Frequently Asked Questions
I’m going to be building out this FAQ section from the questions I receive from subscribers to my You Tube channel. If there is a question you have that is not listed here, them please go and ask it in the comments section of one of my videos and I will look to create a video answering the question for you.
What is resin?
Epoxy resin is a versatile and durable type of synthetic resin commonly used in various applications such as art, crafts, construction.. It’s created by mixing two components – resin and hardener – which undergo a chemical reaction to form a solid, durable, and often clear material.
Resin is popular among artists and DIY enthusiasts because of its versatility, strong adhesive properties, and the ability to create stunning finishes with various pigments, dyes, and additives.
What tools and supplies do I need for Resin Projects?
You’ll need mixing cups and stirring sticks, Safety gear, heat gun or gas torch, protective coverings for your work area, and colorants and glitters. Most of these supplies you can get from Lets Resin.
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What safety precautions should I take when crafting with epoxy?
You need to wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated space. You should wear a mask that can filter Resin particles, as well as cover your skin to reduce exposure. The below video goes into further detail
How do I mix resin?
Using a stiring stick or spatula, ensure thorough scraping along the sides and base of the mixing cup to eliminate any unactivated material. Mix slowly to prevent adding air into the mix creating bubbles. Any bubbles that come to the surface can be popped with heat or alcohol. Once mixed for 4 to 5 minutes, transfer the resin to a different mixing cup. This ensures no unmixed resin or hardener is left on the sides or bottom of the original container. The resin is now ready to use clear or separate into other containers to add colorants such as dyes, mica powders or glitter.
How do you work out how much resin is needed for a silicone mold?
There are two quick ways, you can use an online resin calculator like this one from Total Boat which is good for regular shares like squares, rectangles and cylinders or you can use rice to put into the mold and then pour the contents from the mold into a measuring cup.
How do you prevent resin drips?
You can put painter’s tape around the back of the artwork which with the help of a heat gun you can peel off afterwards. You can also put PVA glue around the underside which will allow you to remove resin drips. Lastly, you can go the old fashioned sanding to remove those resin drips under you artwork.
My resin cured sticky. What happened?
It is either too cold for the chemical reaction to take place, the mixing ratio used is incorrect or the mixing itself was not thoroughly enough leaving Resin or Hardener in their original forms.
How long does Resin and Hardener last in their bottles?
Resin and Hardener typically last longer than a year, the hardener may oxidize slightly (resulting in a yellowish tint) over time, and the accelerators in the formula may lose some reactivity. This means, the resin may require extended curing times after a few years of storage.
What is a resin dirty pour?
A dirty pour combines various colors of resin in layers within a single container. Once the layers are added, pour the mixture onto a level surface, starting from the center and allowing the resin to naturally flow outward. This technique creates stunning effects as the colors blend and interact, producing beautiful gradients and patterns. Experiment with different color combinations and pouring techniques to achieve unique and eye-catching resin art pieces. Below is a video on a Resin tray using the dirty pour technique.