Epoxy Resin Art For Beginners

Learn to Make Incredible Resin Art with this Step-by-

Step Guide to Making Tables, Lamps, Jewelry, and
More!

Dana Clayton
Copyright © 2022
All rights reserved. No part of this guide may be reproduced in any form
without the written permission of the publisher, except for brief
quotations used for publication in articles or reviews.
Table of contents:
Introduction
Where and when is Epoxy Resin used?
What Can The Art Of Resin Be Used For?
Chapter 1: What is resin and what can we do with it?
What we can do with it
Chapter 2: What is the best resin to use?
Differences between epoxy resin and glass polyester resin
Epoxy resin vs. polyurethane resin
Epoxy resin vs UV epoxy resin
Chapter 3: How to prepare resin
How to measure resin?
Stir the mixture
Chapter 4: What surfaces are compatible with resin?
Chapter 5: learning to work with resin, preparing the work space
Mask/respirator with double activated carbon filter
Nitrile gloves
Safety glasses
Other considerations
Chapter 6: Where to buy epoxy resin?
Bubble formation
Viscosity
Hardness and stiffness
Drying time
Chapter 7: Materials that look alike
Tools Needed
Tools to eliminate them:
A heat gun can be used
Anti-bubble spray
 More tips for eliminating bubbles
Polishing and sanding tools
UV resin
Chapter 8: The resin pigment
Pearlescent and metallic pigments
Learn how to apply the Petri Dish finish
The alternatives are soil, sand
Chapter 9: interesting creations
Resin pour
Flowable resin (let the resin flow)
Surface preparation
Abstract paintings with color movement on resin
Making abstract paintings in motion
Chapter 10: sea work with resin
Seas of resin
The process
Chapter 11: Resin Geodes
Geodes with plasticine barriers
Geodes with barriers
Geodes with molds
Chapter 12: Encapsulating Objects
Let's start by encapsulating the photographs.
Protects the edges of the board
Then you can use drawings and paintings
Chapter 13: 3D objects
There are other mold options
Silicone tube molds
Wooden molds
3D creations
 Sculptures
Air drying
Using a book as a press
Orgonitas
Spheres
Polishing and sanding of epoxy resin
Chapter 14: key chains and jewelry in general
Tips for getting started
Making pendants with natural flowers
Chapter 15: Double mold
Crystal effect
Personalized jewelry
Chapter 16: The ideal presentation of jewelry
Centerpieces and cup holders
Chapter 17: Watches
Chapter 18: Lamps
Chapter 19: Making the perfect cell phone cases
Hand-painted cell phone cases
Covers with natural flowers
Covers with sea waves
Marbled covers with cell effect
Phosphorescent covers
With photographs
Final words
To recap
CONCLUSION
 Introduction
Epoxy resins are a type of synthetic resin made by the chemical reaction of
two compounds called epoxides. Epoxy resin is used in many industries, such
as construction, automobile manufacturing, aircraft manufacturing, and ship
building.
Epoxy resins are produced by the reaction of two chemical compounds,
epoxy acid and polyester alcohol. The two components are mixed in a
container and heated until they melt, forming a homogeneous mixture. Epoxy
resin is a sticky, water-insoluble substance that is used to make adhesives,
sealants, paints and other construction products.
Epoxy resins are a type of plastic resin obtained by the chemical reaction of
two components, epoxide and polyol.
The reaction produces a rigid, abrasion-resistant material that is used in many
fields, such as automobile parts, ship building and maintenance, piping, and
personal protective equipment.
There are several types of epoxy resin, each with its own characteristics.
Epoxy resin can be rigid or flexible, depending on the proportion of epoxy
resin and polyol used in its manufacture. It can also be transparent or opaque,
depending on the type of epoxy resin used.
Rigid epoxy resins are most commonly used in the manufacture of
automotive parts and shipbuilding. These resins offer high resistance to
abrasion and bending, making them ideal for these applications. Flexible
epoxy resins are used in pipe fabrication and the manufacture of personal
protective equipment. These resins are more flexible than rigid epoxy resins,
which allows them to conform better to pipe bends and provide greater
protection for people.
Transparent epoxy resins are used in the fabrication of decorative objects and
in the manufacture of lenses. These resins are transparent and offer high
abrasion resistance. Opaque epoxy resins are used in the manufacture of
everyday objects such as plates, glasses or cutlery. These resins are opaque
and offer good abrasion resistance.
In the book in your hands, you will learn all about resins, the types, the
surfaces you can use them on, and the step-by-step process for creating from
a lamp to more developed and extensive designs, even some as small as cell
phone cases or key chains.
By learning what you will see here you will be able to put it into practice
with similar designs following the basics you will learn.
All with tools that can be obtained affordably and close to home.
Unlike natural resins extracted from plants, synthetic resin is a product that
has been made industrially.
Many of the synthetic resins have a pair of components, component A which
is a resin and component B which is a curing catalyst, the latter of which
allows the resins to cure. Except for some, such as UV resins, which have
only one component. When these are mixed together, the work of curing
begins; it is an exothermic process in which heat is given off. So, the time
factor can have an impact on the drying and curing process. It is good to
work where the temperature is above fifteen degrees. If it is lower, the resin
may take time or have curing problems.
Materials such as epoxy resin are cold-reacting thermosetting polymers. The
formulation is, as a rule, composed of a base resin (component A) and a
hardener (component B), which, when mixed in the use ratio specified by the
manufacturer (catalysis ratio), will solidify, resulting in a glossy vitrified
layer

Where and when is Epoxy Resin used?

Epoxy resin is used in several areas. In addition to decorative flooring for
civilian use, application areas are: electrical-electronic industry as it is an
insulating material; in the nautical or aviation-space industry in combination
with reinforced fabrics (glass, Kevlar or carbon fibers); in the food and
pharmaceutical industry for its chemical-mechanical resistance
characteristics; and in the construction industry for numerous consolidation
and restoration work.
Epoxy resin can be used to make paintings, lamps, tables, and giftware.
Epoxy resins have the great advantage that they can be used not only in
industrial but also in civil applications. This is because the reaction takes
place cold without having to be provided with ovens or specific equipment.
In addition, epoxy resins do not have the problem of developing solvent
odors as they are almost completely odorless. Finally, if you decide to cover
an already covered floor, there is no need to demolish the pre-existing tiles
(keeping costs to a minimum).
Resin is a highly viscous liquid that is produced when trees lose oil in
response to an injury. These oils are oxidized when exposed to air, which
forms the thick, sticky fluid known as resin.
The use of natural resin dates back to ancient Greece where it was commonly
used as a primitive form of chewing gum for fresh breath.
The art of resin uses epoxy resin This synthetic resin is made to replicate
the natural properties of natural resin. Epoxy resin consists of a two-part
system of synthetic polymer resin and a hardener.
After these components have been combined, a chemical reaction occurs that
causes the mixture to harden into a solid medium.
The size of your project can help you determine the amount of epoxy needed.
Resin art generally uses a resin-to-hardener ratio of 1:1. To ensure that
the end result is fully cured, prioritize accurate measurement and accurate
mixing of the components.
What Materials Are Compatible with Resin?
Resin can be used with many materials. Resin does not stick to oily
surfaces. Materials that are not compatible with resin are commonly used as
molds to create three-dimensional resin art and as protective work surfaces.

What Can The Art Of Resin Be Used For?

Artists can breathe new life into their masterpieces thanks to the unique
properties of resins. Its versatility is one of its best attributes. To create
many different works of art, resin can be poured onto a compatible
surface or into silicone molds. Here are some ideas on how resin art could
be used.

Wood resin art: epoxy resin hardens to create a durable and strong
medium. Resin art is a popular way to transform ordinary wooden
furniture into unique pieces. Alternatively, resin can be combined with
wood fragments and pigments to imitate natural elements such as the
ocean.
Image art: resin can be used to protect photographs because it is
compatible with various dried inks. This protects their pigments from
UV light, which can cause them to fade. It also saves precious
memories. For your most precious moments, ditch traditional picture
frames and choose resin magnets, bookmarks or coasters.
Jewelry and ornaments: you can create delicate resin jewelry and
ornaments with smaller silicone molds. These pieces commonly
incorporate natural elements such as flowers, shells or gemstones.
Personalized resin pieces make ideal gifts for friends, family or
colleagues.
Tableware You can make your next dinner party more festive with
resin art. Although resin is not dishwasher safe, it can be washed in
hot water and soap.
You can create beautiful pieces with molds for cups, plates and vases.

Is it Safe to Work with Resin?

Ingestion of epoxy resins is nontoxic and can cause little or no harm.
However, the curing agents are classified as toxic.
Some hardeners, such as aliphatic polyamines, cause skin lesions and burns
because they are highly alkaline. In some cases, this leads to epoxy eczema.
Amine adducts and polyamides are safer alternatives.
Therefore, it is recommended to wear a long-sleeved T-shirt and protective
gloves (protective gloves are a must, trust me) while working with epoxy to
avoid skin irritation.
If the mixture is spilled on the skin, wash the affected area with warm
water and soap before it hardens.
Inhaling epoxy resin does not pose a serious hazard, as it is nonvolatile.
Although epoxy resin has no scent, this may give you the false sense of
security that resin is a safe material to breathe, it is not.
Hardeners tend to have a strong odor, which can cause irritation to the
respiratory tract. You might consider using a respirator when making resin
art.
In addition, amino acid hardeners are particularly corrosive. To ensure
that the surface you are working on is safe from damage, it is recommended
that you lay down a plastic cover or work on a surface that can be ruined or
on which it will spill.

Is the Art of Resin An Expensive Hobby?

