Resin Art: Basic Steps for Beginners
Interested in making your own show-stopping art? Although some care needs to be taken when setting up your workspace, a bit of guidance and practice can have you creating your own artwork in no time.
First things first: it’s important to understand that these are chemically-made products, with the potential to emit fumes and irritate the skin. However, as with other common household products, handling your new art supplies isn’t a problem with a few safety precautions.
Here is a list of things to consider when first venturing into the world of epoxy. Check out our round-up to learn some of the basics, with steps to help get you started.
Beginners 101: Things to Know Before You Begin
Resin versus Epoxy
Resin is the common, colourful coating you see applied to artwork, jewellery, tabletops and more. It’s also known as ‘epoxy resin’, which is a solution of two chemical materials blended together – a resin and a hardener. The hardening additive allows this to take on a unique, solid form.
Product Quality
The quality of the materials you source can be the difference between creating a long-lasting piece of art and something that may discolour and/or deform over time.
When investing in epoxy materials, look for products that support UV protection (especially in Australia) to prevent discolouration due to sun exposure. Also consider what types of projects you might create before investing in your supplies. Some materials are better for creating a number of layers, while others are better suited to a single coat or castings.
Common Uses
This method has definitely taken off as a trend in art, homewares and jewellery. We love that more people are getting interested in this form of art, then displaying their creations in their homes.
You’re likely to see this colourful material used in jewellery (necklaces, pendants and earrings), wall art, homewares (cheese boards, coasters, tumblers) and more.
Protecting your Clothes, Skin and Workspace
As with any chemical products, we need to point out some of the steps you should take to keep yourself and your workspace safe. (Even organic compounds have the potential to irritate the skin).
When using Epoxy Products there is a potential of irritation to the skin, it can be toxic if ingested, or irritate the airways if you inhale fumes. We always recommend wearing durable nitrile gloves, and a respiratory mask to be used in a non-well-ventilated area when mixing and using epoxy products.
How To Get Started – Making Your Artwork
Once you have sourced the base supplies needed to begin your projects, the process is fairly straightforward:
Prep your workspace.
Mix the products according to specific product ratios.
Add tints, pastes, powders, or even objects.
Create your piece of art.
Check for dust or particles.
Let your project cure to the products recommended time.
Interested in learning more? Check out our coming articles to give you further insight into this stunning, creative world. Let us help you get started today.
