ArtResin How To Start in 4 Steps

We've got some simple steps and helpful tips to help you ArtResin your masterpiece!

  1. You’ve painted your painting.
  2. Printed your photo.
  3. Sculpted your sculpture.
  4. Wrapped up your woodwork.
  5. Completed your craft.


And, you've purchased your ArtResin, the clearest, glossiest epoxy resin on the planet and you're ready to coat your piece ....
Now what?!

Well, first of all:

check out our massive FAQ section at ArtResin.com for lots of really helpful tips, advice and tutorials to set you up for success.

visit our handy Resin Calculator to figure out exactly how much resin you’ll need ( in imperial or metric. )

practice on a non-masterpiece first :)

follow our Simple Steps below


1. MEASURE

ArtResin epoxy resin comes in 2 parts ( a resin and a hardener ) and is a 1:1 mixing ratio.

- With gloves on, pour equal amounts of resin and hardener into a mixing cup. 
Measure equally and accurately!  Adding too much of either the resin or hardener will alter the chemical reaction and the mixture will not cure properly.

- ArtResin is very sticky so gloves will protect the user from a mess as well as possible skin irritation.  Clean skin promptly with soap and water if it does come in contact with ArtResin - Dave does a great video here on how to clean your hands.
NOTE - If ArtResin somehow comes in contact with your eyes, flush with water repeatedly and do not rub. Promptly seek medical attention

 

💡 TIPS:

  • ArtResin is considered a non-hazardous material, non-toxic when used as directed and safe for home use in a well-ventilated area. 
    Please read our SDS for more information.
  • Mix up a little more than you think you’ll need ... you want to completely cover your work in one shot and not have to mix more last minute.
  • Sometimes people think they can speed up the 24 hr cure time by adding more hardener to the mixture.  However this will throw off the delicate 1:1 mixing ratio and your resin will not cure properly.  The best way to encourage curing is to increase the room temperature, since curing is accelerated by heat.  Check out Dave's video for more benefits of resining in a warm space.  



2. MIX 

 

For at least 3 minutes, scraping the bottom and sides of your mixing vessel as your stir

- Once you’ve measured equally and accurately, it’s imperative to mix both parts together thoroughly for at least 3 minutes and then just a bit more to be sure!
- After you’ve mixed, you’ll have about 45 minutes of working time ( also known as pot time ) before the resin thickens and cures.


💡 TIPS

  • Be sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the container as you mix - improperly mixed resin on the sides and bottom will not be able to catalyze and will not cure properly, leaving you with sticky spots that just won’t harden. 
  • If bubbles appear, don’t worry - we will address these after the pour :)



3. POUR & SPREAD 

After making sure your piece is level, go ahead and pour ArtResin over your work. Don’t be scared! 




- ArtResin is self-levelling so it will start to level on its own, but you can spread it around into place using a flat semi-strong object.  A reusable plastic spreader is the perfect tool to spread the ArtResin evenly and efficiently. 
- Edges can be dealt with in several different ways:  some artists like to tape off the edges entirely and only allow the ArtResin to sit domed on top of their piece. 
Others like to mask off the underside of the piece and allow the resin to drip over the sides, spreading it smooth with a brush or a gloved finger.  Check out our video here on a few different ways to finish the edges of your work.
 
- You’ll notice bubbles will begin to rise to the surface. Many of these will pop on their own, but if you want a flawless, glass like surface, a blowtorch like our Artist Torch is great for this.


4. FINISH YOUR RESINED WORK

Torch out bubbles and cover your freshly resined work



- Put a protective covering over your resined piece (a big cardboard box is perfect for this!) It helps to have the covering close by prior to starting to resin so it's available as soon as you finish.

💡 TIPS

  • Make sure your artwork is dry and dust-free before you pour on the ArtResin.  Dave explains why here.
  • It’s a good idea to have your piece raised off of your work surface on support blocks.  We like to use large pieces of Lego here at ArtResin! This allows the resin to spill down the edges without pooling at the base, which would cause your piece to stick to your work surface.

  • You’ll also want to set a drop cloth over your work surface.  Fabric and paper drop cloths soak up the resin so it's best to use ArtResin’s drop cloth of choice:  a vinyl shower curtain or a large silicon mat.  ArtResin doesn't stick to plastic so clean up is as simple as peeling the cured resin off after it's dried!

  • After you torch the bubbles, keep a toothpick on hand to pick out any bits of dust or hair that may have settled onto your resined piece.  

  • Looking at your spread out surface in the reflection of a light really helps you see any imperfections.  Your smartphone flashlight is great for this purpose!  Dave demonstrates how in this video.

  • Dave has lots of great tips to achieve a dust free environment in this video.

  • Drips can be wiped away with a gloved finger while they’re still wet, but if there are any drips that dry, they can easily be sanded off.
  • Wooden panels work best for large pieces rather than canvas because the wood won’t sag under the weight of the resin.

 



WAIT TO CURE

ArtResin needs to sit for 24 hours in a dust-free space while it cures. 

- In about 8 hours it will be tacky but you will be able to pour a second coat if necessary.  In about 12 hours it will be dry to the touch.  Within 24 hours it will be 95% cured, and fully cured within 72 hours.

💡 TIPS

  • In the meantime, CLEAN UP!  Silicone mats are great to have on hand for easy clean up.  Simply wipe down all reusable tools with paper towel before the resin dries and set them on the mat for use next time.

  • Tip your mixing cup upside down on the mat so the extra ArtResin will drip out.  It will leave a super thin layer on the inside of the cup that you can pull off, revealing a good-as-new mixing cup!

  • The silicone mat can also be used many times as the cured resin can easily be peeled off.  Try it!  :)


We hope you find these tips useful!
And don't forget ... the FAQ section of the website and our YouTube channel both have a wealth of information!  So many topics covered there including how to's, experimenting, troubleshooting and so much more!  All the information you need for a great ArtResin experience :)

Do you have a helpful tip to share?  
Or want to show off your own ArtResin'ed masterpiece?  

Then get in touch!!  We LOVE to hear from our customers!
Message us via the website's Contact page.

Until next time ...
stay creative :)

Read a detailed beginner's guide on resin art!

About the author: Joanne Wright

I'm Joanne, the Marketing Content Writer at ArtResin. Originally from Canada, my home is now Indianapolis, Indiana. My love of all things creative and my entrepreneurial heart means I’ve worn many hats over the years including fashion producer & stylist, retail store owner, t-shirt designer, and even vegan baker! I...