The cost of epoxy is the main reason why it is such an expensive craft. The
average epoxy costs only an ounce. While this seems a fair price for the
pleasure of showing off your creative muscles, your project will likely
require large amounts of resin to create, depending on its size.
This hobby will require the purchase of epoxy resin and some tools.
Specialized resin art kits range from about to. There are, however, cheaper
options available in dollar stores for many of these items.
Your kit may include the following:
Stirring cups and stirring sticks
Nitrile gloves
Respiratory mask
Plastic protective sheet
The more expensive your project, the more it will cost. Purchasing various
molds, liquid pigments and decorations will further increase the cost.
 Chapter 1: What is resin and what can we
do with it?
Resin art is about the different creations that can be achieved using this
material, which can range from traditional designs such as sculptures to more
contemporary abstract works and art designs.
To know what resin to use for the job and how to set it, first you need to
know what a resin is, it is a viscous liquid that shares properties with natural
resins, it is a material that can harden permanently.
Unlike natural resins extracted from plants, synthetic resin is a product that
has been made industrially.
Many of the synthetic resins have a pair of components, component A which
is a resin and component B which is a curing catalyst, the latter of which
allows the resins to cure. Except for some, such as UV resins, which have
only one component. When these are mixed together, the work of curing
begins; it is an exothermic process in which heat is given off. So, the time
factor can have an impact on the drying and curing process. It is good to
work where the temperature is above fifteen degrees. If it is lower, the resin
may take time or have curing problems.

What we can do with it

Many products can be made with this type of resin, although in this book I
want to show you artistic creations. This includes paintings, jewelry, three-
dimensional pieces, and other products that are detailed in the following
pages.
 Chapter 2: What is the best resin to use?
This kind of resin has a high gloss, strength and transparency that allows us
to put colors on it, put objects on it, imitate materials such as geodes or
marble and much more. When we do artist's production, we can use other
things, but they cannot have the same finish.
This type of resin is used to create medium and large sculptures, it is a fast-
acting resin that dries quickly so in about half an hour it is ready, it has the
advantage of being able to thicken with various materials and be applied to
fiberglass. It is a resin that makes it possible to make hollow pieces.
This type of resin is used for small parts that require emphasis on details. It is
a resin that is used in small parts and is very durable, is easy to prepare, and
consists of two components to prepare it and apply in equal parts. It is almost
immediate, cures instantly and can be removed from the mold in half an hour.
It is important that the pieces do not weigh more than one kilogram, because
it is not for very large pieces.

UV resin is single-component, and the finish is clear and glossy like epoxy.
The action is fast and using a UV lamp it dries in about five minutes and if
exposed to the sun it dries in about half an hour. It is also very strong and can
be used as a glue. It is used for small items such as key chains and pendants.
Many types of resin are used in the artistic medium, but epoxy resin is the
best choice because it offers a wide variety of products with better finishes.

Differences between epoxy resin and glass polyester

resin
If you want to start doing this kind of work, it is best to use polyester resin
because it has a low-cost clear finish, but before you buy it you need to know
more about it.

Temperature
Polyester resins reach very high temperatures in a short period of time, so
they dry faster than epoxy resins, but they also tend to yellow and crack due
to overheating (thin layers are recommended). In crystalline polyester resins,
the catalyst content can vary from 1 percent to 3 percent, so it is
recommended to test this material several times to adjust its use and achieve
the desired results. Epoxy takes longer to dry and does not reach high
temperatures for a short period of time, which allows it to maintain its
transparency and prevent cracking.

Drying time
When a crystalline polyester resin reaches a high temperature for a short
period of time, it dries between 15 and 20 minutes, depending on the amount
of catalyst used and climatic factors (it dries faster if working at a high
temperature). In epoxy resin, the drying time is longer and varies (8 hours, 12
hours, 24 hours or 72 hours, depending on the resin you purchased). The
amount of time we can work without getting too sticky can vary from 20
minutes to 1 hour, depending on the epoxy resin you use.

Precision in every component

This glass resin has varying amounts of catalyst, but with this resin you have
to be precise with the amount of each and the manufacturer as indicated.

Hardness and strength

This resin is a material that becomes very hard when it dries, while polyester
resin is more brittle.
Size reduction upon drying
Crystalline polyester resins shrink a few millimeters upon drying (depending
on the volume of the film, the greater the volume, the greater the shrinkage).
And epoxy never shrinks.

Finishes
Properly prepared epoxy resins have a smooth, transparent and very glossy
finish. This also allows us to paint objects. Glassy polyester resins, on the
other hand, have a dull, rough surface and can yellow.
This smooth finish is a favorite of many artists working in resin casting, the
art of pouring epoxy onto compatible surfaces. Because epoxy does not reach
high temperatures, it allows us to manipulate it for long periods of time and
make various modifications, such as adding and removing colors, or doing
the famous "sea wave" or "cell" effect with a heat gun.
Here are some tips for determining which resin you want to get: Epoxy has
two containers, one for the resin may be the same or slightly larger than the
one used for the catalyst, depending on the epoxy you buy. In polyester resin,
the catalyst bottle is much smaller than the resin bottle because it contains the
smaller amount of catalyst.

Epoxy resin vs. polyurethane resin

Polyurethane resins are ideal for detailing. Will it be used to make jewelry? If
you want to make solid pieces, yes, it will not work if you want to make
semi-transparent or encapsulated jewelry, because urethane resin has a solid
color, usually white.

Epoxy resin vs UV epoxy resin

It is an excellent complement to epoxy resins, but is inferior to their wide
range of uses. UV resins are ideal for small formats. It can be colored because
its transparency is very good. However, UV resin packaging is often small
and expensive, and it is inconvenient to use large pieces. If you want to make
pieces from molds that cannot pass light, your pieces will not dry because the
resin must be exposed to sunlight or UV lamps. Depending on the type of
resin you choose to buy is the application you make for each component,
because it can vary depending on the brand you work with. It is best to follow
the manufacturer's instructions, for example.
They are usually the easiest to make and require the same amount of each
component.
Depending on the epoxy you buy is the proportion you should apply of each
component, as it can vary depending on the brand you are working with. The
best advice is to follow the manufacturer's instructions. For example:
Resins with 50% of each component These are usually the easiest to prepare
since the same amount of each component is needed.
There are resins with different percentages of each component, these are the
most complex, one being 100% and the other 42%. A common mistake is that
the resin will not dry because the correct amount was not applied.
You have to see whether you measure in grams or milliliters. You can choose
both, some brands recommend taking volume and others weight, so it's good
to ask the supplier. If it is by volume, you can use a measuring cup and if it is
in grams you can use an accurate scale.

Mixing for 3-5 minutes is recommended (some resins take longer) to ensure a
uniform mixture. Mixing is recommended in a clean, heavy plastic container
and can be done with a paddle, fork, popsicle sticks, etc. An electric mixer is
recommended for high volume (gallon) mixing. Be careful when mixing, as
rapid mixing can make it more difficult to remove excess air bubbles.
Now the resin is applied.

As for resins that can be compatible, fortunately this kind of resin has great
adhesion with almost all kinds of materials. This is the example where it can
be applied directly are:
Glass
Ceramics
Photographic paper
Racks
MDF and wood

It is very important to clean the surface before applying epoxy so that your
work is free of impurities. If your work involves casting resin, it is advisable
to prepare the edges so that no resin residue known as "burr" remains. There
are also incompatible surfaces to which resin will not adhere, such as most
plastics. These materials are excellent for protecting our work areas and other
parts of the work where we do not want resin. Another material to which
resin will not stick is silicone. We can pour resin into the silicone molds and
get our parts out without any problems.
Epoxy resins are an excellent material for many purposes, but there are a
number of places where their use is not recommended. For example, they
should not be used in damp or weathered areas because they may deteriorate.
Also, they should not be used on moving surfaces, such as doors or windows,
or on hot surfaces.

Mistakes in the use of epoxy resin

Failure to mix resin and hardener properly.
Do not apply the resin in thin layers.
Don't wait long enough between hands.
Apply resin to an unprepared surface.
 Failure to mix resin and hardener properly.
Do not apply the resin in thin layers.
Don't wait long enough between hands.
Apply resin to an unprepared surface.

It is ideal to use epoxy in nonresidential spaces, even if it is for small jobs. It

is not recommended to work in the kitchen or bedroom because these are
chemical materials. The work area should be a ventilated space, although the
smell of epoxy is not as pronounced as that of other resins. Soap and water
should be readily available and there should be no eating, drinking or
smoking while working.
The bench should be level and laminated, it is important to keep it level so
that the resin is even. If it is not level, there will be a lot of resin buildup in
some areas and unevenness in others. Keep in mind that resin does not stick
to plastic, so laminating your area will help you avoid ruining your wooden
table. What to use to level your work area?
You do this with the support of a level.
You should always work in a clean space, if it is a dusty space, it is possible
for the area to become contaminated.

Today we can count on a wide variety of resin brands and, above all, we must
be careful about possible risks. There are brands that sell so-called "green
resins," new products with a high organic content, but this does not exclude
that the rest of the ingredients are synthetic. Therefore, proper precautions
should be taken when handling resins. The safety equipment is as follows:
Inhaling the resin is not recommended, although the smell may not be
perceived.
If you don't have them, you can use latex gloves, although nitrile gloves are
best because they are more durable, making them a perfect choice.
Although resin does not splash, it is a viscous material that resembles honey
and it is best to prevent it from falling on you.
You will need art resin or craft resin. The best thing to do is to ask your resin
distributor what they can offer you. But that's not all; there are many factors
to consider in finding the ideal resin.

All epoxy resins form air bubbles, which is unavoidable. Based on

experiments, we noticed that resins with higher viscosity tend to generate
more air bubbles, and these air bubbles are more difficult to remove, unlike
epoxy resins with more liquid that produce fewer air bubbles.
If using a mold with a thicker resin layer, it is recommended to use more
liquid resin. In thin-film work such as resin paints, a more viscous resin can
be used, as air bubbles will come out more easily. Viscosity should also be
taken into consideration when coloring. If you want to use a colored resin and
do not want to mix colors, use a sticky resin, preferably a fast-acting resin.
With very fluid resins, colors are likely to mix.
Most epoxies promise hardness and rigidity; it is very rare that they do not.
But there are also flexible epoxies that are mainly used for pins or decals. So,
you need to analyze which resin you need for your project.
Resins generally take 24 hours to dry; however, some slow-acting resins can
take up to 72 hours. There are also fast-acting resins that dry in 12 hours. It
all depends on the product instructions.
Where to get resin depends a lot on your country, but a good option to give
you access to various brands is to get it online: Amazon, Mercado Libre,
Etsy. Etc.
 Chapter 3: How to prepare resin
Depending on the type of resin you choose to buy is the application you make
for each component, because it can vary depending on the brand you work
with. It is best to follow the manufacturer's instructions, for example Resins
of 50 percent of each component.
They are usually the easiest to make and require the same amount of each
component.
Depending on the epoxy you buy is the proportion you should apply of each
component, as it can vary depending on the brand you are working with. The
best advice is to follow the manufacturer's instructions. For example:
Resins with 50% of each component These are usually the easiest to prepare
since the same amount of each component is needed.
There are resins with different percentages of each component, these are the
most complex, one being 100% and the other 42%. A common mistake is that
the resin does not dry because the correct amount was not applied.

