Covering modelling clay ( and other textured artwork ) in ArtResin is easy! In fact, ArtResin takes 3D artwork next level - not only does it preserve your clay art and keeps it safe for years to come, but it also enhances the texture and colour of your art with a glossy finish that'll make you want to reach out and touch it!
We love using wooden art panels here at ArtResin - you can mount your artwork and pour your resin directly on the panel! Some panels even have a raised lip specifically designed to contain resin - they make for a super easy pour with clean edges.
Measure, mix, pour, spread, cover and wait, and in 24 hours your 3D artwork will go from good to gorgeous!
Let's get started ....
Supplies:
- 12 x 12" wooden art panel, painted white if you wish
- modelling clay
- ArtResin epoxy resin
- nitrile gloves
- a level
- a measuring cup with easy to read measurement lines
- a mixing container
- a stir stick
- a foam brush to spread the resin
- a handheld torch like our Artist's Torch
- toothpicks
- an empty plastic tote or cardboard box with the flaps cut off to protect your piece while it dries
Steps:
1. Assemble your Modelling Clay
First, assemble your modelling clay art. You may choose to draw a design outline directly onto the wood panel before you start ( as we did ) or you can simply freehand your design. Once your collage is complete, you're ready to resin it!
👉TIP: being an organic material, wood may contain trapped air which can release into your resin as bubbles. There are many variables that can affect gas bubbles: the type of wood, how dry the wood is, humidity etc. Pre-sealing wood with paint or a spray or brush-on sealant is an option to help to prevent bubbles. We've used these wood panels enough to know that we don't need to pre-seal them, but we always recommend testing with your particular materials so you know exactly what results to expect before you resin your final project. Again, if in doubt, you can never go wrong by pre-sealing or painting first if it makes you feel more comfortable.
👉TIP: being an organic material, wood may contain trapped air which can release into your resin as bubbles. There are many variables that can affect gas bubbles: the type of wood, how dry the wood is, humidity etc. Pre-sealing wood with paint or a spray or brush-on sealant is an option to help to prevent bubbles. We've used these wood panels enough to know that we don't need to pre-seal them, but we always recommend testing with your particular materials so you know exactly what results to expect before you resin your final project. Again, if in doubt, you can never go wrong by pre-sealing or painting first if it makes you feel more comfortable.
2. Calculate how much Resin you need
Next, using our Resin Calculator, simply enter the length and width of your piece to determine how much ArtResin you’ll need.
👉TIP: a standard 1/8" layer for a 12 x 12" panel requires 5 oz resin ( 2.5 oz resin and 2.5 oz hardener ). Measure the lip on your panel as they can vary. The panel in our video, for example, has a 1/4" lip. In order to fill it to the top, you'd use double the amount: 10 oz total resin ( 5 oz resin and 5 oz hardener ).
👉TIP: a standard 1/8" layer for a 12 x 12" panel requires 5 oz resin ( 2.5 oz resin and 2.5 oz hardener ). Measure the lip on your panel as they can vary. The panel in our video, for example, has a 1/4" lip. In order to fill it to the top, you'd use double the amount: 10 oz total resin ( 5 oz resin and 5 oz hardener ).
3. Stir Thoroughly
Wearing gloves, measure accurately ( by volume ) precisely equal amounts of resin and hardener. Stir thoroughly for 3 minutes total, ensuring you scrape the bottom and sides of your mixing container as you go.
👉 TIP: for our very best measuring and mixing tips, read the blog How To Measure And Mix Resin And Hardener.
4. Pour the Resin
Pour the ArtResin onto the centre of your piece and spread it out to the edges using a disposable foam brush which will allow you to work around the clay without damaging your design. You'll have about 45 minutes of working time before the resin gets too thick to spread. Read our blog How To Pour And Spread Epoxy Resin for more resin tips and techniques!
5. Use your Torch
Using your Artist’s Torch, hold the flame a couple of inches above the resin surface just long enough to pop the bubbles, keeping the torch moving from side to side at all times.
👉TIP: if you're nervous about using a torch, don't be! Read our blog with all you need to know about How To Use A Torch On Epoxy Resin.
👉TIP: if you're nervous about using a torch, don't be! Read our blog with all you need to know about How To Use A Torch On Epoxy Resin.
6. Final Check of your Artwork
Once the piece has been torched, look at the resin in the light for any missed bubbles, tiny hairs or bits of dust, using a toothpick to fish them out.
7. Cover your Resin Artwork
With a plastic tote or a cardboard box ( with the flaps cut off ) cover your piece and let it sit for 24 hrs until it’s dry to the touch.
8. Wait 24 hours
After 24hrs has passed, reveal your piece!
👉TIP: the resin will be dry to the touch at the 24hr mark. At this point, you're free to hang and admire your artwork on the wall, absolutely, but if you're planning on packing and shipping your artwork, please wait at least 72hrs until the resin has fully cured.
We hope you found this informative and helpful!
👉TIP: the resin will be dry to the touch at the 24hr mark. At this point, you're free to hang and admire your artwork on the wall, absolutely, but if you're planning on packing and shipping your artwork, please wait at least 72hrs until the resin has fully cured.
We hope you found this informative and helpful!
Do you want to learn more about using resin on different surfaces? See below our how-to tutorials:
- Introduction to Resin Art
- How to Resin an Acrylic Painting
- How to Resin Watercolor
- How to Resin on Canvas for Beginners
- How to Make Textured Resin Art
- How to Resin Flowers
- How to Resin Over Gold Leaf
- How to Resin Metal Print
- How to Resin Wood
- How to Resin Mosaic
- How to Resin Rocks
- How to Resin Chalk Pastel
- How to Resin A Paper Collage
- How to Resin Charcoal
