What is Resin Art? A-Z Guide to Resin Art in 2024

Are you familiar with resin art? We're sure some of you haven’t known this art form yet. So, what is resin art? Here's the ultimate guide for resin art that you must read through.

What is Resin Art?

To answer 'What is resin Art’, we first need to know about resin. Resin is a versatile substance derived from plant sap or synthetically produced. Depending on the kind of resin, you can use UV light or a hardening catalyst to firm. 

Resin art is a creative process that uses resin (casting or epoxy) to craft vibrant artworks.

Artists usually blend resin with pigments or paint to create unique patterns. Then, they’ll pour it on surfaces like wood and canvas or into a mold with dried flowers. As it cures, the colors and textures come to life, resulting in stunning 3D effects.

History behind Resin Art

You may not believe that resin art has existed for centuries. Resin-like materials such as shellac, cellulose nitrate, and natural rubber were used for artistic and decorative objects as early as the 18th century. 

The Baltic region has used amber - a fossilized tree resin - to create jewelry and decorative objects. This region highly values amber because of its overwhelming beauty and healing ability. 

The modern resin art began in the mid-20th century after the discovery of epoxy resin. It’s now a popular medium for artists, crafters, and DIY enthusiasts to craft many manual masterpieces while preserving their items forever.

Types of Resin Used in Art

If you want to create resin art, choosing a suitable resin type is very important. Here’re the 5 common types of resin you must try:

Types of resin	Features	Application
Epoxy resin	Durable  Versatile  Clear finish	Coatings Adhesives Castings
Polyester resin	Fast curing Inexpensive Chemical resistant Brittle	Molded products
Phenolic Resin	Heat resistant Low cost Oxidizes over time	Adhesives  Coatings
Alkyd Resin	Durable Fast drying	Paints Varnishes Primers
Silicone Resin	Heat/cold resistant flexible	Molds  Gaskets Coatings

Epoxy Resin

Epoxy resins are a thermoset polymer formed by a reaction between epichlorohydrin and bisphenol-A. they’re known for their high strength, toughness, chemical resistance, and durability.

Polyester Resins

Polyester resins result from mixing polyhydric alcohols with dibasic organic acids. They're very flexible with excellent flame, heat, and chemical resistance. With a low cost, you can use it for construction, laminate, components, coatings, bottles, and decorative items.

Moreover, polyester resins are fantastic for making sculptures and jewelry. With their versatility and affordability, they’re such an excellent choice for many artists! 

Phenolic Resins

According to ScienceDirect, Phenolic resins are synthetic thermosetting polymers created through the condensation of phenol and formaldehyde. Phenolic resins are very strong with excellent heat and impact resistance. It’s very popular in applications of circuit boards and brake pads.

Phenolic resins can be useful for sculpting, casting, and modeling. The heat resistance allows phenolic resin art to withstand high temperatures. 

Alkyd Resins

Alkyd resins are synthetic resins - a combination of polyols, acids, and natural oils or fatty acids. They’re common in oil-based paints and coatings, offering good durability, adhesion, and glossy finishes.

Alkyd resins are not common when it comes to decorative resin art. Yet, artists usually use it in mixed-media works or as a component in traditional oil painting.

Silicone Resins

Silicone resin is made of silicone polymers and fillers, creating a flexible and heat-resistant material. You'll find it in sealants, adhesives, and even cookware!

Silicone resins can be used for specific artistic and industrial applications, such as mold-making and casting. While not typically used for decorative resin art like epoxy resin, silicone resins play a crucial role in creating molds that can then be used with other casting materials or even traditional sculpture materials.

Resin Art vs. Other Art Forms

Like other art forms, resin art is very worth trying. If you still don’t know ‘what is resin art’, take a look at the detailed comparison between it and other traditional forms. 