How to measure resin?

You have to see if you measure in grams or milliliters. You can choose both,
some brands recommend taking volume and others weight, so it's good to ask
the supplier. If it is by volume, you can use a measuring cup and if it is in
grams you can use an accurate scale.

Stir the mixture

Mixing for 3-5 minutes is recommended (some resins take longer) to ensure a
uniform mixture. Mixing is recommended in a clean, heavy plastic container
and can be done with a paddle, fork, popsicle sticks, etc. An electric mixer is
recommended for high volume (gallon) mixing. Be careful when mixing, as
rapid mixing can make it more difficult to remove excess air bubbles.

Now the resin is applied.

 Chapter 4: What surfaces are compatible
with resin?
As for resins that can be compatible, fortunately this kind of resin has great
adhesion with almost all kinds of materials. This is the example where it can
be applied directly are:
Glass
Ceramics
Photographic paper
Racks
MDF and wood

It is very important to clean the surface before applying epoxy so that your
work is free of impurities. If your work involves casting resin, it is advisable
to prepare the edges so that no resin residue known as "burr" remains. There
are also incompatible surfaces to which resin will not adhere, such as most
plastics. These materials are excellent for protecting our work areas and other
parts of the work where we do not want resin. Another material to which
resin will not stick is silicone. We can pour resin into the silicone molds and
get our parts out without any problems.
Epoxy resins are an excellent material for many purposes, but there are a
number of places where their use is not recommended. For example, they
should not be used in damp or weathered areas because they may deteriorate.
Also, they should not be used on moving surfaces, such as doors or windows,
or on hot surfaces.

Mistakes in the use of epoxy resin

Failure to mix resin and hardener properly.
Do not apply the resin in thin layers.
Don't wait long enough between hands.
Apply resin to an unprepared surface.
Failure to mix resin and hardener properly.
Do not apply the resin in thin layers.
Don't wait long enough between hands.
Apply resin to an unprepared surface.
 Chapter 5: learning to work with resin,
preparing the work space
It is ideal to use epoxy in nonresidential spaces, even if it is for small jobs. It
is not recommended to work in the kitchen or bedroom because these are
chemical materials. The work area should be a ventilated space, although the
smell of epoxy is not as pronounced as that of other resins. Soap and water
should be readily available and there should be no eating, drinking or
smoking while working.
The bench should be level and laminated, it is important to keep it level so
that the resin is even. If it is not level, there will be a lot of resin buildup in
some areas and unevenness in others. Keep in mind that resin does not stick
to plastic, so laminating your area will help you avoid ruining your wooden
table.

What to use to level your work area?

You do this with the support of a level.
You should always work in a clean space, if it is a dusty space, it is possible
for the area to become contaminated.

Today we can count on a wide variety of resin brands and, above all, we must
be careful about possible risks. There are brands that sell so-called "green
resins," new products with a high organic content, but this does not exclude
that the rest of the ingredients are synthetic. Therefore, proper precautions
should be taken when handling resins. The safety equipment is as follows:

Mask/respirator with double activated carbon filter

Inhaling the resin is not recommended, although the smell may not be
perceived.

Nitrile gloves
If you don't have them, you can use latex gloves, although nitrile gloves are
best because they are more durable, making them a perfect choice.

Safety glasses
Although resin does not splash, it is a viscous material that resembles honey
and it is best to prevent it from falling on you.

Other considerations
You have to cover your hair or tie it up, have closed shoes.
 Chapter 6: Where to buy epoxy resin?
You will need art resin or craft resin. The best thing to do is to ask your resin
distributor what they can offer you. But that's not all; there are many factors
to consider in finding the ideal resin.

Bubble formation
All epoxy resins form air bubbles, which is unavoidable. Based on
experiments, we noticed that resins with higher viscosity tend to generate
more air bubbles, and these air bubbles are more difficult to remove, unlike
epoxy resins with more liquid that produce fewer air bubbles.

Viscosity
If using a mold with a thicker resin layer, it is recommended to use more
liquid resin. In thin-film work such as resin paints, a more viscous resin can
be used, as air bubbles will come out more easily. Viscosity should also be
taken into consideration when coloring. If you want to use a colored resin and
don't want to mix colors, use a sticky resin, preferably a fast-acting resin.
With very fluid resins, colors are likely to mix.

Hardness and stiffness

Most epoxies promise hardness and rigidity; it is very rare that they do not.
But there are also flexible epoxies that are mainly used for pins or decals. So,
you need to analyze which resin you need for your project.
 Drying time
Resins generally take 24 hours to dry; however, some slow-acting resins can
take up to 72 hours. There are also fast-acting resins that dry in 12 hours. It
all depends on the product instructions.
Where to get resin depends a lot on your country, but a good option to give
you access to various brands is to get it online: Amazon, Mercado Libre,
Etsy. Etc.
 Chapter 7: Materials that look alike
Different from the usual plasticine, it is a material that is made from
components A and B, catalyst and hardener. The two are mixed in equal
parts, although the brand may vary. Mix until you have a smooth paste and
then apply it wherever you want.
The working time can be half an hour or even an hour, as with resins, the
weather factor has an impact on the drying process, in warm weather the
material will have a fast action. While working you can smooth the plasticine
with a little water to heal cracks.
When the working time is over, the dough will begin to harden and you will
not be able to handle it. It is the most durable modeling clay and you can get
a fine, smooth finish if you wish. When the modeling clay is dry, you can
sand it and paint it with different materials: oil, spray, acrylic, etc. This
material works so well that you can keep it for a long time if you store its
components individually in plastic bags.

Tools Needed
The tools depend on the type of work used, although many jobs have tools in
common. Such as resin preparation tools, measuring device or scale. Also,
plastic containers and stir sticks.
You need tools to remove bubbles, even epoxy has bubbles at the time of
mixing where more bubbles are present, others less, depending on the quality
of this product.

Tools to eliminate them:

Blowtorch
 Just bring the flame closer to the resin and the bubbles will go away.

Kitchen lighter
It has the same shape as the flashlight.

The use of heat is another effective method

Just bring the flame closer to the resin and the bubbles will disappear. The
use of heat is one of the most effective methods against blisters.

It can also be used

Roller to remove air
This is an ideal tool for people who want bubbles in large projects. You just
have to roll the roller over the area several times, but if you have done the
work with pigmented resin. It will move all the colors. It is used to paint all
the larger jobs.

A heat gun can be used

Air velocity and temperature can be controlled. It does not give immediate
results; you need to make several passes (depending on the workload). Also,
using a heat gun we can create the famous "sea waves" or "cell effects," as
well as different color scans. Can I use a hair dryer instead? However, to
achieve the effect you will not have the same controls as with an airbrush,
where we can adjust the speed and temperature.
If you want to achieve a wide variety of effects, you can attach nozzles to the
heat gun.
When using a direct ignition tool, such as a flashlight or lighter, be careful
not to hold the flame near the resin for long periods of time, as this could
burn the resin. Applying too much hot air with a spray gun can cause the
resin to burn.

Anti-bubble spray

This is applied like any other spray, and at a distance of about 30 cm.

More tips for eliminating bubbles

Remember, it is not advisable to whisk too fast, as this will create too many
air bubbles. Once the mixture is ready, let it rest for 1 minute before applying
it, as this will create too many air bubbles. It is recommended to work in a
thin layer rather than a thick one. What is the ideal thickness of each layer of
resin? Usually 4 cm, but it depends on the resin you buy. Older resins cannot
be more than 2 or 2.5 cm thick, however, newer resins come in large layers
from 5 to 10 cm thick.

Polishing and sanding tools

If you sand it correctly you will have ideal quality work, which is why it is
necessary:

A power tool

After the work is dry you may have smudges left on the sides and need to
remove them to make the piece look better. This device is a rotary tool with
interchangeable tips that allows you to make fine work and ideal cuts.

Wood sandpaper, the red one

They are ideal for roughing and grinding

Water-based sandpaper, the gray one

They are good for removing or detailing lines made after roughing with wood
sandpaper.
First, we need to sand our piece with wood sandpaper and then with water.
There will be a variety of numbers on both types, and the numbers should be
in ascending order (from lowest to highest) during the sanding process.

Finishing sander (mini sander)

If you are working on a flat surface and have to make several passes, it is a
tool that can save you a lot of time.

What you need to make it shine

For sanding and polishing you have perfect quality work. For that you need
this:
Car wax and polish. After sanding the resin, a coat of car wax can be
applied and polished.
Waxes and oils for wood. With these you can give it the shine it
needs.
Aerosol paint, you can put on the product or you can apply it with a
brush.
Nitrocellulose wood paint is a paint that can be applied with a brush
to small areas.

UV resin
As I mentioned earlier, it is possible to paint small parts with this resin.
Epoxy This is probably the glossiest paint and can be used after the job has
dried. It is best applied to flat surfaces. As a second suggestion, adhesive
resins are excellent for their self-leveling properties.
 Chapter 8: The resin pigment
The resin is colored as follows: the epoxy is pre-catalyzed; dye is added and
mixed until it is completely colored and lump-free. Below you will find all
the pigmentation options and some alternatives for those that are more
difficult to obtain or often more expensive.

Pearlescent and metallic pigments

These are powder dyes, so the amount does not affect the drying of the color.
One tip is that it is not necessary to put a lot of pigment because with a small
amount you will notice the color.
You can use other pigments such as pearlescent or metallic mica powder that
you can buy on the internet. If you want a great option, you can use powder
makeup, you can find it in big box make-up stores.
If you want to intensify this shade, you can add metallic spray to the clear
resin or pigmented resin.

There are also pure pigments for artists. These are those that come in powder
form and give various finishes, from solid to metallic tones.

There are also paste pigments, if you want a finish that is solid and saturated
you have to use them in paste form, there must be a proportion that does not
exceed one percent otherwise it affects the drying process and the resin can
become sticky. It can be applied in small doses so that the pigment yields a
lot.

