Are you curious about using resin for your art? Have you seen all the jaw-dropping beautiful pieces of art floating around Instagram and Facebook that were created with resin? If you want to be able to create those amazing pieces of art, you can! Keep in mind, resin has a mind of its own, and no two pieces will look alike, which is part of its greatness. This can also be a good selling point if you’re an artist! Come with me while I lead you through the land of resin!
Ahh, resin
Although epoxy resin can be used in commercial and construction applications, it is quickly becoming a major player in the art world. Artists are using it to create all sorts of amazing art and crafts. The uses for resin are endless.
Seriously.
You can create jewelry, coasters, keychains, tumblers, wall décor, fluid art, suncatchers, faux stained glass, and SO. MUCH. MORE. Heck, you can even make your own signs and house numbers with epoxy resin. If you’re a beginner, start with these easy projects.
Epoxy resin is a a two-part resin that is mixed with hardeners to create a strong and durable product. Because epoxy resin is a resin-based product, it is not affected by water, meaning you can use it in any weather conditions. However, you do want to keep it out of direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to make it last as long as possible and to keep it from prematurely yellowing, although you can buy resin with UV protection in it.
How to use epoxy resin for artists
If you’re an artist, epoxy resin is an excellent product to try out. Whether it’s only coating pieces you’ve painted or you want to create an entire piece of artwork with resin, the process is mostly the same.
While epoxy resin is a relatively simple product, it does require some basic knowledge to create items successfully. First, purchase the correct resin for the project you want to create. Here is a list of my favorite resins. You can find resin at Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, Amazon, or tons of places online.
Next, follow the instructions on the bottles to mix the resin and hardeners together. Each brand of resin can vary, but they are very similar. You can use a wood crafting stick, silicone stick, or metal stirrer to mix it together. I personally prefer the metal stirring sticks.
Once it’s mixed, it’s go time! You should try to apply the resin in a thin layer, as this will keep bubbles to a minimum. If you’re working with layers, let the resin harden and gently sand with 220 grit before adding another layer. And of course, clean up the sanding dust before adding it!
Once you’ve created your desired piece of art, make sure to cover it to keep all the dust bunnies away. Each brand varies, but you can normally handle your masterpiece after 24 hours. It can take anywhere from 24 hours to days for the resin to fully cure, so make sure to give that artwork some time and space!
Pros of Epoxy Resin
Durable – Epoxy resin is extremely durable and will last for many years. When used correctly, there is little to no chance that it will fail. It is scratch resistant and most epoxies can withstand heat of 300 degrees or more. Crazy, right?
Versatile – Epoxy resin can be used to create a variety of items, from signs to furniture and more. It can be mixed with so many different additives to get different textures and finishes. There’s also a bajillion color options.
Creative – It’s fun to create your own artistic items, as well as add your own personal style to your home. It’s also fun to experiment and see what you can come up with!
Clarity – If you take your time with mixing and you are following the instructions correctly, you can get a bubble-free, glass-like, shiny-ass finish that is comparable to none! It is hard to find another sealant/finisher that gives the same results as resin.
Cons of Epoxy Resin
Time-consuming – It can take you a long time to create the items with epoxy resin, although it’s well worth the effort. Mixing, layering, and waiting for it to cure can turn this into a week-long project. And if you mess something up, it can take even longer.
Expensive – The resin and hardeners are expensive, so it’s important to be careful with how you use it. A little bit can go a long way, and it depends on what type of projects you’re making. Luckily, you can buy two gallons or more with most brands, so if you’re buying larger quantities, you’re saving some money.
Messy – Creating items with epoxy resin is messy, as the ingredients are thick and gooey. Luckily, there’s many ways to protect yourself and your workspace. Taking proper precautions can cut down greatly on making a mess.
Experience – While there are some easy projects to start out with, if you’re wanting to do something more complex, you definitely need some experience. If you’re a beginner, I’ve got a nice beginner’s guide that you should check out before you start.
You’ve got this!
If you’re interested in creating your own artistic items, epoxy resin is a fun and exciting product to try out. The process of creating your own items is fun and gives you the opportunity to create something that can be used in your home. While the thought of working with resin can be daunting, it is totally doable. Pick the right resin for your project, read the instructions carefully, and take your time, but not too much time because you’ve only got about thirty minutes once it’s mixed! Resin can really open up your creative and artistic possibilities and abilities. If you’re not the greatest at drawing, you can be an amazeballs resin artist! The pros far outweigh the cons to me, so you have to decide if it’s worth it to you. You can always buy the smallest bottles available and give it a try. I think you’ll find that working with epoxy resin is addictive!