ArtResin naturally self-levels to about 1/8" (3 mm), which is perfect for a smooth, glossy finish.
But sometimes you want more. Maybe you're covering some chunky mixed media textures, or you just want that "bottomless" look a thicker pour brings.
The secret to mess-free thick pours is the resin dam. A resin dam is a raised barrier around the edges of your panel that keeps your resin contained, letting you build up depth without your resin pouring over the edges.
In this tutorial, our friend Jane Monteith - who's been a mixed media artist for over a decade - shows us her go-to method for building a resin dam using nothing but painter's tape. It's clean, it's easy, and it takes the stress out of a thicker pour.
Let's take a look ..
What You'll Need
• Your Artwork: on a wood panel
• Tape: Jane's favorite is the wide 3M Scotch Blue (#2090)
The Prepwork
Step 1: Check Your Surfaces:
Before you even touch the tape, make sure eveything is clean and bone dry. This means your paint and any mounting adhesive or sealant you might have used. If the sides of your panel are dirty, oily, or damp, the tape won't grab - and we want a tight seal!
Step 2: Build the Dam
Apply the tape, starting on the side closest to you. Wrap the tape around one corner, giving it a little pinch at the top to anchor it.
Don't stress about the corners: It's easier to tear the tape at the corner and start fresh along the next side.
Check the sides as you go to make sure the tape is applied evenly on each side. Once you reach the end, the tape should be perfectly level with where you started.
Use your fingers or a flat tool (like ruler or a bone tool) to burnish the tape down. You want the tape pressed firmly against the panel to make sure that no resin can sneak underneath.
Then work your way around each side until it's taped all the way round.
If you've applied the tape evenly, the two ends should match up perfectly.
Double Up:
For extra strength, go around the panel one more time with a second layer of tape. It adds some backbone so that the tape won't buckle or collapse into the resin.
Pour in layers:
Since we're pouring deep, remember that slow and steady wins the race. We recommend pouring in layers not thicker than 1/4" (6 mm).
This thickness lets the bubbles rise and release properly so your finish stays crystal clear. Just let each layer set up for about 3-5 hours before adding the next. Repeat until you reach the depth you're after.
The Big Reveal
Wait about 24 hours after your final pour until the resin is dry to the touch. Then, slowly and peel away the tape to find those clean, crisp edges you've been dreaming of.
That’s it! Building a dam is a simple set-up that opens the door to thicker pours - without messy edges or runaway resin. Just take it layer by layer, trust your prep, and enjoy the extra dimension a thick resin coat brings to your work!
Jane's New Free Workshop: Fused Harmony Igniter Metal n Patina
If you’re curious about Jane's creative process, she's offering a free, live online workshop called Fused Harmony Igniter Metal n’ Patina, running from February 9-11, 2026.
Over three days, Jane will share the basics of creating pattern, texture, and color on metal - techniques she often incorporates into her resin artwork. The workshop also includes live Q&A sessions with Jane.
If you’re interested in adding metal and patina to your mixed media or resin work, this is an easy way to explore the process and see how it might fit into your practice.
Register here by Feb 8th: www.taelife.com/igniter
We hope you enjoyed Jane's resin dam tip. To watch her full video - with even more resin tips & techniques - visit our blog: Jane Monteith's Mixed Media Art: Favorite Papers, Gold Materials and Resin Tips.
To see more of Jane's work, tips, and process:
Visit her website: www.taelife.com
Follow her on Instagram: @janelovesdesign
ArtResin: The Original Epoxy for Resin Art.