Neon pigments and fluorescent pigments

These pigments are used for beautiful projects, and fluorescent pigments are
used for glow-in-the-dark work. It is usually in powder form, but fluorescent
pigments tend to be heavy pigments that can degrade the color. If you want to
make large pieces, we recommend making layers.

These are pigments that are made with alcohol.

They are ideal pigments for achieving translucent effects, are also used in the
Preti Dish technique, also pigments in paste form, should not exceed 1
percent.

Learn how to apply the Petri Dish finish

It is a finish that also looks like a rainbow resin that has a wide variety of
shades. It is to be achieved in several ways, you put a layer of resin on the
silicone mold. When the surface has been covered, you remove any bubbles
you may have.
Apply 2-3 drops of any color followed by a drop of white paint. Repeat the
process of one drop of white a few times for every two or three drops of
color, with no more than 1 percent pigment. Why is it white? This pigment is
our secret ingredient; it lightens the color and creates a blending effect.
After finishing you cover the work so that it does not get dusty and let it dry.
After this you remove it from the mold and see the explosion of colors that
takes place in the design.
The technique is based on chance, you cannot control the movement of the
pigment or what comes out. Each piece is unique; no two can be made the
same.

The alternatives are soil, sand

This is a widely used material in marine imaging with epoxy resin. The
ground must be completely dry so as not to affect the resin.
There is also gold-leaf grinding. Many people grind gold leaf and apply resin
to it to give additional rockiness to their work.
Glitter, diamond
As with gold leaf, glitter will add a touch of light, since it is a dry and solid
material, it will not affect the drying process.
Ground Charcoal
You can crush pieces of coal and generate good effects.
Resin cannot be pigmented with water-based pigments because they
participate in the drying process of the resin. Liquid pigments must be made
from alcohol.

As for where to buy them, where to find pigments will depend a lot on the
country you are in, but a good choice is if you have access to a good variety
of brands and can find them online.
 Chapter 9: interesting creations
The terms "resin casting" and "liquid resin" are the best way to understand
how to create a resin painting. Most pieces are abstract because we use
accidental techniques and cannot control all the movements of the fresh resin.

Resin pour
It does this by pouring colored resin onto a compatible surface. We can apply
the colors randomly or in a specific order. Creating with epoxy the terms
"poured resin" and "liquid resin" are the best way to learn how to create a
painting with resin. Most pieces are abstract because we use accidental
techniques and cannot control all the movements of the fresh resin.

Flowable resin (let the resin flow)

Once you pour the resin and let it flow all over the surface, it works. In this
technique, we do not stop the movement of the liquid to achieve unique and
unrepeatable effects. You can do this by moving the paint from left to right,
letting the resin drip out. You can also use more resin than you need to fill the
surface alone.

Surface preparation
Prepare the surface before applying resin Once you have chosen the right
surface, you need to protect it, for example if it is a board, you can apply
cinnamon tape around the edges so that no resin remains.
Many artists choose to leave the edges with resin spaces, if you are not so
you can simply cover the back.
When we let the resin flow, it is important to give the block enough height
for the resin to flow off. We can do this by putting our paint on almost any
object. The important thing is that the work is level. Note: height is not
required for some jobs (such as cell phone cases).
On what can be achieved. Using these techniques, you will learn how to do
these jobs.

Abstract paintings with color movement on resin

One technique for generating an abstract painting is to turn the surface with a
different color resin and let it drip.

We now turn to the surface process.

My advice to you is that once you protect the surface, you can apply any
color you want. The black background will have more colors than you apply,
you can have it smooth or textured.
Then, prepare the epoxy in the proportions specified by the manufacturer.
Recommendation: The best resin for this type of work is a thick epoxy so that
the colors do not mix. Divide the catalyzed resin into several containers and
continue dyeing with the desired color. Divide the catalyzed resin into several
containers and continue dyeing with the desired color. Recommendation:
before coloring the resin, define the color palette. Pearlescent and metallic
colors will make your work vibrant and eye-catching. You can add glitter to
the dyed resin to add a touch of sparkle.
After you finish pigmenting, you tap the colors one by one on a clean plastic
space without mixing them.
Once the bottle is filled, turn your paint upside down and watch the amazing
effect of dripping resin. It is important to remove any air bubbles. Tip: If your
surface is very large, you may need more than one glass.
After finishing you cover the work so that the resin does not get dusty and let
it rest, finally, when the resin dries you take it off and it is a complete piece.

Making abstract paintings in motion

You can give a lot of movement to the colors if you move it until the resin
covers the entire surface.

Color laid in pigmented resin

One of the most common techniques used to make these paintings is to tip a
glass with various colors of resin onto the surface and let it drain.

This is the process; you are going to protect the surface and prepare a light
layer with this type of resin.
As a tip, you have to prepare the missing amount to cover the surface, you
can use thick resin so that it does not flow too much and level.
Then pigment the catalyzed resin with the color of your choice and put it on
the surface, remove the bubbles.
Here are the tips, use a pigment paste to give the background a solid,
saturated color.
Since we will be letting the resin flow, it is critical that we give the piece the
height to allow the resin to drain.
We can do this by putting our paint on almost any object. The important thing
is that the work is level. NOTE: Height is not required for some jobs (such as
phone cases).
The process is that you put a few drops of alcohol-based pigment on it, blend
it with the palette and make sure the shades don't mix too much.
The advice is to be careful; you should not cover these pigments on the
background. Cover the work and let it dry.
After the paint is dry, remove the protectors and you will see a magical
explosion of colors.
 Chapter 10: sea work with resin
The best way to do this is with resin and acrylic paint. This is done on a
wooden surface so that the paint is absorbed.
To make a painting with epoxy, you must first prepare the surface you will be
working on. You can use a wooden board, a plastic sheet or an acrylic plate.
Then, mix the epoxy according to the manufacturer's instructions. Apply this
mixture to the surface and let it dry for a few hours. When the mixture is dry,
paint over it with an acrylic color of your choice. Let the paint dry for a few
hours and finally hang the painting on the wall.

Seas of resin
Do not limit creativity. If you have this as a basis you can create the
techniques. You can create as many techniques as you want.

The process
After protecting the surface, a beach is painted with acrylic paint, this is the
sand, low tide zone and marine zone.
A shade of blue can be used to give dynamism and realism to the painting.
Sand is put in with the resin. It should be cheap and dry quickly. To make it
look realistic.
It is applied directly to wood, and when it is cold all kinds of decorations, sea
shells, snails, stars, etc., can be attached.
After the material has dried, prepare the epoxy. The catalytic resin is then
divided into two unequal parts: the larger part of the resin is transparent and
the smaller part is white. Tip: To make the white more visible, it is best to use
a white paste paint. Apply the transparent resin until the entire section
corresponding to the sea is covered. You can encroach a little on the sand to
get a more realistic effect. Then add the white resin in the form of lines, the
thickest ones near the coast and the thinnest ones in the sea area.
My advice is to always leave a space of resin where you need to touch up a
wave.

Make use of the heat gun, this is to create the waves, at the same time you
will notice that the bubbles will disappear.
The advice is to pay attention to the temperature. You have to work with a
medium or low temperature so as not to burn the resin.
When you get the desired result, cover the resin and let it dry. The resin may
drip a little as it dries, and the waves may change in thickness.
After the resin is completely dry, you will remove the protectors and that's it,
you will have a nice beach.

There is also more advanced work.

You can make a sea with the support of a pigmented resin instead of an
acrylic paint. Another way is to prepare the epoxy resin after protecting it on
the surface.
My advice is to use thick resin so that the tones do not mix. After it catalyzes,
you divide it into four pots. Two containers are put in blue tones one lighter
than the other, one is for sand and one for sea foam and the other will be
transparent.

The advice is that for the blue parts use a metallic or pearlescent pigment to
enhance the tone with alcohol-based blue drops. To bring out the white resin
can be done with white paste. With sand, an earth pigment can be used.
Since the resin is pigmented, it is time to apply it to the surface, starting with
sand, then clear resin and then light blue. Then dark blue is used and finally
white resin.
My advice to you is that larger waves go near the shore and get smaller as
they approach the sea area.
Then you do the sea wave effects with the heat gun.
After you have finished doing this, you will cover it with the work so that it
does not get dusty. When the work dries, prepare the resin for another layer
and cover the sea part.
Once the epoxy has been catalyzed, divide it into 3 unequal parts. The first is
transparent, the second is translucent with a few drops of blue alcohol paint,
and the third (the smallest) is painted with a white paste. We use strips of
transparent and translucent resin until the sea is covered. We can invade the
sand with the transparent resin. Then we apply the white resin thread.
With the gun you can make waves, they will remain marked because the
white resin is more noticeable than the clear, translucent resin.
When you have finished this, let it dry, protect it from dust and finally let it
dry with any burrs it may have. If you have made it in glass, you can remove
the excess with a cutter.
You will have 3D seas if you like volume, you can make a lot of layers with
large layers. It is a similar process as before, but you have to leave
considerable space between each wave. It is best to use a dense resin.
 Chapter 11: Resin Geodes
If you are a person who loves minerals and gemstones, I show you how to
apply various techniques to make a beautiful geode.
You need to protect the surface; define the color palette you want to use and
the shape of the geode.
My advice is to let the metallic colors do the work and make them stand out.
You can't leave them out. You can trace the shape of the geode before
applying the resin. If you go over the surface with black, the colors will stand
out more.

You will do it this way, you have to prepare the resin, then divide it into
different pots and pigment them with different colors. Apply the pigmented
resin in the way you have chosen. You can use a heat gun to fade the colors.
If you love polish, then while the resin is fresh you can put quartz or crystals
on it, cover it and let it rest. Remove the covers and see an authentic geode.

Geodes with plasticine barriers

You have to protect and clean the area, so that the geode has marked
divisions and you put barriers with plasticine. After preparing it, you will
need it and stick it to the surface, creating the geode shape.
Now let it sit for two hours and paint it with the color of your choice. If you
want a metallic color that has a lot of shine, spray paint it. The process is with
a plastic container, you spray it with metallic spray from a short distance.
You'll notice that the spray looks liquid; define the color palette you want to
use and the shape of the geode.

