Dive into the World of Resin Art: Exploring Techniques and Products to take Your Resin Art to Whole New Level!

Welcome to the world of Resin Art! It's a place where your creativity can soar, and each artwork tells its own unique story. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just dipping your toes into this captivating medium, you're in for a treat. At Pour Away Fluid Arts, we're all about fueling your imagination and bringing your visions to life. Our range of innovative products, from art panels to templates and glitters, is here to take your resin art to the next level. We're passionate about pushing boundaries and fostering creativity, and it's why artists worldwide trust us. In this blog series, we'll cover everything you need to know about resin art, from intricate designs to essential safety tips. So, let's get started! Grab your gloves and let's explore the enchanting world of resin art together. Get ready to be inspired by the endless possibilities of color, texture, and light!

What is Resin Art?

Resin art is a form of mixed media art that involves using epoxy or UV resin as the primary medium to create stunning, glossy artworks. Epoxy resin is a versatile material composed of two main components: resin and hardener. When these components are mixed together, a chemical reaction occurs, resulting in a durable and transparent liquid that can be poured, molded, and manipulated to achieve various artistic effects.

One of the most captivating aspects of resin art is its versatility to accept different media for coloring, be it opaque pigments, transparent dyes, glitter, mica powder or even three dimensional objects like flowers, beads or lights.  The options are endless and it is so much fun to experiment with new media like nail foils, dichroic films or colored glass chips.   Resin has a high gloss finish that adds depth, color intensity and dimension to artworks, creating a mesmerizing visual impact. From abstract designs and fluid patterns to intricate stained glass or lifelike animals using our templates, resin art offers endless possibilities for artistic expression.

Materials: Overview of the basic materials needed for resin art projects.

To embark on your resin art journey, you'll need a few essential materials to get started:

Epoxy Resin: The primary component of resin art, epoxy resin is available in different viscosities and cure times. Choose a high-quality resin that is specifically formulated for art projects to ensure optimal results.

Hardener: The catalyst that initiates the curing process, hardener is typically included with epoxy resin kits. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when mixing resin and hardener to achieve the desired consistency and curing time.

Pigments and Dyes: Add color to your resin art with pigments, dyes, or artist's glitter. These colorants come in a wide range of hues and can be mixed to create custom shades and gradients.

Mixing Tools: Use disposable mixing cups, stir sticks, and silicone spatulas to measure and mix resin and colorants accurately. Some artists believe wooden stir sticks can introduce air bubbles into the resin, but this is what we use all the time.

Substrates: Choose substrates that are compatible with epoxy resin, such as silicone sheets or release films, canvases, brushed aluminum panels, clear acrylic panels, glass or wooden panels. Make sure the surface is clean, level, and free of dust or debris before pouring resin.

Protective Gear: Safety should always be a top priority when working with resin. Wear gloves, safety glasses, and a respirator mask to protect your skin, eyes, and lungs from exposure to resin fumes and chemicals.  Always follow the instructions on your specific brand of resin – Safety information in this blog is not a substitute for following the manufacturer's instructions.

Safety Tips: Important safety precautions to consider when working with resin.

Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area or use a respirator mask to avoid inhaling resin fumes, which can be harmful to your health.

Protective Clothing: Wear gloves, long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes to protect your skin from contact with resin.

Avoid Contact with Eyes and Skin: If resin comes into contact with your skin or eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Follow Manufacturer's Instructions: Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines when using resin products.

Dispose of Waste Properly: Dispose of resin waste and leftover materials according to local regulations. Do not pour resin down the drain, as it can cause damage to the environment and to your drains.

By following these safety tips and using high-quality materials, you can create beautiful resin artworks safely and enjoyably.

Getting Started with Resin Art

Workspace Setup: Tips for setting up a safe and organized workspace.

Before diving into your resin art projects, it's essential to set up a dedicated workspace that is both safe and conducive to creativity. Here are some tips for setting up your resin art workspace:

Choose a Well-Ventilated Area: Resin emits fumes during the curing process, which can be harmful if inhaled in large quantities. Work in a well-ventilated area, such as a garage or outdoor space, to minimize exposure to fumes. If working indoors, use a respirator mask or open windows and doors to improve airflow.

