@loverefracted Is Our Instagram Winner!
The results are stunning, lightweight, one-of-a-kind pieces of art.
Christy studied piano performance in college but once she discovered the world of polymer clay, she was hooked: "It truly is an outlet for me. I’ve always needed some way to express my many emotions and feelings. It used to be me throwing my everything into the Grieg piano concerto and now I express myself through colors and shapes."
Christy says: "I loved that the options to working with polymer clay were virtually limitless. I also love color and loved the idea of being able to create whatever color I wanted to use for my jewelry." Christy discovered epoxy resin shortly after she got started with polymer clay. She says, "It has completely changed my jewelry game! I’d say most of my jewelry has resin somehow incorporated into it these days."
Christy then rolls out the clay with a roller or a pasta machine, cutting out her shapes with an X-acto knife or a cutter.
Next, she bakes, sands and buffs the pieces, adding resin to whatever components she would like with a glossy finish.
After the resin has cured, she drills holes and assembles her pieces, attaching gold or silver hooks, posts or chains to transform them into wearable jewelry. She says " Finally, I get to see the pieces come to life! After that, I take pictures of the finished pieces and then upload those images to Etsy and Instagram, and I move on from create mode to sell mode!"
Christy sells her work on her Etsy shop and through her Instagram page. When people look at her pieces, she hopes that "they see something they’ve never seen before, a different perspective on jewelry. I also love to have a story connected to what I make and enjoy sharing that aspect with my “Love Refracted fam.”
Congratulations on your win, Christy!
To celebrate our amazing resin artists, every month we send out a 32 oz kit to a couple of folks who have tagged us on Instagram—and then we share their work with the world!
Don't forget, tag YOUR ArtResin work with @art_resin on Instagram, and YOU could be our next winner!!
ArtResin: Made For Artists, By Artists.
How To Resin Collage Art
What is paper collage?
Paper collage is the technique of cutting and overlapping individual pieces of material to create a whole new work of art. The beauty of collage is that, from afar, the finished piece looks like a geometric abstract, but up close, all the small hidden details reveal themselves.
Artists may select their materials based on a color palette or a theme. These materials are then cut into small pieces and affixed onto a wooden panel or canvas. By arranging materials with a variety of textures, patterns and colors in a purposeful way, artists can create an eye-catching visual statement.
Can you apply resin over collage art?
Yes, epoxy resin is a great way to finish collage art. It provides a glossy, professional looking finish that protects the paper, it enhances the color and adds a layer of depth and dimension.
What materials work well for paper collage?
You can use a variety of materials to build a paper collage including photos, fabric, and paper. It's best to use high quality coated paper, ideally that has a texture or an image printed on it. Cuttings from high end magazines and books work very particularly well.
Join artist Daniel Anstett as he creates a collage entitled Coastline, following a simple but striking pattern suitable for beginners or experienced artists alike. He also covers the tools you'll need to recreate this piece at home and shares his tips and techniques to set you up for success!
Let's get started!
What materials do I need to get started with paper collage?
Getting started with paper collage art is simple. Here's what you'll need:
- a 12 x 12 wood panel, painted white
- Good quality paper from a coffee table book or high end magazine, in the theme or color palette of your choice
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Utility knife to trim the edges
- Stands to prop your panel up (painter’s pyramids or plastic cups)
- Masking tape
- Clear acrylic medium or brush on sealant
- Foam roller or foam brush
- Plastic sheet to line your work surface
- ArtResin Epoxy Resin
- Nitrile gloves
- Measuring Cup
- Mixing Stick
- Spreader
- Torch
- Dust Cover
Explore our resin art tools & supplies!
Step 1: Prepare The Paper
Choose high quality, coated paper based on a color palette, on a theme or an idea you'd like to convey. The paper quality is very important: thin paper can be see-through, so you'll end up seeing the print on the other side. Low quality paper can also absorb the resin, buckle and curl. Once you've sourced the paper and cut it into long strips approximately 2-3" wide.
💡 TIP: Daniel likes to source paper from coffee table books bought at thrift shops or in the bargain section of bigger book stores. He finds that photography or art books work particularly well. You can also use pages from high end magazines like National Geographic or Vogue. 
Step 2: Find The Center Of The Board
On a wooden panel that has been painted white, use a ruler to draw an X through the board, corner to corner, in order to find the center. Don't erase these lines: they will become guidelines as you build out your collage. 
Step 3: Create The Center Circle
Daniel creates the center circle using the darkest color paper. Once you've decided which strip you'd like to use, cut it into smaller pieces, approximately 1/2" wide. The pieces don't all have to be the same size, but ensure you don't cut them too narrow - wider pieces will make it easier to create a circular pattern. 
Using a glue stick, apply a strip of glue along one of the guidelines in the center of the board. The glue should be the same size as the first piece of paper you intend to lay down.
💡 TIP: A glue stick offers effective and even coverage with more control and less mess than liquid glue. Since it doesn't dry right away, you have an opportunity to adjust or reposition the paper if need be.
Lay down the first piece of paper along the strip of glue, burnishing it with your finger to ensure it's well adhered and that there are no air pockets trapped underneath.
Moving in a clockwise fashion, apply a strip of glue to the back of the next piece of paper and lay it down over the first, placing it on an angle (opposite corner to opposite corner.)
Repeat this clockwise pattern, laying down one strip at a time corner to corner, until the circular pattern is complete.
Step 4: Lay Down The Second Row
Choose a paper strip to use for the next circle - you can choose by color or by pattern, but ultimately, it should be based on what looks best beside the center circle.
Lay down the first strip on the guideline, slightly overlapping the center circle.
Lay down the second strip: this time, you'll place the strip so that the bottom sits in the center of the first strip and the top sits corner to corner. 
To create visual interest, Daniel suggests mixing up the orientation as you lay down each strip. 