When you think you have enough paint, take a brush and apply it to the
desired surface. Please note that this material dries quickly and cannot be
stored, you must use it immediately.
After preparing the resin, you divide it into different pots according to the
colors you want to apply.
Now it is time to pour the resin, a good way to apply it is to go around the
stones made by the barriers. You can melt the colors with a heat gun. After
finishing, it is essential to use the work and let it rest. You can use it with
pigmented resin.
The advice is to line the board with plastic or a sheet of acetate. Then trace
the geode shape on the plastic. On the others you will put a thick, high
barrier, half an inch or so of clear pipe silicone. Don't forget that the resin
will not stick to the material.
What can be done is to line the board with contact plastic or acetate sheets.
Barriers should have no space because the resin can leak out.
Then you prepare the resin, pour it. You can pigment the catalyzed resin with
the colors you want or play with different techniques. After pouring it into
the molds you've made, remove the bubbles with a lighter.
You will cover it with resin and let it sit until it is completely dry, remove it
from the mold and some of it may be a little rough, sand it down and spray
paint around the edge.

Geodes with barriers

The process is very similar to what we just did, but instead of using silicone,
we are going to use epoxy plasticine. You are going to laminate the working
surface so that the resin and the plasticine come off.
Then prepare some strips to make the shape. These should be about an inch
long so you can make them thick. A thin one will remain when you remove it
when you peel off the plastic.
You will spray paint the barriers, prepare the resin, and use it to fill half of
the geode. After it catalyzes, you will split it into the colors you want. Make
the geode with two layers of resin to distinguish the colors. Pour the
pigmented resin into the geode and remove any bubbles.
Once ready, cover your work and let the resin dry. When the first layer is
completely dry, prepare more epoxy for the second layer. Pour the dyed resin
into the geode to remove air bubbles. It is recommended to make your geode
with 2 layers of resin to differentiate the colors. Recommendations If you
want to keep the look of the first layer, apply a second clear layer to fill the
geode. If you want to add more color, you can use clear resin to keep the
original color and add one or two new colors.
Pour a new layer of resin over the geode, removing any air bubbles, and once
ready, cover your work and let the resin dry. When the resin is completely
dry, slowly remove the geode from the plastic. 8 9 Recommended Be very
patient when doing this step, as sudden movements can destroy the pocket.
After that you have a giant geode ready.

Geodes with molds

You can find many silicone molds with a variety of shapes and designs to
create geodes. You can choose the one you want and apply one of the
techniques mentioned above to make unique pieces.
 Chapter 12: Encapsulating Objects

This type of design is when an object is encapsulated in a layer of resin, this

can be thick when you want to put it in the third dimension or it can be thin
when encapsulating a flat object.

Let's start by encapsulating the photographs.

We will do a very original framing.
The process involves gluing the photograph onto a thick wooden board. I
recommend printing the photos on photo paper so that they are not matted by
the resin. You can adhere the photo using white glue.

Protects the edges of the board

After gluing with white glue, it is completely dry with resin. You should use
a thick resin so that it will not flow too much and level itself. You remove the
bubbles, cover the work and let it rest until the resin is completely dry. You
remove the covers and that's it. You will then have a more original frame.

Then you can use drawings and paintings

You can give the artwork the protection you want. Protect the edges of the
stretcher frame or wood felling and prepare the resin.
Use a resin that is thick so that it does not flow too much and levels itself.
You need to apply the catalyzed resin over the paint until it is completely
covered. Use a thick resin so that it does not drip too much and level out. The
paint must be completely dry before applying the resin.
You need to remove the bubbles, cover the work and let it rest until the resin
is completely dry, remove the covers.
The process can be used to encapsulate graphite and charcoal drawings.
Using resin, different types of marble and variations can be generated.
Prepare the surface and choose the type of marble you want to analyze and
imitate, the colors and veins, prepare the epoxy resin and divide it into the
corresponding amount. Apply each color to the surface following the order of
the marble veins.
You should define the colors so that everything looks more natural; you can
add beads to give it more texture.
The advice is that you can use various blending tools, a wooden stick, a heat
gun, a folded rag, you can let the paint slide or tilt a little bit from side to
side. As I said, you can put on costume jewelry beads to give it texture.
You remove any possible bubbles, cover the work and let it rest until the
resin is completely dry, remove the covers.
My advice is to try it on a wooden surface and then move on to more
ambitious projects such as decks or furniture, it takes the work to another
level.
If, for some reason, the resin bleeds too much and leaves a part without resin
(fisheye), you can apply a new layer of clear resin to cover the imperfection.
If there is resin residue on the edges or back of the surface, you can use a
finishing sander and red sandpaper to remove it (remember that not all
surfaces can be sanded).
 Chapter 13: 3D objects

Orgonite in pendant

If you want to make 3D designs, you can make a wide variety of objects such
as sculptures, key chains and jewelry, you can also make spheres, orgonites
and more.
3D epoxy blocks are usually small because we cannot apply large layers of
resin and there can be a "mass effect" in doing so. This is an exothermic
phenomenon that occurs when resin is poured in thick layers. Generally,
these should be no more than 4 cm thick (this may vary depending on the
brand of resin you buy), if the layer is too thick, the heat will concentrate,
which will accelerate the reaction of the resin, creating cracks, bubbles and
darkening.
For this type of work, you will need a silicone mold. These molds are
characterized by being durable, thick, flexible and reusable. With a good
mold, you can replicate a piece several times. You can replicate an existing
piece or your own, as long as it is solid; it can be made of wood, metal,
sculptural clay, cold porcelain, plastic, etc.
You can buy a variety of silicone molds for resin on the Internet, but if you
want to make your own molds and learn about alternative materials for
replicating parts, take a look at the following. One silicone suitable for
making resin replicas is RTV silicone rubber, better known as molding
silicone. You can also find it under the name Molding Silicone or Silicone
Rubber, depending on your country. This silicone, like epoxy, has two
components: silicone and a catalyst, which will make the material solid. The
amount of catalyst used may vary depending on the type of silica you buy,
but it is usually between 2.5 percent and 3 percent. Mix the two ingredients
well (about 2 minutes) to get them working.
Once we have the catalytic silicone, we will apply it directly to our work. It is
important to make our mold in several thin layers, if we prepare very thick
layers the registration may not be accurate and we will have too many air
bubbles in the replica. Ideally, start with a very light registration layer that
will contain all the details of the piece so that the reproduction is accurate.
Let it sit until the layer is completely dry. While there is no specific drying
time, it can take 6 to 12 hours, depending on the manufacturer's instructions.
Then apply a second, thicker coat to thicken; the number of coats will depend
on the piece. For small pieces, a thick silicone mold is sufficient to start
replicating, however, for medium and large pieces, we need to create a resin
and fiber counter mold to prevent the silicone from warping.

Learn how to make the mold with RTV silicone rubber.

Not all pieces are identical, many of them may show traps or locks, this is a
part of the piece where the mold may get stuck and you can do the unmolding
process correctly. In these cases, sculpting plasticine can be used to cover
them.
You can make a bed of modeling clay for sculptors, this should be
completely smooth and even, and you will adhere it to the piece.
It is essential that the piece is adhered to the bed so that it does not leak; any
holes can be healed with more plasticine. If you have two sides to replicate,
mark a guide nearby, then prepare a smooth, thick wall of plasticine to
surround the figure.
It is important that the wall and bed are adhered so that the silicone does not
leak out.
You should then go and prepare the RTV silicone rubber so as to make a light
coating of this
You have to apply the catalyzed silicone directly to the piece, cover it directly
on the bed of plasticine, and let it sit until it dries.
You put on another layer of silicone and completely fill the casing and let it
rest.
After it dries you must remove the plasticine and the piece to be replicated.
If your mold has two sides, remove the plasticine bed and the part covering
the coupling, leaving only the thick plasticine pair. Apply a layer of Vaseline
over the entire length of the rail on the first side of the mold. Double the size
of the plasticine wall.
You should apply some registration and another layer to thicken it. When the
silicone dries you remove the piece. When you have the molds ready, remove
any residual plasticine before casting with epoxy.
Even if you clean the mold, the first replica will completely remove any
residual plasticine. Therefore, we recommend using polyester resin for this
replica, which is less expensive than epoxy resin. Remember that polyester
resins do not register as accurately as epoxy resins.

There are other mold options

Food-grade silicone molds can be used.
These molds are used to make chocolates and candies and can also be used
for baking. They are cheaper than resin ones and you can get many figures,
they will be very useful for making small pieces such as pendants and key
chains.
The other thing you can use are silicone food grade molds. These are usually
50 percent of each component, depending on the brand you choose.
Plastic topper molds.

The mold should be made of thick plastic to withstand the temperature of the
resin. Before pouring, apply a layer of release agent and pour in layers to the
thickness indicated by the resin.

Silicone tube molds

The processing of this material is very similar to that of RTV silicone rubber
and can be used to replicate small and medium-sized parts, saving the
catalytic process since it has only one component. Its drying time varies
greatly depending on the thickness of the layer you apply and can range from
a few hours to 1 day. It is an inexpensive material that can be bought in
almost any hardware store. It can be used as a substitute for RTV silicone
rubber, but it tends to shrink after repeated repetitions.

Wooden molds
These molds are great if you want to work with resin and wood. They consist
of a wooden base with a removable frame. Both the wooden base and the
inside of the frame have to be laminated with two layers of cinnamon tape to
prevent the resin from sticking. After assembling the mold, we had to seal it
with a silicone tube to be sure that the epoxy would not leak out.

3D creations
One of the most important keys to 3D work is overlapping molds, which will
allow you to use different colors, respect transparency and make your work
more complex and refined. An example is this aquarium:
This magical three-dimensional effect is due to the fact that it is made in
layers. The first is made of sand and polyester resin. Then two layers of
alcohol-based blue pigmented resin are applied, creating a gradient. The last
is the transparent layer with white lines. Additional decorations such as shells
can be added. This is a process very similar to sea painting.
Remember, when pouring layer by layer, wait for each layer to dry
completely before applying the next layer.

Sculptures
With the right mold, different resin sculptures can be made. Before pouring
resin, make sure the mold is clean, in a flat area and tightly closed if it has
multiple sides. Depending on the size of the mold, the number of layers of
resin to be applied, you can apply transparent colored resins and even
encapsulate in 3D!
Encapsulation We can encapsulate almost anything in resin, as long as it is
100% solid and does not melt or dissolve. The most popular encapsulations
are for flowers, both natural and artificial. For artificial flowers, we can use
resin directly, but for natural flowers, we have to dry it.

