Learn how to use resin in crafts! Resin makes the coolest projects; get tips and tricks as well as frequently asked questions for beginners. This is your complete guide.
I don’t know if you’ve heard all about resin, but it’s all the rage these days! I’m really excited to share my knowledge of this product with you, because you can make some of the coolest crafts ever with resin.
Crafts like these keychains, coasters, and wall art.
You can use this clear, dries-hard product to make home decor, gifts, jewelry, and more. If you visit our resin crafts, you’ll see exactly the type of projects you can make.
I don’t know about you, but when I’m starting any new craft I like to know what I can make. I need something to aspire to!
Once you decide that you’re in love and you want to try this craft, it’s time to learn how to do it. Before we start, I want you to take a peek at this video to get an idea of how to use resin. After that, we’ll dive into the details.
Resin for Beginners
This is the part I’m most excited about sharing – the FAQ! This is the “meat” of this post: everything about resin and what you need to know about being successful.
If you have a question, be sure to leave it in the comments. I’d also like to know about your experience with this craft. Let’s dive in!
What is Resin?
You’re probably wondering “what the heck is this stuff?” Well, resin is actually an adhesive in liquid form that also be used as a coating.
Technically you could use it to glue things, but you are going to enjoy it in its cured form, which is a hard and clear coating. And that’s how you will use it in resin crafts.
Epoxy vs. Casting Resin
You’ll hear both of these terms used so I’m going to explain the difference.
Epoxy resins are more viscous and dry/cure faster than casting resins. They are meant for coating applications.
Casting resins are typically used to create dimensional objects such as paperweights, molds, figurines, and also jewelry.
The terms are often used interchangeably as well as the products. You can learn more about the differences between epoxy resin and casting resin here.
Is it easy to work with resin?
That’s actually what I love about it. It’s VERY easy to work with! In essence you are mixing and pouring. You might add a few things. Think about the process as making a very simple recipe using an equal amount of two ingredients.
The biggest “concern” is that resin experiences a chemical reaction, very different from a decoupage medium.
It is non-toxic when cured, but you need to take the proper safety precautions just as if you were dying clothing. Better safe than sorry.
PS: it might sound scary, but it’s not. I feel very safe when using resin!
Supplies You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll typically want to have on hand when making resin art:
- Measuring cups and mixing cups
- Craft sticks or small dowel rods
- Butane torch, heat gun, hair dryer, or 91% rubbing alcohol
- Silicone mat, wax paper, or plastic sheeting to cover your work space
- Silicone molds
- Embellishments (optional): dried flowers, alcohol ink, glitter, gold leaf, and lots of other goodies
- Personal protective equipment – respirator, goggles or glasses, gloves, and clothing to cover your arms. Whether or not you wear this stuff is up to you, but it’s suggested, especially if you have a sensitive respiratory system.
What is the best resin for beginners?
Plaid Crafts has released Mod Podge Resin, and I find it really easy to use. It has a superior lightfastness quality and dries to a hard, clear gloss finish that the leading products do not have.
Mod Podge Resin is also FDA certified food safe, has low VOCs, and is made in the USA.
The craft stores have quite a few brands, so be sure to read the packaging to find out what is best for your needs. I’ve made a lot of things with the Mod Podge brand and always had success, so I can definitely recommend it.
How do you use resin step by step?
- Get your supplies ready and put on your personal protective equipment if you’re using it.
- Mix a 1:1 ratio of Resin (1) and Hardener (2). Be mindful of the amount of resin you need to mix to fill your mold or to cover your project.
- Mix slowly for 3 minutes. Be sure to scrape the sides of your cup for equal mixing.
- Let your mixture rest for 2 minutes.
- Remove any air bubbles with a torch. Keep the torch moving.
- Personalize your project by adding alcohol ink, paint, glitter, flowers, and more.
- Pour the resin into the silicone mold and let rest. Remove any air bubbles again with your torch. Repeat again if you see any additional bubbles.
- Let your project cure for 24 hours before removing from the mold.
Do you really need a torch? If you’re going to do several projects, I’d say yes. You can also exhale on the project (!) or use a lighter to remove bubbles. But honestly, the torch is easiest.
Where do I get the molds?
The silicone molds are the coolest! They determine the shape of your finished project. In fact, you need a mold for a project! You can purchase molds at craft stores like Michaels, Jo-Ann, Hobby Lobby, and then also on Amazon.
I’ll be honest, I had no idea there were so many options out there until I saw some crazy stuff on a craft store run. You can make dominoes or a license plate frame for example . . . so cool!
How long after mixing resin will it then begin to harden?
It typically has a working time of 20 – 30 minutes. During this time, you can mix in additives such as alcohol inks or glitters.
However, be sure to read the instructions for whatever brand and type of resin you buy. If the instructions don’t say, assume the low end of 20 minutes working time.