About a third of the way through the circle, change up the paper you're using to a different pattern or color that will compliment what you've already laid down. Daniel used beach imagery for the first third, then switched over to turquoise water that complimented the darker water in the center.
For the last third, choose another complimentary image or color. Daniel chose to use wave imagery that features a lot of white. Again, he changed up the orientation on a few of the strips to break up the pattern and create some interest.
Repeat this pattern until the second circle is complete, ensuring there are no spaces or gaps left between the strips.
Step 5: Lay Down The Third Row
For this row, Daniel suggests using 4 different patterns to create visual interest. He starts off by using the same dark turquoise water used in the center circle. He overlaps each piece, center to corner, ensuring there are no gaps left between strips. 
Step 6: Lay Down The Final Row
Plan out the placement for the last row, balancing it out so that the same pattern or color does not appear side by side between rows. Daniel used three different patterns for this last row.
Daniel starts the final row with the dark turquoise, making sure he lays it down next to a lighter sand color.
Step 7: Fill In The Corners
The last step is to fill in the 4 corners of the panel. This is where it's really important to balance out the color with what's already been laid down. Daniel made sure the colors worked by laying down the full strips in each corner: he placed sand next to turquoise water, matching lights and darks in a way that looks balanced.
Once he was happy with his choices, he cut the strips into pieces and began filling in the corners. Rather than placing the pieces in a clockwise pattern, Daniel started by placing the first strip on his guideline, right in the middle. He then built out on either side until the corner was completely covered.
Repeat this pattern until all four corners are covered.
Step 8: Trim The Edges
Using a utility knife, trim away excess paper from the edges. Work your way around the perimeter of the board, using a sawing motion.
💡TIP: Place your thumb against the blade to act as a guide, ensuring the blade stays flush with the side of the panel as you make your way around.
Once you've trimmed off all the excess, look for any pieces of paper that may be lifting away from the panel. Place a little dab of glue on a scrap strip of paper, and place it under the loose piece to apply a little glue to the underside. Press down so that the paper adheres to the panel. 
Step 9: Seal The Collage
Before resining, apply a clear sealant over top of the collage to prevent the paper from curling up and to help prevent the resin from soaking in. Daniel uses a clear acrylic gloss medium applied with a foam roller but you can also use a brush on sealant and/or a foam brush. Allow the sealant to dry according to the label instructions.
Step 10: Prepare The Panel
Before you apply the resin, tape off the edges and bottom of your wood panel with a good quality painter's tape. This not only ensures nice clean edges, but the tape will catch any resin drips that may run down the sides. After 18-24 hours, the tape can be removed and the resin drips right along with it!
💡 TIP: If you wish to apply resin to the sides of the panel, tape off the bottom only to catch the resin drips, and use a gloved hand to guide the resin over the edges.
Mount the panel up and off of your work surface with some plastic cups or painter's pyramids - this will prevent any resin drips from adhering the panel to the table top. Because resin is self-levelling, use a level to ensure your work is perfectly horizontal. If the piece is leaning to one side, the resin will run off.
Step 11: Apply The Resin
Wearing gloves, measure and mix the ArtResin according to the label instructions.
💡 TIP: To determine how much ArtResin you'll need to cover your panel, simply enter the dimensions into our Resin Calculator. The Calculator will let you know how much resin and hardener you'll need and even which kit to buy.
For our 12 x 12" panel, we needed 5 oz total, made up of 2.5 oz of resin and 2.5 oz hardener. We decided to make 6 oz total. 
Measure equal amounts of resin and hardener (in our case, 3 oz each) into a plastic mixing cup. It doesn't matter if you pour the resin or the hardener first, as long as both parts are equal by volume.
With a plastic stir stick or a craft stick, mix the resin and hardener together for at least 3 minutes, ensuring you scrape the sides and bottom of the mixing cup as you stir.
Pour the resin onto the center of the panel. Be careful not to scrape the resin out of the mixing cup, as you would if you were scraping batter from a bowl. There may be traces of unmixed resin or hardener stuck to the sides that could create soft, sticky spots in your resin. 
Using a plastic spreader, gently guide the resin out to the edges of your piece. You have approximately 45 minutes to spread the resin before it gets too thick to work with.
Run a flame torch quickly over the surface of the resin to remove bubbles. Don't hold the flame too closely to the resin and keep it moving at all times. 
Looking at the resin under the light, remove any bits of dust or hair. 
Place a clean plastic tote over the wet resin in order to protect it from dust as it cures. Allow the piece to cure overnight.
Step 12: Reveal Your Masterpiece!
The next day, once the resin has cured to the touch, remove the plastic tote. At this point, you can remove the tape from the sides of the wood panel. It's best to remove the tape between 18-24 hours, while the resin is still flexible.
Admire your work! The resin will be fully cured by the 72 hour mark. At this point, you can hang the piece on the wall but if you're planning to ship the piece out, wait until the resin has finished curing and it's rock hard.
Daniel says" "ArtResin makes the colors pop. It gives it a cool look that I don't think you can get with anything else."
We hope you enjoyed this tutorial and feel inspired to create a paper collage piece of your own!
To see more of Daniel's work:
Visit his website: www.thedeadant.com
Follow him on Instagram: @thedeadant
Please leave any questions or comments below - we'd love to hear from you!
ArtResin: Made For Artists, By Artists
How to Color Clear Epoxy Resin
You can use a variety of materials to color clear epoxy resin, however each material has advantages and disadvantages you'll want to be aware of.
ArtResin is a water-clear formula that is used to coat paintings, photos, wood, puzzles, etc. But you can use ArtResin for so much more than just clear coating artwork. ArtResin looks beautiful when it's tinted and by adding color to clear epoxy resin, you can create colorful flow art, ocean art, geode art, petri dish art, jewelry from silicone molds, and the list goes on.