Why can't we encapsulate a flower?

because of its oxidation process. Of course, flowers oxidize over time and
take on brown and ochre tones, so if you encapsulate a flower with resin, the
process will continue and it will look "burnt." Epoxy does not rust. Like
water that preserves freshly cut flowers, it can create excess air bubbles in the
resin.
There are several drying methods, the most popular of which are as follows:
Silica gel/silica gel This gel prevents oxidation and complete discoloration of
the flowers. However, the color will change because it will never be the same
as the flowers. Place the gel bed on a clean and dry plastic mold, it should be
2 cm thick.
You should put the dried flowers in the bed, if you are going to dry several,
try to have a space of two centimeters each so that they do not concentrate.
You apply each one so that the moisture does not concentrate. Apply a layer
of gel to completely cover the flowers.
Cover the mold and store it away from moisture. Flowers can take from 1 to
20 days to dry, depending on their size and the amount of water they contain,
so it is best to do this in advance.

Keep these tips in mind, roses and sunflowers can take a long time to finish,
but daisies, lavender and bougainvillea can take less time.
I tell you how to know when it is ready. You have to have the consistency of
paper.
When enough time has passed, use a brush to gently remove the gel until the
flowers emerge. Be careful! They are very fragile. Remove the remaining gel
and they are ready to be encapsulated.

Air drying
This is a technique that can help you maintain the volume of the flowers. To
achieve this, you must have a long stem.
Remove the leaves from the flowers, tie twine around the flower stems as it
loses water, you have to adjust the twine because the stems will shrink in
size. When the flowers are dry you can remove the twine and remove the
stems.
 Using a book as a press
If you choose to put flowers in pendants, bookmarks, cup holders or cell
phone cases, this is a good option for you because they are flat.
An old book with many pages is perfect for drying flowers. Place your flower
in the center of the book and close it, forming a vise. If you want to put
several flowers, try to keep a distance of 2 cm. Wait a few days until your
flowers are dry. With this method, it is easier to look at them and see if they
need more time. When the flowers are completely dry, they are ready to be
potted.
Can any flower be dehydrated? Almost any flower can be dehydrated, as
some will turn out well, while others may have completely changed their
appearance and not look good.

Orgonitas
Want to fill your space with good energy? Contrary to what many people
believe, orgonite is not a natural stone; it is a composition made by Karl Welz
by mixing certain metals, resins and quartz.
In a pyramid-shaped silicone mold, you can make layered casts and create
these amazing creations. Materials that cannot be missed when encapsulating
a conventional orgone are: Metal foils: they capture orgone energy from the
environment. Quartz: because of its piezoelectric properties, it releases the
energy trapped by the metal.
You can do this by applying techniques with figures and colors.

Spheres
It may seem like a mold without more, but it is more work than you think.
First of all, you have to consider the size of the mold; if it is small (0.76" to
1.96" in diameter) you can cast or encapsulate it in one layer. If your mold is
medium (1.96" to 2.36" diameter), you can split the casting into two layers. If
you have a large mold (2.75" diameter or larger), we recommend casting in 4
layers, especially when encapsulating objects that generate a lot of air
bubbles, such as flowers.

Reasons for doing layered work

Because we were using a closed mold, we could not use any method to get
rid of air bubbles, and there was little room for air bubbles to escape. Pouring
in layers avoids excess air bubbles.

On the resin to be used

A liquid epoxy, this is because it produces the least amount of air bubbles.
The first layer of resin: this will be the base of our work; it can be clear or
pigmented to make a dynamic piece.
Second resin layer: if you want to encapsulate objects, you have to glue them
to the base (first resin layer), you can do this with transparent thermal
silicone.
After gluing, apply a very light coat of epoxy, which will help further adhere
the object to the base and apply a varnish. It is important to paint them
because this will prevent air bubbles in subsequent coats.
In the third layer you have to close the mold and seal it, this can be done with
hot silicone so that the white resin does not seep through.
Proceed to fill three-quarters of the mold.
Then with this layer you finish the process.
When it is completely dry, you will remove the silicone and unmold it from
the piece.
It may have imperfections and burrs, so here's what you should do: you can
sand it down with 180-grit wood sandpaper to remove excess resin bands. If
your piece has holes, you can fill them with UV resin. As mentioned, this
material is an ideal complement to epoxy resin. Apply your UV resin to the
missing parts and dry almost instantly with a UV lamp. When you are ready
to repair, go ahead and polish and sand the entire part to restore its luster
later.
Then I will explain how you can do the sanding and polishing to make the
piece perfect.
Now we will explain how you can polish and smooth your piece so that it is
free of imperfections.

Polishing and sanding of epoxy resin

You will notice that when you unmold the sculpture, it may have some burrs
and some flaws. You can fix this: if your work has fairly rough burrs or
imperfections, I recommend sanding several times with 180-, 220-, and 320-
grit wood sandpaper. The sandpaper should be small to large; each one
should go through a couple of times to completely smooth the piece.
You can rely on your mini sander. To bring back the shine we will use wet
sandpaper numbers 180, 220, 320, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 12000, 1500. They
will also help remove the lines left by the wood sandpaper.
My advice is that the more wet sandpaper you use, the cleaner and brighter
your work will be. As with the sandpaper above, the order should be from
smallest to largest and you should make several passes. But as the name
suggests, you need to soak them in water to use them. As you increase the
numbers on the waterproof sandpaper, you will notice that your work begins
to regain its luster. When you have finished sanding and removed all the dust,
it is time to apply the polish. You can use a cloth to help you apply it all over
the piece, the important thing is to clean it well. Finally, you can apply car
wax and completely protect your work.
Other options are using car polish or something that shines and fits the job.
 Chapter 14: key chains and jewelry in
general

For these items you need special molds. If you want to make transparent
pieces you can use liquid resin so that bubbles are easily removed. If you
apply colors and want them not to mix, use resin in a thick form. To detail
and touch up the pieces you need this.
Sandpaper of these numbers
180, 220, 320, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200 y 1500.
Even a motor with fine tips, use spray paint, wood or nail varnish.

What can be achieved.

All kinds of jewelry can be made with this resin, from capsules with natural
flowers, to quartz pendants that glow in the dark, to mini dioramas with resin.

Tips for getting started

Respecting the transparency of the resin can give your piece an extra touch;
we recommend making your piece in layers. A layer of clear resin over a
layer of dyed resin will give your pendant a jeweled look, and if the color is
too saturated and opaque, it will have a more plastic appearance.

Pigmented resin pendants

You can use any paints you like; in this example we will use fluorescent
paints. First prepare your silicone molds and place them on a horizontal
laminated surface.
These molds may have dust accumulations, so it is essential to clean them
with cheesecloth or alcohol before emptying them.
You have to prepare the design, in the jewelry shop you can do it
Prepare your project, in jewelry making you can create works with different
materials. Don't limit yourself and experiment! In this example we use
ground coal, quartz and other stones to combine with pigment. Place the
charcoal and stones in the molds.
Recommendations: You can play with the arrangement of these materials to
create gradients, symmetrical or asymmetrical compositions.
Make a small amount of resin, put some in a thin layer. Do not let it fill the
mold, fill one-third of the container. Remove any bubbles that may be
present. Use a lighter for this, the high temperature melting gun can deform
the mold.
Cover the casting and let it sit until it is completely dry. Prepare more resin
and pigment it. Use powder colors and apply 10 percent pigment.
Put pigmented resin filling two-thirds of the mold, eliminate bubbles. Two
colors can be applied at the same time to make the piece more dynamic.
After that you cover the casting and leave it until the resin is completely dry.
You put on a more pigmented layer and fill the mold completely.
Now, for the final part you combine the pigmented resin with spray. You will
notice that many of these have a rough texture on the back for you to smooth
out, sand this with the following waterproof sandpaper.
180, 220, 320, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200 y 1500.
Also, if you want to give it more smoothness you can round the parts by
sanding that even when you have the parts sanded you are going to remove
the dust and it's time to apply the paint, you can apply it, in case the hole of
the I said is closed you touch it up with the motortool and put a fine tip you
will see how shiny they are.
Recommendations: If you want to give your pieces more softness, you can
also round off the edges by smoothing them.

Making pendants with natural flowers

Once your flowers are completely dry, you can start creating. Place your
silicone mold on a flat laminating area. Prepare a thin layer of epoxy resin
and cover 1/3 of the mold. Cover the plaster and let it sit until the resin is
completely dry. Remove any air bubbles with a lighter. Start creating pieces
with your dried flowers until you have the perfect design. Place a second
layer of clear epoxy over the flowers, filling 2/3 of the mold.
Take the lighter and remove all the bubbles.
Be careful not to burn the flowers, so do not leave the candle burning for too
long.
Cover the casting and let it rest until the resin is completely dry. Place a third
layer of resin, this time filling the entire mold. It is recommended that this
layer can be completely transparent or colored.
Cover the casting and let it rest until the resin is completely dry. Take your
work apart. You will notice a rough texture on the back of many of them. To
sand it smooth, sand the surface with the following wet sandpaper: 180, 220,
320, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200 and 1500. You can also sand the edges if you
want to give them a smoother shape.
When you are ready for your piece, remove all the dust and use a fine brush
to apply wood stain to the parts you have sanded (edges and back). If the
pendant hole is closed, you can fill it in with a fine tip - keep your favorite
flowers and take them with you!
 Chapter 15: Double mold

If you like jewelry, you have probably come across double molds, if you
want to learn how to use them, put the molds in a plasticized and leveled
space. Prepare a light layer of epoxy and apply it to the smooth mold.
Another layer of resin is put on and pigmented with different colors, this will
leave the mold with the chosen texture.
You can play with different colors to make the piece more dynamic; you can
use resin and spray to give it that touch of shine.

It is time to remove the bubbles, cover the casting and let it rest until the resin
is dry. Remove the mold and give it more volume by marking the shadows
with brown acrylic paint. Carefully place the piece in the mold, insert the
rubber guide into the hole in the piece. Put a layer of clear resin and fill 90%
of the mold, remove bubbles with a lighter.

