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You will find creative and fun epoxy resin techniques to make beautiful resin projects that will stand out and look extraordinary.
Epoxy resin is a versatile, two-part system (resin and hardener) that cures into a durable, glossy surface.
Before looking at various techniques to make creative resin projects, it is important to learn the fundamental technique and master creating a perfect basic resin project. So lets get started:
Fundamental Resin Technique: Mix and Pour
It’s an important part; of resin making. Because your finished products depend on it, if the resin doesn’t mix and pours accurately, your finished product will end up with unwanted bubbles. And you will not be able to undo it.
1) Mixing and Measuring:
The mixing ratio of resins is 1:1 or 2:1, but it also depends on the type, brand, and usage purpose. But does not mix resin with different ratios or different resin brands together.
The resins and molds come with the mixing ratio or required amount of resins for mold. But if you are not working with molds, you can fill up your mold with water, pour it into a cup and measure it through a digital scale. And if you want to work in layers, fill the mold half with water to measure the depth. Wipe your mold with a dry cloth to keep it dry after measuring it with water.
Related: DIY Resin Crafting: Everything You Need To Know To Get Started
How to Measure and Mix large Batch of Resin?
Resin types regarding depth and mixing ratios already has been discussed in Tools and Materials head. Like which resin is for the shallow or deep pour. Never use the same cup to mix large batches for the shallow pour because; it causes an exothermic reaction. So, use multiple cups instead of one for large projects like a galaxy side table and animal print makeup tray. Deeper molds for deep-pour resin, and you can use fewer cups for it; than shallow-pour resin.
How to Measure the Resin?
Once you determine how much part A (resin) and part B (hardener) are required. Then, there is time to measure them. As already discussed, use the digital scale for accurate measuring with the millimeter option.
- Pour the mixing cup on the scale and the digital scale with the millimeter option. Then pour the part A that is required to measure. Make sure; the mixing cup weight does not include.
- Keep the mixing cup on the scale and pour Part B slowly into Part A, already measured in step one.
- You can also use a mixing stick to add a small amount to reach the necessary total and avoid adding too much.
How to Mix the Resin?
After pouring the resin with accurate measures, the next step is coming to mix it. Every manufacturer has given a mixing time of not less than 3 minutes. You have to follow three steps:
- Mix your resin in only one direction: clockwise or anti-clockwise.
- Never pull out your mixing stick from the cup and insert it into the cup because it ends up making unwanted bubbles in your resin.
- Make sure you scrape the wall and bottom of your cups or containers; with a mixing stick to mix the resins properly. Otherwise, your resins will not cure properly.
2) De-Bubbling:
Once you mix your resin, leaves it to sit and de-bubble for about 10 minutes before pouring it into the mold. By doing this, bubbles will appear on the surface of the resin and pop up by themselves. But if the bubbles will not pop up, remove them with a mixing stick and dispose of them in the spare cup. De-bubbling is important for botanical insertions project.
How to Avoid Bubbles in Resin?
De-bubbling of the resin is essential. Otherwise, they will create sharp edges and holes in the final product; and make it blurry. So, you can avoid them by below-mentioned techniques:
1. Temperature:
Epoxy resin is subject to temperature, and it becomes crystalized if it gets too cold, which affects its consistency and has lots of bubbles. To avoid this form put the resin bottle into a hot water pot and get thinner consistency and fewer bubbles.
2. Mixing:
As already discussed above, mix the resin slowly and in one direction. Also, don’t pull it out of the cup with a mixing stick to avoid bubbles. And leave it for about 10 minutes to make the bubbles rise and disperse. You can also use the mixing stick to disperse, any remaining bubbles.
3. Pouring:
Pour the resin into the mold slowly. It takes time but avoids the bubbles.
4. Heat:
Bubble dispersing is time-consuming. People make it quicker with the use of heating. But using the heat is a risky procedure. So, does it carefully. You need to know the following points:
- Use the hot gun and long clickable lighter with a low heat option.
- Do you heat the resin after pouring it into the mold? It can destroy your mold, and an exothermic reaction will arise due to overheating. So, use it carefully.
- First, pull the bubbles to the surface from beneath, then pass the heat from the heat gun or lighter flame to pop up the bubbles from the resin surface.
How to minimize bubbles in your resin?
You can minimize the bubbling process in your resin by following the tips earlier discussed in techniques which are:
- Mix slowly with a mixing stick.
- Mix in the same direction.
- Never pull the mixing stick out from the mixing cup and insert it again.
- Warm the resin bottle in the hot water pot to make your resin thinner before mixing it.
- Leave your resin for a few minutes before pouring it into the mold. So, bubbles can arise on the surface, and you can pop it up with a mixing stick.
3) Pouring:
After de-bubbling, pour your resin into the mold. Always remember during the pouring that; easy to add more resins than take it away from the mold. So, be careful about it.
- To avoid bubbling in the resin, pour it slowly into the mold.
- The best is to use a mixing stick to fill the small molds to avoid overfilling.
Why your resin is not cured or remains bendy?
- Make sure that you cure your resin for a time recommended by the manufacturer, which is 8 hours. But some resins take many days to cure.
- Check your environment because resin takes more time to cure in colder weather as compared to warmer.