We're going through the most common resin colorants and sharing which ones work well and, more importantly, which ones don't work at all. We're also going through a few guidelines that apply to all colorants and providing plenty of tips along the way.
Let's get started!
1. Why Is ResinTint The Best Colorant For Resin?
ResinTint was crafted specifically as a resin colorant. It mixes seamlessly into ArtResin, preserving its glossiness and, because it's so highly pigmented, a little goes a long way.
ResinTint is non-toxic and non-flammable. This means that ArtResin's non-toxicity and non-flammability is preserved once ResinTint is added to it.
Keep in mind that ResinTint requires epoxy resin as a binder: it's not meant to be used on its own and, when you add it into the resin, make sure you mix it really well so that both parts are properly emulsified.
2. Can You Use Alcohol Ink In Resin?
Alcohol ink is a super popular resin colorant that offers gorgeous, rich saturation.
Alcohol breaks down resin, which is why it's so effective at cleaning off sticky resin tools and why it's the only colorant that can create resin petri dish art. In petri dish art, the alcohol in the ink breaks down the resin as the drops move their way through, creating cool tendrils and squiggles that are seemingly petrified in place. This effect is amplified all the more with the use of ArtResin Ink Sinker.
Is it possible to use alcohol ink simply to tint resin? Yes, it is, but it's important to remember a couple of things:
-
Alcohol is flammable: while ArtResin is non-flammable on its own in its liquid state, this is not the case once alcohol ink is added in. For that reason, never use a flame torch on resin that contains alcohol ink.
- Alcohol is a solvent: adding alcohol ink to ArtResin will compromise ArtResin's non-toxicity and food safety compliance. If you wish to use alcohol ink on a piece that is intended for use as a food contact surface, pour a layer of clear, non-tinted ArtResin as a final top coat.
3. Can You Use Acrylic Paint In Resin?
Yes, you can. In fact, acrylic paint is one of the most common colorants used to tint epoxy resin. On the plus side, acrylic paint is inexpensive, readily available, and it comes in a huge variety of color options.
4. Can You Add Mica Powder To Resin?
Yes, mica powder and powdered pigments are really popular additions to resin, especially for geode art. You need to mix mica powder in thoroughly, or the powder may not dissolve and you could end up with a grainy look to your resin. 
The metallics in Mica powder provide a rich, luxurious pearlescent effect but the metallic pigments can sink to the bottom and you could lose that beautiful, swirled look. If you want to keep the swirls, try pouring the metallics last, on top of a cured layer of resin. 
5. Can You Color Resin With Glitter?
Glitter is a really popular addition to resin. It doesn't tint the resin, but it certainly adds a colorful effect. Glitter is available in a wide variety of colors and sizes - be aware that larger glitter can be heavier and can sink down to the bottom of the resin. 
What Colorants Should You Not Add To Epoxy Resin?
There are various resin colorants that we don't recommend for tinting resin including oil paint, watercolor paint, latex paint, spray paint, nail polish, ground up chalk, spices like paprika and turmeric and food coloring.
6. Can You Use Eyeshadow To Color Epoxy Resin?
Pressed powder make-up, like eyeshadow, contains binding agents to hold it together, making it difficult to for the make-up to dissolve; it ends up not mixing in properly and leaves specks throughout the resin. You can use loose make-up pigment but these can be costly - you're better off using mica powder.
7. Can Ground Chalk Be Used To Color Resin?
Ground up chalk is too coarse to dissolve well. Ground up chalk tends to clump up in the resin, leaving a grainy look with large specks.
8. Can I Color Resin With Spices Like Paprika and Turmeric?
Ground spices are not fine enough and don't dissolve well in epoxy resin, leaving you with a grainy looking cure. Additionally, although turmeric, paprika and other spices may provide initial color, it will fade very quickly. 
9. Can You Use Food Coloring In Resin?
Food coloring can provide a good result initially, so it makes sense to think it would make an ideal resin colorant. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Food coloring is not light fast and the color will fade very quickly. 
10. Can You Mix Oil Paint With Epoxy?
Oil paint does not blend well into epoxy resin, leaving you with a stringy mess. Once cured, there are visible clumps of paint that didn't mix, divots and an oily film on the resin surface.
11. Can You Use Watercolor Paint To Tint Resin?
Watercolor paint does not mix well with resin. It leaves specks throughout the cured resin and divots on the surface.
12. Can You Use Latex Paint To Color Epoxy Resin?
Latex paint is not an effective resin colorant. It's water based and very fluid, which causes the resin to get thick and slimy, resulting in a weird cure. It also takes away from ArtResin's glossiness and leaves the resin with a dull finish.
13. Can You Use Nail Polish Or Spray Paint To Color Resin?
We don't recommend tinting epoxy resin with anything solvent based like nail polish or spray paint. Most importantly, it's flammable, but it also provides a poor result: the color is not deep and it does not mix well into the resin, leaving specks of color throughout. 
14. What Materials Can I Add To Epoxy Resin?
Your best bet is to use a highly pigmented colorant designed specifically for use with epoxy resin. It's important to note that whenever you're adding anything into the ArtResin formula, do a sample test first to ensure the products are compatible and so you'll know exactly what results to expect. The most popular additions for epoxy resin include:
- Tints and colorants made specifically for resin
- Alcohol ink
- Acrylic paints
- Powdered pigments and mica powders
- Glitter
- Gold or metallic leaf
- Pressed or artificial flowers
- Colorful inclusions such as beads, glass, shells, charms etc
15. How Much Color Should I Add To Epoxy Resin?
Do not add more than 6% colorant to the total volume of ArtResin or the resin may not cure properly. For example, if you have 100ml of resin (made up of 50ml each of resin and hardener) don't add more than 6ml of colorant. 
Typically, a small amount of colorant goes a long way. It's best to start with less and add more as needed. Use a highly pigmented colorant so you don't need to use as much. If you're unsure if you need more pigment, you can always test the saturation by bringing a little of the colorant up the side of your mixing cup.
