Resin art is a versatile and vibrant medium that allows artists to create stunning, glass-like finishes and unique textures. However, the quality of the final result heavily depends on choosing the right supplies. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced resin artist, selecting high-quality tools and materials can be the difference between a smooth, professional finish and a flawed result.
Here’s a practical guide to help you pick the essential supplies for resin art, ensuring you’re set up for success from your first pour.
1. Start with a Quality Silicone Mat for Mess-Free Creativity
Resin art can be messy, so a durable, non-stick silicone mat is essential for protecting your workspace. When choosing a mat, consider:
- Size: Make sure it’s large enough for your project. A good mat should provide ample space for mixing, pouring, and curing.
- Non-Stick Surface: Silicone mats prevent resin from sticking, making cleanup easy and protecting your table from spills.
- Heat Resistance: Some resin projects involve a heat gun to remove bubbles. Check if your mat is heat-resistant to avoid any accidental damage.
- Easy to Store: Some mats are thick and hard to roll up and store when not in use. Or maybe you want to take it with you on a trip. How convenient the mat is when it's not in use is just as important as when it is in use!
A quality silicone mat simplifies your setup and keeps your workspace clean, allowing you to focus on creating.
2. Choose Molds that Fit Your Artistic Vision
Molds are essential for shaping resin into specific forms, whether you’re making jewelry, coasters, or larger pieces. When selecting molds, pay attention to:
- Material: Silicone molds are preferred due to their flexibility and durability. They make it easy to demold finished pieces without cracking or damaging the resin.
- Shape and Size: Consider the shapes and sizes that suit your creative needs. Starter shapes like circles, squares, and rectangles are versatile, while custom shapes allow for more creative designs. For beginners, smaller shapes are best so you can experiment without using too much resin.
- Quality: High-quality molds last longer, so it’s worth investing in durable options if you plan to create multiple pieces. Many molds come from China and range from "cheap" to "high quality." Don't be fooled by inexpensive molds - they may be a one hit wonder!
Look for molds that can bring your vision to life and withstand regular use.
3. Use Precision Markers for Detailed Finishing Touches
Adding fine details or intricate designs can take your resin art to the next level. Precision markers, especially those designed for resin or glass, allow for clear, bold lines that won’t smudge or fade. Here’s what to look for in markers:
- Tip Size: Choose a tip size that matches your design needs. Fine-tip markers are perfect for intricate designs, while medium or broad tips work well for bold patterns. A chisel-tipped marker allows for both!
- Permanent Ink: Markers with permanent, waterproof ink are essential to ensure that your design holds up over time and won’t fade. Almost any marker will come off with alcohol so be careful is spraying alcohol once you have used a marker. Conversely, if you need to remove some permanent marker lines or clean up from mishaps, alcohol will be your best friend!
- Compatibility with Resin: Make sure your markers are designed for use on resin surfaces, as some types may smudge or not adhere properly.
Precision markers allow for customization and give your pieces that professional finish.
4. Accurate Measuring Cups for Perfect Ratios
Mixing resin with the right ratio of resin to hardener is critical for achieving a durable, clear finish. To get it right every time, follow the manufacturer's instructions and invest in reliable measuring cups:
- Clear Markings: Choose cups with clearly marked measurements for accuracy. Resin formulas often require precise ratios, so clear markings are essential.
- Pour Spout: Some cups have a pour spout, making it easier to transfer resin without spills.
Using quality measuring cups ensures that you mix your resin accurately, avoiding issues like bubbles, cloudiness, or brittleness.
5. Sturdy Mixing Tools to Avoid Air Bubbles
To get a smooth, bubble-free finish, it’s crucial to use the right mixing tools. Stir sticks, spatulas, and spoons specifically made for resin are ideal because they don’t introduce too much air into the mixture. Look for:
- Smooth Edges: Tools with smooth edges won’t scratch or damage molds, which helps maintain a pristine surface on finished pieces.
- Silicone or Plastic Materials: These materials are easy to clean and reuse, reducing waste and making your process more efficient. Pro Tip: Clean them off with a paper towel and alcohol before the leftover resin cures so you don't have to peel the cured resin off later.
- No Popsicle Sticks - Most people don't realize this, but wood introduces air into your resin given it's a porous material. When you use popsicle sticks to stir your resin, you have a much higher likelihood of getting air bubbles in the resin.
- Give it a Minute - After mixing, give your resin 5 to 10 min to let the air bubbles come to the top. You can spritz the top of the resin with alcohol to get rid of the bubbles that have come to the surface. This will help ensure you get fewer pieces in your poured piece. You can also spritz alcohol into your mold before you pour the resin which will help to prevent air bubbles in the cracks and crevices.
Careful mixing with the right tools keeps air bubbles at bay and contributes to a flawless finish.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right supplies doesn’t just make the process easier—it improves the quality of your resin art, helping you achieve the clear, glassy finish resin art is known for. Investing in durable mats, versatile molds, precision markers, accurate measuring cups, and proper mixing tools allows you to create beautiful, professional-grade pieces with less hassle.
Ready to start your next resin art project? Take some time to assess your supplies, and don’t hesitate to invest in tools that will enhance your experience and results. With the right foundation, you can focus on bringing your creative ideas to life in resin. Check out our inventory of tools and molds specifically curated to bring our artists the very best in high-quality art supplies! (we had to get that in!) :)