What is Resin Art? And how to begin?

Resin Art is a creative technique using epoxy resin to craft glossy and three-dimensional works of art. Artists mix resin and a hardener, often adding pigments or materials like crushed glass for unique effects. This mixture is then poured onto canvases, panels, or into moulds, creating a smooth, glass-like finish as it cures.

Resin is popular because of it’s -

1. Versatility: Resin is highly versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of art and craft projects. Artists can use it to create paintings, sculptures, jewellery, and functional items like tabletops and coasters.
2. Glossy Finish: Resin provides a glossy, glass-like finish that enhances the visual appeal of artworks. It has the unique ability to capture and reflect light, creating a captivating depth.
3. Durability: Once cured, epoxy resin is durable and resistant to moisture and UV rays, ensuring the longevity of artworks.
4. Vibrant Colors: Resin can be pigmented with a variety of colors, allowing artists to create vibrant and eye-catching designs.
5. Depth and Dimension: Resin allows for the creation of three-dimensional effects, making it popular for creating geode-like patterns, abstract designs, and other visually striking effects.
6. Beginner-Friendly: It's accessible to beginners and experienced artists alike, making it an inclusive medium for artists of all levels.
7. Customization: Artists can add various materials to resin, from glitter to dried flowers, enabling endless customization and creativity.
8. Unique Results: Each resin project is unique, as the flow and interaction of materials create individualized outcomes, adding an element of surprise and beauty to the process.

Let’s give you a resin project idea, shall we? The most beginner friendly but fun for experimentation project-

Project Idea 1: Resin Coasters – Functional and Fantastic

Resin and Hardener
Silicone mould (coaster-sized)
Alcohol inks or resin pigments
Gilding flakes 
Disposable plastic cups and stirring sticks
Heat gun or butane torch
Felt or cork sheets for backing

Procedure:

Step 1: Mix your resin according to the instructions (usually a 2 :1 ratio by weight), and stir thoroughly.
Step 2: Pour a small amount into each section of the silicone mold, allowing your creativity to run wild! Use alcohol inks or resin pigments and add gilding flakes to create stunning designs.
Step 3: Use a heat gun or butane torch to remove bubbles from the resin. This step is pure magic – watch those bubbles disappear!
Step 4: Allow your coasters to cure as per the resin instructions, usually 24-48 hours.
Step 5: Once they're fully cured, remove the coasters from the mold and attach felt or cork to the bottoms. Voilà!