Crafting with resin is growing in popularity. It’s a relatively simple art form, but there are many wonderful techniques that can enhance the process. As a beginner it may seem a bit complicated to get started. That’s why I am here to help! If you use these 9 superior tips for resin art beginners, you will be making beautiful resin art to keep or sell in no time!
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Table of Contents
1. Figuring Out What Resin To Use
Of course if you are just starting out, this is going to be a big decision. In fact you may not even know that different types of resin exist. Here are the types you should know about.
Epoxy Resin is the most commonly used resin for crafting and is by far the easiest to work with. If you are just starting out, this is the specific type of resin I would recommend for you to use.
Benefits to working with Epoxy Resin
- Longer Shelf Life
- Not Affected By Many Environmental Factors (Such As Humidity)
- Longer Pot Time (How Long You Can Work With It Before It Hardens)
- Can Be Mixed Easily With (Acrylic paint, Mica Powder, ect.)
- Most Epoxy Resin Will Dry Clear (Less Yellowing)
- Less Harmful Than Other Types Of Resin
Polyester Resin is superior to epoxy resin in the sense that it dries much harder and clearer overall. However, I do not recommend it for beginners because the pot time is drastically less than that of Epoxy Resin. This gives you only a short amount of time to work with it. This would not be good for someone new to resin who is still slowly getting the hang of things.
Benefits To Working With Polyester Resin
- Cheaper
- Dries Harder And Clearer
- Can Be Buffed And Shined More Easily
Polyurethane Resin is similar to polyester resin as it dries extremely hard with even fewer curing issues. It however is moisture sensitive. Climate as well as using too much liquid dye could jeopardize your projects. Be sure to use colorant designed for this type of resin.
Benefits To Working With Polyurethane Resin
- Dries Hard With Fewer Curing Issues
- High Heat Resistance After Curing
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2. Proper Safety
Always practice proper safety when handling and breathing around resin. Most resin has toxic fumes and are quite poisonous. Therefore, you do not want to breathe in or allow resin to come in contact with your skin.
To be perfectly safe when handling resin there are 3 important pieces of safety equipment that I highly recommend. Not just for beginners, but for anyone working with resin!
- Blue Nitrile Gloves
- Safety Goggles/Glasses
- A Respirator
If you are using these 3 things you can safely work with your resin without having an unfortunate accident such as inhaling fumes, getting resin all over your skin, or splashing it into your eyes.
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3. How To Mix Your Resin
Mixing resin may seem simple enough, but there are ways to make it much more efficient. Many epoxy resins will require you to use 1 part resin to 1 part hardener. However, be sure to check your specific resin kit for directions and clear measuring procedures. Most of the time your kit or bottles will give you the clearest instructions based on the product.
If you are in fact using a 1 part resin to 1 part hardener kit, then here are a few tips for you.
Estimate your project by volume. The closer you are, the less resin you will waste. Resin isn’t exactly cheap so saving where you can is great.
Let’s have an example.
I am making a resin coaster that requires roughly 40 milliliters.
I will then need 20 milliliters of resin and 20 milliliters of hardener for this project to equal my 40 milliliters needed for the coaster.
Make sure the measuring cups you use for your resin are marked clearly so you can always get your amounts accurate. I recommend measuring your resin and hardener separately rather than in the same cup so you can be sure your measurements are correct. Pour any excess back into your bottles.
4. Pouring Resin
My biggest tip for resin art beginners is to take your time when pouring resin. Resin sometimes has a tendency to come out quicker than you are ready for. If you are unsteady when it comes to simply pouring your resin, you can use large plastic syringes or droppers depending on your project. Be sure not to overfill your resin molds.
When resin leaks onto the outside of a mold you can end up with unsightly appendages attached to your project which creates more unnecessary work for you. It can even ruin your project completely if you cannot remove it without destroying your work.
Take your time and be as careful as possible. Pour slowly and attentively.
Also, if you’ve noticed, resin is extremely sticky and it adheres to many surfaces. Once it hardens on certain surfaces it is nearly impossible to remove.
If you want to know what materials epoxy resin won’t or will stick to you can check out this helpful post. – “What Does Epoxy Not Stick To?”
5. Removing Bubbles
When working with resin you are going to notice that bubbles occur. They begin often in the stirring and mixing process. Once you pour the resin you will notice many bubbles on the surface. Some will be large and unsightly. Others may be small and throughout the resin artwork.
