Resin Art

Resin Art & Kunst

Resin art has become very popular in recent years. More and more people are discovering the creative possibilities of working with epoxy resin, also called resin.

Resin art includes various techniques such as pouring flowers, photos, paintings, casting with color pigments, making jewelry, key chains and coasters. To help you get started with your resin art projects, we will discuss the most commonly used materials and their applications.

What is resin art?

Resin is the collective name for various types of synthetic resin, or resin art epoxy. Epoxy is the same as epoxy casting resin. Epoxy casting resin is often used for making resin art. It is a two-component epoxy that only hardens when the resin and hardener are mixed together. This gives it a simple mixing ratio.

When you mix the two components, a reaction starts which causes the liquid mass to slowly harden. The hardening time varies per brand, but is usually between 24 and 48 hours.

After mixing, you have a working time before the mass hardens for casting or modeling. The hardening time depends on several factors, such as the ambient temperature, the amount of resin mixed, and the brand of resin you use. In general, the warmer the room temperature, the faster the hardening.

What is resin used for?

From tableware, jewelry and furniture to art and decoration, resin art epoxy has a wide range of uses. The great thing about epoxy resin art is that you can create almost anything, especially when you use resin art molds to cast shapes. By using color pigments in your own favorite decorations, each piece of art is unique. Some common resin art projects include:

• Pendants, rings, jewelry and ornaments cast in silicone molds or charms

• Casting tableware such as trays and coasters

• Making paintings, clocks and other wall decorations

• Epoxy jewelry

• Epoxy coasters

• Preserving dried flowers and natural objects such as insects

• Coating furniture with resin

From small resin art projects that can be made in an afternoon, to large paintings or tables that can take days, creating resin art is incredibly addictive. Time and time again you can create the most unique works of art, exactly to your taste.

Resin art applications

Resin is therefore suitable for various applications for resin art. The versatile material can be poured into silicone molds, after which you can create the most beautiful works of art. What do you think of resin art coasters or jewelry, for example?

When you start with resin art, you will need different materials. Premium is a commonly used epoxy, which is known for its low viscosity and because it is extremely clear. This makes it very popular for making a transparent artwork. Do you prefer resin art with colors? Then you can choose different colors of pigments , alcohol ink or dyes. By applying this carefully, you can ensure an even color in your resin.

Silicone molds for resin art epoxy

There are special molds for resin art projects, made of flexible and easy to remove silicone. The choice is huge; from abstract artworks such as statues or a rose in a cube, jewelry or geometric shapes. At itsOkay you can order high quality silicone molds especially for resin.

We have a large amount of different molds in stock. This way you will always find the right mold for your epoxy project. In our assortment you will find a large selection of Resin Art molds for making jewelry, tables, coasters, key rings and more. Our high quality silicone molds do not stick to epoxy, so you can use them multiple times.

Because we have a wide range of different types of molds, you can make anything with resin. Some examples:

• Small molds
  The small molds are ideal for making small works of art. Think of coasters, key rings and jewelry such as earrings and pendants.

• Silicone Alphabet Molds
  Do you want to make a key ring with the letter of your own first name? The silicone alphabet molds are perfect for this. For the best result you can also use decorations.

• Large molds
  The large molds are suitable for large resin art works. Think for example of a beautiful clock, round table or for example a pot or statue.

Resin art accessories

To make working with epoxy even easier, we offer various handy accessories. For example, you can effortlessly remove air bubbles with the Bubble Blaster or mini gas burner and with a digital scale you ensure an accurate weighing of the epoxy. You have also come to the right place for stirring spatulas, silica gel, combi tools and other auxiliary materials. Discover our full range of Resin Art accessories here!

In addition to the basic products, there are a number of useful tools that will make your resin projects easier:

• Silicone mixing cups or containers

• Bubble Blaster (for removing air bubbles)

• Stirring spatulas

• Sandpaper in different grit sizes (e.g. for polishing)

• Protective clothing for your skin such as gloves , face mask, safety glasses and possibly a half-face mask

• Cocktail sticks (useful for making patterns).

Working safely with epoxy

Epoxy is a chemical product. It is important to work carefully and safely. Always wear gloves and covered clothing when working with epoxy. Also work in a well-ventilated area, because epoxy, although in small quantities, can release volatile substances during curing. If good ventilation is not possible, use a suitable vapor mask .

