Relatively speaking, epoxy is the easiest to work with. It is the most tolerant of resin errors for beginners, as well as being the easiest to mix and measure. So how do you know which resin to use? Resin is technically short for epoxy resin, which is a two-component system consisting of resin and hardener. By mixing the two components, a chemical reaction occurs so that the liquid resin gradually hardens into a solid plastic.
You'll need to determine the correct amount of resin to cover the surface of the part. Too much will spill out the sides and flow, and too little and it will not spread completely over the part. Go slowly and be patient, and gently use a stirring rod to help add extra resin and spread it out. Measure equal parts of the resin and hardener in two separate cups.
It is important to have an equal amount of each to ensure that the resin hardens completely. Plaid Crafts has released Mod Podge Resin, and I find it very easy to use. It has a superior quality of lightfastness and dries to a bright, hard finish that leading products don't have. Mod Podge resin is also FDA certified food safe, low VOC, and made in the USA.
UU. You'll need blocks or cups for your object to settle (for resin to spill around the edges) and the end result will be more of a painting than a three-dimensional object. Using hot resin and hot molds will help reduce the number of bubbles within the resin and allow it to cure. In recent years, resin art has exploded in popularity and is used to create jewelry, crafts, coasters, fluid art, mosaics, charcuterie boards and much more.
You should protect your area with suitable materials to ensure that the resin doesn't ruin your desk or table. I use Amazing Clear Cast Resin and you can check out my How to Mix Resin for Beginners post for the full breakdown. People who are more sensitive to chemicals should also consider wearing a respirator (using vapor cartridges) or a mask to lessen the effects of contact with resin. If you're looking for some more ideas, you can check out my list of amazing (inexpensive) items you can put inside your resin art.
Of course, there are a million things you can put inside a piece of resin (and you probably shouldn't). For example, if you used a low-viscosity resin to mold a large, deep sphere, you may not be able to get the resin out of the mold. Okay, inclusions is an elegant word that I've heard sophisticated resin artists use while working on their sophisticated resin projects (on YouTube). You should review the safety data sheet for the resin you are using for recommendations on how to use the product safely.
If you have any items you want to add to the mold, such as stickers, beads or dried flowers, add them to the resin now. Resin was used primarily for industrial applications, that is, until artists discovered that a glossy layer of resin makes the color stand out, giving paintings and photographs unparalleled depth and a sleek, modern finish. art resin is a popular brand of epoxy resin that is suitable for art projects such as images due to its glossy finish. Resin is generally FDA-certified food-safe when mixed properly following the instructions provided with the product (be sure to check the instructions or the website of any brand you purchase to confirm this).
