Creating your own piece of art with epoxy resin has been the latest craze. You may see a lot of finished projects, but how does one use epoxy resin? We've done the research for you to find out how to use it and crafts you can use it for!
Epoxy resin is a two-part compound that hardens and can be molded. It comes in liquid form and putty form. The putty form can be used for many different projects, such as furniture repair. The liquid epoxy resin can be used for several home-made crafts, including:
- Coasters
- Pour Art on canvas
- Cutting Boards
- Coffee Tables
- Jewelry
- Paperweights
- Wall Decor
Molds are a great tool to use when working with resin; you'll be able to make all sorts of shapes and forms. Below we've put together a list of crafts that can be done with epoxy resin. Keep reading to find out about your new hobby!
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Project Ideas
There are a plethora of crafting ideas when it comes to resin art. A huge plus of resin is adding different objects into the mixture and even color instead of having a plain clear finish. Also, since epoxy resin is waterproof, you're able to use your creations in multiple spaces and settings.
Coasters
Coasters are a great starting point for beginners. You'll need your resin kit, mold, and any sort of fun fillers! Mix the resin in a dedicated cup, pour half of it into the mold, and add glitter, dye, leaves, and then cover the rest. Add heat to release bubbles and give it enough time to cure before wowing guests!
Click here to view this resin coaster kit on Amazon.
Resin Pour Art on canvas
A fun and easy craft using resin, pour art gives you a unique result each time. You'll have a small set of resin cups that you can mix colors and glitter into for this craft. Then it's all up to you how you'd like to pour it onto the canvas. When you have all the resin on the canvas, start to tilt the canvas, which will spread out the mixture. Wear gloves so you can use your fingers to cover any tricky spots. Finally, use a heat gun to help the resin expand and intertwine, giving you an abstract galaxy finish.
Charcuterie Boards
Wine night just got all the better. Instead of having a plain wooden board, mix things up by adding an epoxy design into it. This craft will require a little more work and tools, however. You'll need to make a boxed-in structure to hold your two pieces of wood and a central area for the epoxy, along with a nonstick liner. Mix your resin, pour it in as desired, add any sort of items you'd like, let it dry, and then time to sand. You'll need to spend some time wet sanding, allow it to dry, and then add the final sealing coat on.
Jewelry
Epoxy resin is very lightweight, making it a perfect material to make jewelry out of. There are molds available to make earrings, hair clips, and pendants. A big plus of making your own resin jewelry is the freedom to customize it. Add your favorite plant leaf or flower, as well as a picture, to a pendant or earrings. Resin can be drilled through and allows you to add chains and ear wire. When your resin gets a little firm in the mold for hair clips, add in a clip and have it set in stone!
Click here to view this resin jewelry kit on Amazon.
Paperweights
If you aren't ready to make something that involves extra steps afterward, paperweights are good middle-ground items to make. Paperweights can be for functional use or purely decorative. Do you collect and dry flowers? Or maybe even cool-looking bugs? Preserve them by encasing them in resin. You'll be able to enjoy looking at them without worrying about the upkeep.
Home Decor
Finally, a mix of a bit of everything. Molds come in all shapes and sizes and can even be custom made! You'll be able to make wall decor precisely as you want it. Create a block of stained glass or sparkling hearts you can hang around your home. Also, the resin is non-toxic, so you can expand it to your kitchen and make a personalized spoon holder. You'll be able to handmade decor for any season and be able to store them safely.
What Kind Of Epoxy Is Used For Crafts?
For crafts, smaller bottles of epoxy resin are available. Resins are explicitly made for crafting projects, as most of these items won't need industrial strength. As you start to shop for resins, you'll notice there are a lot of options! Take your time and read the specifics. What are the ratios of resin to hardener? How long is the cure time? What temperature does it need to be at to mix correctly? Here are two with great reviews:
Click here to view Crystal Clear Epoxy on Amazon.
Click here to view Dr. Crafty Resin on Amazon.
What Is The Best Epoxy Resin For Tabletops?
For tabletop surfaces, it is recommended to use an industrial-strength resin to avoid flaking from heavy usage. A new trend seen in bars is having the bar top made out of pennies or bottle caps, and they're held in place by epoxy. You'll need to buy a specific resin for this project, and it is typically labeled as tabletop resin. This type of resin is best for a thin pour and has a quicker drying time verse thicker craft epoxy.
Click here to view this tabletop epoxy on Amazon.
How Easy Is It To Work With Resin?
It can be tricky at first when you're just learning how to measure out the two parts and understand the curing time. After a bit of practice, though, it will become very user-friendly. The biggest learning curve will be figuring out the curing time and reducing bubbles that form. Then, the hardest part may just be deciding on which craft to make!
How Dangerous Is Epoxy Resin?
There is little to no danger when it comes to working with epoxy. Unless you are extremely sensitive to odors or adhesives on your skin, there is nothing to worry about. However, it is always recommended to take protective precautions to prevent any mishaps. Keep your workspace clean and covered in case of any dripping or spillage. Wear gloves to keep resin off your hands; this will also save you the trouble of removing the resin. Finally, if you are highly responsive to odors, consider wearing a mask even though most resins are odorless.
If you do get resin on your hands, here are some solutions on how to remove it. The first option is to wash with warm water and soap. The second and more used technique is using a cotton ball or rag with vinegar. Vinegar will break down the epoxy resin and make it easier to peel off. And lastly, use citrus-based soap. The acid from the citrus will break down the adhesive properties.
Why Is Epoxy So Expensive?
The main reason epoxy can get so pricey is because of the production costs. Due to the low threshold for error that comes with making resin, the process is very meticulous and requires many high standards. If temperatures or machinery aren't up to code, then a whole batch could be completely ruined and unusable. The two polyepoxides compounds of resin and hardener have smaller tolerances than other resins on the market.
In conclusion
Epoxy crafts might take a few tries to get the hang of, but then become an easy medium to work with! You'll be able to create anything from jewelry to wall art, and they make for great gifts. For crafts, you'll be able to buy kits with everything included. All you'll need to do is add your favorite items. It is not dangerous to work with epoxy; however, wearing protective gear will help for an easier clean-up.
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