials and techniques you need? You will learn all about what resin is and what you should pay attention to when working with this material. We have also compiled a list of the equipment you will need.
Table of Contents
Resin and Other Important Materials
What is Resin?
Resin is a system consisting of two components: the epoxy resin and the matching hardener. If you mix the two together, the chemical reaction creates a material that you can process for a limited time before it hardens and becomes a hard plastic layer. Art resin epoxy is incredibly versatile. In addition to being used for resin artwork paintings, jewelry, and sculptures, resin is also widely used in model making or for kitchen worktops and flooring.
What is Resin Used For in Art?
So what is resin art? Resin art is a technique from the field of fluid painting, i.e. liquid art. Besides acrylic pouring and alcohol ink, epoxy art is the third casting technique in the group – and a very special one at that. With no other material can you achieve the same brilliance and clarity as with epoxy resin. The art resin epoxy dries out crystal clear and has a strong shine. You can add liquid or powdery color pigments for your resin artwork and create exciting effects with other additives.
Resin painting is an art form that allows countless variations and further developments. Even experienced artists never stop learning – no two results are the same and for those who like to experiment the possibilities are unlimited.
Besides the actual casting of resin artworks with art resin epoxy, it is also a perfect finish for artworks and paintings created with other painting materials. For example, you can pour resin over your oil, acrylic, or watercolor paintings. Drawings and mixed media works can also be enhanced with resin for the final, shiny finish. Furthermore, your works will become perfectly protected against fading and mechanical stress.
Different Resin Materials For Different Applications
There are many different resin products on the market. With resin, you should not try to save money and choose a cheap product, because you will seriously limit the fun. Some of these products do not cure completely or yellow very quickly under sunlight. Therefore you should rather choose a high-quality product that you will enjoy for a long time – because there is nothing more annoying when you create a beautiful piece of art that turns yellow within months.
For casting a painting or a mold, we recommend the Dr. Crafty clear epoxy resin. It is easy to process, completely transparent and has a built-in UV filter.
- Strong, transparent, and fully UV resistant resin
- An easy to use resin and hardener kit with a plastic mixing cup
- Perfect for applications on a wide range of surfaces
Which Surfaces Can You Use Resin On?
Since resin is pretty heavy, canvases are not recommended as a painting surface. If you use them, the weight will press too much in the middle of the canvas, which will bend through – causing the resin to flow into the middle. This will cause a pool of all the resin in the center of the canvas. Therefore, we recommend wooden painting boards. Remember to always use non-absorbent surfaces, otherwise, the resin will be absorbed into the painting ground and disappear.
- A 5 pack of 10 x 10-inch wooden painting boards
- Uniform size and versatile for a range of different techniques
- Smooth, sturdy, lightweight and natural
Which Paints Can Be Used With Resin?
Various manufacturers have developed special, highly pigmented paints. These are perfectly suited for use with epoxy resin. These paints are available either in the form of powdered pigments or liquid, highly concentrated paints. However, not all paints are suitable for use with resin. You should not use water-based products, as the surface will become milky.
- A set of 12 high-quality epoxy resin color dyes
- Powerful pigments - a little goes a long way
- Safe, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly
- A set including 24 jars of fine particle mica powders
- A wide range of vibrant colors for resin art
- Safe pigments that can be used in a wide range of applications
- Highly saturated and fast-drying colored inks
- A set of 14 different vibrant colors
- Extremely versatile dye, blender and gold color included
Cell Effects in Your Resin Paintings
You can achieve cell effects in your paintings with special means. To achieve this, pour your resin on the painting surface and then add a few drops of isopropanol alcohol on the still wet surface.
- 99.5% High purity isopropyl rubbing alcohol
- The set includes 4 x 1litre bottles
- Contains no particles, metals, or trace organic content
Structures and Glitter Effects
You can set super beautiful structures and highlights with glitter, decorative stones, and various crystals. You can either glue them onto the painting ground or place them into the liquid resin.
- 15 different colors of fine glitter for resin
- Ultra sparkle holographic glitter powder for many different uses
- High-intensity pigment and holographic shine
- Special glitter paint additives for emulsion walls
- Child-safe, non-toxic, and easy to use formula
- The additive can add sparkle to all kinds of different paints and emulsions
- A 1lb bag of small glass decorative gemstones
- The stones are rainbow-colored and suitable for many uses
- A range of different sizes or specific colors are available
Aids and Tools for Resin Art
For the casting of epoxy art paintings, you will require some kind of aid or tool. We have listed some of the most important materials for you below.
- Includes 50 8oz resin mixing cups and 50 wooden stir sticks
- Sturdy, durable, and crack resistant plastic used for mixing cups
- Each cup marked with two units of measurement, 1-8oz, and 30-240m
Level includes 3 Leveling bubbles, 2 scale units, and 2 magnets
Non-slip milled bottom, and green acrylic vials for maximum readability
- Solid body and TPR soft rubber at the end caps protects the level from shock
- A safe and durable blow torch with a special safety lock
- Refillable, easy to operate, and highly portable
- Adjustable flame and continuous flame mode
Resin Art Techniques, Tricks, and Tips
How Much Resin do I Need For My Resin Art?
Since resin is relatively expensive, it is important that you calculate the amount of resin you need correctly to avoid wasting too much material. You can use this formula for this purpose:
length × width of the painting surface in cm × 0.158 = required amount of resin in ml
How Long Does it Take For Resin to Cure?
How long it takes until the resin mixture dries depends on various factors. First off there is room temperature, secondly, the time varies depending on the type of resin used.
Casting Further Resin layers
If you want to pour wet on wet, you can apply another layer about 4-5 hours after the previous layer has been applied. This has the advantage that the adhesion is given and you do not have to sand the surface. Otherwise, you must wait at least three days before you sand the surface and apply a new layer. Use very fine sandpaper and clean the picture with water and some isopropanol to remove any residue.
Safety Measures When Working With Epoxy Resin
In addition to your job effectively, you should also protect yourself. Even though high-quality resin is classified as non-toxic and safe, contact with the skin can still cause irritation. Therefore, we recommend that you use nitrile gloves, long-sleeved clothing, and a respirator. Especially when using cheaper epoxy resin and heating paint, toxic fumes can sometimes escape.
- Blocks all organic fumes, vapors, pollen, and dust
- Includes a reusable mask, goggles, and powerful filters
- Fits comfortable and stays cool while in use
Creating epoxy resin art is a really fun and unique process. Resin painting is an art style that can’t be compared to anything else, as it produces completely unique results. We hope that this guide on resin art techniques has helped inspire you to get started!
