Epoxy Resin Crafting 101
- Angela Kuchenbecker
- Jul 8
- 3 min read
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What Is Epoxy Resin?
A clear liquid adhesive that cures into a hard, glossy plastic once mixed with a matching hardener.
Compared to UV resin, it sets over time rather than with light and often provides stronger, thicker pours. UV resin works great for smaller projects, like earrings, keychains and bookmarks and is cured quickly under a UV lamp.
What You’ll Need
Epoxy resin + hardener (usually in a 1:1 ratio by volume, but always check the brand’s instructions)
Mixing cups (silicone or disposable – don’t use kitchenware)
Stir sticks (wooden or silicone)
Protective gear: nitrile gloves, safety goggles, respirator or mask, and good airflow
Workspace protection: silicone mat or parchment paper
Optional extras: molds (silicone), pigments/glitter, resin tape, sandpaper, heat gun or torch for bubble removal
Getting Ready
Make sure your surface or mold is clean, dry, and grease-free—wipe it with isopropyl alcohol.
If coating wood or metal, lightly sand it to help the resin stick.
Arrange everything beforehand—once resin and hardener are mixed, the clock starts ticking.
Mixing Resin
Pour equal parts resin and hardener into separate cups.
Combine them in one cup and stir gently but thoroughly (at least 3–5 minutes), scraping the sides and bottom. Proper mixing prevents sticky or uncured spots.
Add Embellishments
Blend in pigments, glitter, dyes, or small decorative pieces like dried flowers , charms or stones.
Avoid including anything with moisture—wet items can ruin the cure.
Pour or Coat
Pour into molds or layer onto objects.
Work slowly to minimize bubbles.
For curved shapes (like tumblers), consider using a rotating stand to maintain even coverage as it cures.
Bubble Control
Immediately after pouring, eliminate bubbles by:
Gently passing a heat gun or torch over the surface
Using a toothpick or pin to pop surface bubbles
Curing
Leave your project in a flat, dust-free area with steady room temperature (around 70–75 °F or 21–24 °C).
Cure times vary by resin: typically touch-dry in 12–24 hours, fully cured in 48–72 hours.
Do not move or disturb during the first 12 hours, and wait longer before shipping or using.
Finishing Touches
Once cured, you can sand rough edges starting with coarse grit, then moving to fine grit for a polished look.
To remove failed resin layers: use solvent (e.g. acetone), then scrape off carefully—wear PPE and ventilate well.
Safety First
Work in a well-ventilated area.
Avoid skin contact; wash immediately if it occurs.
Dispose of waste responsibly—cured epoxy can go in the trash, but liquids should be handled per local guidelines.
Creative Project Ideas
Glitter tumblers: layer resin with glitter on a rotating tumbler.
Coasters & molds: add pigments or small keepsakes.
River tables & wood accents: use deep-pour resin to fill channels in wood.
Jewelry pieces: embed dried flowers, inks, or charms in small molds.
Photo frames or paperweights: encapsulate images or drawings in clear resin.
✅ Quick Tips for Success
Keep a stable temperature—too cold slows curing, too warm can cause overheating.
Mix thoroughly and stir slowly to reduce bubble formation.
Cover projects while curing to prevent dust from settling.
Start simple and practice makes perfect—don’t be afraid to experiment with layers, colors, and textures.
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