Resin Art: The Complete Beginner's Guide

Do you want to start with Resin Art, but have no idea where to start or what to buy? Then this extensive Resin Art beginners guide is exactly what you are looking for!

Resin Art is the making of jewelry and other art with epoxy resin. Resin Art stands for "art with resin". Epoxy is a synthetic resin with many possibilities.

Are you a beginner and want to know more about making jewelry and other art with epoxy and are you looking for a real epoxy manual? Then read on!

[1] - What is Resin-Art?
[2] - What is epoxy?
[3] - Supplies Resin-Art
[4] - What epoxy do I need?
[5] - What are pigment colors?
[6] - What is UV Resin?

What is Resin-Art?

Resin Art is the making of art and jewelry with epoxy. Resin Art stands for "art with resin". The cool thing about epoxy resin is that you can make all sorts of things with it. From coasters to jewelry, key chains, orgonites and more. Epoxy is also used to finish paintings, trays and even make tables!

To help you get started as best as possible, we have created manuals with fun examples that you can download and print by clicking on one of the links below.

Manuals Resin-Art

How to Make Epoxy Jewelry
How to Make Epoxy Keychains
How to Make Epoxy Coasters

For over 75+ tutorials and inspiration see: Resin Art Tutorials

What is Epoxy?

Epoxy is a liquid synthetic resin. Epoxy is used for making jewelry, art and much more. Working with epoxy is very simple. Epoxy consists of 2 components that you have to combine. An A and a B component. After combining, a chemical reaction occurs in which heat is released and this hardens the epoxy into a hard, plastic-like material.

Epoxy should not be confused with polyester. It looks similar, but the curing principle and properties are completely different. Epoxy is suitable for making art because:

It has almost no odor and is therefore more pleasant to work with in closed spaces.
Epoxy hardly shrinks.
Epoxy is also stronger and adheres better to different surfaces.
Unlike polyester, epoxy is waterproof.

Supplies Resin-Art

You don't need much to start making Resin Art. To start with resin art you need some basic products:

Epoxy of your choice
Decorations
Pigment colours or powders
Auxiliary materials (mixing cup, stirring paddles, gloves, etc.)

If you have ordered these products, or have them at home, you can start making Resin-Art with epoxy. In the next heading we explain the difference between two-component epoxy and UV resin .

Which epoxy do I need?

We help you with your choice. The use of suitable epoxy is important for the end result of your artwork. We have two types of epoxy resins that both have advantages and disadvantages.

Epoxy casting resin . A high-quality 2-component epoxy. Widely applicable universal epoxy for making art, coating and laminating. This epoxy has a very simple mixing ratio of 1 to 1. Mix the resin (bottle A) and the hardener (bottle B) according to the ratio. Stir the mixture for three minutes and also scrape along the edges of the mixing cup. After pouring, the curing begins. After 12-24 hours (depending on temperature and layer thickness) this epoxy is at final strength. Suitable for large and small surfaces. You can pour this epoxy up to 3 cm deep.
UV Resin . UV resin is a 1-component epoxy and is ready to use. You do not have to mix this resin in advance like a 2-component epoxy. UV resin hardens within a few minutes by means of UV light. No hassle and handy if you want to work quickly! Suitable for small surfaces such as making jewelry and other art. You can pour this resin up to 0.5 cm deep.

Our advice

For making Resin Art jewelry, in silicone molds of maximum 0.5 cm deep, we recommend UV resin ready-made. UV resin is supplied as standard with most of our starter kits . This is the most basic resin for beginners. Specially developed to make art quickly and easily. Very suitable for making small jewelry such as earrings, rings and pendants.

For large and small Resin Art , in silicone molds deeper than 0.5 cm, such as epoxy coasters, figurines or jewelry, a 2-component epoxy resin is most suitable.

What are epoxy pigments?

Epoxy pigments are specially developed colorants that are suitable for mixing with epoxy resin. Available in powder, liquid or paste form, they can be used for a variety of applications such as jewelry, coasters, artwork, tables and floors.

Each type of epoxy pigment has unique properties and effects, so there is a suitable pigment for every application. Below we discuss the 4 most chosen pigments.

1. Powder pigments (Mica powder)

Give your art a luxurious look with metallic powder pigments. For example, choose the special epoxy Metallic pigment powders from itsOkay. These powders are available in 24 beautiful colours and are among the absolute bestsellers. Metallic pigment powder provides a light metallic colour with shimmer. With 10 grams of pigment powder you can colour approx. 1000 grams of epoxy through and through. A small amount is therefore already enough for your project.

2. Transparent and opaque pigments

The transparent and opaque pigments of itsOkay are specially developed for creating the most beautiful Resin Art artworks. These pigments mix excellently with all types of epoxy resin or polyester. The great thing about these color pigments is that you only need a few drops of pigment to create beautiful effects.

Transparent pigments provide a light opaque colour and are therefore still transparent. Opaque pigments provide a beautiful colouring and opaque effect.

3. Pinata alcohol ink

With special ink for epoxy you can create fantastic effects in epoxy resin. The best ink for epoxy is alcohol ink from Pinata alcohol ink . This ink is often used for making Resin Art jewelry and coasters, but can also be used on all non-porous surfaces such as ceramic, wood, stone, glass, metal, plastic, paper, canvas, vinyl, leather, foil, acrylic, polymer clay and more.

4. Epoxy pigment paste

Epoxy pigment paste provides a full covering and even color. The pots can be ordered per color. For example, choose Epoxy pigment paste . These high quality colors can be ordered in more than 23 colors.

You only need 2-3% epoxy pigment paste to achieve a full opaque color. Widely applicable to e.g. epoxy, gelcoats, topcoats, casting resin in the desired color. Colors: white, black, gold, silver, blue, red and more!

What is UV Resin?

UV Resin is resin that hardens by means of ultraviolet light (UV light) . UV resin can be easily and quickly hardened in direct sunlight or under a UV epoxy lamp. After hardening, the end result will be hard and glassy, just like with epoxy. UV resin is often used for making Resin Art jewelry and other small art.

UV Resin was specially developed by epoxy shop itsOkay. We have come up with a formula that is most suitable for making jewelry and other small art. UV resin consists of 1-component and is ready to use. Thanks to a handy spout, you can pour the resin directly from the bottle into a silicone mold. Our epoxy resins are long-lasting UV-resistant, so that your art remains beautifully clear in the long term.

More information?

Do you have questions about making art, jewelry or casting/coating floors or other objects? At itsOkay, several epoxy experts work with each their own expertise. We are happy to help you.

Please contact itsOkay customer service or take a look at the Epoxy knowledge center .