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20 Resin Important Hacks and Tips – DIY Hacks For Crafters

20 Resin Important Hacks and Tips – DIY Hacks For Crafters

Many of you might be worried about working with resin, so I thought it would be helpful to gather all the hacks that I’ve learned and share them with you. Here’s a quick overview and DIY steps to follow to get you started. As with any project, always remember to be careful!

Most resins come in two parts when you purchase it: the resin and the hardener. When these two parts are mixed together, a chemical reaction will occur that changes it from liquid into a solid state. Every resin is different so follow the manufacturer’s instructions as well as their safety precautions.

  1. Before you start, make sure to cover the surface of your working area with wax or parchment paper to prevent the resin from sticking.
  2. Try to work in a dust-free area with good ventilation. It’s best to turn off your fan; the fan could blow dust into your resin.
  3. Wear a mask especially if you are sensitive to fumes.
  4. Wear gloves that are fit and snugly.
  5. Slowly pour the resin to a smaller cup a little bit at a time so that it is easier to control. Mix in the exact amount carefully and be aware that, depending on the resin, it may pour out quickly.
  6. If the resin has lots of bubbles after mixing, let it sit for about 10 minutes and let the bubbles disappear on their own.
  7. If bubbles appear after you have poured the resin into the mold, use a BBQ lighter to get them to pop quickly.
  8.  Another way to get rid of bubbles is to use a blow dryer.  Hold the blow dryer further away because it may melt your mold.
  9. You may also use a straw to gently blow them out quickly and easily.
  10. If you are using a shiny mold then your pieces will be shiny as well.  If not, your pieces will be foggy, but there’s a solution to this!  Apply any glaze on the layer, such as an acrylic gel. I personally use Sculpey gloss or mod podge since it dries quickly and is easy to apply.
  11. Do not use paper, fabrics, or stickers that changes color when wet; these may blotch or stain your resin. To avoid discoloration, apply some gloss on top and bottom layers to seal it and let it dry before using the resin.
  12. Flowers and other vegetation need to be dried before using with Resin. Use a spray sealer, such as Krylon, to seal dried flowers, foliage, candy sprinkles, and other items.  This also prevents discoloration.
  13. To avoid trapping bubbles, use a toothpick to move the stickers in the mold.
  14. If you make a mess on your table, use alcohol or baby wipes to clean it.  Using water will keep the table sticky.
  15. Most resin has a shelf life of about 6 to 12 months or it will turn yellow and your pieces will result to a yellowish result as well. Use the resin before the expiration date.
  16. Cover your artwork with a dome or a box to keep dust particles from sticking to your uncured resin as it dries.
  17. Try to soak your component bottles for a few minutes in warm water before pouring it to the mixing cup. You’ll notice that the resin is much thinner, mixes faster, and has fewer bubbles.
  18. Use the right sandpaper to smooth any rough areas. You can start with more coarse sandpaper (100-180 grit) to smooth the edges with larger bumps. Work your way down to finer grit (600-1500 grit) wet/dry sandpaper. I usually do the sanding under water to reduce the dust with gentle pressure. Remember that sanding your resin will turn the clear finish into cloudy finish so be certain that this is the effect that you want before starting.
  19. Generally, oil paints are highly suggested by other websites to add color to your resin. I personally use watercolors, acrylic paint, and nail paint to add color. I add paint a little at a time until I achieve the color that I want.
  20. Lastly, use a mold release to make it easier to release your cured resin from the mold.

These are the tips and tricks that I hope will help you when working with Resin.

Have fun crafting!

Let me know which one is your favorite hack and let me know in the comment below.

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