The tools to create resin art

Now that you have your basic tools together, it’s time to create resin art. There are a few more items resin art tools you can get once you’re confident enough to spend some money to take your hobby to the next level. We’ll also troubleshoot some common problems below.

On the level

When creating resin art, it’s essential to work on a level surface to prevent your pour from running in one direction. A levelling table made from HDPE is the perfect solution since resin doesn’t stick to HDPE. However, HDPE scratches easily, so take care when using sharp objects.

Fit the mould

As resin doesn’t stick to silicone, soft silicone moulds are ideal and allow you to quickly pop out your cured resin casting. Baking moulds are suitable for creating resin art. However, you should be careful with heat on these moulds, as they can melt and stick to your project.

Remember that the smallest dust particle will stick to your mould and ruin your resin project. Wash your silicone mould with cold soapy water and air dry.

A splash of colour

Piñata Alcohol can be used for creating beautifully colourful resin art. However, this resin art tool isn’t UV resistant and will eventually fade when exposed to sunlight.

Full bloom

Using dried flowers when creating resin art adds a simple feminine touch. With an airtight container and some silica beads, you will have beautifully preserved flowers in a week or two, depending on the flower.

You can regenerate your silica beads to remove the moisture with heat in a conventional or microwave oven at 120°C – 140°C.

Sand it smooth

There may be times you need to remove a sharp edge on your resin creation. A thin, clear layer of resin on the sides can cover sharp edges on your project. However, if you want to sand your creation to get it smooth or into a specific shape, you’ll need patience and the right sanding paper.

Start with the roughest grit paper to quickly take off the excess resin, then move through the order, spending enough time with each grit to get the best result. A good sanding order generally starts with P120 working down through P150, P400, P600, P800, P1 000, P1 200, P1 500 and finally P2 000.

Bubble trouble

Troublesome micro bubbles in your resin castings form when trapped air can’t escape because of the resin’s viscosity. Resin is thicker than water, meaning it has a higher viscosity, making it difficult for the air to escape. When you mix your resin, you’re likely to introduce air into the mixture.

You can minimise bubbles by mixing your resin slowly for about three minutes, making sure to scrape the sides and bottom for even mixing. In addition, you can tap your work surface once you’ve poured the resin into your mould. This will help the bubbles rise to the top so you can pop them with a torch, being careful not to melt your mould.

Mix it up

Now you should be well-equipped to start creating resin art. But, before you jump in, make sure you’re familiar with these mixing tips for resin and PoxyPaste.

Resin

Only mix as much resin as you need. If you’re not sure, rather mix too little and add more to avoid wastage.
Because resin is self-levelling, working on a level surface is necessary.
Warm resin flows easier, so if you can, work in a warm room. When it’s really cold, place your premixed resin and hardener bottles in a plastic bag in a bowl of warm water before mixing.
Cover your work area with a protective plastic sheet because spills will be hard to remove once set.
Wearing gloves help when things get messy. Getting resin on your skin might cause irritation and should be removed immediately. Resin spells that aren’t set yet can be cleaned with acetone.
Always do small tests and experiment with pigments since they may have different results.

PoxyPaste

Only mix as much paste as you need. If you’re not sure, rather mix too little and add more to avoid wastage.
It’s not necessary to work on a level surface when using PoxyPaste.
Working in a warm room helps to soften the two parts for easy mixing.
Cover your work area with a protective plastic sheet because spills will be hard to remove once set.
Wearing gloves help when things get messy.
Always do small tests and experiment with pigments since they may have different results.
It’s not necessary to work on a level surface when using PoxyPaste.
Working in a warm room helps to soften the two parts for easy mixing.
Cover your work area with a protective plastic sheet because spills will be hard to remove once set.
Wearing gloves help when things get messy.
Always do small tests and experiment with pigments since they may have different results.

Contact PoxyArt for details

Now you’re set to create resin art beyond your imagining. For more information about the resin art tools stocked by PoxyArt, contact us or browse through our website to see what else we offer resin artists