Project Sheet

Experiment with Resin Casting

Make keepsakes, jewelry, and more with this durable, castable medium.

Difficulty Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Completion Time: 1-2 hours (pre-cure)

Watch a video overview:

Few mediums match the versatility of resin, a damage resistant material that is great for crafting and fine art applications including casting and pouring. Creative people of all skill levels can use it to create jewelry, sculptures, layered paintings, decor, and an almost limitless array of other works. Resin does have a learning curve, so don't be disappointed if your first try isn't perfect - part of the fun is in practicing and experimenting with dyes, techniques, and additional materials.

Tips for working with resin:

The number one issue when working with resin is bubbles, so if you need your work to be completely transparent, mix it very carefully (since this was our first time trying it out, we chose a Mardi Gras theme that makes the bubbles a festive part of the design). Bubbles and other issues can be avoided or minimized by mixing your resin very carefully and accurately, using mixing cups with precise measurement marks. A warm environment also helps eliminate bubbles.
If you use a mold other than the line we recommended here, you may need to apply a mold release before pouring your resin. Make sure you research the type of mold you plan to use, and what else is required.
Always use proper protective gear! Gloves are a must, but a paper mask and even safety goggles can be important depending upon your project. The application kit listed below includes gloves, a mask, stirring sticks, and measuring cups, making it easier to get all the things you need together and take much of the guesswork out of the process.
Have anything you plan to put in your resin, such as glitter, beads, feathers, or stickers, close at hand before mixing your resin.

What You'll Need

resin-supplies Before you begin, make sure you have all the supplies you'll need. The list below contains all the products we used to create the example shown in this demo. Materials are optional based upon your own design.

Crystal Resin
Resin Application Kit
Fine Grit Sandpaper
Glitter (We used Multi Color)
Decorative Stickers
Poly Resin Molds (We used 4 oz. Dome Shaped)
Craft Feathers
Seed Beads (We used 11/0 Variegated Iris Metallic)

1. Mix Your Resin

resin-step1 Using your marked cups or pipettes, carefully and accurately measure and mix the resin according to manufacturer directions. In your mixing bowl, slowly stir the resin mixture with your stirrer stick, scraping the edges and corners to ensure both the resin and the hardener are fully blended. Stirring too quickly can create bubbles, so take your time - and if bubbles do form, lightly tapping your mixing bowl onto your work surface, and/or allowing your resin to sit for about five minutes near a desk lamp or other source of gentle heat can help.

2. Pour, Layer, and Pour Some More

resin-step2 (Note: if you need to use mold release in your particular mold, apply it according to manufacturer directions before beginning this step.) Gently pour a thin layer of resin into your mold, turning the mold to coat the inside.

resin-step3 Apply a light layer of glitter, followed by another layer of resin.

resin-step3-2

resin-step4 Continue this process with beads, feathers, stickers, and more - taking time so as not to create more bubbles - until your mold is filled.

3. Allow To Cure

resin-step5 Leave your mold undisturbed for 24 hours to cure. A warm windowsill is a great spot to help minimize bubbles and bring them to the surface (which will be the underside of your piece).

4. Remove and Sand

resin-step6 Remove your finished piece from the mold by squeezing gently until the resin cast starts to release. You can also turn it upside down and tap it on your work surface to help release the piece. To smooth the bottom edges, sand with wet fine-grit sandpaper.