Adding Beautiful Things to Resin And What to Avoid

In epoxy resin art, a little creativity goes a long way, and resin embedding has become increasingly popular worldwide among hobbyists, collectors, and professional artists alike. You can find it in many applications, from home décor to jewellery and even incredible artwork.

Adding a highly visual item to epoxy art can open up a world of possibilities. But there are always dos and don'ts to remember when thinking of unique objects to put in resin.

What can you embed in resin projects, and what should you avoid?

One of the most important things to consider when adding items to resin is their compatibility. Not all materials are suitable for embedding in resin, and using the wrong ones can result in a failed project or even damage to your artwork.

When considering what to embed in your resin crafts, always do your research and test small samples first before committing to embedding larger pieces. With proper planning and care, you'll be able to create beautiful and unique pieces of art using various materials embedded in resin.

What are the proper techniques to practice to earn the finish of a professional?

The key to achieving a professional finish with resin art is all in the preparation and technique. Before pouring your resin, make sure your workspace is clean and dust-free. Clean any items that you plan to embed thoroughly to ensure they are free of dirt, oils, or residue that could affect adhesion.

It's also crucial to measure your resin accurately and mix it according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Proper mixing will prevent air bubbles from forming in your piece, resulting in a smooth and clear finish. Using a heat gun or torch can help eliminate any remaining bubbles on the surface of your project.

Be patient and allow enough time for your resin to cure completely before handling or moving it; rushing this step could ruin all of your hard work.

An important aspect of achieving a professional finish with resin is attention to detail during each step of the process.

This includes properly sealing any porous materials before embedding them in resin and carefully placing them within the mold without disturbing other elements already present.

Using quality tools such as pour resin, silicone moulds, measuring cups, and stir sticks can greatly improve the overall look of your finished piece.

Unique Things To Put In Resin Projects

The possibilities are endless when it comes to embedding items in resin art. It allows you to preserve memories and create personalized gifts that hold sentimental value.

The only limit is your imagination; let your creativity run wild with the endless combinations of materials that can be encapsulated in this versatile material.

The beauty of working with resin lies in its ability to encapsulate almost anything you desire; from natural elements to personal mementos and everything in between. Let your imagination guide you.

Resin art using elements of nature, such as flowers and leaves

You can embed dried flowers, sunflower petals, daisies, even a special stone in epoxy resin, with striking leaves and flowers among the most popular epoxy resin embeddings.

All it takes is a careful and proper application technique to achieve that dreamy look.

It is important to dry organic materials before beginning resin artwork because moisture can affect curing.

For a 2-dimensional look, press the materials between the pages of a book, use silica gel to preserve the materials, or simply let them air dry for an aged look.

After drying, apply a clear sealant or varnish to prevent the items from reacting poorly during curing.

Aged Beach Wood Or Sticks

You should sand the pieces before casting them in epoxy resin so that they are smooth and free of splinters.

Then, clean the timber with acetone or degreaser. Avoid metal polishing creams since they can stain and leave white deposits.

Remember to use proper safety precautions when performing the above tasks, especially if you are cleaning with chemical products.

Preserved Bugs, Sealife and Insects

Embedding insects into resin requires adequate preservation, just like other things found in nature.

It may be difficult to work with insects due to their delicate nature, so take care to treat them gently and carefully as you begin working on your resin art.

Insects will decay inside epoxy resin closures if they are not preserved.

Souvenirs, Figurines and Toys

Small items, such as souvenirs, figurines, and toys, can also be covered with pour resins.

You run the risk of not getting your prized possessions back in the same perfect condition, or even at all, if the process fails.

The resin art casting piece is a great way to preserve these precious items and even turn them into works of art. But it is a permanent piece, so you might want to avoid embedding things you cannot bear to lose.

Food Products With Long Shelf Life

Make sure you use food options that do not expire, such as confectionery items, dried fruit, and even baking ingredients, when embedding specific food items in resin.

In addition, if you plan on using food items with holes or gaps, seal them first to preserve their colour within your epoxy resin artwork.

If you must use food items, seal them first to prevent air from getting trapped.

Paper Creations

Resin embedding of paper is beautiful, but might be challenging.

Keep in mind that the epoxy resin can become damaged by water if it is not sealed. In order to prevent the paper objects from getting destroyed (and ensure you have copies of all photographs or artworks), use PVA glue to plug them and prevent them from being damaged.

You could also experiment with different types of paper, including maps, sheet music, or even handwritten letters. These items can add a personal touch and tell a story within your resin piece.

