Epoxy for artists
Epoxy is a widely used material in the art and DIY world. It offers a huge range of applications for artists, designers and other creative minds. Whether you want to make your own epoxy painting, cast an object or protect artwork with a transparent glass-like layer, epoxy offers the possibility to easily add depth and durability to your work.
On the left you see a picture of a painting cast with epoxy and on the right you see a painting made of epoxy and color pigments. In this article you will discover how to use epoxy for your creative projects, including making an epoxy painting.
How do you use epoxy for art?
Epoxy is a two-component resin that can be used in multiple ways to create art. You can use epoxy to apply a glossy protective coating to an art object, or create entirely new art by working with epoxy color pigments, for example. Below we describe what you can do to create art with epoxy.
Creative uses for epoxy for art:
Casting paintings
Pour a clear layer of epoxy over paintings or photos and protect the artwork from damage and aging. You also add depth to the artwork.
You can read all about it in the following article: " Applying coating to painting/canvas "
Making epoxy painting
Mix color pigments with epoxy casting resin and create beautiful paintings. See for example the round artwork below made with epoxy, black paste pigment and Pinata Alcohol Ink. By using epoxy you also achieve a deep shine and three-dimensional effect. Ideal for making abstract art or landscapes where color gradient and depth are important.
To color your epoxy painting you can use different pigments, such as:
- Opaque pigment pastes : For an even and full colour layer.
- Metallic powder pigments : For a brilliant, reflective effect.
- Pinata Alcohol Ink : For unique, fluid effects that really bring your work to life. Please note: other brands of alcohol ink generally do not mix well with epoxy.
Casting of objects
In addition to paintings, epoxy can also be used to cast objects such as flowers, shells or other natural materials. See the example above. This gives beautiful results where the objects are preserved in a clear layer forever.
You can read all about it in the following article: " How do you cast objects in epoxy? "
Waterproof coatings
Art objects can be fragile, especially when they are made of delicate materials. A layer of epoxy provides a waterproof protection, making artwork suitable for outdoor use.
You can read all about it in the following article: " Epoxy coating for furniture & art ".
Which epoxy do I need for art?
Not all epoxy resins are the same. The best epoxy for your project depends on what you want to make. The main differences are in the type of hardener and the thickness of the layers. Below is a list of the best options for art projects and creating epoxy paintings:
Premium Art UltraEpoxy : This epoxy is very clear and offers the best results for making resin art and other art. The Premium Art epoxy is also very easy to use and almost always hardens beautifully. Suitable for pouring layers up to 3 cm thick.
Universal epoxy: Suitable for casting layer thicknesses between 0.5 cm and 2.5 cm. This resin is ideal for casting medium-sized objects, both in colour and transparent and also suitable for applying coatings.
Coating epoxy: Suitable for coating with a brush or roller, making epoxy paintings with dyes and clear top layers of a few millimeters. Also ideal for small jewelry.
Large Pours Epoxy : Use for larger pours up to 3 inches thick. Perfect for artwork where you want to create a robust and deep layer. This epoxy is extremely clear and offers the best results for creating crystal clear art.
Casting a painting with epoxy: what should you pay attention to?
Creating an epoxy painting requires good preparation and the use of the right materials. Epoxy can adhere to almost any surface, except silicone and polyethylene. When pouring a painting, it is important that the paint is completely dry. Oil paint and acrylic paint in particular must be completely dry and hardened before applying a layer of epoxy. This prevents unwanted reactions of the epoxy to the paint. How epoxy reacts to paint is always different, because each paint has a different composition. Therefore, always make a test piece before applying the epoxy to your artwork.
Epoxy usually dries faster than paint, especially when pouring thick layers. This offers a creative opportunity to experiment with depth. For an epoxy painting, it is best to choose a fast-curing epoxy, such as the universal epoxy from UltraEpoxy. This epoxy has a processing time of 30 minutes and is fully cured after approximately 12-18 hours.
Materials for epoxy art
For all your epoxy art or epoxy painting supplies, visit our "resin art" category. Here you will find epoxy casting resin , dyes , and all the other tools you need for a successful project.
More information?
Do you have questions about making art or casting objects? Or are you curious about which epoxy you need? At itsOkay, several epoxy experts work, each with their own expertise. We are happy to help you. Contact itsOkay customer service or take a look at the Epoxy knowledge center .