- The items will take longer time; to harden if they are a few millimeters thick. That’s why thin products; should be left on a flat surface for curing to avoid them from bending.
- Measure the resin carefully. Otherwise, it will not cure, and you will not get your desired item.
- In the mixing process, scrap the bottom and wall of the mixing cup or container thoroughly. Its proper mixing is essential. Otherwise, it will not cure properly.
- If your resin, will not set accurately. And you want to remove it from the mold. Then place the mold in the tightly zip-up freezer bag to prevent any leakage. Once it gets hardened then pops out from the freezer and threw away. After this cleaning, the molds with baby wipes remove any stickiness.
4) How to Layer the Resins into Molds
Resin layering is simple but comes with complexity and depth, even for small pieces. With its help, you can add beautiful colors to resin layers.
Layering Process:
It would be difficult to put more than two layers into the smaller molds like jewelry or hair accessories. But you can add more layers with the help of deeper mold. The basic process is the same for two or more layers:
- Always remember that the bottom of your mold will be the top or face of your project. So, mix enough of the resins to fill half of your mold and add the insertion; you want. And leave it for the partial cure.
- Time is so important when you are working in layers. Before pouring the second layer, makes the first layer completely dry touch. Otherwise, your insertion will not sit down properly and will start floating into the second layer. So, keep your first layer dry completely; that takes 5 to 6 hours to dry. It depends on the resin type.
- Always keep the first layer in your mind before making another addition to the second layer. That’s why don’t impede the view of the second layer with the use of pigment color or large glitters.
- Cure the second layer; completely before de-molding it.
5) How to De-Mold the Resins
Before de-molding, make sure your resin is cured. Otherwise, it can break. De-molding depends on the size and shape of the item because sometimes it becomes so simple or tricky.
1. De-Molding of Simple Items:
It’s satisfying and easy to pop out of the mold for small and simple items. You can start it by simply peeling away the edges. Then trim the excess resin with the help of small scissors or Rejuen8 Polishing Collection.
2. De-molding items with Curved Edges or 3D shapes:
For de-molding the large items with a small opening, you need a pot full of warm & soapy water, then put a piece in it for de-molding. And pull out the sides of the mold slightly so that warm & soapy water can get in between the resin and mold. This process makes the de-molding of cubes or sphere shapes molds so easy.
Troubleshooting
You will make many mistakes at starting if you are unfamiliar with the resin. But after some time, you will become a master in its crafting. I also made a lot of mistakes and still do. There are some handy tips and tricks by following; you can avoid mistakes and become a pro. You can also get some guidance from YouTube or resin-based social media groups.
Does your resin look cloudy or become crystalized form?
Put your resin bottle Part A, in the hot water Jug and wait for it to become thinner or transparent again.
Do your flowers change different colors in your resin?
It means they are not fully dry. So, keep your flowers dry thoroughly to become delicate and lightweight like tissue paper.
Do your Molds lose their shine?
No need to panic! Molds lose their shine gradually. It just simply means you have to buy the new one.
Epoxy Resin Techniques
6) Must-Try Resin Techniques for DIY Lovers
Here are some exciting resin techniques you can explore to create stunning, one-of-a-kind designs:
1. Swirl Pour Technique
This mesmerizing method involves swirling multiple colors of resin together before it cures. Use a stick or toothpick to drag through the resin and create a marble-like pattern. This is perfect for coasters, trays, and even resin tables. Choose colors that contrast for a bold effect—like teal and gold or pink and black.
DIY Large Leaf Resin Tray With Hot Glue Gun
2. Ocean Wave Resin Art
Create beachy vibes using white resin with a heat gun or hairdryer to mimic crashing waves. Combine sand, shells, and sea-colored pigments to build a mini seascape. Try this on: Wall art, cheeseboards, or table tops with a coastal feel.
3. Floral Embeds in Resin
Encapsulate dried flowers, leaves, or even herbs into resin molds for a romantic, natural touch. Clear resin works best to showcase botanical beauty. Try this on: Resin bookmarks, jewelry, paperweights, or decorative trays.
Unique butterfly epoxy resin art on bamboo jars
4. Geode-Inspired Resin Pour
Use glitter, metallics, mica powders, and crystals to mimic the sparkling lines of geodes and agate slices. This technique brings a luxurious, high-end feel to your DIY projects. Try this on: Wall art panels, clocks, trays, or side tables.
5. Dirty Pour Resin
The “dirty pour” involves layering resin colors in one cup and then pouring them all at once onto your surface. It creates unexpected and bold abstract patterns. Try this on: Abstract art pieces and freeform trays.
How to Make a Resin Tray DIY that Looks Classy
6. Inlay and Gold Leaf Technique
Add metallic leaf flakes or use resin to fill engraved spaces (like laser-cut wood) for a raised, detailed design that pops with elegance. Try this on: Custom signs, jewelry trays, or bookmarks.
7. Resin with Alcohol Inks
Drop alcohol inks into freshly poured resin and watch the colors bloom, spread, and interact. It gives your project a dreamy, watercolor-style finish. Commonly used in: Petri dishes, coasters, keychains, or jewelry pieces.
Find examples of these techniques: 36 Stunning Epoxy Resin Projects DIY that Look Expensive
Written by: Amber Saad
Reviewed by: Hani Shabbir