Glitters and Sequins

For both beginners and professionals, glitter is a popular choice.

In addition to its versatility, glitter can be added in layers or mixed before the resin is poured, so you can decide how much glitter you want to incorporate into the resin art work.

Sequins, on the other hand, offer a different kind of sparkle and shine.

These small, flat discs come in various sizes and shapes such as circles, stars, hearts, and even animals.

They can be used to create unique designs or add texture to resin pieces. Similar to glitter, sequins can also be added before or after the resin is poured for different effects.

One of the great things about using glitters and sequins in resin crafts is that they come in endless color options.

From classic golds and silvers to vibrant neon shades, there's a glitter or sequin for every style and preference.

Smaller Delicate Items

If you are considering using small objects like confetti, sand, and beads in your crafts, they can add a unique touch to items such as resin coasters, beautiful resin jewelry, and picture frames.

These materials are cost-effective while still making a big impact.

To avoid issues with air bubbles in resin or pieces shifting during the creation process, take your time and work carefully in layers when working with smaller items like these.

One helpful tip is to use a toothpick or small tweezers to carefully place each individual piece in the desired pattern. This will also ensure that the objects are evenly distributed and not clumped together in one area.

Coins & Stamps

For those who love all things vintage, why not try incorporating old coins or stamps into your resin project? This not only adds texture but also brings history and nostalgia into the mix.

Old coins can be pressed into the resin, leaving a unique impression of their intricate designs and engravings. They can also be arranged in a pattern or used as a focal point within the piece.

Stamps, on the other hand, can be cut and placed strategically to create an interesting background or incorporate specific images.

Not only do these vintage elements add interest to your resin project, but they also hold sentimental value for many collectors.

Imagine creating a pendant with an old coin from your grandparents' home country or using stamps from different countries to represent your travels.

Incorporating coins and stamps into your resin is not limited to just jewelry making. You can use them in coasters, keychains, bookmarks – the possibilities are endless!

Charms Or Buttons

Another fun idea is to use small trinkets like charms or buttons to create whimsical designs within the resin.

You can mix and match different shapes, sizes, and colours to create unique patterns and designs. Another option is to embed these trinkets into the resin before it fully sets for a three-dimensional effect.

This technique works especially well for creating personalised jewellry pieces or adding flair to home decor items like coasters or paperweights.

Using charms or buttons also allows for endless possibilities as you can find them in various themes such as animals, flowers, letters, or even popular cartoon characters.

Get creative with your designs and have fun experimenting with this charming addition to your resin projects.

Unconventional Items

You could also incorporate unconventional items like guitar picks, watch gears, or puzzle pieces for an added element of surprise.

Incorporating these unexpected objects into your resin art can add a unique and personal touch to your pieces.

For example, using guitar picks in a music-themed artwork or watch gears in a steampunk-inspired piece can bring an extra layer of meaning and depth to the finished product.

Puzzle pieces, on the other hand, can be used to symbolize unity and connection within a family or relationship. By embedding them into the resin, you are not only creating a visually appealing design but also telling a story through your art.

Pigment Swirls

You can also play around with colours by mixing different pigments or adding ink droplets before pouring the resin. This allows you to create mesmerising patterns and abstract designs that are truly one-of-a-kind.

Experimenting with pigments can also help you achieve different effects such as marbling, swirls, or even a galaxy-inspired look. The possibilities are endless and the results can be stunning.

Don't Try To Embed These in Epoxy Resin

In addition to exploring all the wonderful things you can add to your resin art project, it is also important to examine some of the materials you should avoid:

Some Liquids In Resin Projects

Inks can be applied to resin without issue despite their liquid state, whereas water-based liquids, or items containing moisture, may negatively trigger a chemical reaction, increasing the solidification process and turning white.

Fresh Plant Life and Food In Resin

Fresh plants and food contain moisture, and any excess liquid could ruin the curing process. Additionally, fresh food and plants might rot inside the piece, ruining a once beautiful design.

Items you don't want to lose in resin projects

Once encased in resin, items cannot be removed. It is important to remember that even seasoned professionals make mistakes, so it is always best to start with items you are comfortable losing if you are just learning about resin art.

If you don't, you might find something precious, but it is completely beyond repair.

Lets Start Your Resin Project Casting Adventure!

Having learned more about resin embedding, you are now ready to experiment and create more eternal casting pieces.

However, what really matters is that you enjoy the process while staying safe.

Just Resin helps resin artists with their resin craft by providing helpful resources and quality supplies for your every need.

Browse our resin selection available online today, or contact our friendly team with any questions you may have about the process.