Workshops & Art

Resin Art Basics: What It Is and How to Stay Safe

Thinking of trying resin art? Learn what resin is, what you can make, and the safety rules about gloves, ventilation and curing before you pour.

Resin is a liquid that hardens into clear, glassy plastic. You mix two parts, pour it into a mould or over a surface, and wait. People use it for coasters, keychains, jewellery, bookmarks and small trays, often with dried flowers, pigment or glitter set inside.

It is satisfying. It is also a chemical, so safety comes first.

Safety rules

1. Wear nitrile gloves. Uncured resin irritates skin, and repeated contact can cause an allergy that does not go away.
2. Ventilate. Open windows and keep air moving. If the label on your resin says to use a respirator, use one.
3. Protect your eyes if there is any chance of splashing.
4. Cover the table. A plastic sheet or silicone mat. Resin does not come off wood.
5. Keep it away from food, children and pets. Use tools that are only for resin.
6. Clean skin with soap and water, not solvents.
7. Never pour leftovers down the sink. Let them harden in the cup, then throw them away.
8. Read the label on your brand. Mixing ratios and cure times differ.

The basic process

1. Measure the two parts exactly as the label says.
2. Stir slowly for a few minutes, scraping the sides and bottom.
3. Add colour or inclusions.
4. Pour into the mould.
5. Cover it to keep dust out and leave it to cure, usually a day or more.

Common beginner problems

• Sticky after curing: wrong ratio or not enough mixing.
• Bubbles: see how to get fewer bubbles in resin.
• Cloudy finish: moisture. Humid days are harder, and flowers must be fully dried.

Because of the safety side, resin is a good thing to try for the first time in a studio that already has the gloves, mats and moulds. Ask us about a resin session.