	Resin Art	Traditional Painting	Sculpture
Materials	Epoxy resin Pigments Hardener	Paints Oil Canvas	Clay  Stone  Meta  Plaster
Techniques	Pouring, layering, mixing	Brushwork, blending	Carving, molding, welding
Durability	Resin can be fragile if thin	Durable on canvas	Durable, depends on material
Visual Appeal	Glossy, vibrant, 3D effects	Varies by style and technique	Sculptural form and texture
Versatility	Wide range of styles and effects	Versatile techniques and styles	3D sculptural forms
Safety	Proper ventilation required	Minimal safety risks	May involve unsafe materials
Eco friendliness	Some eco-friendly options	Minimal environmental impact	Environmental impact varies
Time and Effort	24-72 hours	Hours to days	Several weeks to months
Price	$30 - $300	$20 - $500	$50 - $2,000

The difference between forms of art

You can see that resin art suits anyone, whether you’re an artist or not. It allows you to have more intricate designs than painting, with detailed 3D shaping lacking in sculpture. Also, the resin material enables embedding custom objects that are impossible in traditional art forms. Yet, it’s pretty dangerous due to hazardous chemicals. 

How to Make Resin Art?

You can have a look at how to create a resin art with a flower here: 

Depending on the project, there’ll be different steps for you to do. However, there’re usually 9 steps to craft your resin art: 

• Gather supplies: You’ll need some crucial things like epoxy resin, a hardener, pigments or dyes. To avoid heat damage from the liquid, I suggest you prepare a mixing kit and protective gear.

• Prepare your workspace: Choose a workspace that is ventilated and easy to clean. You should cover the workspace with paper towels to catch any resin spills. Make sure your surface is level, as this’ll help your resin spread evenly.

• Mix the resin: Mix your epoxy resin and hardener in the right ratio according to the manufacturer. Usually, the ratio for epoxy resin is 2:1. Then, stir your mixture slowly for 3 minutes to avoid creating air bubbles in the mixture. A smooth blend will give you the best results.

• Add pigments: It’s creative time! Add pigments or paints to the resin mixture to create desired shades. You can mix different pigments to create unique colours and effects.

• Pour the resin: Carefully pour the mixed resin onto a canvas or a mold. You can create layers, patterns, or a solid colour background. The resin will self-level to create a smooth finish.

• Manipulate the resin: Use tools like a heat gun or torch to move and shape the resin. You can create swirls, cells, or any design you like. If you want to add intricate details, a toothpick or a fine brush can be your best friend!

• Cure Time: Leave your artwork in a dust-free and dry area to cure. The curing time can take from 24 - 72 hours. Be patient on this step.

• Inspect and Finish: Once your art has cured, inspect it carefully. If you notice any imperfections, you can sand them down and apply additional resin layers as needed.

• Protect Your Art: To preserve your masterpiece, spread a clear topcoat on the surface. It not only adds an extra layer to your craft but also gives your resin art a glossy, clear finish.

Safety precautions when working with Resin Art

There’ll be some unexpected things that happen while you’re crafting enchanting resin art. Hence, you’d better be aware of 4 problems to prevent them.

Ventilation

It’s important to work in a well-ventilated area when doing with resin. The reason is that resin fumes contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis. VOCs can also be harmful to the nervous system and the liver.

To ensure good ventilation, you should open windows and doors or use a fan to circulate the air. And remember to avoid working with resin in small, enclosed spaces.

Personal protective equipment

The resin-hardener mixture can cause heat damage. Hence, you must have protective equipment on to avoid unexpected injuries.

Equipment	Usage
Protective clothing	Wear something you don’t mind getting resin on, such as an apron or an old shirt, to protect your clothing from resin spills and splashes.
Nitrile gloves	Wear gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with resin, which can be an irritant.
Safety goggles	Safety goggles can safeguard your eyes from potential splashes or fumes during resin handling.
Respirator or mask	Use a respirator or mask to protect your respiratory system by preventing inhalation of resin fumes or vapors.

