The Perfect Resin Finish for your Paintings
How to Get Started with Resin Art
&
A few Pro Tips for the Perfect Resin Finish
If you’ve been staring at those beautiful resin art pieces and thinking, “That looks amazing, but how the heck do I even get started?”—don’t worry, I was there over half a decade ago! I’m going to walk you through the basics of resin art, from the materials you need to the process itself. Plus, I’ll share a few pro tips that are going to save you tons of time, frustration and money on trial and error! Trust me on this one— your resin game will change after this!
So What Exactly Is Resin Art?
Let’s break it down. Resin art involves using a special liquid plastic called resin, which creates a chemical reaction and hardens when mixed with a hardener compound. It’s this magical combo that turns into a shiny, glossy surface, and if applied expertly creates a mirror like effect on your paintings. You can use resin to coat surfaces like canvases, create molds, and even add fun textures and colors to your pieces. It’s a versatile medium, and once you understand the basics, the possibilities are endless. For this blog, and in my resin course we focus on understanding the chemical reactions of the material first, and then how to apply it perfectly on your favorite painting.
It may look complex, but once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty straightforward. And the best part? You can make some seriously stunning pieces that will make you look like a pro, even if you’re just starting out.
What You Need to Get Started with Resin Art
Before you dive in, let’s talk about the materials you’ll need. You don’t need a ton of fancy equipment, but you do need the right stuff to make sure your resin turns out just how you want it.
Here are the basic materials you are going to need:
1. Resin & Hardener: This is the foundation of resin art. The resin is what creates that beautiful, glossy finish, and the hardener is what makes it solidify. The most common resin you’ll be using is epoxy resin, which is clear and perfect for art projects. When choosing a resin, make sure it’s suitable for the type of project you’re working on—some resins are designed for coating, while others are better for molds or jewelry.
2. Mixing Cups: You’ll need to measure and mix the resin, so grab some clear plastic cups or graduated containers. It’s important to get the right resin-to-hardener ratio, so measuring tools are essential. If you’re a perfectionist like me, go for cups with easy-to-read measurements so you can get it just right.
3. Mixing Sticks: You’ll need something to stir your resin and hardener together. Wooden sticks work great for this, but you can use plastic or silicone ones too. Just make sure to mix thoroughly so you don’t have any unmixed spots that might affect the curing process.
4. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): Resin is sticky and fumy stuff. It’s easy to get on your hands, and even if you’re careful, it can be a pain to clean up. So, don’t skip the gloves or the mask! They’re also important for safety because resin can irritate your skin and respiratory airways. Even resin that says "non-toxic" can be harmful for your health, because it actually only becomes non-toxic once it is cured!
5. Heat Gun or Torch: One of the trickiest things with resin is dealing with bubbles. After you pour it, air bubbles will form and mess with the smooth, glossy finish you’re going for. That’s where a heat gun or torch comes in. You just lightly pass it over the surface, and the heat helps the bubbles pop. Be careful not to get too close or leave the heat on one spot for too long, as it can affect the resin’s texture and color overtime.
6. Surface to Work On: Depending on your project, this could be a canvas, a wooden board, a silicone mold, or anything else you want to coat or pour resin on. Make sure it’s level— you will need as level for this, otherwise, the resin will pool to one side.
These are the main materials you will need to get started! If you want an in depth list of materials I use for my resin projects I have an entire module on this in The Perfect Resin Finish Course:
The Resin Art Process: Step-by-Step
Now that you’ve got your materials, let’s go through the basic steps of getting started with resin art. This process can be applied to pretty much any resin project, so you’ll be using it again and again as you dive into your art. Understanding the materials you are working with and their chemical reactions is crucial to master this medium!
1. Measure and Mix Your Resin and Hardener
This is the crucial part: getting the ratio right. Most resin will require a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio of resin to hardener, but always check the instructions on your specific resin. If you mix too much hardener or resin, it can throw off the chemical reaction and leave you with a sticky mess. I learned this the really hard way lol.
Once you have the right ratio, pour the resin and hardener into your mixing cup. Start stirring slowly and steadily for about 3-5 minutes—don’t rush it! If you mix to fast the resin will start curing and getting hot in the container before you get a chance to pour it.
Scrape the edges of the container to incorporate ALL the resin in the mixture. The resin and hardener need to be thoroughly mixed for everything to cure correctly.
(Pro tip: the mixture will go from clear and stringy, to murky, to clear! That's when you know your resin is properly mixed.)
2. Pour the Resin
Once your resin is mixed, it’s time to pour! If you’re using a mold, pour the resin into the mold slowly, filling it just enough to cover the bottom. If you’re working on a canvas or a surface, pour the resin on and spread it evenly with a stick or spatula. Take your time here—be deliberate. You want the resin to cover the surface evenly and smoothly.
3. Pop the Bubbles
After you’ve poured the resin, you’ll start to see bubbles forming on the surface. These can mess up the perfect finish you’re going for, so we need to get rid of them. Grab your heat gun or torch, and gently pass it over the surface. The heat will help the bubbles rise to the surface and pop. Don’t get too close—just hover over the resin lightly for the best effect.
4. Let It Cure
Resin doesn’t dry instantly; it takes time to cure. Depending on the type of resin and the temperature, it might take anywhere from 12 to 48 hours to fully cure. Be patient during this time, and make sure to keep your resin project in a dust-free environment so that nothing messes with the perfect finish! I always cover mine with a plastic lid or another canvas, propped on top of my project:
Now that you’ve got the basics down, here’s the exciting part: If you’re ready to take your resin skills to the next level and become a true pro, my Resin Art course is exactly what you need. This isn’t just about basic techniques or tips; it’s about learning to create resin pieces that are truly exceptional because you fully understand the material you are working with! I’ll guide you through more advanced tricks, including:
• Mixing and layering techniques for the perfect dust bunny-free finish
• Creating resin art pieces that look like they belong in a gallery
• How to get that flawless finish every time (no more mistakes or sticky patches)
• Time-saving tips for faster production and professional results
Whether you’re dreaming of selling your resin creations or just want to create show-stopping art for yourself, my course will give you the tools, techniques, and confidence to create like a professional resin artist.
By the time you’re done with my course, you’ll have the skills and know-how to take your resin art to the next level, making pieces that are polished, professional, and ready for the spotlight.
Don’t just make basic resin pieces—make art that stands out because it's authentically yours! The best way to do this as an artist is by fully understanding the materials you are working with. This isn't a tutorial, this is a master course for you to dive fully into this medium, and understand it enough that you have the confidence to experiment on your own. That's what creativity is all about!
Ready to dive in? Let’s level up together! I will be working 1 on 1 with you on this course, so you can ask me any questions you need along the journey! I can't wait to see what you create!
Enroll here: