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Resin –an experience

By Shermeen Zuberi
31 January, 2025

Because I recently attended a resin workshop. With all the doubts and hands trembling, I signed up for it....

Resin –an experience

ARTSCAPE

I love art. Not that I have a portfolio to sell. Not that I admire it in any professional capacity. No. I do have lots of related media saved to my Insta account, though. Does that count? Also, my phone gallery is full of such memorabilia - to the extent that I rely on portable devices and cloud services to meet this need. Why? Because that’s therapy for me. It soothes my anxiety and keeps me in the present. At least that’s what I tell myself – and to others. But, if I’m honest (like real, right now), then even this therapeutic activity becomes a source of anxiety for me. The maybes and the what-ifs. Am I doing it right? How much more material will go to waste before I get it ‘right’? What if I’ve missed an angle; I should have waited for someone to attend it and not gone there alone. Yeah, call it a typical middle-class mindset. Call it chasing perfection. It’s not something I’m proud of. It’s not something I can control. I guess this is enough of a rambling for an intro. I’ve already exceeded the ideal 150-wordmark. Let’s dive into the why.

Because I recently attended a resin workshop. With all the doubts and hands trembling, I signed up for it. In hindsight, I’m grateful they asked for advanced payment. It pushed me to get out of bed and reach on time.

Resin –an experience

The workshop reaffirmed a lot of things for me:

• Art is for everyone. There were boys, girls, women.

• Art is for the inexperienced; you don’t have to have a degree to make a mark.

• Art is in the imperfect. There is no one way to it. You may like to experiment with some colours; another person may prefer another technique. You just go with the flow.

And resin opened up an entirely different world for me. Whether patience and creativity. Today, I’m here to share my experience, a few techniques, and some essential tips and tricks for beginners in resin art.

What is resin art?

Resin art involves creating stunning, glossy artwork by mixing resin and hardener, which then hardens to form a durable, glass-like finish. You can use resin to make coasters, trays, jewellery, wall art, and so much more. What I love most is sheer versatility - no two pieces are the same.

My first resin art project

When I first decided to give resin art a go, I was both excited and terrified.

Resin –an experience

Our first project was a coaster. The trainer made us start from scratch, in a way giving us the liberty to create our custom molds. Sure, there were mistakes all around - the thickness of the mold varied, resin leakages, the resin hardened before the individual was even ready to pour it into the mold, the surface was not levelled and the creases reflected in the final product, the coaster turned out too soft and gooey or it was too thin.

But, the thrill of creating something unique kept all of us going.

Essential products you’ll need for resin art

If you’re just starting out, here’s a quick list of what you’ll need:

1. Epoxy resin and hardener - choose high-quality resin to ensure a crystal-clear, bubble-free finish.

2. Pigments and dyes - alcohol inks, mica powders, or acrylic paints work well for colouring.

3. Silicone molds – they are perfect for creating coasters, trays, or jewellery.

4. Mixing tools - use disposable cups, popsicle sticks, and a heat-resistant surface.

5. Heat gun or torch - it helps remove bubbles from the resin.

6. Safety gear - gloves, a mask, and a well-ventilated workspace are non-negotiable.

Resin –an experience

Different techniques you’ll learn

Here are a few of my favourites:

1. Dirty pour

This technique involves layering multiple colours of resin in one cup and then pouring it out. The colours mix in fascinating ways, creating unique designs.

2. Geode effect

Using crushed glass or glitter, you can mimic the look of real geodes, especially if you’re making decorative trays.

3. Marbling

Resin’s swirling, contrasting colours form a stunning marble-like effect. Just use a toothpick to create intricate patterns.

Resin –an experience

Dos:

• Measure your resin and hardener accurately (usually a 2:1 ratio).

• Mix thoroughly for 3-5 minutes to avoid sticky or uneven curing.

• Work in a dust-free environment to keep your piece pristine.

Don’ts:

• Avoid rushing the curing process; let your resin set for at least 24 hours.

• Avoid using too much pigment, as it can alter the resin’s chemistry.

• Don’t forget to wear safety gear; resin fumes can be harmful.

Whether it’s adding dried flowers, embedding photos, or experimenting with neon pigments, resin art allows you to express yourself in endless ways.

Final thoughts

If you’ve been thinking about trying resin art, consider this your sign to start. It’s a journey filled with experimentation, creativity, and joy. Sure, it can be messy and challenging at times, but the satisfaction of creating something uniquely yours is unparalleled.