How to Make Resin Art at Home: Ultimate Epoxy Art Guide

Last Updated on April 30, 2025 by teamobn

Creating resin art at home has never been more accessible. This guide will walk you through every step. You will learn how to make resin art that shines. Get ready to master epoxy resin art with ease.

What is Resin Art?

Resin art uses epoxy resin as a fluid medium that hardens into a glossy, glass-like finish. The process begins with a two-part mixture of resin and hardener. Once mixed, the liquid resin cures into a durable surface. You can embed objects or mix pigments for color. Many artists craft coasters, jewelry and even river tables that mimic flowing water. 

Resin art also works on canvas and wood. Pigments, mica powders and glitter let you personalize each piece. Layering builds depth. The final result resists scratches and moisture. Modern epoxy resin art formulas resist yellowing over time. DIY kits and tutorials have made this medium popular over the last five years. It now stands as a versatile and rewarding form of creative expression.

How to Make Resin Art: Step-by-Step Guide

Materials

• Two-part epoxy resin and matching hardener
• Plastic or silicone mixing cups
• Resin pigments (mica powders, liquid dyes)
• Glitter or metal flakes (optional)
• Isopropyl alcohol for cleanup and sanding residue
• Dust cover or plastic dome

Tools

• Digital scale for accurate resin-to-hardener measurement
• Wooden or silicone stir sticks
• Toothpicks for positioning embeds and popping tiny bubbles
• Level tool to ensure flat pours
• Silicone spatula for spreading resin
• Heat gun or small torch (or lighter) for bubble removal
• Nitrile gloves and respirator mask for safety
• Wet-dry sandpaper (400–1200 grit) for edging
• Soft cloth or polishing compound for final buffing

Steps

Preparing the Resin Mixture

Start by reading the manufacturer instructions. Check the resin-to-hardener ratio. Use a digital scale for accuracy. Place a cup on the scale and zero it out. Pour resin first, then add hardener in equal parts. Mix slowly with a stir stick. Use figure-eight motions. 

Scrape the cup sides and bottom. Stir for at least three minutes. A slow stir reduces bubbles. Transfer the mixture into a clean cup. This catches unmixed resin at the bottom. Stir gently for one more minute. Proper mixing ensures a solid cure and a clear finish. You are now ready to add color.

Adding Color and Additives

Select pigments or dyes made for resin. Add mica powder for shimmer or liquid dye for transparent hues. Start with a small amount. Mix slowly to avoid new bubbles. Check your shade and adjust as needed. Avoid over-pigmenting or you risk a weak cure. 

For sparkle, stir in glitter or metal flakes. To embed objects, place them in your mold or on the art surface. Use a toothpick to position each piece. Clean spills immediately. Work efficiently—resin begins to thicken as it cures.

Pouring the Resin

Set your mold or substrate on a level surface. Use a level tool to confirm flatness. Pour resin into the center. Let it flow outward naturally. Guide it gently with a silicone spatula to reach the edges. For layered pieces, pour thin coats of about 1/8 inch. Wait until the surface is tacky, typically 30 to 60 minutes. Then pour the next layer.

Thin coats help avoid bubbles and warping. To create patterns, pour different colors in separate spots. Use a stir stick to drag the colors into swirls or veins. Keep the table flat between pours. Clean drips quickly to keep edges neat. Wear gloves to avoid fingerprints.

Removing Bubbles

Freshly poured resin often traps air. Use a heat gun or small torch held 4–6 inches away. Move it in a steady, sweeping motion. Do not linger in one area to avoid scorching. A lighter works for small spots. Break stubborn bubbles with a toothpick before the resin skins over. Make a second heat pass if needed. Check corners and edges carefully. Taking time here ensures a flawless, glass-like finish.

Curing and Finishing

Cover your work with a dust shield that does not touch the resin. Let it cure in a stable temperature between 70 and 75°F. Curing can take 24 hours to reach a handleable stage. Full hardness may require 48 to 72 hours. Check the brand’s instructions. When fully cured, unmold flexible pieces carefully. For flat art, gently lift the cured piece from its backing. 

Wear gloves to keep the surface pristine. Sand rough edges with wet-dry sandpaper, starting at 400 grit and progressing to 1200 grit. Rinse residue and wipe with isopropyl alcohol. Apply a second clear topcoat if you want extra depth. Finish by buffing with a soft cloth or polishing compound. Your epoxy resin art is now complete.

Tips for Creating Stunning Resin Art

Creating resin art is a rewarding process, but the real magic lies in the details. The following tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and bring out the best in your designs. These are practices even seasoned artists rely on to achieve professional results every time.

