Workshops & Art
How to Get Fewer Bubbles in Resin
Bubbles are the most common resin problem. Six simple habits, from warming the bottles to pouring slowly, will give you clearer pieces.
Every resin maker fights bubbles. You will not get rid of all of them, but these habits remove most.
- Warm the bottles. Stand the closed bottles in warm water for a few minutes before measuring. Warm resin is thinner, so bubbles rise and pop more easily. Dry the bottles well. Water must not get in.
- Stir slowly. Fold the mixture; do not whip it. Fast stirring beats air in.
- Let it rest. After mixing, leave the cup for a few minutes so bubbles rise to the surface.
- Pour low and thin. Pour from close to the mould in a narrow stream, into one spot, and let the resin spread by itself.
- Seal anything porous first. Dried flowers, paper and wood release air. Coat them with a thin layer of resin or sealer and let it dry before embedding.
- Pop what is left. Pass a heat gun or a lighter flame quickly over the surface, keeping it moving. Do not hold heat in one place, and keep flames away from anything flammable. A toothpick works for stubborn ones near the edge.
Other things that help
- Pour in layers for deep moulds.
- Work on a dry day when you can. Humidity makes everything harder.
- Cover the piece while it cures so dust does not land in it.
When bubbles are fine
In a piece with flowers, sand or glitter, a few tiny bubbles look like part of the design. Decide before you start how perfect it needs to be.
New to resin? Read resin art basics and safety first. Gloves and ventilation matter more than clarity.
Quick answers
Why does my resin have so many bubbles?
Usually from stirring too fast, cold resin, pouring from too high, or air escaping from porous items such as dried flowers and paper.
Can I use a hair dryer to remove resin bubbles?
A hair dryer blows the resin around and adds dust. A heat gun on low or a quick pass of a lighter flame works better.