How long does it take to cure?
About 7 days to fully cure, but you can pop your resin pieces out of the mold after 24 hours. They will feel hard. Then the remainder of the time your project will just continue to strengthen.
Can I apply resin in layers?
Yes. The second layer can be applied once the first layer has set. This could be one to two hours, depending upon the humidity level and temperature in the room.
How do I remove the bubbles?
You can stir slowly or heat up the resin before stirring to help with bubbles – but I find that no matter what, I get bubbles. You should expect them, and don’t worry, because you can get rid of them.
A lot of people use a blow torch, food torch, lighter, or heat gun. That is the preferred method. You hold it over the surface of the project, right above it, and watch the bubbles come to the surface and pop.
If you don’t have access to a torch, you can exhale on your resin project. Yep – it works! I’ve done it. Don’t blow, just get close and gently exhale. The heat pops the bubbles.
Give yourself two rounds of bubble popping to make sure they are gone. Heat the surface and pop the bubbles, wait five minutes and then do it again.
Is cured resin waterproof, food safe, and heat resistant?
Yes it’s waterproof. Resin is typically FDA certified food safe when properly mixed following the instructions provided with the product (be sure to double check the instructions or website for whatever brand you buy to confirm).
Resin is typically heat resistant up to 110° F. If exposed to higher temperatures, a project may yellow. Note: resin is NOT recommended for decorative hot plates. There are high heat resins, which is what I would look for specifically if you need that “feature.”
Should I expect shrinkage?
Is it wrong that I laughed at this question? No, you shouldn’t expect much shrinkage. Maybe a little bit, but not much at all. Unless it goes into cold water (sorry I had to!).
What can I add to resin?
Really anything! My favorite mix ins (to use a frozen yogurt term) are glitter, alcohol inks, paint, dried flowers, charms, clay beads, gold leaf, and flecks . . . and more. People encase some strange things in resin. No judgements here!
Additional Tips
These are my tips for using this product that I would like to leave you with. Please always remember these:
- Work on a level surface area at a warm temp of 70 degrees or higher.
- Open time for working with resin is 20 – 30 minutes.
- You can demold your project in 24 hours.
- The full cure time for your project is 3 – 7 days.
- The shelf life of the product if unopened is 1 year. If it has been opened it is 6 months.
- Make sure to store your bottles in a warm environment, somewhere between 60 – 70 degrees. Also, be sure to store in original packaging.
Now that you know how to use resin, are you ready to get started? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experience in the comments. Talk to me!
Plus here are all of the projects you should try to get going:
Cutting Board • Geode Coasters • Glitter Coasters • Gold Leaf • Ocean Resin Art • Preserve Flowers • Resin Frame • Wood Slice Coasters
Am I able to print this out please
Thank you
Will try! Can you use it as a finish on a decoupage picture? Such as wood or canvas?
Hi Maria! Yes you can. Just make sure the picture is a real picture or laserjet so it doesn’t bleed. And that the Mod Podge is fully dry before applying resin.
Would I be able to use this mod podge resin to make tumblers (cups)?
Hi Jessica! You absolutely would!
What does DIY resin stand for?
It just means “do it yourself” resin. So a kit where you have to mix the components!
My brother just passed away and I’m making something for each family member that is specific to them and my brother and I want to make one for his grave. My question is if I use his memorial card can that go in the resin or will it ruin anything paper? Should I get it laminated b4 I put in any paper? Thank you and thanks for the tips.
Hi Desiree – I’m so sorry for your loss. I recommend using laserjet images with resin simply because it won’t bleed like inkjet. Then you can use it with resin. I’ve never used anything laminated with resin so I’m not sure how it works but . . . plastic items work in resin so I don’t see why a laminated one wouldn’t! That would definitely protect it. Good luck. Again my condolences.
Do you have a video on how to make a square memorial plaque I want to make one in memory of my dad
I wish I did but I do not1 i would head onto YouTube because I bet you would find something you like!
Resin crafts may be very lovely, and their molds make them simple to complete. However, picking the appropriate mold is crucial.
How do I know how much resin to use to fill my mold
Hi Kathy! There’s a resin calculator here: https://www.artresin.com/pages/calculator
Hi hi! If I mix too much resin for my project, how should I dispose of the excess? Thank you!
Hi Clover! I pulled this from online: “Dispose of liquid resin by adding it to your chemical waste stream or by fully curing and discarding it as household waste. Do not pour liquid or partially cured resin or solvent into drains or dispose of it as household waste.”
@Amy, You can also use the leftover in a smaller mold.