Avoid direct skin contact

It’s important to avoid direct skin contact when mixing resin for. Here’re the reason why:

• Irritation: Resin can irritate your skin, causing redness, itching, and burning. In some cases, it can also cause allergic reactions.
• Sensitizer: If you’re repeatedly exposed to resin, it can sensitize your skin, making you more likely to experience an allergic reaction in the future.
• Harmful chemicals: Some resins contain harmful chemicals, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates. These chemicals can be absorbed through the skin and into the body, hence, causing a variety of health problems.

If you have your hand touching the resin, please don’t worry. All you need to do is to follow these 10 methods to get it off your hand safely.

Immediate spills clean up

Resin can be sticky and hard to remove once it starts to cure. You don't want yourself or someone else to find resin later and not know what it is. Use paper towels or rags to wipe up any spills and dispose of them properly. However, we suggest you put some paper towels below your project to avoid the spills.

Inspiring Resin Art ideas & projects for beginners

Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced artist, resin art is a great way to express your creativity. What’s resin art? They’re these projects that you can do to have stunning results at home.

Resin Coasters

Resin coasters are such artistic additions to your home decor. These vibrant coasters can protect your surfaces from heat and moisture while adding a touch of elegance to your space.

Resin Jewelry

Finding your accessories too normal? Craft your own resin jewelry. You can make it by embedding your favorite stuff into the resin. You can use resin to make a wide variety of jewelry, like bracelets, necklaces, earrings and rings. It can be made by people of all skill levels, from beginners to handy artisans.

Resin Paintings

It’s time to decorate your house with stunning resin paintings. With vibrant colors and intricate details, these art pieces will make your home unprecedentedly captivating.

Resin Keychains

Do you often find it challenging to find your keys? If yes, make personalized keychains from resin to solve your problem forever. They also help you showcase your creativity and interests wherever you go. To make your keychain unique, we’d suggest having tiny stuff like glitter, dried flowers, or small trinkets in the resin. 

Resin Paperweights

Make your work table more lively with a few resin paperweights. It can be made by combining epoxy resin with pigments and adding decorative elements like flowers or shells. These interactive pieces can add a touch of personality to your desk or gift a splash of creativity to someone's workspace.

Resin Lamps

Resin lamps are a brilliant blend of art and illumination! Crafted using epoxy resin, they come in a dazzling array of shapes and designs. Resin lamps can range from modern and minimalistic to ornate and colorful, making them versatile for any room. This resin art is absolutely a stunning choice for your lighting solutions.

Resin Aquarium

Resin aquarium decorations are like mini underwater wonderlands. With a bit of time and money, you can make your tank become a vibrant aquatic paradise. These aquariums can provide a fun and interactive environment for your fish and showcase your creativity for the tank setup.

Resin Keycaps

If you’re a gamer, resin keycaps must be your desired item when it comes to keyboard customization. You can make them by mixing resin with a hardener and adding your favorite details. They’re a fantastic way to inject creativity and a burst of color into your daily interactions with technology.

Unlike traditional keycaps, they’re a type of artisan keycaps with a unique, crafted look. Here’re some points that make the difference:

• Material: Resin keycaps are made from liquid resin that is molded and cured, while most traditional keycaps are made from plastic.
• Customizability: Resin is highly customizable, allowing you to embed objects, glitter, and colors. Meanwhile, traditional keycaps have by far limited customizability.
• Durability: Resin keycaps are very durable compared to thin plastic keycaps. They can protect against cracks, chips, and long-term use. 

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Resin Bookmarks

If you have a passion for books, make for yourself a charming bookmark from resin. With a glossy finish and intricate details, they’re the best reminders of your love for reading and your embrace of beauty.

Resin Tumblers

You can craft a resin tumbler by coating it with epoxy resin and embellishing it with pigments, glitters, or even your own designs. Resin tumblers are versatile because you can customize them and make them a perfect accessory or meaningful gift.

