Mod Podge Resin: Two Part Clear Resin for Crafts

Learn all about Mod Podge Resin! This easy-to-use two part clear epoxy and hardener is perfect for all of your beautiful resin crafts.

Recently I shared with you how to use resin – one of my favorite new crafting trends! Now I’m excited to share one of the newest products on the market, and it’s Mod Podge branded (wahoo!). Meet Mod Podge Casting Resin, your new best friend. At least my new best friend!

If you’ve never used resin before, you’re going to want to jump in once you see everything that you can do with it. Check out this one minute video that gives you a good overview of what you can make, from jewelry to coasters and more:

Before you dive into resin crafts, I want to teach you all about this product. And I think the best way to do that is through an FAQ. So what I’ve done is put together all of the questions that crafters have about this product and listed them below.

If you want to try resin, read this first. You can read the whole thing or skip to a question of interest. Either way, this is your education on Mod Podge resin. Continue reading below to learn how to use this awesome product!

Note – you can currently buy this product at Michaels, Walmart, Amazon.

How do I mix Mod Podge Resin?

To mix, begin by measuring out equal amounts of Resin and Hardener – (measure by volume, not weight). Use a separate measuring cup for each part. Once equal amounts of both parts are measured, pour them into a mixing cup. Gently stir the two parts together for 3 minutes. When you start to stir, cloudy swirls will appear.

While mixing, make sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the mixing cup to fully incorporate the two parts. Continue to mix until the cloudy swirls no longer appear and the mixture is clear. NOTE: it is best to only mix the amount that will be needed for each project, one project at a time.

How long after mixing will it then begin to harden?

Mod Podge Resin has a working time of 20 – 30 minutes. During this time, you can mix in additives such as alcohol inks, gold leaf, or glitters.

How can I thin out the resin mixture?

Place both parts into a warm water bath of 80°F, but be aware that the working time will be less than 20 – 30 minutes.

How long does it take to cure?

A project will begin drying within the first 24 hours. However, a Mod Podge Resin project will be fully cured after 7 days.

How should I prepare my work space?

When working with Mod Podge Resin, it is best to work in a room that is well ventilated with fresh air and work in temperate 70°F. Make sure your work table is level and is covered with wax paper or a large plastic sheet. This will make it easier to wipe away resin and hardener spills.

Note: Mixed resin spills, once cured, will peel off the wax or plastic covered work surface easily. Gather all the necessary supplies such as: paper towels, plastic measuring cups, plastic mixing cups, plastic or wooden mixing stick, disposable brush, toothpicks, and a pastry torch. And always were your personal protective equipment.

Is Mod Podge Resin the same as all the other products in the marketplace?

Although Mod Podge Resin may appear similar to what is found in the marketplace, it has a superior lightfastness quality and dries to a hard, clear gloss finish that the leading products do not have. It is also FDA certified food safe, has low VOCs, and is made in the USA.

Is it necessary to wear personal protective equipment when working with Mod Podge Resin?

When working with resin, it is recommended to wear personal protective equipment, such as disposable nitrile gloves, protective clothing, a respirator, and safety goggles. You can even use a cream barrier on your skin in addition to wearing gloves. It is advisable to wear protective clothing as spilt resin can soak through clothing which will not be able to be removed.

It also is recommended that you wear a respirator for fumes, such as a NIOSH approved respirator; be sure the mask fits properly. You should also wear a pair of safety goggles and work in a well-ventilated area with fresh air while creating with Mod Podge Resin. A Safety Data Sheet can be found on plaidonline.com. It is best to clean up spills immediately while wet.

Can a Mod Podge Resin project be decorated with paint?

Once your project has been completely cured, it can be decorated or embellished with paint, markers, ink, and more. Once decorated, it is recommended that the surface be protected by pouring a thin top coat of clear Mod Podge Resin over the decorated surface.

Can I apply resin in layers, and how long should I wait between applying each layer?

Yes, Mod Podge Resin can be applied to a surface in layers. 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.

Can I use a mold when working with Mod Podge Resin? And what types of molds work best?

This product works best with all types of molds. Some molds like a silicone mold will not require a mold release agent, while other types of molds made of plastic polypropylene or polyethylene sheet plastic will require a mold release agent.

How thick can I pour Mod Podge Resin?

You can pour up to one quarter inch (1/4”) thick for each layer.

If air bubbles arise in my project, what should I do?

It is best when pouring Mod Podge Resin, to do so slowly and gently. This will keep bubbles from forming. After pouring, it is best to let the project sit for five minutes to allow any bubbles to rise to the surface. And some bubbles will form, however, they can be removed.

To remove bubbles, blow across the surface through a straw. This will remove bubbles that have worked their way to the top. You can also use a small pastry torch or heat gun to remove bubbles.

Is cured Mod Podge Resin waterproof, food safe, heat resistant?

Yes, cured Mod Podge Resin is waterproof. It is also FDA certified food safe when properly mixed following the instructions provided with the product.

Mod Podge Resin is heat resistant up to 110° F. If exposed to higher temperatures, a project may yellow. Note: this product is NOT recommended for decorative hot plates.

Is Mod Podge Resin self-leveling?

This product is self-leveling. It is very important to make sure your working surface is level.

What can I use to color my Mod Podge Resin?

The best colorants for resin are Mod Podge Alcohol Inks, glitters, mica flakes, mica powders, and more. It is best to use products that are not water-based. However, if you do use a water-based colorant, use it sparingly and make sure to mix thoroughly with the resin. If not, spots and streaks will appear.

What do I do if my Hardener has yellowed?