Cover Surfaces: Protect your workspace by covering surfaces with plastic sheeting or disposable tablecloths. Resin spills and drips can be difficult to clean up, so it's essential to prevent them from coming into contact with your work surface.

Organize Supplies: Keep your resin art supplies organized and within reach to streamline your workflow. Use containers, shelves, or drawers to store resin, pigments, mixing tools, and other supplies neatly.

Use Protective Measures: Wear gloves, safety glasses, and a respirator mask to protect yourself from exposure to resin fumes and chemicals. Long sleeves and pants can also provide an additional layer of protection against skin contact.

Minimize Disturbances: Once you've started working with resin, it's crucial to minimize disturbances to avoid introducing air bubbles into your artwork. Choose a quiet area where you can work without interruption and where your resin art can rest until your resin has cured.

Ready to make some Resin Art?

Here is a full equipment list to help you get set up

Item #	Description	Photo
1	Epoxy Resin – Comes in 2 bottles; Resin and Hardener.  Available in small bottles up to huge drums.  I usually get 2 gallon kits as they are cost efficient but not crazy.  My choice for a budget resin is Nic Pro, and for a premium resin is Art Coat from Stone Coat countertops.
2	Disposable paper cups – I use 3 oz waterproof bathroom cups – used for mixing and pouring the resin
3	Stirring sticks – I use popsicle sticks.  Michaels has boxes of 1000.
4	Powder free disposable gloves – I use Nitrile examination gloves
5	Table covering – I use disposable plastic table cloth which comes on a roll.
6	Colorant – We will cover this in detail later, but I have resin pigment paste, transparent UV resin dyes, mica powders, glitters, paints, glass chips, holographic films etc etc
7	Substrates – We use mostly Transparent Acrylic Art Panels and Brushed Aluminum Composite Art Panels, but you can also use wooden panels, canvases, mirrors, framed glass and so on.
8	Resin Art Templates – To bring some structure to your resin art.
9	Resin Molds – I don’t use these, but lots of people create resin art exclusively using molds.
10	Silicone sheet / release film – used for creating resin art that is then peeled off to create stand alone pieces.
11	Kitchen torch or Isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle – used for carefully bursting bubbles
12	Dotting tools – used to manipulate the resin into small areas, creating swirl patterns and helping tidy up areas.  They are ideal for this as they come in different sizes and have smooth round tips that won’t damage your molds etc.
13	Tweezers for fishing out intruders (flies, glitter flakes etc)
14	Small spirit level – level substrates or work areas help resin stay where you put it – it likes to wander off otherwise.
15	Kitchen paper – tools should be wiped clean to avoid color contamination, but this is also used to clean drips and spills and so a dedicated roll in your work area is recommended.
16	A bin with a bin liner installed – This should be right next to your work area to help keep it organized.
17	A tray to keep your resin in.  Resin and hardener tends to run down the bottles and can make a mess.  We keep our resin in a tray on the floor under our workbench for easy access.
18	Cake cover for protecting your curing work from dust and flies while it cures.  (optional)

 

Choosing Your Substrate: Ideas for different surfaces and objects to use as canvases.

Resin art can be applied to a wide variety of surfaces and objects, allowing for endless creative possibilities. Here are some ideas for choosing your surface:

Canvases: Traditional canvas panels provide a smooth and versatile surface for resin art projects. They can be easily hung on walls or displayed on easels once the resin has cured.

• Pros – Low cost, readily available
• Cons – Can sag in the middle, cheap canvases may not be flat, resin tends to flow off the edges pulling your work with it and leaving the canvas texture exposed.

Wood Panels: Wooden panels offer a unique texture and depth to resin artworks. Choose unfinished wood panels for a natural look, or sand and prime them for a smoother surface.

• Pros – Usually rigid enough to avoid sagging
• Cons – Resin can raise the grain, wood pattern may be visible either through texture or color (which is fine if that’s a part of your design), can warp as the resin soaks in.

