We all know what resin is – a thick, sticky, highly viscous liquid produced by trees. When trees are injured, they actually bleed oils, which then oxidise as they are exposed to air, forming the resin. Nowadays we often hear about resin art, and while the liquid used to make this art has similar properties to natural resin, it is in fact synthetically produced to mimic those properties.
This liquid, called epoxy resin, is made of two components – synthetic polymer resin and hardener. As a result of the chemical reaction that occurs when these two components combine, the epoxy resin gradually hardens and forms a solid surface. While this material has different applications across industries, it is also used in art. Mixed with pigments, the resin can be used to create impressive visual effects.
The Possibilities of Resin Art
Regardless of whether they are professionals or beginners, many artists never stop learning new technics and new ways of creating art, and if you like to experiment you may love working with epoxy resin. This art form has become quite popular in recent years. Epoxy resin offers many different opportunities and it allows artists to get enchanting results. Whether you want to create a small art piece to add to your beautiful gallery wall or you want to start a big project, epoxy resin art is a very versatile art form that offers many possibilities. You can create resin paintings and resin castings, you can use it as a finish on drawings, paintings (made of acrylic, oil, watercolour, ink, alcohol ink and so on) or photos, you can create jewellery, ornaments, wooden resin art, etc.
Even though you can’t use epoxy resin to paint on a canvas or other surfaces typical for traditional art forms, art resin can be used on many other materials, including wood, metal, stone, etc., and along with the colours, each surface allows the artist to achieve different kinds of effects. The properties of epoxy resin, as well as the technics used to create these stunning artworks and crafts, make it possible for many different crafts to use it for some breath-taking effects. There are many resin crafts nowadays, that produce beautiful furniture pieces, floors, kitchen covers, etc.
Probably the best thing about this art form is that it is fairly simple to learn, which means that beginners can master the techniques that they need to use pretty fast. This also means that even your first try can be a big success, because regardless of how experienced you are, your artistic skill levels or your talent if you follow some simple guidelines, you can make stunning epoxy resin artworks.
Supplies for Epoxy Resin Art
If you wish to start creating resin art, you’ve probably fallen in love with the colours, the clarity and the brilliance. The first thing that you need, in order to achieve the effects that you want and start creating magnificent pieces, is to buy epoxy art resin. Make sure that you are getting high-quality resin, suitable for creating artworks. There are different types of epoxy resins, and they vary in quality, clarity and other properties. However, when you are choosing a product for your project, you should make sure that it is suitable. Some resins may work better on some surfaces than others, some may be better for some types of projects, some are more resistant to UV rays or water, etc.
Creating resin art can be incredibly mesmerising, satisfying and fun. However, this hobby is not very cheap. To start making the amazing effects that we all love, artists add different pigments and additives to the clear epoxy resin. This means that, unless you want to use it as a crystal-clear glossy finish, aside from the epoxy resin, you also need to buy art supplies to add colour pigments. There are different types of paints with high amounts of pigments that can be used to add colour to the clear epoxy resin. These may be pigmented powders, liquid pigments, acrylics, dyes, tints, etc., as well as other supplies, such as resin sand, for textured effects.
Moreover, to avoid stains and damages to your furniture or floor, you need protective mats, to mix the resin with the pigments, you will also need mixing cups and mixing sticks, to avoid the formation of air bubbles you need a butane torch, and, depending on the project you will be doing, you may also need moulds, decorations, and other art supplies and tools. If you are just starting your epoxy resin art journey, you can buy a starter kit with resin art accessories. However, it’s important to know your project in advance, so that you can buy the right amount of resin.
Safety Concerns
When you are working with epoxy resin you should always use protective gloves and wear clothes with long sleeves. Even though epoxy resins are generally safe, the hardening agents are toxic. Some of them can cause skin burns and lesions, and while others are safer, you should always make sure to avoid skin contact. Moreover, you should use disposable nitrile gloves and not latex or vinyl. Nitrile gloves are highly durable and strong, but much more importantly they offer the best protection against bio-hazards and have superior resistance to chemicals.
Epoxy resin does not have a scent, and inhaling it isn’t seriously dangerous. However, the hardeners usually have a strong odour, and they may cause respiratory irritation. This is why you may also want to use a protective mask while working making resin art, and even safety glasses or goggles.