The best way to remove bubbles is to run a heat gun over the surface of your resin project. Hold the heat gun a bit away, but enough to blow on the surface. You will almost instantly see many of the bubbles popping and vanishing.
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Be sure not to hold the heat gun too close to your work as it may blow out your resin and ruin your work. Use care and you will notice that as your resin cures it has fewer bubbles.
6. Curing Your Resin Art
All resin is different, but many epoxy resins require the same kind of environment to cure. You will want a temperature that stays relatively consistent and does not fluctuate. A room where the climate is well controlled to about 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit is typically best suited. You do not want to place your resin in a cold or damp place.
If the temperature is below 70 degrees you may notice that the resin does not cure at all. Some resins are made differently however and can withstand lower temperatures.
Be sure to cover your resin piece with a cardboard box or something similar to prevent debris from falling in it while it is still curing. I cannot count the amount of times a cat hair ended up in my art work!
7. Sanding Your Resin Projects
This is an optional step, but typically necessary to a certain degree. Many times your resin artwork will cure with sharp edges. I recommend wet sanding your resin art starting with around a 150 grit wet/dry sandpaper. Simply pour a bit of water onto the paper or wet the art piece itself.
In a circular motion you can rub your resin art piece onto the surface of the sandpaper until the sharp edge is flat or dulled. You will notice that your resin piece now has a milky color on that area of the piece.
I recommend moving up to a 400 grit and repeating the process all the way up to a grit to 1000 or even 2000. Sanding can take a lot of time, but you have to sand gradually to reduce the appearance of the scratches you’ve made. Here is a tutorial video that I really like for sanding resin pieces that may help you get a better understanding.
8. What Can You Make With Resin?
Starting out as a beginner with resin you may wonder why types of things can you even make with it. Here is a list of the most common things you can make with resin.
- Coasters
- Necklaces
- Earrings
- Charms
- Keychains
- Combs
- Trays
- Jewelry Boxes
These are just a few easy things you can make with your resin. There are all kinds of silicone molds out there to try out with your resin! Many of these items can be sold online.
Here is a list of 20 Resin Crafts You Can Make And Sell
9. Where Can I Sell My Resin Art?
If you are new to crafting with resin and art curious where to sell your artwork there are a few ways to start doing this. My best recommendation is to open your very own Etsy shop. Simply download the Etsy app on your phone or access it on a desktop.
Create your very own storefront with an appealing name and be sure to fill out all of the information there. List your resin artwork with a great description and amazing pictures.
You can also sell your work online with Ebay or an integrated shop on your website.
I hope this helps you get started with resin as a beginner.
There are so many things to discuss about resin, but this should get you off to a great start! Resin is one of my favorite things to work with and I love sharing tips and advice with others about it. You can do so much with it! If you really liked this post you may like a few of my other resin and craft posts!
This is really interesting! I have been fascinated with all the resin videos that I have seen on TikTok as of late, including some things that I would LOVE to try making myself. That being said, I had no idea where to start. I’m saving this!
I hope this post gives you what you need to get started confidently! I know you would love working with it if you were able to give it a go! Let me know if you do! Thanks for reading!
I am an 80 yr old beginner! I have used the clear school glue,then the resin-just at the learning stage now, but I really enjoy this.
Have only made sun catchers so far,but I have used plastic molds. The last two I did not make as thick as the others,but now I can’t release from the mold. Any suggestions?
Hello Gail!
I’m glad you are trying resin out. It can be a really fun medium to work with. The problem could be with the plastic. You can experiment with mold release spray but if you’re still having trouble I’ve written a detailed post about what epoxy resin will not stick to. https://sinceremommy.com/2021/04/19/what-does-epoxy-not-stick-to/
Best of luck!
I found it difficult to print this out . This is something I really needed to do.
Shyla,
Thanks for a very informative article. I was interested in trying to do some resin art, but I was worried about the lack of ventilation in my apartment and the resin causing health issues for our dogs. Now I am more worried about the amount they both shed and the fact that I would likely be creating pieces that resemble small hedgehogs instead of what I want them to be.
I think I’m going to have to find another way to help control the creative bug.
