What Is Resin Art? Learn How Easy It Is To Make Masterpieces

Waking up one morning feeling creative, I did a quick read-up on easy craft ideas, and I stumbled upon the fascinating concept of resin art.

It turns out that you don’t need to be a Picasso to turn a boring old coffee table into a magnificent piece of art.

What is resin art? Resin art is a craft in which epoxy resin and paint or pigments are used to create an art piece. The resin can either be applied to a surface (painting) or be poured into a mold (casting). Types of resin art include river tables, masterful paintings, cutting boards, and jewelry.

You will be astounded at the simplicity of resin art. With only a few basic supplies and time on your hands, you are ready to surprise even your inner critic.

Types of Resin Art

There are two types of resin art: resin painting and resin casting. 

Resin painting is the process of applying/painting the combination of resin and paint to a flat surface.

Resin casting is the process of pouring the combination of resin and paint into a silicone or plastic mold to create a specific form/figurine.

In both cases, you also have the option of embedding items, for instance dried flowers, beads, or gems, as part of the design.

Depending on whether you want to revive something old or create something new, the possibilities are endless.

What Do I Need To Get Started With Resin?

For your resin art project, you will need the following supplies:

• The canvas, art panel, or whatever item/surface you want to paint on or mold.
• Epoxy resin (read this to decide which type you’ll need).
• Different colors of paint or pigments.
• Plastic cups.
• Spatula or wooden stick for stirring.
• Masking tape.
• Hot air dryer or butane torch.
• Optional: items to embed.

Once you have everything in place, it’s time to give your creativity some reigns.

Be sure to check out my Complete List of Casting Resin Supplies – full of product recommendations to get you started quickly and easily.

Is Resin Art Easy?

Resin art is easy, even for those with little painting experience or talent.

As long as you have the idea and all the necessary supplies/materials, creating a masterpiece will take you less than 40 minutes – unless, of course, you want to add several layers.

How To Do Resin Art

Keeping in mind that although liquid epoxy resin is relatively safe to work with, there are recommended safety precautions to follow.

You should always work in a well-ventilated room and wear nitrile gloves, long-sleeved clothing, and protection over your eyes.

Once you’ve transformed yourself into a nuclear scientist, you are ready to prepare your workstation.

The following is a step-by-step guide on how to create your first resin art masterpiece:

Steps	Painting	Casting
1.	Cover the underside of your canvas or surface with masking tape. This will make it easy to detach your project from your workstation once you are finished.	Place your mold onto a clean, dry, and sturdy surface.
2.	Mix and color your resin. Thoroughly mix the resin and the hardener or the mixture will not sufficiently harden.	Mix and color your resin. Ensure that you thoroughly mix the resin and the hardener to ensure proper curing.
3.	After mixing, pour small amounts into different plastic cups. The number will depend on the number of colors you want.	After mixing the resin and the hardener, pour small amounts into different plastic cups. The number will depend on the number of different colors you want.
4.	If you want to embed items into your work, you need to first pour a layer of resin onto your surface.	Pour your different colors into the mold. Use a wooden stick to stir the mixture until it has the desired effect.
5.	Next, drop the items you want to embed into the resin while the mixture is still wet. Let it dry completely before moving onto the next step.	If you want to embed items, decide beforehand where you want them in your design. Let all layers below the items dry completely; otherwise, the items will simply drop to the bottom of the mold.
6.	Pour the different colors onto your surface. Either tilt the surface or use a wooden stick to create the design and let your colors flow. Use your dryer or torch to get rid of any air bubbles.	Use your dryer or torch to eliminate any air bubbles that might occur on the surface.
7.	Once you are satisfied with your design, it needs to dry. Cover it with a cardboard box or laundry basket to protect it from gathering dust.	Once you are satisfied with your design, let it dry. You can cover it with a cardboard box or laundry basket to protect the top of the mold from gathering dust.
8.	Stand back and marvel at your creation.	Pop the design out of the mold, stand back, and marvel at your creation.

Hints:

1. Prepare small amounts of resin and paint in your plastic cups as some resins take only 25 minutes to harden.
2. Do not tilt the painting/surface once the resin starts to harden. If you wish to make some changes to your design, reheat it with your dryer or torch.
3. You can always add several layers to your creation as each layer will add to the depth of the end product. Always make sure that you allow at least 24 hours between each layer.

Once you’ve familiarized yourself with the process, and you’ve impressed friends and family alike with your newly founded talent, there are so many different types of resin art you can try next.

What Are the Best Epoxy Resin Projects for Beginners?

For painting, it is probably best to start with surfaces that have raised edges like an old kitchen tray, for example.

Because you’re just beginning to get familiar with the whole process of mixing and crafting, a surface with raised edges will allow you to have a little fun with the design and flow without worrying too much about spillage.

Another great project for beginners is the creation of coasters.

As these surfaces are much smaller, and you only need to do one at a time, you will have plenty of chances to get it right.

In casting, it is advisable to start with a small mold before moving on to something bigger. Molds can easily be found at any craft store or even at your local grocery store.

Head over to “Best Silicone Molds for Resin” for inspiring ideas for creating jewelry, game pieces, 3D art, key chains, and more!

A simple heart-shaped mold, for example, will work fine for creating a paperweight or decorative showpiece.

Another easy casting idea is to make a pendant for a necklace.

You can literally use a mold of any shape or size. Because you will use such small quantities of your resin and paint, you will have ample chances to get the desired effect. 

Why Is Resin Art So Popular?

Although resin art has been around for ages in countries like India and Australia, there are various reasons why resin art has become more popular globally in the past few years.

One major reason for resin art’s popularity is the fact that resin is an extremely versatile substance.

Anything from large river tables to small jewelry items to decorative wall hangings to useful items like cutting boards and coasters can be crafted easily with gorgeous results.

Another reason why resin art is becoming so popular is that anyone can do it. It inspires creativity and appeals to even the less artistic ones among us. 

Related Questions:

Conclusion

Resin Art is the new craze in DIY crafting, so why not join the excited masses and create your own little masterpiece?

It’s easy, fun, and enjoyable, and even something the whole family can do together. You don’t need to be the next Picasso, da Vinci, or Van Gogh.

Just be yourself!