16. When Can I Add Color To Epoxy Resin?
It's important to measure and mix the resin and hardener first before adding any colorant. Once the resin and hardener are combined, add the colorant of your choice, ensuring you don't exceed 6% of the total combined volume of resin and hardener, and mixing it well to ensure it is thoroughly blended. If you add the colorant to the resin or hardener on its own, it may throw off the 1:1 mixing ratio needed for the resin to cure properly.
17. How Do You Keep Resin From Mixing Colors?
When pouring flow art or ocean art, the tinted resin can sometimes blend together and create a muddy mess. Many artists like to allow the tinted resin to thicken up a bit before pouring to provide control over the flow and prevent the colors from running into eachother:
• Portion it out into smaller cups, one per color.
• Add colorant and mix well.
• Allow the resin to sit for about 15 minutes to slightly thicken up.
• Pour the tinted resin. If desired, you can leave a small gap between each color so that it has room to spread, especially if you plan on using a hair dryer to create lacing.
18. How Do You Prevent Alcohol Ink From Spreading In Resin?
When making petri dish art, prevent the alcohol ink from uncontrolled spreading over the surface with a simple tip: allow the resin to thicken up a bit before you add the colorant.
Pour the resin into the coaster molds and allow it to sit for about 20 minutes before you drop in the alcohol ink. Because the resin will have thickened up a little bit, you'll find the ink won't spread as easily, giving you far more control over and even allowing you to create negative space.
19. Are Resin Colorants Toxic?
Not all colorants are non-toxic and some can even contain solvents - adding colorants such as these will alter ArtResin's non-toxicity, non-flammability and compromise its food safety designation. Choose a non-toxic and non-flammable colorant such as ResinTint to keep yourself safe.
💡TIP: If you would like to use tinted resin on a charcuterie board or serving tray that may come into contact with food and you're not sure if your colorant is safe, err on the side of caution and apply a layer of clear, non-tinted ArtResin as a final top coat.
_________________________________________________________________________
To recap, there are lots of resin colorants you can use to tint epoxy resin, but no matter which one you use, there are a few important things to remember:
- Always do a sample test so you know exactly what to expect and to ensure the resin and the colorant are compatible.
- Always add less colorant than you think you need; you can always add more.
- Observe the 6% rule - that is, don't add more than 6% of the total combined volume of resin and hardener.
- Be aware that certain colorants can alter ArtResin's non-toxicity, non-flammability and food safety designations.
_________________________________________________________________________
We hope you found this information useful. If we missed your favorite colorant, please leave it in the comments below!
Interested in using silicone oil with your resin? Once again, there are advantages and disadvantages… and we have a whole blog dedicated to it ;)
Check out our blog on Why your Epoxy Resin Feels Hot.
ArtResin: Made For Artists, By Artists.
@personal_pours Is Our Instagram Winner!
Nicole says: " There are endless possibilities when working with this medium. If you really try hard enough, you can make anything out of it."
Nicole's father has owned his own custom interior design and build company since she was born, so working with wood is something she comes by naturally. She uses her design skills to create custom wood and resin furniture, cabinets, charcuterie boards and other functional pieces "Creating is my outlet. I feel most alive and in my body when I'm creating, whether it's for myself or for a customer."
Nicole says: "My only hope is that the viewer feels some sort of emotion when looking at my art. I want my art to be a topic of conversation. When you look at a piece of art, it should make you feel something. I want to make people think."
To see more of Nicole's work:
Visit her website: www.personalpours.com
Congratulations on your win, Nicole!
To celebrate our amazing resin artists, every month we send out a 32 oz kit to a couple of folks who have tagged us on Instagram—and then we share their work with the world!
Don't forget, tag YOUR ArtResin work with @art_resin on Instagram, and YOU could be our next winner!!
ArtResin: Made For Artists, By Artists.
@alluredecoration Is Our Instagram Winner!
Elena is constantly experimenting in order to grow as an artist: "I’m constantly learning and trying new concepts and techniques. I make lots of errors and learn from them."
Her process typically starts with an idea inspired by nature, art, or fashion. She gathers and dries her materials, which can include flowers, shells, leaves, mushrooms. She likes to prepare by mapping out a design in a mold or on an art board before she measures and mixes the resin: "With resin, the timing is crucial as it will determine the outcome."
Elena sells her work through her website, Etsy, Instagram and at local markets and art shows.
Visit her website: www.alluredecoration.com
Congratulations on your win, Elena!
To celebrate our amazing resin artists, every month we send out a 32 oz kit to a couple of folks who have tagged us on Instagram—and then we share their work with the world!
Don't forget, tag YOUR ArtResin work with @art_resin on Instagram, and YOU could be our next winner!!
ArtResin: Made For Artists, By Artists.
How To Resin A Large Piece Of Art
How do you apply resin to a large painting?
The basic principles of applying epoxy resin remain the same whether you're working on a large or a small piece: measure, mix, pour, and cover. However, large pieces of artwork also come with some unique challenges that need to be problem solved:
What's the best way to mix a big batch of resin?
Can you apply resin to a large stretched canvas?
How do you cover a large resin painting to protect it from dust while it cures?
Artist Greg Benz has learned how to troubleshoot the most common issues when applying epoxy resin to large paintings, and he is going to share his tips and techniques with us.
Let's get started!
Step 1: Use A Wood Panel
If you're planning to apply epoxy resin a large piece of artwork, the best supportive surface to use, hands down, are wood panels. They're strong, sturdy and, unlike a stretched canvas that can stretch and sag in the middle, wood panels will support the weight of the resin.
Step 2: Tape Off The Back Of The Panel
Taping off the back of the painted panel provides clean edges with no resin drips. It allows you to work quickly over a large surface area and to spread the resin over the edges without fear of creating a mess on the back.
