Resin is a beautiful material to work with. You can jump straight into the process without worrying too much. However, resin art comes with its own set of drawbacks. First, the learning curve isn’t easy. It can often be overwhelming to beginners.
If you’re wondering where to start, you’re in the right place. Do you want to know what supplies you need and where to get them from? Are you curious about the different approaches? This article will help you out!
Before getting started, there’s a distinction you need to know. People often interchange epoxy with resin. Epoxy is created by using a liquid resin and a hardener. Resin art is simply the process of using epoxy resin.
Let’s take a closer look.
What is Epoxy Resin?
The epoxy resin comprises two components of resin and a hardener. A chemical reaction takes place while mixing the two elements. The liquid resin eventually hardens into a plastic material in a few hours. You get a high-gloss, transparent surface.
Did you know resin is used in industries and boat building too? Moreover, you can use this on kitchen counters, floors, and tables for repair works as well.
Resin art is a mesmerizing process. You can create geodes and waves and so much more.
Molds for Beginners
Are you wondering what molds you should get for your first project? Ask yourself this, what do you want to make? Is this a hobby? Or, do you want to perfect your skills and make a career out of them?
The correct answer is variety. A multitude of molds will help you get better control of the products. You can perfect your design and manipulate the materials with ease. Here are some of the shapes you can invest in.
1. Tiny Molds
This shape is ideal for making bookmarks. It takes a lot of skill to work with such thin and tiny spaces. However, the result is worth it!
2. Casting Molds
If you’re seeking depth effects in your products, you’ll need casting molds. Knowing how to use casting resin is a considerable advantage. You can do multiple layers and use numerous colors.
3. Pyramid Molds
This mold requires patience. It’s hard to remove the bubbles at first. However, once you get the hang of it, you’ll get a masterful design with multiple layers.
Precautions to Take
Safety is necessary with resin art. You’re working with chemicals. People should take this seriously. Overexposure to these chemicals is quite harmful. It’s easy to think, “Oh, I’ll just do it quickly without a mask.” Don’t!
These are safety products you need:
- Nitrile gloves
- A ventilated room
- Safety goggles
- A good mask or respirator
You need to protect your hands and skin. The best way to do it is to get a pair of gloves. Keep a window open for ventilation. More importantly, get goggles and masks while working with epoxy. You don’t want to accidentally spill or inhale the chemicals.
Don’t get roped into the “people can’t work at home” narrative. They can. However, it’s best to find a ventilated space to work in. Resin art is a fun hobby. It became even more prevalent during the lockdown.
If you’re working with resin at home, ensure no one else has access to these products. Your children and pets shouldn’t be exposed to these fumes. Clean the surfaces you work on. It’s best to work away from the communal areas with those chemicals.
What Artists Have to Say
The resin creates a stunning finish to your work. Mixing pigments result in extraordinary art. Unfortunately, learning how to achieve these awe-inspiring effects takes time. Here’s what the experts have to say!
1. Preparation is Key
Amy Murry creates visual masterpieces. She believes in prepping. Whether using a wooden panel or a canvas, it’s crucial to prepare it. It’s not fun, for sure, but it is essential. This extra step gets rid of all the minor imperfections.
Pro-tip: Trust the powerful hairdryer. Keep the machine on high heat and low speed and watch the magic happen!
2. Crystal All the Way
Karen Cain has mastered the art of crystals. She believes in quality products. The artist invests in high-quality chemicals to create the best quality products. Yes, the working time is longer. However, the result is worth the wait.
Pro-tip: Wrap the heat gun with a “Press and Seal” wrap to keep the sticky resin off.
3. Geodes for the Win
It’s hard to look away from the geode-inspired art Flat Land Artistry creates. This mother-daughter duo is unstoppable. First, the pair suggests keeping the perfect substrate level. Without a leveling tool, geode resin art isn’t possible.
Get a tool that works with the products you produce. Don’t allow your base products to sag. Work with good quality products to avoid this problem. Also, priming your subtract is crucial. Otherwise, the moisture from the resin will ruin your piece.
4. Check the Humidity
Jessica Moore is wary of changes in humidity. She claims to stop working when the humidity is 80% or higher. You’ll end up with 5-minutes of working time only. After that, any ink you add may burn. You want to play with colors, not fire.
If you keep your windows open in this atmosphere, your piece will dent. It’s best to invest in a high-quality VOC filter. Otherwise, you’ll notice large bubbles in your art. Always work in 75% humidity or lower!
Final Thoughts
Resin art is a time-consuming and expensive hobby. It takes a lot of hard work and patience. However, it pays off so well! The art pieces are beautiful. And once you hold the artwork in hand, all the hard work will be worth it!
If you’re new to this process, attend a resin course. Learn the basics—Master the more straightforward techniques. Get familiar with all the peculiarities. Also, protect your work from dust particles! Pay attention to what the experts have to say and master resin art in no time!