• Use High-Quality Materials: Always invest in premium epoxy resin and compatible pigments. Cheaper alternatives may yellow over time or cure inconsistently.
• Keep Your Workspace Dust-Free: Even a single speck of dust can ruin an otherwise perfect piece. Work in a clean area and cover your resin with a dust shield while curing.
• Plan Your Colors Ahead of Time: Think about your color combinations before you start. Mix a small test batch to preview how pigments look once blended with resin.
• Build in Layers for Depth: Thin pours allow for better control. Each layer adds dimension and reduces the risk of bubbles or warping.
• Experiment with Effects: Use ring pours or puddle pours to create natural patterns. Try swirling pigments or layering transparent and opaque colors for contrast.
• Work With Silicone Tools and Molds: Flexible molds release resin easily. Silicone spatulas and brushes help spread and coat resin cleanly.
• Maintain Safety Protocols: Wear a respirator and nitrile gloves. Resin fumes and skin contact can be harmful, even during short exposure.
• Control Heat and Timing: Use a heat gun or torch to pop bubbles right after pouring. Always move the heat steadily to avoid burning the surface.
• Let Each Layer Cure to Tacky Before the Next Pour: This ensures proper adhesion and prevents layer separation.
• Use Additives Wisely: Too much pigment or glitter can interfere with curing. Start small and adjust slowly.
• Store Leftovers Properly: Seal extra resin in airtight containers to keep moisture out and prolong shelf life.
• Sanding and Buffing: Wet sanding with progressively finer grits brings out a smooth finish. Buff with a soft cloth or polishing compound for a glass-like sheen.
• Add Personal Touches: Embed pressed flowers, coins, or keepsakes to create one-of-a-kind designs.
• Inspect Under Strong Light: Rotating your work under bright lighting reveals bubbles, dust, or other flaws you may have missed.
• Plan Your Cleanup: Keep isopropyl alcohol and lint-free wipes nearby. Clean up spills quickly before they harden.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Resin Art

Creating resin art involves many steps and it’s easy to slip up. The following covers the most frequent errors artists make. Spotting these pitfalls early will save you time and materials. Keep these in mind to ensure a flawless finish.

• Skipping Safety Gear: Working without gloves and a proper respirator exposes your skin and lungs to harmful chemicals. Always suit up before you measure or mix.
• Incorrect Resin-to-Hardener Ratio: Mixing parts by guesswork leads to sticky or soft spots in your piece. Always weigh each component precisely on a digital scale.
• Rushing the Mixing Process: Stirring too fast or for too short a time traps bubbles and leaves unmixed pockets. Use slow, deliberate motions for at least three minutes and scrape the cup sides.
• Pouring on an Uneven Surface: If your mold or board isn’t perfectly level, resin pools to one side. Check flatness with a level tool before any pour.
• Overloading with Pigments: Adding too much dye or mica powder can interfere with curing and clarity. Start with small increments and test a mini batch first.
• Ignoring Dust and Debris: Even a single speck can mar your glossy finish. Work in a clean workspace and cover wet resin immediately with a dust shield.
• Pouring Thick, Single Layers: Thick pours generate excess heat and may crack or yellow. Build up your piece in thin coats, letting each reach tacky before adding the next.
• Overheating While Removing Bubbles: Holding a torch too close or in one spot can scorch or crack the resin. Keep your heat source moving and at least 4–6 inches away.
• Demolding Too Early: Pulling a piece before it’s fully cured can warp or break it. Refer to the manufacturer’s cure times and wait at least 48 hours for full hardness.
• Skipping Sanding and Polishing: Leaving rough edges and surface imperfections undermines your work’s professionalism. Wet-sand with progressively finer grits and buff to a glass-like sheen.

Caring for and Displaying Your Resin Art

Resin art adds a stunning touch to any space but it needs proper care to stay looking new. Regular cleaning prevents dust buildup and maintains that glossy finish. Choosing the right spot enhances both the art and your room. These three approaches will help you care for and display your resin art with confidence.

Proper Cleaning and Maintenance

Use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe dust from the surface. Cleaning with mild soap and water removes residue without damage. Dry the piece fully after washing to avoid water spots. This simple routine keeps your resin art looking fresh.

Optimal Display Placement

Place resin art away from direct sunlight. UV rays can fade pigments and lead to yellowing over time. Choose a location with stable temperature and low humidity. This ensures your piece cures fully and remains intact.

Protection Against Heat and UV

Avoid positioning resin pieces near windows or heat sources. High heat can soften or warp the resin surface. Apply a UV-protective spray or install window film for added defense. This extra shield prevents color shifts and extends the life of your art.

Conclusion

Resin art offers endless creative potential for home artists. It combines science and art in a rewarding process. With proper tools and techniques, you can achieve professional results. Start small, build confidence, and expand into larger projects as you learn.

We have more unique art projects for your creative hobbies. Check out our pyrography art guide next!