 

Brushed Aluminum composite panels: Semi reflective rigid panels offer a shimmering surface that is ideal for use with transparent resin dyes. They are slimline and give an elegant look without the need for a frame.

• Pros – Rigid and permanent, won't distort or move over time, reflective surface appears to change in brightness under different viewing angles, sharp edges means that resin stays where you put it (resin doesn’t like to flow over sharp corners)
• Cons – slim profile means that they need to be hung using command strips or framed

Transparent Acrylic Panels: Acrylic Panels offer a way to make faux stained glass with transparent resin dyes or as a way to invisibly support a resin art template

• Pros – Rigid and stable, won't yellow over time, can be laser cut to any shape, our panels can come with a stand to allow them to be displayed on a shelf or window, like the aluminum panels sharp edges means that resin stays where you put it (resin doesn’t like to flow over sharp corners), more robust than glass.
• Cons – can break if dropped or impacted, some use cases may require the surface to be scuffed up to increase adhesion.

Mirrors: Mirrors provide a super reflective surface that can give great depth to resin art if used with transparent resin dyes or if areas of unresined mirror are left as a part of the design.  When used with a template they can remain a functional item with the resin art forming a decorative border.

• Pros – similar in use to acrylic panels and in fact is available in either glass or acrylic, the reflection of your resin in the mirror can make the piece look like it's floating in front of the mirror, amazing depth and surprising unique effects are possible.
• Cons – It can be hard to keep unresined parts of the mirror clean – the mirror is very unforgiving to having resin fingerprints or drips.

 

Coasters and Trays: Transform ordinary coasters and trays into functional works of art with resin. Experiment with different shapes, sizes, and designs to create custom pieces for your home or as gifts for loved ones.  Pour Away Fluid Arts provides kits for making coasters that come with acrylic circles and templates.

Resin Molds: Silicone molds allow you to create intricate shapes and designs with resin. From geometric shapes and abstract patterns to botanical motifs and animal figurines, the possibilities are endless with resin molds.

Functional Objects: Incorporate resin into everyday objects such as tabletops, countertops, and furniture to add a touch of elegance and uniqueness to your home decor.   Pour Away Fluid Arts provides templates and substrates primarily for non functional art, but we have recently started offering Lamp kits and shaped acrylic panels that could easily be used as talking piece charcuterie boards.

When choosing your substrate, consider the desired outcome of your project and select a surface or object that complements your artistic vision. With the right canvas and basic techniques, you'll be well on your way to creating stunning resin art masterpieces.

Adding Color:

Now for the really fun part!  Once you have chosen your substrate and have a picture of what you want to create in your minds eye, the question is what colorant will you use, and how much.  It's a good idea to have a plan before you mix any resin, so here are some options for frequently used colorants to help you choose:

Resin Dyes: Resin Dyes are available in Transparent, Translucent and Opaque forms and are generally supplied in a small bottle with a dropper to control the quantity of dye added.  Varying the quantity of dye allows you to control the hue and color density of the resin and it can take more dye than you expect to get an opaque look.  At Pour Away Fluid Arts we predominantly use Transparent UV Resin dyes to color resin where we want a good intensity of transparent color for use in stained glass pieces, mirror art or on our brushed aluminum panels.  Resin dyes are the primary way to make transparent colored resin.   It should be noted that resin dyes are organic and may fade over time, especially if exposed to strong UV light.  Using UV resin dyes gives the best durability and color intensity in my experience.

Alcohol inks: Alcohol inks can be used to color resin and are key to making effective petri dish pieces when used with sinking white dye.  However use of this medium is not recommended outside use for petri dishes as they tend to fade rapidly and can react with your resin to change colors.  They also require a significant amount more to be added when compared to resin dyes to achieve the same color density.

