Learn How to Apply Epoxy Resin Like a Pro!
Looking to tap into your creative potential with epoxy resin, but don't know where to start? Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to build on existing skills, our guide below has comprehensive tips and tools to help you apply epoxy resin with confidence.
What is epoxy resin?
Epoxy resin is a liquid plastic that starts as two separate liquids - a resin and a hardener. When you mix the resin and hardener together, a chemical reaction happens that turns the liquids into a solid, plastic-like material.
Before mixing, epoxy resin is a thick, syrupy liquid. But after mixing the two parts and letting it sit for a while, it hardens and turns into a solid plastic. This solid epoxy plastic is really strong and durable. It doesn't get damaged by water, chemicals, or extreme hot or cold temperatures.
The best thing about epoxy is that when it's a liquid, you can pour it into moulds or over objects to coat them. As it hardens, it creates a thick, glossy, high-shine coating over whatever it covers. You can even tint epoxy by mixing in colour pigments before it sets.
Crafters love using epoxy resin because it dries completely solid, super shiny, and transparent like glass. This lets you encase objects in a clear plastic shell or create amazingly smooth, glassy coatings over things. With some practice, you can make all sorts of beautiful epoxy crafts!
What is epoxy resin made of?
As mentioned previously, epoxy resin is composed of a resin and hardener. The resin is typically made from epichlorohydrin and bisphenol-A (BPA), which react to form a polymer. The hardener, or curing agent, is often a type of amine or anhydride.
Tools you will need for epoxy resin crafts
Steps are easy but having these following basic tools will help you to easily get started with epoxy resin crafts and allow you to create a variety of beautiful and unique pieces:
- Epoxy Resin Kit: Includes the resin and hardener components, usually sold together.
- Mixing Cups: Disposable plastic or silicone cups for measuring and mixing the resin and hardener.
- Stirring Sticks: Wooden or plastic sticks for thoroughly mixing the resin and hardener.
- Measuring Tools: Accurate digital scale or measuring cups to ensure the correct ratio of resin to hardener.
- Protective Gear: Gloves, safety goggles, and a mask to protect your skin, eyes, and lungs from fumes and contact with the resin.
- Moulds: Silicone moulds in various shapes and sizes for creating resin pieces like jewellery, coasters, and decorative items.
- Heat Gun or Torch: To remove air bubbles from the resin after pouring.
- Spreader or Brush: For spreading resin evenly over surfaces.
- Pigments and Dyes: Liquid or powder pigments to add colour to the resin.
- Drop Cloth or Protective Covering: To protect your workspace from spills and drips.
- Levelling Tool: To ensure your work surface is completely level, preventing the resin from pooling in one area.
- Tweezers: For placing small decorative items or inclusions into the resin.
- Release Agent: Silicone spray or mould release spray to help remove cured resin pieces from moulds.
How to use epoxy resin in your craft
The process of using epoxy resin is fairly simple, involving the following steps:
- To get started, you'll need to mix the resin and hardener according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually in a precise ratio (typically a range of 1:1 - 2:1).
- Once mixed, you can add pigments, dyes, or other inclusions to customise your resin. Pour the mixture into moulds, onto surfaces, or over items you want to coat, ensuring an even distribution.
- Allow the resin to cure for the recommended time, usually 24-48 hours, to achieve a glossy, durable finish.
With patience and practice, you'll create beautiful, professional-quality pieces. Work in a well-ventilated area and use protective gear, as epoxy resin can emit fumes and be sticky.
How do you pour epoxy resin?
To make sure your epoxy resin is poured correctly, it’s important that you are deliberate in your technique. Once you’ve blended the resin and hardener, pour the mixture into your mould or over your chosen surface, starting from the centre and allowing it to flow outward naturally. Use a spreader or a brush to evenly distribute the resin, and gently pass a heat gun or torch over the surface to eliminate any air bubbles.
How long does epoxy resin last?
Once fully cured, epoxy resin can last many years, depending on the conditions it is exposed to. Its lifespan can be influenced by factors such as exposure to UV light, temperature fluctuations, and physical wear and tear. Properly cared for epoxy resin items can maintain their appearance and structural integrity for decades.
How long does epoxy resin take to dry?
The drying time for epoxy resin, also known as the curing time, varies depending on the specific product and environmental conditions. Generally, epoxy resin will start to set within a few hours and reach full cure within 24-48 hours. Some formulations may take longer, up to 72 hours, to fully harden. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.
How to remove epoxy resin
Always use protective gloves when working with epoxy resin to minimise the risk of skin contact because removing cured epoxy resin can be challenging, as it is designed to be durable and adhesive. For small spills or unwanted areas, you can try the following methods:
- Mechanical Removal: Use a chisel, scraper, or sandpaper to carefully chip away or sand the cured resin. This method works best for flat surfaces.
- Heat Application: Applying heat with a heat gun or hair dryer can soften the resin, making it easier to scrape off. Be cautious not to overheat and damage the underlying surface.
- Chemical Solvents: Specific solvents, such as acetone or specialised epoxy removers, can help dissolve the resin. Follow the safety instructions and test the solvent on a small area first.
How to remove epoxy resin from skin
If you get epoxy resin on your skin, it is crucial to remove it as soon as possible to prevent irritation. Follow these steps:
- Wipe Off Excess: Use a paper towel or cloth to wipe off as much resin as possible.
- Wash with Soap and Water: Immediately wash the affected area with warm water and soap. Scrub gently but thoroughly.
- Use a Solvent: If soap and water are not effective, use a small amount of acetone or rubbing alcohol on a cloth to remove the remaining resin. Be sure to wash your skin again with soap and water afterward.
- Moisturise: Apply a moisturising lotion to prevent dryness and irritation.
What can I craft with epoxy resin?
For beginners, epoxy resin offers a fun and accessible way to create beautiful and unique crafts. Examples of crafts you can make with epoxy resin include:
- Jewellery (pendants, rings, earrings, bracelets) - Create one-of-a-kind jewellery pieces by encasing objects, dried flowers, or adding colour with vibrant pigments in a crystal-clear resin setting.
- Coasters - Protect surfaces in style by crafting durable, waterproof coasters embedded with designs, photos, or natural elements preserved in epoxy.
- Decorative trays and catch-alls - Liven up your home decor with custom resin trays featuring marbled, geode, or other unique patterns and shapes.
- Resin art and paintings - Explore your creativity by mixing epoxy resin with pigments, inks, or alcohol dyes to produce stunning abstract art pieces.
- Epoxy resin geodes - Replicate the mesmerising beauty of natural geodes by meticulously layering coloured resin to form realistic crystal formations.
- Resin bookmarks - Keep your place in your favourite books with handmade resin bookmarks encasing dried flowers, photos, or other small sentimental objects.
- Resin keychains - Never lose your keys again with personalised resin keychains featuring your favourite emblems, words, or nature snapshots.
- Cutting boards and serving trays - Create functional kitchenware by embedding decorative materials like wood, metal, or stone into a durable resin surface.
Where can I buy epoxy resin?
Arbee stocks a clear Epoxy Resin Kit in a convenient 2x100g packaging size. This epoxy resin is perfect for small crafts and projects, offering a clear and glossy finish. It's easy to use and ideal for beginners looking to explore resin art. You can also purchase the moulds, frames and accessories from Arbee as well.
Start crafting today with Arbee!