Thanks again,
Sean
Ventilation is definitely a concern when working with resin. I definitely would recommend an outdoor workspace or at least a room with a vent in combination with a respirator. I don’t have any doggies but I can’t imagine the fumes being good for them at all. It probably is best you find a different craft of choice! Perhaps something with non-toxic acrylic paint!
By the way I “lol-ed” at the hedgehog comment! So funny. We wouldn’t want any of that lol.
All the best and thanks for reading!
I would love to start making things with resin but don’t have the skills or patience! xx
Well I can say when I first started with resin I was the same way. I had no clue what I was doing and I ended up making a ton of sticky disasters! I sort of ended up doing more with it as a challenge to myself. Perhaps someday in the future you will give it a go and maybe end up liking it more than you think! Thanks for reading!
This was all new information to me – thanks for the share!
No problem! I had hoped to at least teach the basics with this post and I’m glad you enjoyed it! I appreciate you taking the time to read!
Wow……resin arts are lovely. Would like to try this. Thank you for sharing this guide.
You are so welcome! I hope you get a chance to try it out! Nothing is more satisfying than making your own functional resin art piece!
These are so effective, my daughter loves arts and crafts and would really love to do these, I would definitely need to help and supervise though I think with this one.
My husband has actually been looking into doing a Epoxy resin floor, I wonder if it’s the same stuff. I’ve never come across before then twice in one week.
Another great post though, as always!
I am sure you and your daughter would have a great time learning to make resin projects together!
It is great that you mentioned resin flooring! It is definitely used for many household diy’s. Flooring and table/countertops are quite commonly made with poured resin. Typically a more durable type of resin is used. It really is fascinating stuff!
Thank you for reading and good luck with any future projects you choose to do!
This is really helpful information for those looking to get into resin art. I’ve heard about resin art before but know very little about it. Reading all of these tips has me curious about it, so I may have to get some supplies and try my hand at resin art in the future.
It is really fun and even addictive to work with. I hope you do get a chance to try it!
Made my first tray an coasters an they came out great . Set hard but I’m wondering about all the different resins.it’s a very costly hobby as I got a large tray an 2 coasters out of litre of resin 1to 1 ratio . I don’t think I’ve enough left to do another 2 coasters maybe 1 xu
This is all new to me and it was a very fun and interesting read. Thanks so much for sharing.
You are welcome! I am glad I could enlighten you a little bit about resin and of course I hope you get to give it a go sometime soon!
I am trying to learn this. This post was very helpful and I am 72years old. I think I will enjoy doing this.
This is all totally brand new to me! It sounds really cool for making things at home!
Rosie
You definitely can make a lot of things with resin. Many of which can be used in your household. Some advanced resin projects include lamps, tabletops, counters, and trays! There are so many possibilities!
I have never considered making things out of resin before but your post has sparked my interest! Thank you for these useful tips!
I love crafting of all kinds. Whatever can be made by hand or with tools, or whatever, just let’s create something!
However, this resin thing has been on my mind for a long time now. My heart first bounced when I saw a wooden table with a resin pouring between the cracks. I really do not know which of these you mention was used for that, I didn’t even know there are different ones, LOL.
I guess, when I decide to start, I should still start with little things, however-perhaps choose one of your beautiful creations and try to do it.
By the way, do you have, like a separate workshop at home where you create or have you somehow incorporated it inside your home?
Yes there are many kinds of resin and I had no idea there were so many kinds when I first got into it. I just thought it was a one size fits all type of thing! I love that you mentioned tabletops with resin because I truly enjoy those types of projects as well. For that kind of resin DIY there is specific table top resin to use.
I recommend Superclear premium clear cast resin for that. It’s a more affordable tabletop resin and also is food safe. However, there are a few other premium brands of resin I’ve yet to try.
Thank you so much for stopping by to read! I appreciate your craftiness! 🙂 Have a lovely day.
Resin always interested me, but don’t really have the space to do it right now, but will keep this post in mind when I give this a chance! Thanks for sharing x
I have been working with resin off and on for 2-3 years now but due to covid, and being a second time mother to twins I am seriously thinking of becoming a stay-at-home-Etsy-mom. I found this very helpful and I love dr crafty resin I have found it is the easiest to work with and has the most pot time to work with. It is also very clear and has minimal bubbling. And I find it to be very fair priced. That being said I have not yet created an Etsy account but will be doing so soon and I’m knew to this whole blogging thing, but I wiould love to support you so I will be purchasing my resin threw you! Thank you so much for this and best of luck!!