Once Mod Podge Hardener has yellowed, it does not need to be discarded. It can be used with projects that incorporate the use of Mod Podge Alcohol Inks or glitters, etc. where clarity is not an issue. However, if the project needs to dry clear, it is best to use fresh resin.

What happens if Mod Podge Resin freezes?

Mod Podge Resin should not freeze as the product is not water-based and should be used in temperatures of 70°F. If either the Resin or Hardener bottles are cold to the touch, it is best to place the bottle in a warm water bath for several minutes to bring the product back to room temperature. NOTE: Be careful not to get any water inside the bottles.

What is the best way to avoid drips on the back of a canvas?

Before pouring resin on canvas, tape the back-side edges with painter’s tape. Pour the resin allowing it to flow over the edge of your canvas. Coat edges well. Let dry. Once cured, remove the painter’s tape along with all the drips.

What is the best way to clean up easily and effectively when using Mod Podge Resin?

Wipe down all surfaces while the mixture is still wet. Use paper towels to clean up measuring cups, mixing cups, and any mixing tool which can be saved and reused on other Mod Podge Resin projects.

What is the best way to incorporate Mod Podge Alcohol Inks or glitters?

The best way to incorporate Mod Podge Alcohol Inks into a mixed resin is to add 1 drop of Alcohol Ink, at a time, and stir after each drop has been added to ensure the colors are completely mixed with the resin.

Additional drops can be added as needed to achieve the desired color intensity. When adding glitter to Mod Podge Resin, it is best to pour off a small amount of mixed resin, add the glitter, and then stir completely before pouring.

Will any shrinkage occur with Mod Podge Resin?

There is very minimal shrinkage. Unless you take it into the pool (sorry I had to).

Will un-mixed resin yellow over time?

Yes, the hardener part of the product will yellow over time. The product has a shelf life of one year unopened and 6 months lifespan opened. Remember to always close the lid on the hardener right after each use and store in a dark area.

Exposure to air and sunlight will make the hardener yellow faster. Do the same with the resin part, as it also has the same life span of the hardener but it will not yellow over time in the bottle.

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Safety Information

Below is all of the safety info you’ll need for Mod Podge Resin.

Getting Started

• Please be sure to follow ALL safety guidelines when crafting with resin.
• Always read through pertinent Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

Certifications

• Plaid is a proud member of the ACMI (Art and Creative Materials Institute), and as such, all of their products are evaluated in accordance to the ASTM D-4236 guidelines. All products are labelled as required by them, and are deemed safe when used as directed.

Precautions (as listed on the package)

• Danger! Read cautions on individual containers carefully. 
• KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke when using this product.
• Avoid skin and eye contact. Wash hands immediately after use. When using, wear impermeable protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.

FIRST AID

• If eye contact occurs, rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. If skin (or hair) contact occurs, remove contaminated clothing immediately. Rinse skin with water/shower. Wash contaminated clothing before reuse. 
• If on skin or in eyes, call a Poison Control Center or doctor immediately. 
• If swallowed, call a Poison Control Center or doctor immediately. Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting. 
• For further health information, contact a Poison Control Center.

Are Resin/Hardener Toxic?

• Resin/hardener in their uncured liquid state, are toxic. When the two parts, liquid resin and liquid hardener are mixed correctly and cured, they are non-toxic. As the liquid mixture is curing, it creates a chemical reaction, so it is important to wear proper PPE during all phases of crafting with resin/hardener.

Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) 

Always wear proper PPE to prevent skin and eye irritation:

• Always wear a respirator to protect yourself from the fumes. Make sure it is a NIOSH approved respirator, with an organic vapor cartridge (OV).
• Always wear impermeable protective gloves such as nitrile or neoprene gloves. (Do not use latex gloves.)
• Always wear impervious protective clothing to prevent skin contact and/or ruining your clothes. Resin/Hardener can cause skin irritation in some people.
• Always wear chemical safety goggles or safety glasses to protect your eyes. 

Ventilation

• Always work in a well-ventilated area. (Some examples of a well-ventilated area are outside, in a garage with the doors open, in a room with windows open and good circulation of fresh air.)

Additional Care

• Be sure to wash your hands when you are finished working with resin/hardener. Clean well with soap and water paying close attention to our fingernails.
• When sanding, wear a respirator with a particulate cartridge (P). 
• Designate your tools and supplies for working with resin/hardener only.
• After using resin/hardener, be sure to clean up all spills and clean all tools before putting them away.

Disposal

• Dispose of resin/hardener by allowing all mixed liquid to harden and let cure. You can then safely dispose the inert, cured product in your household trash. Never pour unmixed liquid down the drain.
• If you have unmixed resin and hardener contact your local waste facility for proper disposal.

Food Safety

• Complies with FDA 21 CFR 175.300 for coatings intended for indirect and direct repeated food contact use when accurately measured, thoroughly mixed, and fully cured. Adding colorants or glitter will compromise the food safe designation, and a layer of clear resin as a top coat would be required to ensure food safety.
• There are many questions regarding the food-safe designation. In order to be food safe, you must mix the product accurately, thoroughly, and allow it to fully cure. If you do not, you can affect the chemical reaction, and your product might not be food safe. If you add glitter, colorants, or any other additives, the product is no longer food safe. You would need to add a clear top coat of resin (that is mixed accurately, thoroughly, and allowed to fully cure) to completely cover your project for these items to be considered food safe.
• When used to display food on cutting boards, serving trays, and the like – you should NEVER cut food directly on a resin surface.

Low VOCs

• Mod Podge resin/hardener, when mixed and fully cured, are Low VOC as tested in accordance to ASTM D7768. When they are accurately measured, properly mixed, and fully cured, they are considered inert plastic.

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What are your questions? Please leave them in the comments and I will try to answer them as best I can!