Now put several drops of alcohol pigment to create this great effect, keep in
mind that the white color is the one that will give this effect.
Cover the casting and let it rest until the resin dries. Prepare the clear resin
layer and fill the mold. The layer will protect the petri dish
You will remove the pieces from the mold and sandblast them with the other
numbers.
180, 220, 320, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200 y 1500.
If you want to give the pieces a smoother shape, round the edges and sand
them down as well.
You remove the dust and apply wood paint with a fine brush to the sanded
parts. These are the edges and the back.
If the pendant hole has closed, you can touch it up with the fine point.

Crystal effect
If you like pendulums and quartz, then respect the transparency of the resin
by layering the work.
You can put encapsulation, just like with flowers, you can put different
elements, you can encapsulate stainless steel miniatures.

Personalized jewelry
If you want to personalize it, you can do layered casting and encapsulate an
acetate with the name printed on it or using letter beads.
You can put small photographs and carry the best memories with you always.
This is a technique you can apply to sea painting and recreate your favorite
beach.
You can mix these materials and create unique pieces.
If you don't have the tools for this, don't worry, you can encapsulate sheets of
wood and it is easier to handle.
Key chains and pendants can be presented as key chains that will be beautiful
and unique.
 Chapter 16: The ideal presentation of
jewelry
Divide your accessories into two groups, a hot palette and a cold palette.
From here you can put a gold chain (gold or stainless steel) for the first range
and a silver chain for the second range. Add a ribbon to match the chain.
Show your work in a photo where you can admire the color, transparency and
brilliance of your application.

Centerpieces and cup holders

Cup holders are items that you put under a glass when you serve it. With this
you protect surfaces from those pesky stains or scratches, with epoxy you can
get anything you want.
You have plenty of silicone molds for resin pigments, so you can detail and
rework the parts, you need to:
Waterproof sandpaper numbers 180, 220, 320, 400, 600, 800,
1000, 1200 and 1500
Metal aerosols Need centerpieces and cup holders with
pigmented resin.

You can put the mold on a flat, laminated surface. You prepare the resin and
divide it into different colors.
My advice is to leave the bottle with the resin clear so that the glasses do not
look so plastic.
One should put a pigmented resin center and surround it with the other
pigments.
When the cup holders are completed, you can shade the color division with a
heat gun.
Another tip is to use a low-temperature heat gun so as not to damage the
mold. You can cover the work so that it does not get dusty and let it sit until it
is completely dry. Mold the pieces with the thin brush and spray paint and
paint the edges of the piece.

Cup holders can be made with encapsulated flowers.

You can put a mold on the plasticized and leveled surface, prepare a light
layer of resin by filling one-third of the mold, and remove the bubbles with a
lighter.
You should put the previously dehydrated flowers into the fresh layer of
resin. After finishing the design, you cover the work and let it rest until it is
completely dry.
Prepare a new layer of resin, clear or colored. Place it over the first layer and
remove air bubbles. Cover the piece and let it rest until the resin is
completely dry.
Remove the pieces from the mold, you will see that the back has a texture, to
smooth it out you sand it with water sandpaper in the small sander and begin
to refine the work.
When you have finished sanding, remove the dust and protect the front of the
cup holder with brown tape. Cover the edges with hot silicone and place your
work face down on an object that will give it height.
Paint is applied with the sanded part and whiter epoxy.
You can use more of this resin. To be painted.
Cover your work and let the resin sit until it is completely dry. Once all the
pieces have been painted, use a cutter to remove the tape, silicone edges, and
any smudges on the edges.

You can add an extra touch to the work. Paint the front side.
Protect the back of the cup holder with brown tape and the edges with hot
glue. Place your piece on the object that gives it height. Apply a coat of clear
epoxy to the paint.
Cover your work and let the resin sit until it is completely dry. After you
have finished painting all the parts, use a knife to remove the tape, silicone
edges, and burrs on the edges. Paint the edges with a metallic spray paint of
your choice.
He will surprise everyone when he wears this.
 Chapter 17: Watches

To get this you can take apart an old clock and turn it into a great work of art.
You remove the clock case and take it apart. Separate the frame, glass, hands
and motor and work only the base part.
Cut a piece of wood thin (0.5 cm thick), it should fit into the base. Glue the
cut boards to the base, you can use industrial thickened polyester resin
powder as glue.
After the resin is completely dry and you work with the technique of your
choice. After the resin is completely dry, make a hole in the center of the
resin for the motor and hands.
If the work is too thick, you can put your hands in and open the base to put
the motor in.
Remove the dust, put the motor, hands and put it in the frame. You will see
that now the clocks start to look better. You can work other surfaces with this
kind of resin, drill the center and you will have a beautiful clock.
 Chapter 18: Lamps

You can create lamps with this type of resin, you can put a spotlight under
the work and make the light show throughout the work. Lamps with
fluorescent resin shine even if there is a lack of electricity.

These are the materials you need

A piece of old wood the size you want. I give you an example with a
piece of wood about 20 cm by 7 cm by 7 cm pot 3 cm
150 ml of epoxy resin
Bulbs and lamp holders.
Carpenter's glue
Paint
White acrylic paint
Screws
Plywood or mdf
In tools you need:
An electric screwdriver
Sandpaper
Air gun or lighter
Silicone gun
Electric screwdriver if you have one.
Hammer
Spatula
Blade
Time to get to work.

Creating the mold with resin

You can make molds out of chipboard, plywood, MDF or any wood you have
on hand. It is important that the joints leave no gaps. It is best to fasten the
mold wood with screws or long prongs. The use of carpenter's glue is
optional.

You put the resin into the mold

Always remember to use safety equipment.
Start by mixing about 100 ml of epoxy, follow the steps on the jar to make
the mixture.
Pour the mixture carefully into the mold and make sure it is level.
For faster drying, use a hair dryer. This will eliminate air bubbles on the
surface. Stir well with a chopstick to avoid air bubbles inside the epoxy.
Allow the mixture to harden for at least 12 hours before unmolding. Here's a
tip: It's better to wait a while for the dough to harden than to do it wrong and
end up breaking the corners.

Now you need to sand the wood and treat it.

We will sand the wood and remove resin burrs. Use a knife to deburr, being
careful not to overdo it or damage the edges. The wood will be sanded with
another piece of water-based sandpaper. For our first test we will use 60 g of
water-based sandpaper.
After sanding it this way, you put on the paint, wait for it to dry for a while,
and sand again with 120-grit sandpaper.

The other step is the substrate, to be able to do this you have to use plaster
which is an easy material to use.
We can make a cardboard tetrabrik mold, but if we don't have one or can't
find the right size, we can make a small wooden mold and pour plaster into it.
Don't forget that the most important thing is to leave space for the bulb, and
here I would like to give you some advice.
Today, LEDs are better because they are small, have a long life and are very
bright. But to use LEDs we have the disadvantage of having to add a small
transformer, because small LEDs run on 12V and the grid usually gives 110V
or 220V depending on the region.
Whatever you choose, you must provide a suitable hole for the wood and the
bulb.

The last step is to add the finishing touch. Then you will need to apply a coat
of paint and you are ready to enjoy the job.
 Chapter 19: Making the perfect cell phone
cases

Let's take a look at this. You will be able to customize various items that are
trending on social networks and are one of the most popular in this. It
involves applying a layer of resin over an existing cover. It is a layer that can
be used to protect an existing paint job. It is a layer that you can protect and
put beautiful pigmented colors on it.
You have to have covers to use, the materials you want for that are the ones
with acrigel. They are solid on one side and soft rubber on the other side. You
can intervene with other types of holsters that are totally solid, the ones that
are flexible will not help you at all.
It has a solid front face. The corners are made of rubber.
The resin we will use should be viscous, so that it leaks out as little as
possible.
You must protect the cover before applying it to see any burrs that may
remain and are easily removed.
First you remove the protective plastic from the front of the acrigel sleeves,
this from the back you remove when you finish the work.
Then we will protect the edges of the case with tape and hot silicone. Inside,
we will also use hot silicone to surround the camera hole and cover the small
holes through which the resin can leak.
Finally, if the sleeve has gaps at the end, you can touch them up with a power
tool and a fine bit.

Hand-painted cell phone cases

You can protect the cover and place it on a flat, laminated surface. Trace with
a pencil or marker the design you want to draw. With an acrylic paint, start
coloring the design. I recommend acrylic paint for this kind of work because
it takes a handful of minutes.
It is recommended to use white acrylic paint as the base for your design, as
you paint on plastic (acrylic gel) and the rest of the colors adhere more easily
to the acrylic paint base.
When the paint is completely dry, prepare a thin layer of epoxy and apply it
directly to your cabinet.
Remove bubbles with lighter
When you have finished working, let the resin rest until it is completely dry.
Then, remove the protector from its case. If there are burrs, you can remove
them with a knife.

Covers with natural flowers

You will protect the cover and put it on a flat, laminated space, place the
previously dehydrated natural flowers and form an arrangement. Prepare a
light layer of resin and put it on the cover, covering it completely with the
flowers.
You remove the bubbles with a lighter.
When you are finished, you will cover the work and let it rest until it is
completely dry.
The advice is that when it dries you will see a flower structure that is scored
and apply another resin to make it completely smooth.
To finish, the guards are removed, and if there are burrs, they are removed
with the burr cutter.
 Covers with sea waves
Protect your cover and place it on a flat laminating area. Prepare the epoxy
and divide it into the following colors: Gold Powder White Paste Pearlescent
Blue Powder Metallic Navy Blue Powder Apply the blue and gold resin to
completely cover the box. When ready, apply a few lines of white paint.

Use a heat gun on low heat and create the sea wave effect. Cover the work
and let it sit until it is completely dry. Then remove the protective covers and
if there are any burrs, remove them with the cutter.

Marbled covers with cell effect

If you want a psychedelic effect on this, I tell you about it here.
You can protect the cover and put it on a flat surface and laminate it, prepare
the resin and divide it into the colors you want.
You put the resin part into the sleeve and put it directly with metal spray, the
cellular effect will form by itself.
You put the rest of the pigmented resin you can put more aerosol if you want
a more pronounced effect of the cells.
When you have covered the entire case, cover your piece and let it rest until
the resin is completely dry. Then remove the protection from its case. If there
are burrs, you can remove them with a knife.