I make plastic baits for fishing using metal molds. I am trying to create 3 color baits. To get the look of a tiny rainbow trout with a mold I have. Can I pour epoxy resin on the metal molds? And if I can what would I use to make sure the resin doesn’t stick to the mold? My first thought would be plastic wrap, or wax paper, a friend suggested spray silicone. Please advise on what you think I should try. Email me a response.
Hi Skip! There are mold release products and that is what you would use. Something like this: https://www.walmart.com/blocked?url=L2lwL0Vudmlyb25tZW50YWwtVGVjaG5vbG9neS0zMzkwMC1Nb2xkLVJlbGVhc2UtYW5kLUNvbmRpdGlvbmVyLTQtT3VuY2UvMjQ1NzU2NDM=&uuid=fdf18d37-fc9b-11ed-843a-6f6c726b4671&vid=&g=b
Plastic wrap will stick to resin and I think wax paper as well. I don’t know anything about spray silicone.
So I’d go for the mold release. Having said that if you can find bait molds that are made of silicone you can make your life a lot easier! Good luck.
I took a beginner class and we did “wave” charcuterie board. During the drive home it ran and now is more “marble” than “wave”. Is it possible to use this same board and basically start over putting resin over resin?
Hi Victoria! I know that you can layer resin and it works just fine. I’d try it cause why not? 😀
Using a heating mat with lid reduce cure time, what is the ratio of un-molding on thick projects? Example: a 3d skull mold that would overall be slightly larger than I can fully wrap my hand around
Hi Peep! I’m not sure I understand the question? I think you’re more advanced than I lol.
Hello i found a wood table, I have to remove the top layer. Can I leave the bottom layer of wood and just add resin to the top?
Hi Elena! Yes you should be able to.
Great tutorial! I have always been afraid to use resin, afraid of failing miserably! But, I decided to give it a shot and I’m getting the hang of it slowly but surely. I started with a small heart shaped mold and the one thing that escapes me is how do I know how much resin I need to fill the mold.
Is there a simple way to figure it out? I use volume, not weight.
Thanks,
Claire
Hi Claire! I just kind of guess, but this calculator helps: https://www.upstartepoxy.com/pages/epoxy-calculator?gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw_aemBhBLEiwAT98FMmC9SeSNAe0i8bjhzXiB5LHGu9UTdxXdxkPNDIg1UifRYOBFaR2fhBoCkasQAvD_BwE
Hi , In the section “What is epoxy resin ? ” It is mentioned that the resin that is used in the diy blog is “casting resin” but it looks like the measurements,curing time and other stuff related more to “epoxy resin” . I am just a beginner sorry if missed something.
Thank you
Tnxs how I create in top of plywood like centre table
Hi Salisu! That’s a complicated question I would search on Pinterest for your specific project, or Google it.
Hi ma’am I am new to learn this art form please help me with the resin harden tips
Hi. I am new to resin but a pro at crafting and creating so I am excited to try this. I noticed you didn’t mention anything about buffing sanding or polishing. Is that something you don’t need to do with the Mod podge resin? I always hear people talk about doing that after they have taken it out of the mold
It really depends. To be honest, I have never sanded or polished any resin brand I’ve ever used, and I’ve been using resin for years. Typically when I see people sanding and polishing, it’s larger projects like tables, where you are more likely to get imperfections, etc. I’ve never done a table. I’ve done larger trays, etc. If you do a larger item, I’d assume you might need to sand it also. At some point I need to do a table top and see what’s what, but I haven’t done that yet! Now if you use casting resin to make a paperweight or a solid resin object, you might want to polish and sand it. Again, I’ve just never needed to. I’m either less picky than others or have just gotten lucky I’d say 🙂
Do I need to seal the wood before applying resin
You don’t! You can do it on raw wood.
Hi, I am new to this whole resin world, and I was wondering, how do you get the color in the resin? Do you put color before or after the whole mixing and adding process? Also, how do you ‘cure’ the resin? Is there a specific type of environment that it needs to be in? Or a specific machine?
Mix the resin first before adding color. Then separate out into separate containers if using more than one color, and mix with separate sticks. As far as curing, your resin will dry to touch or remove from molds after 24 hours. The machines you see are UV machines, which dry resin faster than the 12 – 24 hours it takes with no machine. I just let it dry. If I were mass producing pendants (for example), I might get a machine though.
I’ve made a wooden communion cup out of Olivewood from Bethlehem. I am trying to discern how best to finish it so that wine and or grape juice when poured into it wouldn’t penetrate and stain the wood and perhaps cause a bacteria problem. Do any of your products work on the inside of a wooden cup for those purposes.
Thanks
Rich
How do you clean out the containers used to mix resin in once your project is complete? Or do you have to use disposable ones- u was just thinking that if using a heat gun you would not want it to be in a plastic cup that would melt?
Did you use a respirator when working with epoxy resin? Would you consider it safe to use indoors? And with other family members around?