Know Before You Try: Crafting With Epoxy Resin

Making jewellery and gorgeous cutting boards out of epoxy resin is a growing DIY trend. Before you start using epoxy resin for crafts, you should be aware of a few things if you've been considering trying out this challenging activity. A seemingly limitless selection of resin moulds that fit any budget is available. The versatility of the moulds allows for as many uses as you'd like.

By combining different colours and additives, you can create a different style each time you use the mould. You may even make your moulds using silicone rubber to enhance your game.

What is epoxy resin?

When combined, epoxy resin is a two-part liquid that produces a chemical reaction that hardens the material into which it was mixed.

When a hardener and resin are joined, a reaction generates heat. The liquid epoxy resin transforms into a solid when combined with a hardener.

Epoxy resin is a synthetic material that can be poured into any shape and moulded. The resin will solidify when the hardener is introduced.

You must abide by the mixing instructions since they will differ between brands. Some resins call for mixing by volume, while others call for weight.

There needs to be a starter kit for an epoxy resin that includes everything if you want to buy one. Additionally, you'll quickly realise that you need to have a few things if you only purchase a few moulds. A quick list of everything you will need is provided below.

1: Epoxy Resin

A and B mixtures of epoxy resin are available. The mixing ratio and predetermined time vary depending on the brand and type. The smaller bottles are good if you're using them to make jewellery, but you'll use them quickly.

2: Accessories

When you can, buy epoxy resin dye. Either liquid pigment or mica powder will do. Additionally, gather glitter, metallic foil, and perhaps a bag of dried flowers - whatever you plan to use to finish your masterpiece.

3: Scale

A tiny kitchen scale is necessary. Your crafts will only be set correctly if your A and B mixture is exact. Although it is possible to try to eyeball it, mistakes are simple and can damage your project and mould.

4: Mixing Cups

Air bubbles will be reduced as you combine more. To thoroughly mix and remove air bubbles, some individuals even advise transferring the liquid multiple times into new glasses. Easy-to-clean silicone cups are available everywhere, but you'll need more than you think.

5: Gloves

Epoxy resin is dangerous. It shouldn't come in contact with your skin. Most beginner kits only include one or two pairs, so if you want to create more intricate designs, you'll need to pick up more.

6: Popsicle sticks

It would help if you had a lot of mixers, so your best bet is to go with something disposable and inexpensive.

7: Moulds/PVC Sheets

Consider purchasing a few moulds to test the procedure before using epoxy resin on your works, even if you intend to do so. You can design your shapes using PVC sheets.

8: Crafting Blow Dryer

Air bubbles are removed with the aid of heat. Additionally, it enables you to "push" various coloured resins inside the mould to make designs. Both will work in this situation, albeit a blow torch is riskier.

9: Crafting Scalpel/Sandpaper

When your project is finished, it needs some finishing touches to remove blemishes or smooth rough edges.

10: Mask

Some undesirable particles will be created if the resin is overheated with a blowtorch or during the sanding process. Defend yourself.

How to use epoxy resin safely?

You must adhere to certain fundamental safety guidelines to make sure you are using resin safely.

1: Ensure adequate ventilation in your workspace.

2: Make sure no one else is in your workspace (that includes pets).

3. Put on PPE and gloves.

4: Wear an oxygen mask.

Conclusion

Over the past few years, epoxy resin has become highly popular, and it is easy to understand why. A fascinating and distinctive craft material, the high-quality epoxy resin may create both functional and beautiful products.

Resin is perfect for a variety of crafts because it has characteristics with both plastic and glass. However, unlike plastic and glass, wax can be produced at home without sophisticated machinery or fire!

Resin crafts are helpful to learn if you enjoy making presents for loved ones. Resin can be used to create some incredibly exquisite and one-of-a-kind items.

Make everything, including buttons, cake stands, jewellery, and tabletop materials! Resin is fun because each item is so distinctive. The creative possibilities are infinite when glitter, paints, and dried flowers are added!

Nevertheless, you may pick up epoxy resin and start making fantastic crafts right away. It's possible that you'll also need to experiment, practise, make errors, and learn from them.

This does not imply that you cannot utilise epoxy resin; rather, it simply indicates that you are a novice who is just beginning his or her resin adventure and must gain more knowledge before your work can be compared to that of the finest of the best.