Phosphorescent covers
You can use fluorescent paints to make your phone case glow in the dark. In
this case, for example, we put granulated fluorescent pigments to glow in a
certain area.
Note: You can get FUBA pigments in granular form; the product has a light
of its own. Unlike other powder pigments, this does not dissolve with the
resin, so it stays in one area.
Glow-in-the-dark phone cases are perfect for those times when you want to
stand out. If you are one of those people who like to stand out, this is your
best option. Glow-in-the-dark phone cases are very eye-catching and you will
not go unnoticed. Glow-in-the-dark phone cases are made of special materials
that reflect light. This means that when you are in the dark, your case glows.
This is sure to be a feature that will attract a lot of attention. Glow-in-the-dark
phone cases come in different colors. So you can choose the one that best
suits your style. Also, these cases are very strong and durable, so you can use
them for a long time. If you are looking for an eye-catching phone case,
glow-in-the-dark phone cases are the best option. You won't go unnoticed
with this accessory.

With photographs
You can encapsulate photos on the cell phone by attaching the image to the
case with white glue, when the process is finished with resin.

How to make cell phone cases with epoxy resin

Epoxy cases are a great way to protect your phone from bumps and scratches.
They can also add a personal touch to your phone. To make an epoxy phone
case, you will need:
-A cell phone
-A table lamp
-A table lamp
-A plastic tray
-A spoon
 -A pair of scissors
-A bowl
-A spoon
-Epoxy resin
-Coloring (optional)

Steps to take:

1. Place the phone on the plastic tray.

Mix the epoxy and the dye (if you want to add it), until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture onto the phone and spread it with the spoon.
4. Allow the epoxy to dry for 24 hours.
5. Cut off excess epoxy with scissors.
6. Put the desk lamp on the phone and let it dry for a few hours.
7. Place the desk lamp on the phone and let it dry for a few hours.
8. Keep the phone in a safe place.

Final words
Epoxy resins are a popular material for making fiberglass objects. There are
many brands and types of epoxy resins available, and they can be difficult to
compare. Some important factors to consider when choosing an epoxy resin
are the type of object to be manufactured, damage tolerance, cure time, and
cost. Damage tolerance is an important consideration when choosing an
epoxy resin.
Some resins are more resistant to damage than others, which can be important
for items that will be in contact with the environment or used in high-stress
situations. Cure time is another important factor to consider. Some epoxy
resins require prolonged exposure to light to cure, while others can cure in a
shorter period of time.
Curing time can also affect the cost of epoxy resin. The type of object to be
produced is also a factor. Some epoxy resins are better for making high-
strength objects, while others are better for objects that require high
flexibility. The cost of epoxy resin is another factor to consider. Some epoxy
resins are more expensive than others, but may offer better quality or greater
resistance to damage.
Epoxy resins are used in many projects because of the properties they
possess. These include heat, abrasion and corrosion resistance, impact and
flexural strength, and the ability to cure in wet environments. These
properties make epoxy resins ideal for use in a variety of projects, such as
mold making, parts manufacturing, joint sealing, structural fabrication, and
boat building.
I hope you have found this manual useful and I would be very grateful if you
could give a review on the website, you can do that here.
 To recap
Unlike natural resins extracted from plants, synthetic resin is a product that
has been made industrially.
Many of the synthetic resins have a pair of components, component A which
is a resin and component B which is a curing catalyst, the latter of which
allows the resins to cure. Except for some, such as UV resins, which have
only one component. When these are mixed together, the work of curing
begins; it is an exothermic process in which heat is given off. So, the time
factor can have an impact on the drying and curing process. It is good to
work where the temperature is above fifteen degrees. If it is lower, the resin
may take time or have curing problems.
Many products can be made with this type of resin, although in this book I
want to show you artistic creations. This includes paintings, jewelry, three-
dimensional pieces, and other products that are detailed in the following
pages.

This kind of resin has a high gloss, strength and transparency that allows us
to put colors on it, put objects on it, imitate materials such as geodes or
marble and much more. When we do artist's production, we can use other
things, but they cannot have the same finish.
This type of resin is used to create medium and large sculptures, it is a fast-
acting resin that dries quickly so in about half an hour it is ready, it has the
advantage of being able to thicken with various materials and be applied to
fiberglass. It is a resin that makes it possible to make hollow pieces.
This type of resin is used for small parts that require emphasis on details. It is
a resin that is used in small parts and is very durable, is easy to prepare, and
consists of two components to prepare it and apply in equal parts. It is almost
immediate, cures instantly and can be removed from the mold in half an hour.
It is important that the pieces do not weigh more than one kilogram, because
it is not for very large pieces.

UV resin is single-component and the finish is clear and glossy like epoxy.
The action is fast and using a UV lamp it dries in about five minutes and if
exposed to the sun it dries in about half an hour. It is also very strong and can
be used as a glue. It is used for small items such as key chains and pendants.
Many types of resin are used in the artistic medium, but epoxy resin is the
best choice because it offers a wide variety of products with better finishes.
If you want to start doing this kind of work, it is best to use polyester resin
because it has a low-cost clear finish, but before you buy it you need to learn
more about it.
Temperature

Polyester resins reach very high temperatures in a short period of time, so

they dry faster than epoxy resins, but they also tend to yellow and crack due
to overheating (thin layers are recommended). In crystalline polyester resins,
the catalyst content can vary from 1 percent to 3 percent, so it is
recommended to test this material several times to adjust its use and achieve
the desired results. Epoxy takes longer to dry and does not reach high
temperatures for a short period of time, which allows it to maintain its
transparency and prevent cracking.
Drying time
When a crystalline polyester resin reaches a high temperature for a short
period of time, it dries between 15 and 20 minutes, depending on the amount
of catalyst used and climatic factors (it dries faster if working at a high
temperature). In epoxy resin, the drying time is longer and varies (8 hours, 12
hours, 24 hours or 72 hours, depending on the resin you purchased). The
amount of time we can work without getting too sticky can vary from 20
minutes to 1 hour, depending on the epoxy resin you use.
Precision in every component
This glass resin has varying amounts of catalyst, but with this resin you have
to be precise with the amount of each and the manufacturer as indicated.

Hardness and strength

This resin is a material that becomes very hard when it dries, while polyester
resin is more brittle.
Size reduction upon drying
Crystalline polyester resins shrink a few millimeters upon drying (depending
on the volume of the film, the greater the volume, the greater the shrinkage).
And epoxy never shrinks.
Finishes
Properly prepared epoxy resins have a smooth, transparent and very glossy
finish. This also allows us to paint objects. Glassy polyester resins, on the
other hand, have a dull, rough surface and can yellow.
This smooth finish is a favorite of many artists working in resin casting, the
art of pouring epoxy onto compatible surfaces. Because epoxy does not reach
high temperatures, it allows us to manipulate it for long periods of time and
make various modifications, such as adding and removing colors, or doing
the famous "sea wave" or "cell" effect with a heat gun.
Here are some tips for determining which resin you want to get: Epoxy has
two containers, one for the resin may be the same or slightly larger than the
one used for the catalyst, depending on the epoxy you buy. In polyester resin,
the catalyst bottle is much smaller than the resin bottle because it contains the
smaller amount of catalyst.
 CONCLUSION
Not all pieces are identical, many of them may show traps or locks, this is a
part of the piece where the mold may get stuck and you can do the unmolding
process correctly. In these cases, sculpting plasticine can be used to cover
them.
You can make a bed of modeling clay for sculptors, this should be
completely smooth and even and you will adhere it to the piece.
It is essential that the piece is adhered to the bed so that it does not leak; any
holes can be healed with more plasticine. If you have two sides to replicate,
mark a guide nearby, then prepare a smooth, thick wall of plasticine to
surround the figure.
It is important that the wall and bed are adhered so that the silicone does not
leak out.
You should then go and prepare the RTV silicone rubber so as to make a light
coating of this
You have to apply the catalyzed silicone directly to the piece, cover it directly
on the bed of plasticine, and let it sit until it dries.
You put on another layer of silicone and completely fill the casing and let it
rest.
After it dries you must remove the plasticine and the piece to be replicated.
If your mold has two sides, remove the plasticine bed and the part covering
the coupling, leaving only the thick plasticine pair. Apply a layer of Vaseline
over the entire length of the rail on the first side of the mold. Double the size
of the plasticine wall.
You should apply some registration and another layer to thicken it. When the
silicone dries you remove the piece. When you have the molds ready, remove
any residual plasticine before casting with epoxy.
Even if you clean the mold, the first replica will completely remove any
residual plasticine. Therefore, we recommend using polyester resin for this
replica, which is less expensive than epoxy resin. Remember that polyester
resins do not register as accurately as epoxy resins.
Epoxy resins are a type of synthetic resin made by the chemical reaction of
two compounds called epoxides. Epoxy resin is used in many industries, such
as construction, automobile manufacturing, aircraft manufacturing, and ship
building.
Epoxy resins are produced by the reaction of two chemical compounds,
epoxy acid and polyester alcohol. The two components are mixed in a
container and heated until they melt, forming a homogeneous mixture. Epoxy
resin is a sticky, water-insoluble substance that is used to make adhesives,
sealants, paints and other construction products.
Epoxy resins are a type of plastic resin obtained by the chemical reaction of
two components, epoxide and polyol.
The reaction produces a rigid, abrasion-resistant material that is used in many
fields, such as automobile parts, ship building and maintenance, piping, and
personal protective equipment.
There are several types of epoxy resin, each with its own characteristics.
Epoxy resin can be rigid or flexible, depending on the proportion of epoxy
resin and polyol used in its manufacture. It can also be transparent or opaque,
depending on the type of epoxy resin used.
Rigid epoxy resins are most commonly used in the manufacture of
automotive parts and shipbuilding. These resins offer high resistance to
abrasion and bending, making them ideal for these applications. Flexible
epoxy resins are used in pipe fabrication and the manufacture of personal
protective equipment. These resins are more flexible than rigid epoxy resins,
which allows them to conform better to pipe bends and provide greater
protection for people.
Transparent epoxy resins are used in the fabrication of decorative objects and
in the manufacture of lenses. These resins are transparent and offer high
abrasion resistance. Opaque epoxy resins are used in the manufacture of
everyday objects such as plates, glasses or cutlery.
These resins are opaque and offer good abrasion resistance.
Resin art is about the different creations that can be achieved using this
material, which can range from traditional designs such as sculptures to more
contemporary abstract works and art designs.
To know what resin to use for the job and how to set it, first you need to
know what a resin is, it is a viscous liquid that shares properties with natural
resins, it is a material that can harden permanently.