The tape catches the resin drips as it runs off the sides of the panel. After about 24 hours, when the resin is dry to the touch, you can remove the tape (and the drips) revealing a smooth, clean, edge. It's one of those things that only takes a few minutes but can save you so much time in the long run.
💡GREG'S TIP: Use a good quality painters tape, like 3M's Scotch Blue tape. Lower quality painters tape can absorb resin or tear easily, making it difficult to remove.
Step 3: Prop The Painting Up Off The Work Surface
Raise the painting up off the table with plastic stands, plastic cups or large plastic containers. Using plastic stands keeps the bottom of the painting clean and prevents the resin from curing your piece to the table top
💡 GREG'S TIP: Use plastic stands to prop up your work. Resin doesn't stick to plastic so once it has cured, you can simply peel it off. 
Step 4: Resin Multiple Pieces At Once
Work smarter, not harder! Greg suggests batching your work so that you can resin a couple of paintings at once to save time in the long run. Ensure paintings are taped off, propped up, and level before you measure and mix so that you can pour as soon as the resin is ready.
Step 5: Mix Large Quantities Of Resin With A Drill Mixing Attachment
To prepare a big batch of epoxy resin, Greg suggests mixing in a large plastic container using a drill outfitted with a mixing attachment. Allow the mixing paddle to touch the sides and bottom of the container so that all the resin and hardener are combined. The drill will cause the resin to appear frothy but don't worry - the torch will eliminate those bubbles.
In this case, Greg has 2 paintings that are both 36 x 36" and each require 1300 ml. Greg likes to play it safe and mix up a little bit more: 3000 ml total to cover both pieces.
💡 GREG'S TIP: Not sure how much resin you need? Enter the length and width of your piece into ArtResin's online Resin Calculator. It will determine how much resin you’ll need and even which kit to buy.
Step 6: Spread The Resin Efficiently.
A spreading tool allows you to spread the resin across the surface of the painting quickly and efficiently. Greg likes to use the spreader in ArtResin's Accessory Kit: the different jagged edges allow you to control the flow of the resin.💡GREG'S TIP: You have 40 minutes of working time, but a very large painting will sometimes require an extra pair of hands to help spread the resin, especially in the summer when the heat can prompt a faster cure.
Step 7: Use Gloved Hands To Spread The Resin Over The Sides
The most efficient way to apply the resin to the sides of the panel is with gloved hands. It allows you to spread the resin quickly and evenly over the edges for a clean, smooth finish.
Step 8: A Propane Torch Removes Bubbles From Large Paintings
Nothing beats a propane torch when applying epoxy resin to a large piece of artwork. It removes bubbles from a large surface area with ease and efficiency.
💡 GREG'S TIP: Do an initial pass with the propane torch to remove bubbles, and then give it a light follow up about 10 minutes later to catch any bubbles you may have missed, or new ones that may have popped up.
Step 9: Babysit A Large Resined Piece For The First Hour
After you've removed bubbles with the propane torch, inspect the resin under a good light source for dust, hair and other surface contaminants. These can be removed with a toothpick.
💡GREG'S TIP: It pays to babysit your work for the first hour or so. Check for bubbles or dust every 10 minutes or so for the first hour. 
Step 10: Use An Extra Large Cardboard Box To Use As A Dust Cover
One of the biggest challenges when working with large panels is how to protect it from dust while the resin cures. While you can create a tent with plastic sheeting or build a custom box, Greg found an easy solution: he ordered an extra large box, bigger than his panel, from U-Line. The box is big and sturdy and can be re-used over and over again.
If you can't find a box big enough and you need to build your own, read our blog How To Cover Large Resin Artwork To Protect From Dust to see how artist Alexis Puleio built a custom wooden crate for her large format painting.
There you have it! We hope you found Greg's tips helpful. If you have questions or a favorite tip of your own, please leave a comment below.
To learn about reducing dust in your work space, please see our blog How To Reduce Dust Before You Resin.
To see more of Greg Benz's work:
vist his website: www.gregbenz.com
follow him on Instagram: @gregbenz_artwork
ArtResin: Made For Artists, By Artists.
@emacrylics Is Our Instagram Winner!
A professional chef for the past 20 years, Erin learned how to create fluid art by watching YouTube videos and putting in hours of practice. After 2 years of trying to fit in painting between shifts or on days off, Erin recently decided to reduce her hours in the kitchen to focus on her artwork. Erin says: "I’ve always created for myself first. Recently my work has received some attention and I’m honored that others can see the beauty and hard work in what I do."
Erin works mainly in abstract art, focused on acrylic fluid art and alcohol ink: "I’m drawn to this style of art because it can be interpreted in so many ways by different people. I could see one thing or feel one way, and someone else could have a complete opposite interpretation."
Erin discovered resin early on in her art journey. She loved the look and wanted that same glossy finish on her own work, but assumed the resin process was complicated.
When she started working with alcohol ink, she decided to give resin a try: "The way it showcases work, with that glass-like reflective surface, is breathtaking. Now I feel like my ink work isn’t complete without it. There’s no finish even comparable to a resin finish. I’m hooked!
Erin says: "I hope whomever sees my work is impacted by it in some way. Love it or hate it, it still invokes an emotion. That’s my main goal. If I can make you feel something, then mission accomplished."
Visit her website: www.emacrylics.com
Congratulations on your win, Erin!
To celebrate our amazing resin artists, every month we send out a 32 oz kit to a couple of folks who have tagged us on Instagram—and then we share their work with the world!
Don't forget, tag YOUR ArtResin work with @art_resin on Instagram, and YOU could be our next winner!!
ArtResin: Made For Artists, By Artists.
How To Resin A Board Game Table
How do I turn a table into a board game table?