At itsOkay epoxy we only supply high-quality epoxy resins from renowned European manufacturers that are ISO 9001 certified. Our epoxy resins have been thoroughly tested for quality, durability and safety for both people and the environment. We do not sell epoxy resins with the GHS08 and GHS06 hazard symbols.

For more information about working safely with epoxy, please read our informative article: " FAQ - Working safely with epoxy ".

Working with resin art therefore requires, besides creativity, also the necessary caution and personal protection. Our resin has been extensively tested so that you can work safely with it.

Resin art techniques

Now that we've covered the basic supplies and safety precautions, we can get started on our first resin art project!

There are several techniques to work with when creating resin art. Below we would like to give an overview of some commonly used methods for various applications with resin art epoxy.

1. Casting in resin art epoxy molds

This is by far the most used technique. Cast your own beautiful jewelry such as earrings, pendants and rings or create beautiful works of art such as coasters and photo frames. You can pour the resin directly into a silicone mold, but you can also mix it with colorants or unique decorations such as glitter, photos, hair or dried flowers. After hardening, you remove your creation from the mold and you have created a beautiful unique work of art such as an epoxy coaster or jewelry!

Also experiment with colour pigments in resin. Metallic and pearl pigments give spectacular effects in combination with our clear epoxy. Choose pigments that are suitable for use in resin, so you know for sure that the colour mixes nicely and does not curdle.

Did you know that there is also UV resin ? This dries extra fast under UV light, making it ideal for smaller works of art.

2. Coating and laminating

Resin is one of the best products to give your artwork, furniture or countertop a sleek and professional finish. With epoxy resin you create the perfect protection against external impacts or scratches. A thin layer of epoxy resin is applied to a surface, such as wood or other materials. This protects and strengthens the material and gives it a beautiful shine.

A resin coating adheres perfectly to all kinds of surfaces. From wood to stone, concrete or metal. Our experts have written an article about how to apply a coating to wood, for example. Basically, it works the same on almost all surfaces. You can read all about it here: " Applying epoxy coating to wood ".

Applying a resin art epoxy coating

Applying a Resin coating is a simple process and works as follows:

• Preparation. Make sure the surface is clean, dry and free of grease. Sand the surface if necessary to ensure the resin will adhere properly.

• Mixing the resin. Mix the resin and hardener according to the ratio as indicated on the packaging of the product. Stir the mixture for 3-5 minutes.

• Applying the coating: Apply the resin coating evenly to the surface with a brush or velour roller. Take into account the maximum layer thickness. Sometimes you can also pour this and then simply spread the resin with your hands if you are wearing gloves.

• Curing: Allow the resin to fully cure according to the instructions on the packaging (at least 24-48 hours).

• Finish: You can choose to polish the surface after curing for an extra glossy finish.

3. Modeling

Instead of casting in a mold, you can also sculpt free forms with resin. You can apply resin to a surface, or gradually build it up by stacking layers on top of each other. This is a technique that requires a lot of practice and patience, but with which you can create fantastic 3D works of art such as miniature construction.

4. Inlay work

Applying objects and materials to the still liquid resin, so that they are embedded in the hardened clear result. Think of applying fragments, shells, tiles or photos. You name it.

Experiment with applying pigments in different layers in your artwork, this will create depth and interesting color transitions in your resin art object.

Special effects in resin art artworks

Epoxy artworks are a lot less, without the use of special effects. With your resin art project you can therefore use all kinds of effects. These effects can immediately make a real eye-catcher of your epoxy resin projects. A few examples are:

1. Luminous glow
   Do you really want to make something special from resin art? Then adding luminous glow can be a real must. You not only provide a luxurious look, but also a unique object in the dark.

2. Epoxy pigments
   When making Resin epoxy art, you can use various colors. By using pigments, glitters, dyes or other necessary materials, you can give your creations a big boost right away. This is not only the case for small projects, but also for large projects such as a river table.

3. Decorations
   Adding decorations to your resin art can instantly create a real eye-catcher. Think of a dried flower in your epoxy coasters or colored balls in your earrings.

Extensive range of Resin Art at itsOkay.nl!

Check out our extensive range of resin products, dyes, molds and tools to get started right away. We have also put together a great value starter pack with all the supplies conveniently together in one beautiful package.

Get inspired by the beautiful examples and other beautiful resin art creations made by other hobbyists. You can find these reviews (often with photo) at the bottom of each product page on our website.