I am sorry I am returning this comment so late! It must have gotten lost in the mix. I fully support your idea to become an Etsy mom! I wish you all the best of luck and I am really happy you’ve decided to purchase through my links. It really does mean a lot. Feel free to reach out if/when you open your shop and I’d love to give you a shout out!
Thanks for the info. I have a outdoor table that I created a sun mosaic using glass gems. I plan to use epoxy over to fill in the gaps. I’ve never worked with epoxy, so this article was helpful to a certain degree. If you have any other articles or tips I would be most appreciated. Thanks.
Good luck with your project! Just remember that if you have loose pieces they may float or migrate after pouring. It would be best to make sure they are fastened down or at least monitor the pieces before it completely cures. I plan on having more tutorials in the future. Stay tuned!
Im using one of those 3d metal letters in a project. I used old DVDs as tiles and glued them on and I’m wanting to use resin to pour on top so it protects the DVDs and also gets in the spaces between each tile. Any tips on how to go about it? I’m worried about getting it even on the sides. I was going to use unsanded grout but some of the shiny stuff on the DVDs is to sensitive to rub.
Hello! That sounds like a great project first of all. I do think you will have success with the resin when you pour it over this type of art work. Resin usually will fill in most gaps on its own. I like to put resin in condiment bottles with the pointy tip so that I can precisely pour. You can also use a resin syringe or dropper. I hope it turns out well for you! Do let me know!
I tried resin and I have two coasters that won’t dry they are sticky. I mixed the same amount, I stirred it but not sure how to stir. Any tips on that? I read above but not what I really need. It was my first time. Thank you.
Hi Diane! Sticky resin can be solved in a few ways. The top reason why resin stays sticky is due to mixture issues as you mentioned you may he having. I highly recommend pouring complete equal parts resin into a container. Preferably one with measurements. Use a straight popsicle stick and stir the resin and fold it together. This can take up to 3 minutes.
If the container is clear you can almost see each individual liquid. The resin and hardener will appear sort of swirled together. You need to stir until they look entirely the same. Like one fluid mixture. Scrape the sides with the popsicle stick tightly and all the way around.
The resin should cure in a room temperature area also. If it is too cold it may never cure properly. Also if you are using an odd brand of resin you may even experience some curing problems. In addition if you add too much ink, mica powder, or any other colorant it can prevent the resin from curing.
Do let me know if this helps! I will write a post on how to handle sticky resin projects in the future!
Once I pour it on the top will it flow down the sides and coat it evenly and stick to the sides? I wish I could post a pic to show you. I spent friggin hours separating and gluing those durn DVD tiles on and ill freak if I screw it up. Should I pour one side at a time?
So typically when you pour resin over something it will naturally run down the sides. It will not run down evenly. You would have to spread it out. I highly recommend resin that is “self leveling”. Clear Cast resin would probably be best. That being said it will depend on your set up as well. Your art piece can’t be laying down directly in the resin. It would need to be elevated. I recommend watching some resin pouring videos on youtube and it may give you a better picture. I can’t guarantee anything but most resin that is poured over an art piece and smoothed out on the sides will for the most part turn out evenly coated.
Things like tumblers are difficult because they are not flat and have curve. Let me know if you have any other questions and I recommend checking out some resin pouring videos in the meantime.
This was pretty helpful. One question I have is, are there any types of molds I should not use? I know silicone molds are the ones to use, but there are silicone molds everywhere for everything. Just wondering what type I should steer away from
I love this. Useful tips. I’ve tried making a few coasters and a tray. Came out pretty good. I have a question about doing a coaster with a photo. Also when you place anything in the resin for a coaster should it be face up or down. Thank you
Thanks for the input. Been working with resins for awhile and still figuring things out. I was really curious about selling my projects and where to start and thanks for the input on getting started.Great advise.
Hi, I have just started working with epoxy resin. I am enjoying it so much. However I am finding I am not having much luck with my projects turning out right. The resin doesn’t set up right. I try so hard to measure correctly. It is so frustrating. I don’t know what I am doing wrong. I would appreciate any helpful tips.
Thanks Andrea
A you use a uv light on all types of resin?
I am a beginner,some successes,some failures.I need to practice patience!