Can I Use Epoxy Resin Over Paper?

Yes, you can use ArtResin epoxy resin over paper, but since paper is available in many different qualities, coatings and thicknesses, it's a good precaution to seal paper before you resin. A sealant creates a barrier, preventing the resin from seeping into the paper and creating dark, wet spots.

ArtResin can be applied to a variety of paper including photo paper, watercolor paper, cardboard, drawing paper, tracing paper, tissue paper, linen paper, origami paper, stickers and Yupo paper.

Can You Use Epoxy Resin Over Printed Media?


Yes, you can use ArtResin epoxy resin over printed media but there are a few things to be aware of:
  • Soft paper, such as newsprint, construction paper, and uncoated fine art paper etc, are porous and can absorb resin. Glossy, coated paper tends to work better because they are treated with a sealant, allowing the resin to sit on top without soaking in.
  • If the paper is printed on both sides, you may see the text on the reverse side, especially if the resin absorbs into the paper.  

Why Is It Necessary To Seal Paper?

  • Seal paper that may absorb epoxy resin, causing dark, wet spots in your work or causing your work to bleed. 
  • Paper varies widely (quality, sheen, how porous it is, whether it's coated etc.) so test first to determine if your paper needs to be sealed before you resin. Coated paper is manufactured with a sealant on the surface, giving it a smooth, shiny finish. On the other hand, porous paper such as newsprint, construction paper or uncoated fine art paper is porous and needs to be sealed to prevent resin from seeping in. 
  • Test whether paper needs to be sealed by dropping a little water on a scrap piece: if the water is absorbed, the resin likely will be too. Depending on the paper, you may need to seal more than once. 
  • You may need to seal paper that has loose materials on it, like charcoal, chalk pastel or glitter. A sealant will tack down the material so that when you pour the resin over top, it won't float away with the liquid resin. 

  • Paper may contain trapped air which can release into your resin as bubbles. There are many variables that can affect bubbles: how dry the paper is, how much trapped air it contains and whether it has been layered into a collage. Sealing is a good option to help to prevent air bubbles in resin.

What Type Of Sealant Is Best For Paper?
  • Choose a sealant that dries clear, is non-yellowing and appropriate for your artwork. 
  • A brush on sealant may damage delicate artwork, in which case a spray sealant might be a better choice.
  • Allow the sealant to dry before you apply your resin coat.
  • Always test first before you resin your final piece to make sure there is no reaction between the sealant and resin. 

 

Can You Use Epoxy Resin Over Wallpaper?

  • Yes, you can use epoxy resin over wallpaper, but since there are many different types of wallpaper, it's a good idea to test first. For example, resin may delaminate from vinyl wallpaper, or it might be absorbed into a paper based wallpaper. Test epoxy resin on a small piece first so you know what results to expect.

 

Can You Use Epoxy Resin Over Laminated Paper?

  • Resin doesn't adhere well to plastic so there is a chance that the resin may eventually delaminate. You can avoid this by leaving a margin around the laminated object so that the object is embedded in resin. You may also want to apply a light coat of sealant onto the laminated surface to create some tooth for the resin to adhere to.


Can You Put Epoxy Resin On Cardboard?

  • Yes, you can apply epoxy resin to cardboard but it must be sealed first or else it will absorb the resin, creating dark, wet spots.
  • Typically, cardboard is not strong enough to support of the weight of the resin and may bend once the resin is applied. To avoid this, reinforce the cardboard by mounting it onto a strong substrate such as wood or metal.

Can You Apply Epoxy Resin Over Stickers?

  • Yes, you can apply epoxy resin over stickers but some precautions may need to be taken: paper stickers need to be sealed first, especially around the edges, to prevent the resin from absorbing and creating dark, wet spots. Resin doesn't bond well to plastic, so some space should be left around vinyl stickers so that they are embedded.

Do you want to learn more about using ArtResin epoxy resin? Read our guides below and get informed:


ArtResin: Made For Artists, By Artists

About the author: Rebecca Zak

Hi, I’m Rebecca, and I co-founded ArtResin with my husband, Dave. I’m a serial entrepreneur! As an artist and a former teacher, I've been able to leverage my creativity and experience to start multiple business ventures. In fact, there's nothing I love more than seeing a good idea turned into...
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