Resin Magnets

Resin magnets are like tiny pieces of art that can stick to your fridge or magnetic boards. You can create one with colorful designs to add a touch of art to your refrigerator. they’re a perfect combination of function and creativity in a small, delightful package.

Resin Pen Holders

Whether you're a writer or an artist, a resin pen holder is a great way to keep your tools handy while adding a pop of color and creativity to your desk. You can find resin pen holders in various styles – from sleek and modern to more organic and freeform.

Resin Furniture

Whether it's a resin coffee table or dining set, you can make it by combining epoxy resin and durable materials like wood or metal. This unique furniture will offer elegance to your home. What’s more, it's durable and easy to clean, making this resin art both a stylish and practical choice.

Resin Sculpture

Whether you're an art enthusiast or simply want to enhance your surroundings, resin sculptures are a creative, unique choice for you. With the ability to combine textures, colors, and even embedded materials like crystals or flowers, they look like visual poetry.

Is it expensive to start Resin Art?

Starting resin art doesn't have to be expensive. The cost of materials can vary depending on the type of resin and other supplies you choose to use.

Here’s a breakdown of prices of some essential materials you’ll need:

• Resin: You can expect to pay around $50-$65 per gallon of resin.
• Molds: Silicone molds can cost from $10-$25.
• Glitter, pigments, and other additives: Prices vary depending on the brand and type of additive.
• Disposable plastic utensils: You can find kits of disposable plastic utensils for around $20-$30.

You can work on more complex projects once you have profound experience and tackle more advanced techniques. The initial spending may include safety gear like gloves and safety glasses, which are one-time purchases.

Expenses can increase for larger projects or premium materials, but many artists like me find the joy and beauty are well worth it. You can begin with a small budget and grow your collection over time, making resin art accessible for various budgets and artistic visions.

Where to buy Resin Art?

Here are some best places that you can have yourself enchanting pieces of resin art:

Hirosart: If you can’t answer ‘What is resin art?’, let Hirosart do it for you. Here’s one of the best resin artists in Vietnam with profound experience in creating resin products. With a wide range of products, you can have high-quality resin finishes at competitive prices.

Etsy: This is a great place to buy resin art from independent artists around the world. You can find a wide variety of resin art on Etsy, including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and home decor. 

Amazon: With a variety of resin art, you can purchase pieces at competitive prices. And if you're not satisfied with your purchase, you can easily return it for a full refund.

Conclusion

With the ultimate guide, we hope you have an answer to the question, ‘What is resin art?’. Now, it’s time to immerse yourself in a world of vibrant designs! Start your resin art journey today and turn your imagination into stunning masterpieces.

FAQs

Is Resin Art good for the environment?

Resin art's impact on the environment is mixed. Some artists use eco-friendly resins and practices, supporting sustainability. Yet, there are concerns regarding volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions during resin mixing and curing, which can contribute to indoor air pollution.

Is Resin crafting easy?

Resin crafting is so easy even you’re a beginner. You just need to follow step-by-step instructions, you can create beautiful resin pieces. The process just takes practice, and you'll improve with each project.

Is Resin Art safe to work?

Absolutely! Working with resin art can be a safe and enjoyable creative endeavor, as long as you take the necessary precautions. Ensure your workspace is well-ventilated, wear gloves and goggles, and avoid contact with skin. Remember to work slowly and carefully with mixed resin to avoid spills. 

Can I mix colors and dyes in Resin Art?

Of course, you can! You can use various pigments, liquid dyes, mica powders, or even alcohol inks to create your desired color palette. 

Is Resin Art expensive?

No, resin art can absolutely be affordable! With budget supplies, homemade molds, small projects, and clever embedments using inexpensive craft materials, you can have a clear finish. 

Is Resin Art breakable?

Yes, resin art can break, but it's not like glass. It's more like a hard plastic. If you drop it on a hard surface, it could crack or chip. But if you handle it with care, it should last for many years.