How Do I Remove Air Bubbles From Resin? Remedies & Prevention

You carefully plan your project, select just the right resin, work hard to produce just the color you were wanting, and finally pour your resin hoping for a perfect result. Phew!

And then… you spot the dreaded air bubbles!

If you are not a fan of air bubbles in your art, don’t worry — there are a few ways to remove them. 

How do you remove air bubbles from resin? Before resin is cured, heat can be gently applied using a heat gun, torch, or lighter to effectively remove air bubbles. A toothpick can be used to pop bubbles as well. To remove bubbles from cured resin, sanding down the marred surface and repouring fresh resin is recommended.

After your resin is poured and is setting, there may be some visible air bubbles.

This is a fairly common problem, but it’s definitely not the end of the world nor does it mean that your project is trash.

This guide will walk you through the fastest ways to remove those pesky bubbles from your resin project and how to keep them away from future resin endeavors.

The Fastest Ways to Remove Air Bubbles From Resin

If air bubbles appear in your resin, there is still hope. There are a few different ways to work with your art to ensure it turns out the way you want it to. 

The fastest way to rid your resin of air bubbles is to use heat. 

Try applying heat to the setting resin with a small torch or lighter (like these refillable, multipurpose butane lighters) to get out all air bubbles. 

Many artists use a basic heat gun as their bubble-annihilator of choice, especially when working with resin in a silicone mold.

Just be sure to use one with several heat-setting options and a power cord long enough for convenience. 

This heat gun, for example, is perfect. With a 6-foot cord, two speed settings, and a temperature-control dial, you’ll be ready to battle bubbles in any number and size.

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That heat from the suggested sources will remove the excess air and leave your resin looking smooth.

However…

Make sure you don’t keep too much heat on your resin for a long period.

Quickly glide the flame or heat around your resin to eliminate air bubbles before trying again in a few minutes. 

You can also use a small toothpick to pop surface bubbles, ease trapped bubbles out of corners, and smooth out the material.  

If you, like everyone else, would rather not deal with air bubbles at all, there are ways to avoid them entirely.

Tips for Preventing Air Bubbles in Resin Art

The best way to keep air bubbles out of your resin art is to prevent them from appearing in the first place! Here are a few simple tips to help you out. 

1. Heat 

In general, heat is a definite plus when using resin. Using heat directly on the resin is your best bet at removing any air bubbles quickly and efficiently.

Heat is always a plus when trying to remove air bubbles as it helps remove the air stuck in your resin. 

2. Warm Water 

Putting your resin in a bowl of warm water can help eliminate any air bubbles. The warmth is a great way to remove the air bubbles and smooth out your resin.

Make sure that the water is warm and not hot to ensure the best quality and results. 

3. Quality 

Different qualities of resin may have different amounts of air bubbles. A higher quality resin may produce less, for example.

If air bubbles in your resin are something you worry about you may want to consider purchasing a higher quality resin to begin with. 

In this article you’ll find the top resin recommendations based upon intended use.

4. Mix Carefully 

When mixing your resin, do not over-stir or stir frantically. Mixing slowly and carefully can help reduce the number of air bubbles that appear in your resin.

This applies when adding pigment to the resin as well. (See the best liquid, powder, ink, paint pigment options for resin here.)

If you are having issues with too many air bubbles in your resin, try mixing slowly and deliberately to keep bubbles to a minimum. 

5. Warm Room 

A warm room is similar to a warm bowl of water – the heat and warmth reduce the number of air bubbles.

Working in a colder room may mean that your resin will end up with more air bubbles in the end.

As a general rule, working in a warmer area is always a plus when working with resin. 

Be sure to read the resin package’s instructions carefully as there are often specific guidelines to follow concerning temperature.

6. Warm Surface 

In the same vein, a warm surface where you are going to place your resin is a bonus as well.

A warm table or work area means that there are fewer chances for air bubbles to form. Erring on the side of warmth instead of cold can help prevent air bubbles.

Can You Remove Bubbles From Cured Resin?

Cured resin is resin that is already completely dry. If air bubbles are not removed from your resin before it hardens, they will be visible after it has dried.

There are, however, options for removing air bubbles from your cured resin. 

You can remove the bubbles from your cured resin by sanding down the top layer. This process will remove any excess air on the top layer, removing all the air bubbles.

If you have sandpaper or a sander and want to remove air bubbles from cured resin, give this a try. 

Another way to remove air bubbles from cured resin is to cut it out, then refill it with more resin.

If there are only a few small bubbles in your resin, you may try and cut them out very carefully using a knife.

Once you have a few empty holes due to the knife, you can try refilling them with a new resin. 

Related Questions:

Looking for more information? Here are a few related, frequently asked questions to help you make the most of your resin art. 

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