Using Candy Inclusions in Resin Art: How to Preserve Jelly Beans and More

Incorporating candy like jelly beans, gummy bears, or hard candies into resin art can create colorful, playful pieces with a unique twist. Candy inclusions bring a sense of fun and nostalgia, but successfully preserving these sweet treats in resin requires a few specific steps. Without proper preparation, candy can melt, discolor, or even react with the resin, affecting the clarity and longevity of your project.

Here’s a guide to using candy as inclusions in resin, from preparation to finishing touches, to create vibrant, long-lasting pieces.

Not all candies work well in resin. While some types are stable, others may melt or change color.

• Ideal Choices: Hard candies (like peppermints or lollipops), jelly beans, and coated candies (such as M&Ms) hold up better than soft candies like gummies.
• Avoid: Avoid candy that is prone to melting, like gummies or chocolate, unless thoroughly sealed (explained below).
• Pro Tip: Jelly beans are particularly popular for their bright colors, smooth surfaces, and stability within resin.

Choosing hard or well-coated candies will reduce the risk of reactions with resin and help preserve the candy’s appearance.

Resin is a liquid before it cures, which can cause some candies to dissolve, bleed color, or soften. To prevent this, candy should be sealed before being placed in resin.

• Sealant Options: Use a clear spray sealant or several thin layers of a non-toxic, clear-drying glue (like Mod Podge) to coat the candy.
• How to Apply: Apply two to three coats of sealant, letting each layer dry completely. The goal is to create a moisture barrier around the candy.
• Pro Tip: For extra protection, consider dipping the candy in clear epoxy or resin first, letting it harden, then using it as a sealed inclusion in your project.

Sealing the candy prevents unwanted reactions with the resin, ensuring it keeps its color and shape.

Before pouring resin, arrange the candy in your mold to get the look you want. Think about placement and color distribution for a balanced composition.

• Dry Fit: Place the candy in the mold without resin first to experiment with different layouts.
• Positioning: Consider layering or arranging different colors for a dynamic effect. Place larger candies at the bottom of the mold if using a deep pour.
• Pro Tip: For coasters or shallow molds, position candy evenly for a consistent look across each piece.

Planning the layout ensures that each piece looks intentional and highlights the candy effectively.

Layering resin helps secure the candy and minimizes issues like bubbles and movement/floating during curing.

• First Layer: Pour a thin layer of resin to create a base. Let it cure until tacky, which helps keep candy in place when you add it.
• Add Candy: Place the candy on the tacky resin layer, pressing lightly to secure it.
• Top Layers: Add more layers of resin over the candy until covered, allowing each layer to cure slightly before adding the next to prevent shifting.
• Pro Tip: Use a heat gun between layers to remove any bubbles that may form, especially around the candy.

Pouring in layers gives you greater control over the placement and ensures that the candy is fully encapsulated.

Once your final resin layer has cured completely, it’s time to demold your piece.

• Curing Time: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for full curing, typically 24-48 hours.
• Demolding: Carefully remove the resin from the mold to avoid damaging the piece. Silicone molds work best for easy demolding.
• Finishing Touches: Sand any rough edges and polish the resin to enhance its clarity and shine, especially if the piece is a coaster or jewelry.

Proper curing and finishing give your piece a professional look and feel, making the candy inclusions look vibrant and glossy.

Because candy is organic, even when sealed, it’s essential to take care of candy-inclusive resin pieces to keep them looking their best.

• Avoid Direct Sunlight: UV exposure can cause candy colors to fade over time, so display pieces in shaded areas.
• Temperature Sensitivity: Extreme heat can affect the candy’s coating, so avoid placing candy-inclusive resin items in high-temperature areas.
• Cleaning: Wipe gently with a soft cloth; avoid harsh chemicals or submerging in water to protect the resin’s surface.

With the right care, your candy resin art can be enjoyed for years as a fun, unique keepsake.

Using candy inclusions in resin opens up creative possibilities for adding color and fun to your art. By choosing the right type of candy, sealing it properly, and following careful pouring techniques, you can create vibrant resin pieces that preserve the playful spirit of these sweet treats.

Whether you’re embedding jelly beans in coasters, creating candy-filled jewelry, or designing unique décor, candy resin art offers a delightful way to capture memories or add a whimsical touch to any project. Enjoy experimenting and creating colorful, nostalgic pieces that truly stand out!