Resin art uses epoxy resin to create an artistic piece, whether with a mold, on a canvas (such as when one would create a pour painting piece), or even protect a completed artwork. This craft is possible because the resin is mixed with a hardener, inducing a chemical reaction that will cause the resin to harden entirely over time. You can add colors to the pieces of work and put objects inside the resin to be seen within the piece.
Resin can play a significant role in other crafts as well as performing as a standalone. It is common to see resin used to complete projects such as making keychains, tables, coasters, beautiful canvas works, jewelry pieces, paperweights, and more. You can craft your resin pieces to fit what you desire, whether it be a beautiful piece of wall art or a keychain to carry around with you using a rose petal from your wedding.
Have you been wanting to begin creating resin art?
The act of crafting with resin has grown in popularity, expanding to households in different countries across the globe. It is a fantastic hobby to learn as you can apply this technique to a large variety of art. Resin is a great choice if you want to preserve items attached to a particular memory or if you want an aesthetically pleasing piece. Your resin can be used as a finishing touch to some projects while it may be another project’s entire base. On this path to learning how to create art with resin, it is crucial first to establish knowledge of the craft.
Resin jewelry has become an increasingly popular choice of craft, along with resin casting. With the tools and materials that are accessible today, you can mimic the appearance of other objects if you please. The materials available can help you mimic things such as “colored glass” pieces or even crystals and rocks. As the craft of resin art grows and expands, the availability of materials continues to broaden to allow new artists to venture confidently into this skill.
Supplies needed for Resin Art
Resin
Creating resin to use in your crafting is a two-part system, but the first part you will need is the resin. Resin is the main product of this craft and categorizes it as a separate form of art than others. Resin is used as a base for plastics and adhesives, protecting and maintaining your art pieces. You can find a set of resin and hardener here that may set you off in the right direction. Most of the available resins available are synthetically-made and will become durable when you mix with hardener and let dry.
Hardener
A hardener is required in this craft to achieve the desired smooth look that resin can provide. While you may not technically need the hardener for your resin to dry, it may have a brittle and crusty appearance if it dries naturally. The hardener activates a chemical reaction in the resin that will cause it to harden into a rigid material after a while without compromising the smoothness the resin provides. The hardener is a necessary ingredient in your resin art if you want it to go as planned.
Base of Choice
Depending on how you use your resin, the base can vary. You could be using a mold to sculpt your resin into a particular shape, or you may be pouring the medium onto a canvas. A great choice of canvas for resin art is wood, making resin utilized frequently in woodworking as a finishing touch to the art.
Resin Pigments
If you would like to add colors to your art, you must add pigments to your mixture. Pigments are available from many sources and can be found in two primary forms: liquid and powder. The choice of which pigment to use is entirely up to you. These colors are what can help you mimic things such as crystals.
Tools
The tools you will need will likely vary from project to project. For the most part, you’ll need a weighing scale, mixing cups, measuring cups, and some sort of instrument for mixing. You may also need silicone mats to protect your work area.
How to Create Resin Art
- Decide What Project You Intend on Creating: The project you are creating will ultimately decide which materials you will need. If you want to do something with resin casting, you will need molds; if you’re going to do something with canvas, you’ll need a canvas. It’s important to know what product you want to produce before starting to be sure you’re properly prepared.
- Gather Your Materials: You’ll want to gather your materials ahead of time to ensure your attention can be focused on the task at hand. Killing your creative momentum by having to find a forgotten tool or supply is the last thing you want to do, after all. It is recommended to have the materials as close to you as possible or around your crafting area to make it most convenient.
- Prepare Your Area: Ensure that you have your crafting area prepared before you begin your work. There is potential to generate some mess with this hobby so you’ll want to take protective measures to keep yourself and your space clean.
- Mix Your Resin and Hardener: The proportions of your resin and hardener will depend entirely on the ones that you purchase. Each product is produced differently and may require vastly different ratios, so always be sure to thoroughly read the instructional packet that accompanies your resin and hardener packs.
- Add Pigments: If you want to add colors to your resin, it is the time to do it. The different pigments may also have certain instructions, so be sure to check for any important information before adding.
- Craft: If you plan to utilize a canvas or wooden piece for your resin art, you will be using some techniques commonly used in paint pouring. The choice of which paint pouring method you use is entirely based on your preference. When you will cast resin, you will want to pour your resin into the molds you have gathered beforehand.