Epoxy Resin Tips and Tricks

Epoxy resin is used in so many ways. From tabletops to jewelry, it's something everyone can use to fit their craft! 
It takes practice and patience. Make sure to start small because it takes time to master resin crafting (for most people).
Here are some tips and tricks I've learned along the way! 

Saftey

Always use safety precautions. Work in a clean and well-ventilated area. Use protective gloves like nitrile gloves. Use a mask or respirator. 

Prep Your Work Area

Epoxy resin is sticky, and once hardened, can make for laborious cleanup. Protect your surface with a silicone mat, wax paper, or contact paper. The workspace must be level for even curing. Use clean mixing cups every time you make a new batch.

Have a plan & measure correctly 

Once your resin is mixed, it starts curing. Most resins take about 30 minutes before it's not useable. Epoxy resins are thermoset plastics made by the reaction of two or more industrial chemical compounds; measuring correctly is essential! Equal parts A & B, but look on the packaging for specific directions on how much and how long to mix! 

Mix slow & at room temperature 

Resin doesn't need to be beaten or whipped, mix slowly and thoroughly. Even if it looks like it's all mixed, mix some more; the more you mix, the more your bubbles go away. 

Casting resin is a very heat-sensitive material. Therefore you should also keep an eye on the ambient temperature when mixing the resin. Warm resin wets out better and cures faster. Avoid storing your epoxy resin and hardeners in very cold temperatures, this will change the viscosity of the resin. Also, be aware that constant heating of the epoxy can cause condensation and or contamination.
Epoxy resin should cure at room temperature, around 70°F. Makes sure your resin doesn't cure too fast or too slow! 

Apply the resin a little bit at a time. Depending on the resin, it can pour quickly. Pouring from a smaller cup is easier to control.

Finishing Tips

Keep the flies or bugs from curing in your work by using a dust cover or a cardboard box.
Leave a bit of resin in the bottom of your pour cup. You can then check the resin in the cup to check to see if your resin is cured. This way, you don't have to disturb your project to see how it is curing.
A heat tool is great for removing bubbles from your resin.

Buy the right molds 

There are many different types of forming molds out there. The best epoxy resin molds are made from silicone or propylene! Food molds will leave a cloudy texture on the surface of your project. 
Now that you're ready to start with epoxy resin, here is a link to where you can buy your first kit!

Grab your Resin Kit!