If you’ve ever admired beautiful, glossy resin art pieces and thought about diving into the epoxy resin world, you might wonder, “How much does resin art really cost?” While resin art can initially seem pricey, it doesn’t have to break the bank! Whether you’re a complete beginner or thinking about turning your hobby into a business, understanding the costs involved is the first step to getting started.
Let’s dive into the essentials of epoxy resin art supplies, how to manage expenses, and how you can make resin art as a hobby and potentially a side business!
A Beginner’s Guide: Investing in Epoxy Art Supplies
Before you start pouring resin, it’s important to know what supplies you’ll need and how much they’ll cost. Below is a breakdown of the basic materials every resin artist should have in their toolkit.
Epoxy Resin
Epoxy is the star of the show, and it’s where most of your investment will go. High-quality epoxy resin can cost around $50 per gallon (4 liters), but a little goes a long way. If you’re just starting with smaller projects like coasters or keychains, a single gallon (4 liters) can last a while. The price comes from the special additives that give the epoxy a high-gloss finish, UV resistance, and ease of use. There are different types of epoxy for different uses, so plan your projects ahead of time!
Inclusions
These are the fun extras, like colors, glitters, or embellishments, that you can add to your resin. Inclusions aren’t too expensive, but they can add up if you’re not careful. Just make sure the products you buy are compatible with epoxy resin to avoid ruining your artwork. You can also get creative with cheaper alternatives like food coloring or acrylic paint to tint your resin!
You can also keep yourself open to finding free things to add in with your resin as you go about your day. A few weeks ago I was walking along a beach picking up shells that I could use in my resin art. I also took the opportunity to take a bucket of sand. There are opportunities all around to find things you can add to your art for free.
LETS RESIN SUPPLIES:
*Use the code ANDY10 to get 10% off at Checkout
Lets Resin US
Lets Resin UK/DE/FR
Protective Gear
If you have been reading my blog articles or watching my YouTube videos you will know I am a proponent of Safety first! Resin art involves working with chemicals, so you’ll need some protective gear. Items like gloves, respirators, and safety glasses aren’t very expensive, but they are essential. You don’t want to skip on safety, even if you’re only doing this as a hobby.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT:
3M Half Mask
3M Organic Vapour Filter
3M Eye Protection Goggles
Nitrile Gloves
Boards, and Project Bases
Where are you going to put your resin? Depending on what you’re making, you’ll need a base like a wooden board, canvas, or silicone mold. For beginners, it’s good to start with affordable materials to practice on. A Lot of the bases I use are made from MDF board. You can normally get this cheaper than other wood like pine or plywood but it has the advantage that it’s also quite even and flat. Once you get the hang of it, you can invest in higher-quality surfaces for your more polished pieces.
Is Resin an Expensive Hobby?
Resin art can seem expensive upfront, but it doesn’t have to be! It really depends on how much epoxy you’re using and the type of projects you’re creating. For small projects like jewelry or keychains, the costs are relatively low. You can stretch your supplies further if you’re not making pieces entirely out of resin but just using it for coatings.
If you’re planning on creating large resin pieces like furniture or wall art, then the cost can increase. However, by carefully planning your projects and using alternative or recycled materials for inclusions, you can save money.
Is Epoxy Resin a Scam?
No, epoxy resin is not a scam, but like with any art supply, you need to be careful about where you’re buying from. Some companies mark up prices or sell low-quality products that don’t perform well. Stick to reputable brands and read reviews before making your purchase. High-quality epoxy resin will give you a flawless finish, UV protection, and last longer than cheap alternatives.
Are You Selling Your Works? Or Keeping/Gifting Them?
If you’re considering resin art as a business, selling your creations is a great way to cover your material costs. Small items like resin coasters, jewelry, or keychains can be made relatively cheaply and sold for a good profit. You can also make larger custom pieces for higher prices once you’ve mastered your skills.
If you’re not interested in selling, resin art can make fantastic gifts! Personalized resin pieces are unique and always appreciated by friends and family.
What Resin Art Sells the Most?
The resin art market is diverse, but some of the most popular items that sell include:
– Resin coasters
– Jewelry (earrings, necklaces)
– Keychains
– Resin trays and tables
– Ocean-themed wall art
These items are not only popular but also tend to have good profit margins because they don’t require a ton of resin and can be sold at a higher price for their custom, artistic value.
Where to Buy Resin Supplies?
You can find epoxy resin supplies online, at craft stores, and even at some hardware stores. Popular places to shop include:
Lets Resin US/CA Lets Resin (online store) **Use the code ANDY10 to get 10% off at Checkout*
Lets Resin UK/DE/FR Lets Resin (online store) **Use the code ANDY10 to get 10% off at Checkout*
Etsy (for molds and inclusions)
Temu (for molds and inclusions)
Making Art Projects in Your Own Home
One of the best things about resin art is that you can do it right in your own home. To set up a workspace, you don’t need much—just a clean, flat surface, some protective sheeting to cover your table, and a well-ventilated room. Many of the tools you need, like tweezers or heat sources (for popping bubbles), can be found around your house.
Final Thoughts
With a little planning and creativity, resin art can be an affordable and rewarding hobby—or even a profitable business! Whether you’re just starting or considering turning your passion into a side hustle, there’s always a way to manage the costs and still create stunning pieces.
Resin art is all about being creative and having fun! So, explore, experiment, and enjoy the process!
FAQs About Resin Art Costs and Supplies
Q: How much does it cost to start resin art?
A: Starting resin art can cost anywhere from $10 to $200, depending on the quality and quantity of supplies you buy.
Q: What kind of resin is best for beginners?
A: There are starter kits available on Amazon that are perfect for beginners. They usually include everything you need to get started, and they can help you figure out what style of resin art you like best
Q: What is the cheapest way to color resin?
A: You can use affordable options like acrylic paint or food coloring to tint resin instead of buying expensive color pigments.
Q: Where can I find cheap molds?
A: Silicone molds from Temu can be a budget-friendly option. You can also find molds in unexpected places, like using silicone cooking molds from the baking aisles and plastic trays garden centers or even a kitty little tray for those wood and silicon projects.
Q: Can I sell resin art?
A: Absolutely! Resin art is highly marketable. Start with small items like coasters or keychains to build up your skills and then move on to larger, custom pieces.
Q: Is resin art safe?
A: Yes, as long as you use it properly. Always work in a well-ventilated area and use protective gear like gloves and masks.
Q: How do I clean up resin?
A: 95% alcohol can be used to clean up resin and wash it off your hands (you should be wearing gloves where possible). You don’t need to buy a special expensive resin remover.
Q: Where can I learn more about resin art?
A: From me of course 😉I have blog posts on this website and also tons of tutorials on YouTube. The Resin Art community is quite large so you will find lots of resources available online, including other channel YouTube videos. You can also find classes and workshops in your area with a bit of Googling.