If you want to create one-of-a-kind artwork to decorate your home then why not give resin a go? Resin allows you to create all kinds of super cool pieces whether you prefer jewellery, home decor, or furniture, and it’s easier than you’d think.

Tools You'll Need:

Resin and Hardener: If you plan to make things like coasters make sure you buy the heat-resistant kind.

Mixing Cups: Even better if they come with measurements for mixing your resin accurately.

Stirring Sticks: Many people use thick coffee stirrers for this. 

Pigments and Dyes: This is where you can really make the pieces your own.

Protective Gear: You'll need to wear a mask, goggles and gloves, and you should put a dust sheet down to cover your work area.

Moulds: if you're making a larger wall art then you can tape together a few pieces of wood and clamp them in place.

Power Tool Accessories: This is for your sanding attachments or if you need to engrave anything.

Sandpaper: A mix of coarse to fine will be ideal for getting those edgees super smooth.

Clamps and Tape: Used to hold larger pieces in place whilst they cure.

Dremel: if you need to cut off larger pieces of resin.

Drill bits: For drilling holes in pieces ready for when you hang them up.

Heat Gun: For drying the resin.

 

Step 1: Start Designing Your Piece

Grab your notebook and some pencils as you start to let your imagination run wild. Now is also a great time to think about the dimensions of your piece so you know exactly how much material you’ll need before you start working on it.

We love the latest trends of river tables, art pieces using shells or feathers, and geode-style wall hangings.

 

Step 2: Prepare Your Moulds or Surface

For inlays or river tables, you’ll need to give the area a good clean and perhaps even a sand. If you haven’t already, now is when you need to cut out the part where your resin will “flow” and you can do this using a router.

If you’ll be pouring into moulds then find a level area out of the way for them to stay in whilst they cure. You’ll need to be mindful of the temperature in the area as sudden drops or rises in the temperature can effect the curing process.

 

Step 3: Sealing Wooden Surfaces

When pouring your resin onto wooden or porous surfaces it’s absolutely vital that you seal them first. If not, you’ll end up with a river of resin flowing throughout your workspace damaging anything it comes into contact with.

 

Step 4: Start to Prepare Your Resin

Before you go ahead and mix your resin with the hardener you should read the manufacturer’s instructions and measure out each in separate mixing cups. Every kind of resin and hardener must be mixed in different ratios and have different curing times so it’s always best practice to familiarise yourself with the brand you’ve purchased before you start work.

When mixing resin with hardener you should always mix slowly to prevent air bubbles and be sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the container. Once the two are combined you can add your pigments and dyes.

 

Step 5: Pour the Resin

Slowly pour your resin into the mould being very careful not to overfill your mould. Pouring in small batches allows you to have much more control over the pour so don’t be afraid to split up larger batches of one colour.

Once the resin is poured into the mould you can use a heat gun, hair dryer, or blow torch to pop any air bubbles.

 

Step 6: Curing Time

Follow the instructions for your specific brand of resin and allow it to cure on a level surface for the recommended time. Try to keep the area your resin in curing in at a stable temperature and avoid letting it get very hot or cold.

If you have any pets or small children in the house then make sure you keep it out of there reach. It can also be helpful to cover your resin with something to prevent the dust from settling as it cures.

 

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Gently pop your resin out of the mould and use your power tools to sand off any excess rein. Using your different grits of sandpaper, smooth out any edges for a more professional finish. You can use specific attachments on your power tools to create a mirror-like finish on your pieces too.

 

Extras

If you’d like to create layers in your resin then pour each layer one by one, allowing the previous layers to fully cure beforehand. Objects can also be encased in resin in a similar way. Just pour a little resin into your mould and wait for it to partially cure so you can place your object in a certain place. Then slowly top up the resin until your object is fully covered.