The simplest ways to make the best epoxy craft projects
Doing craft projects with epoxy resin is a fun and creative way to spend an afternoon. Not only that, but you can get started relatively inexpensively. Before I get into the epoxy craft projects you can make at home, here are some resin fundamentals to get you familiar with using epoxy.
What is resin?
In making these epoxy craft projects, we are using two-part resin kits. These kits contain two bottles; one is the Part A resin, the other is the Part B hardener. When specific amounts of each are mixed, the combo heats up, and the resin hardens or cures.
What is the difference between resin and epoxy resin?
Epoxy is a kind of resin. You may see other resin types like polyurethane or polyester. We aren’t going to use them in these projects as they can be a little tough to work with for beginners. If you want to learn more about them, I go into more detail here: what are the different types of resin?
How do I use epoxy resin?
Every resin kit has specific instructions. Epoxy Colorant will want to follow them carefully so that your resin dries like you are expecting. Epoxy resins generally mix by volume, combining a certain amount of Part A to a specific amount of Part B. You then mix the parts together for a few minutes, until the mix is clear and streak-free. Once this happens, you have approximately 20 to 40 minutes to use the mixed resin, depending on the formula. If you want an in-depth lesson on how to mix resin for epoxy craft projects, this will help: how to mix resin and hardener in five easy steps.
How much epoxy resin do I need for craft projects?
There are a few different ways you can figure out how much epoxy resin you need for your project. You will need to take measurements of the space you intend to fill or coat with resin. From there, you have a few different ways to calculate how much resin you need. The easiest way is to use our resin calculator. It does all the hard math for you!
If you find you have mixed too much resin, don’t waste it! Here are some creative leftover resin projects.
Is it safe to use epoxy resin?
Like any other chemical, there are certain precautions you need to take to make sure to keep yourself safe. At a minimum, you need to wear protective gloves and work in a well-ventilated area. You also need to be sure you are using a resin that conforms to ASTM D-4236. This means the resin has been reviewed by a third-party auditor and determined to be safe for use for art purposes. A resin without this certification is not only illegal to sell in the United States, but it also isn’t safe to use.
Here are more details about how to use resin safely.
What epoxy resin should I use?
If you are working in molds, you want to use a casting resin.
They mix thin, like water, and can be poured in thick layers.