It's easy to turn a boring table into something fun and functional: simply mount your favorite game board to the tabletop and seal it with epoxy resin. This method works equally well on either a small side table or a TV tray: pick up an inexpensive item from IKEA or a thrift shop or, even better, repurpose something you already own.
YouTube creator Dan Rodo shows how easy it is to transform a plain, white table into a one-of-a-kind gift for his niece: a Candy Land board game table complete with real candy decorations!
Let's get started!
What supplies do I need to create a custom board game table?
-
Candy Land game board (or game of your choice):
You can, as an added precaution, seal the game board first using a brush on or spray sealant to prevent the resin from soaking into the paper. Test the sealant on an inconspicuous area first and allow to dry thoroughly prior to resining. - A side table or TV tray with a top big enough to fit the game board.
- Candy decorations: we used sprinkles and black licorice twists.
- Spray adhesive.
- A piece of cardboard: to help control where the spray adhesive lands.
- Painter's tape.
- Plastic drop sheet: to protect the work surface and floor from resin drips.
- A bubble level.
- ArtResin epoxy resin.
- Plastic mixing container with clearly marked measuring lines.
- Disposable gloves, stir stick, spreader and pyramid stands.
- A handheld butane torch: we like the Artist's Studio Torch.
- Toothpicks: to pick out bits of dust from the resin.
- A dustcover: a clean cardboard box or plastic tote
Discover our resin art tools & accessories!
Step 1: Prep The Tabletop
With plastic drop sheets in place to protect the floor and work surface, use painter's tape to mask off the underside of the tabletop. The tape will collect any resin drips and can be removed after 24 hours. This step will save you from having to sand the cured drips off.
If you're building your own table, prop the tabletop up and off of your work surface using painter's pyramids or small plastic shot glasses. 
Step 2: Ensure The Tabletop Is Level
Using a bubble level, ensure the tabletop is perfectly level before working with epoxy resin. This step is important: epoxy resin self-levels and if the table top slants to one side, the resin will pool or run off.
Step 3: Mount The Game Board To The Tabletop
Following the label directions, spray a thin layer of adhesive over the entire table top: the adhesive will hold down both the game board and the sprinkles. This is a better method than dropping sprinkles into the liquid resin; as the resin self levels, the sprinkles will move and could end up in places you don't want.
Lay the game board down in position on the tabletop, starting with the side closest to you. 
Step 4: Apply The Candy To The Tabletop
Once the game board is in place, grab a handful of sprinkles and drop them slowly around the board. 
Don't worry if some of the boards fall off at this point - you're simply looking to lay down a base coat of sprinkles. If you wish, you can apply more sprinkles after you pour the resin. 
Let it sit for about 10 minutes (or according to label directions) to allow the adhesive to cure.
After 10 minutes, tip the table top to release any sprinkles that did not set.
Spray a coat of adhesive along the edges of the table top, shielding the tabletop with a piece of cardboard. Allow the adhesive to sit for a couple of minutes to become tacky. 
Line the flat edge of a piece of licorice against the table edge and hold it in place until it adheres. Work your way around the perimeter in this fashion until all the edges are covered.
Step 5: Prepare The ArtResin
Wearing gloves, measure equal amounts of resin and hardener by volume. Our tabletop was 18 x 22" which required 7 fl oz (200 ml) each of resin and hardener, for a total of 14 fl oz (400 ml).
💡TIP: If you're not sure how much resin you need, check ArtResin's online Resin Calculator. Simply enter the length and width of the table top and the calculator will tell you exactly how much resin you need.
Using a mixing stick, stir the ArtResin for at least 3 minutes. Some bubbles are fine, but avoid mixing too too fast or you'll create excessive air bubbles. Scrape the sides and bottom of the container as you go to ensure the mixture is thoroughly combined.
Step 6: Pour The ArtResin
As soon as the mixture is thoroughly mixed, pour the resin into the center of the game board. It will start to self level but you can use the spreader to help guide the resin to the edges.
💡 TIP: You have 45 minutes to work with the resin before it gets too thick to spread, but we don't advise leaving mixed resin sitting in the mixing cup. 
Step 7: Torch Out The Bubbles
Hold the flame of the butane torch over the resined surface, keeping it constantly moving back and forth until the bubbles have disappeared. A quick pass will suffice: don’t hold the torch too close or in one spot for too long, especially over the sprinkles.
💡TIP: Once you've torched, look at the piece at eye-level and under a light source to easily spot any bits of dust or hair that may have landed in the wet resin. Remove these with a toothpick.
If some of the sprinkles have migrated over top of the licorice, use a small brush or a toothpick to move them.
Step 8: Cover And Wait
Cover the table top with a clean cardboard box or plastic tote, or you can fashion a dustcover using a large piece of cardboard, a plastic drop sheet or large stretched canvas propped up on plastic containers. Allow the resin to cure for 24 hours.
At the 24 hour mark, peel off the painter's tape and the cured drips right along with it. 
Step 9: Assemble The Table
If you've bought a new, flat pack table, now is the time to assemble. Work on a soft surface, like a carpeted floor, or ensure you have a soft blanket or towel to rest the resined table top on. 
And voila! The table is ready to use! The board game is protected by the resin, but if you do find that the resin becomes scratched, simply sand down the surface and pour on a fresh coat of resin. Instructions on how to do that are in our blog Can I Apply A Second Coat Of ArtResin?
We hope this gives you lots of ideas on different board game tables you can create!
Some other fun resin board ideas include:
Monopoly: decorate the table with Monopoly money.
Clue: paint colorful question marks on the table around the board.
Backgammon/Chess/Checkers: mount a game board or paint the pattern onto the tabletop with acrylic paint.
Scrabble: mount the scrabble board and decorate around the board with small decorative letters.
To see more of Dan:
Follow him on Instagram: @danocracy
Like him on TikTok: danocracy
Please leave any questions or comments below - and let us know what custom game board ideas you come up with!