Mica Powders: Mica powders are finely ground minerals that come in a wide range of colors and metallic finishes. These powders are derived from natural minerals and often have a shimmering or pearlescent appearance. Mica powders are highly versatile and can be used to create subtle or dramatic effects in resin art. They can be mixed directly into resin or sprinkled onto resin layers to achieve shimmering accents and highlights. Mica powders are favored for their ability to add depth and dimension to resin artworks, making them ideal for creating eye-catching designs with a touch of sparkle.  They can also be brushed dry onto mold surfaces, which when filled leaves the resin with an intense metallic or color shift appearance.  Similarly it can be brushed onto nearly cured resin, which when covered in more resin, for example opaque black resin, can give outstanding 3D effects that look like crushed velvet.

Pigment Powders: Pigment powders are synthetic colorants specifically formulated for use in resin art. Available in a vast array of colors, pigment powders offer intense, opaque hues that can be easily mixed and blended to create custom shades and gradients. Pigment powders are highly concentrated so a little goes a long way. They can be mixed directly into resin or combined with other colorants such as mica powders and alcohol inks to create unique color combinations and effects. Pigment powders are prized for their versatility and ability to produce rich, saturated colors in resin art projects of all kinds.

Commonly pigment powders also contain mica powders giving an almost infinite range of depths and colors.  Color shift powders, known as Chameleon Powders are also readily available.

Pigment pastes: Pigment Pastes are intensely colored, normally fairly viscous pastes that come in either bottles or small tubs.  Adding just a small amount of these to your resin will make it fully opaque and vivid.

Acrylic Paint: Acrylic paint is often frowned upon by some resin artists as it can cause flash curing and some surface finish issues with your resin.  However the vast range of colors available and its ease of mixing to give literally any color you can imagine make it a useful ingredient where you need a specific block of flat opaque color.  Its also great for creating those swirly “acrylic pour” themed resin pours as the resin once colored tends to be less self mixing than other colorants are. Try that with some transparent colors thrown in for a spectacular abstract piece of art.  However do please note that when coloring with paint the cure time will be greatly reduced and so only mix it when you need it and work fast.

Artists Glitter: Glitter is a magical addition to resin art, offering artists the opportunity to infuse their creations with sparkle and shimmer. Color shift glitter and holographic glitter are two popular types of glitter used in resin art, each adding a unique dimension to artworks. Color Shift Glitter contains reflective particles that change color depending on the angle of light, creating mesmerizing shifts and gradients of color. This effect adds depth and dimension to resin pieces, captivating viewers with its ever-changing hues. On the other hand, Holographic Glitter features a prismatic effect that reflects light in a dazzling array of colors, reminiscent of a rainbow. When used in resin art, holographic glitter creates an enchanting and ethereal aesthetic, transforming ordinary pieces into extraordinary works of art.

Films, Fibres, Foils and Decals: Films, Fibres, Foils and Decals deserve a whole section to themselves - Dichroic films, Angelina films and fibers, 1 way mirror film, nail foils, holographic decals, transfer foils and cellophane shreds are just a handful of what’s available out there right now to take your resin art to a whole new level.  They offer a mesmerizing color shifting palate of infinite variety which when used effectively can turn the mundane into a masterpiece.

Solid media: Solid media can include colored crushed glass, beads, gravel, sand or physical objects like flowers.  Depending on your desired aesthetic and theme any object can be used in your art to compliment and add to the rest of the piece.  Crushed glass is particularly effective and widely used in resin art geodes.  Colored  crushed glass can be used as blocks of color when using a template for example, giving an amazingly sparkly textured subtle range of colors.

Like your substrate choice, choose your coloring media with a clear picture of what you want the finished piece to look like.  Different media can work well together in resin, so try mixing and matching to find  a look that works for you and compliments the aesthetic.  Be bold and try mixing opaque media and transparent media so that you get different looks when the piece is backlit or front lit – there are no rules with resin art.  Let your creativity flow and with a good color palette and texture choice you will be creating stunning artworks and having a lot of fun in the process.

Join us next time, where we will be outlining basic techniques for resin art, including mixing and pouring your resin, using templates and debubbling.  In the mean time get inspired by the fabulous products that Pour Away Fluid Arts has in store here!

 

I’m Jonny Nelson, ex engineer and now full-time Resin Artist and Creative Director for Pour Away Fluid Arts.