ArtResin: Made For Artists, By Artists.
@customresinforyou Is Our Instagram Winner!
Congratulations to artist Jewel Lee, our latest Instagram winner! Based in Lawton, Oklahoma, Jewel makes commemorative resin artwork.
She embeds photographs, dried flowers, newborn hospital bracelets and other mementos into resin layers to make "customized art for people to gift to others or have personally so they can cherish it forever."
After discovering resin in 2020, Jewel was excited that offering customized pieces was now possible for her business. She sees each new project as an opportunity to learn and appreciates that her art has provided a chance to connect with people around the world.
When Jewel first started creating her resin art, she was working around school hours. After posting her work on social media, a few posts went viral and her custom orders exploded. As a result, she is currently focused on building her business full time. Jewel hopes her story inspires others "to try new things and post their artwork. You never know what can happen - and you’ll never know unless you try!"
Congratulations on your win, Jewel!
To celebrate our amazing resin artists, every month we send out a 32 oz kit to a couple of folks who have tagged us on Instagram—and then we share their work with the world!
Don't forget, tag YOUR ArtResin work with @art_resin on Instagram, and YOU could be our next winner!!
ArtResin: Made For Artists, By Artists.
Food Safe Epoxy | A Guide for FDA Compliant Epoxy
Experimenting with epoxy resin to create beautiful resin art is both fun and rewarding. Be aware, however, that the epoxy resin brand you use will determine how safe it is for your health.
For example, charcuterie boards and serving trays are popular projects among resin artists and epoxy DIY enthusiasts. It's true that epoxy resin can transform an ordinary slice of wood into a stunning, high-gloss or matte charcuterie board, but is it actually safe to serve food on a resined surface?
Let’s go over some of the most common questions and concerns around the health and food safety qualities of clear epoxy resin used for art projects.
- Is Epoxy Resin Food Safe?
- What Exactly Does “Food Safe Epoxy” Mean?
- FDA Compliant Epoxy Resin
- Are Epoxy Resin Colorants Food Safe?
- What Is BPA?
- How To Protect Yourself Against BPA in Epoxy Resin
- How Is ArtResin A BPA-Free Epoxy Resin?
- How Do I Know If My Epoxy Resin Is Food Safe?
- General Safety Rules For Working With Epoxy Resin
- Treat Skin Irritation Promptly
- ArtResin’s Non-Toxic and Food-Safe Status Can Change With The Addition Of Foreign Products
- Want To Learn More About ArtResin's Safety?
Is Epoxy Resin Food Safe?
Whether a resin project can come into direct contact with food or not depends on the chemical composition of the products used to make it.
There are many different epoxy resin brands on the market, but not all of them are non-toxic and food safe. In fact, many formulas require warning labels to alert consumers that the product is poisonous, carcinogenic or hazardous to the environment. To ensure that the epoxy resin you’re using is food safe, look for a resin that has been evaluated by an independent lab and whose test results comply with worldwide food safe regulations.
Note: The EU, Australia, Canada, Great Britain and the USA have their own governing bodies that outline food safe regulations. You can check for compliance with food safe standards on the epoxy resin manufacturers’ websites.
Use a food safe epoxy resin to safely prepare or serve food on the following surfaces:
- Charcuterie boards
- Serving trays
- Fruit bowls
- Epoxy resin tables
- Drink ware, like mugs and tumblers
- Countertops
- Coasters
- Candy dishes
- Plates or tableware
Please note that a resin is only considered safe for food contact once it has fully cured. Keep food or beverages well away from resin and hardener in its pre-cured, liquid form. Epoxy resin is not edible or potable in either liquid or cured form.
What Exactly Does "Food Safe Epoxy" Mean?
A “food safe epoxy resin” means that when the product is used as directed and fully cured, it is inert and will not leach any chemicals into food that comes into contact with it.
Epoxy resin is a material created from the chemical reaction between resin and hardener. Some epoxy resin formulas contain solvents and diluents to stretch the materials - these non-reactive fillers can leach out of the product and pose serious health risks if breathed in or ingested.
Ensure that the epoxy resin you’re using is a food-grade epoxy by consulting the manufacturer’s safety certifications on their website, the Safety Data Sheet, and by accurately following the recommended mixing instructions.
Some of the most established food safety certifications for epoxy resin are:
- US: FDA 21 CFR 175.300 Resinous and Polymeric Coatings
- EU: Food Contact Plastics Regulations EU 10/2011
- GB: GB 4806.7-2016 National Standards For Food Safety
- AUS: AS 2070-1999 Plastic Materials For Food Contact Use
- CA: Canada Consumer Product Safety Act SOR 2018/83
FDA Compliant Epoxy Resin
What does “FDA compliant epoxy” mean in the first place?
“FDA compliant” means that the product has been evaluated and found to meet the health and safety standards set out by the United States Food and Drug Administration. FDA-compliant epoxy resin” means that, if prepared according to the label instructions and allowed to fully cure, the product is safe for direct contact with food. In other words, FDA compliant epoxy resin has been found not to leach harmful components into food that it has been in contact with.
ArtResin® Epoxy Resin is one of the few epoxy resins to have been tested for leaching in 13 different food safety tests and passed each one. ArtResin not only gives your creations a beautiful, shiny finish, but it is 100% food safe once cured.
To see ArtResin’s leaching and migration test results across worldwide standards and regulations, read our blog ArtResin Passes Food Safety Tests.
Are Epoxy Resin Colorants Food Safe?
Even if your epoxy resin is non-toxic and non-flammable, adding certain resin dye or colorants can compromise the product’s safety designation. For example, alcohol ink is a flammable solvent and once it has been added to an epoxy resin creation, the resin is no longer considered non-toxic. Alcohol ink can be used in resin to create stunning pieces of petri art. Just remember not to use alcohol ink for crafting resin pieces intended for food.
For those looking for a safe colorant to add to your epoxy resin work, take a look at ResinTint liquid colorants. They are non-toxic, mineral oil-based, contain no solvents, and were designed specifically to work with epoxy resin.
💡Tip: If you’re not sure that the colorant you’re using is non-toxic, simply add an extra layer of clear, non-tinted, food-safe ArtResin® as a final topcoat on your epoxy creations to ensure it is safe for use in direct contact with food.
What Is BPA?
BPA stands for Bisphenol A; a chemical compound used to manufacture clear and durable epoxy resins and other polycarbonate plastics that come in direct contact with food products. Some studies have shown that BPA might be connected to specific health problems, however, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has declared that BPA is safe at very low levels.
How To Protect Yourself Against BPA In Epoxy Resin
Should BPA worry you? For peace of mind and to reduce exposure to BPA while crafting resin artwork, your best line of defense is to choose a BPA-free epoxy resin, like ArtResin®!
How is ArtResin A BPA-Free Epoxy Resin?
ArtResin is BPA-free, non-toxic and does not release harmful chemicals. Here are the facts:
- BPA is one of the precursors to epoxy, but it is fully reacted during Artresin’s manufacturing process, leaving behind only trace amounts. These trace amounts are so low that ArtResin epoxy resin is certified as BPA-free.
- ArtResin is a complete system, meaning that Parts A and B of the ArtResin formula - the resin and the hardener - fully react when combined, leaving nothing behind that can become airborne. There is no chance of exposure to even those miniscule amounts of BPA. It also means there are no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other harmful solvents released into the air.
- Once cured, ArtResin is compliant with FDA CFR 175.300 and “may be safely used as the food-contact surface of articles intended for use in holding food” and “intended for repeat food-contact use”.
ArtResin® has undergone numerous in-depth safety evaluations and environmental tests to ensure that it is safe to use. Learn more about them in the video below.
For more information, see our blog ArtResin Safety Certifications - What Do They Mean?
How Do I Know If My Epoxy Resin Is Food Safe?
Check on your resin’s label for hazardous symbols, precautionary statements and for information about food safety and toxicity. For more detailed information, consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) on the manufacturer’s website. There you’ll be able to see the chemical properties and classifications of the resin components as well as personal protective measures to ensure your safety. If you still have concerns and questions, contact the manufacturer through their customer hotline or their website contact form.
Artresin Passes Food Tests!
General Safety Rules For Working With Epoxy Resin
ArtResin® Epoxy Resin is safe to use because it contains no solvents, no BPA and does not release toxic substances like VOCs that can put your health at risk. Be aware, however, that not all epoxy resin brands are non-toxic: many are considered hazardous materials and should not be used without following safety precautions. If in doubt, look for the safety standard “Conforms to ASTM D-4236” and “Safe For Use At Home” on the label, like you'll find on ArtResin's label.
To protect your health, make sure you follow these best practices:
- Wear disposable, nitrile gloves while in contact with epoxy resin
- Choose long-sleeved clothing.
- Work in a well-ventilated space.
- Avoid eating or drinking while crafting with epoxy resin.
- When sanding cured epoxy resin, wear a safety mask to avoid inhaling sanding dust.
- Clean up spills and drips on work surfaces immediately.
- Do not use alcohol, acetone, vinegar or other solvents to wipe epoxy resin from your skin. Instead, use an exfoliant cleanser.
- Remove all traces of epoxy resin with alcohol before washing tools in hot soapy water.
- Do not pour liquid epoxy resin or hardener down the drain.
- Do not use non-food safe epoxy resin to craft surfaces and objects that come in direct contact with food.
- Check the epoxy resin manufacturer’s safety data sheet to get informed about potential hazardous compounds that may be present in the resin and hardener you use.
Treat Skin Irritation Promptly
When working with resin, always wear disposable nitrile gloves to minimize skin exposure and possible irritation. If you experience a reaction such as skin irritation or swelling after working with epoxy resin, discontinue use and seek prompt medical advice.
Approximately 2% of users will experience an allergy to the basic components of epoxy resin. Skin reactions may present as itching, irritation redness, swelling or blisters and typically subside once exposure is discontinued. Allergic reactions are unpredictable, however: you may experience a reaction right away or an allergy could develop over time with repeated exposure. An allergic reaction to epoxy resin is not specific to a certain brand - if you experience an allergic reaction one epoxy resin, you will react to them all and the advice would be to discontinue use indefinitely.
For more information, please see our blog Can You Be Allergic To Epoxy Resin?
ArtResin's Non-Toxic and Food Safe Status Can Change With The Addition Of Foreign Products
ArtResin is non-toxic on its own but be aware that adding products that contain toxins and solvents will alter its safety status. For example, adding alcohol ink to resin creates a cool, colorful effect, but alcohol is a solvent which means the final product can no longer be classified as non-toxic.
Similarly, ArtResin is non-flammable in its liquid form when used as directed, and we recommend using an Artist’s Torch to pop bubbles. Running a flame quickly and systematically over the entire resin surface will eliminate any trapped bubbles and not cause a flammability risk. However, if flammable products, like alcohol ink, have been added to the mixture, it will compromise the non-flammability of liquid ArtResin.
For this reason, we have developed ResinTint, our non-toxic, non-flammable premium colorant for ArtResin. If you're looking for a colorant for your ArtResin and want to preserve the non-toxic, non-flammable nature of the formula, then ResinTint is the perfect option!
Want To Learn More About ArtResin's Safety?
We want you to feel confident about ArtResin's safety. For more information, please see our Safety Data Sheet.
It's important to us that ArtResin is a product that's easy to use, beautiful, and safe to use at home or in the studio. We hope that all of this information gives you peace of mind to get creative without concern, but if you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below.
ArtResin: Made For Artists, By Artists.
- Page 1 of 48
- Next
