There are countless ways to incorporate epoxy resin in art, no matter your style or skill level. Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker, a weekend DIYer, or someone exploring resin arts and crafts for the first time, art with epoxy resin opens up creative possibilities that go far beyond coating and casting. You can craft resin and wood jewelry, make a cast resin turning using a pressure pot, create colorful inlays, or even pour a full resin wood table.
Popular resin art ideas to try:
- Combine epoxy resin wood elements with live-edge slabs for a stunning table or cutting board.
- Embed shells, stones, or dried flowers in clear resin for decorative coasters or trays.
- Use resin art kits for beginners to practice small projects like keychains, bookmarks, or stained glass.
- Experiment with tinted pours, metallic powders, and layered effects to create unique visual depth.
A tealight centerpiece is a great small woodworking project to combine wood with tinted epoxy. With so many directions to explore, it’s easy to see why resin has become such a versatile and creative medium. So, how does it all work? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is Resin Art?
Initially developed for industrial purposes, epoxy resin was later embraced by artists for its glossy finish that accentuates color and depth. Today, it stands as a favored medium among contemporary artists, designers, and DIY enthusiasts, enabling the creation of captivating works of art with rich dimension and a lustrous sheen. If you’ve admired glossy tabletops, vibrant turnings, or crystal-clear river tables, you’ve likely encountered epoxy resin in art.
But what exactly is epoxy resin? Essentially, it’s a two-part system that, when mixed, undergoes an exothermal reaction to form a solid that’s transparent and durable.
Understanding Epoxy Resin Basics
- Part A (resin) is a thick liquid that includes a polymer base.
- Part B (hardener) is the catalyst that triggers the curing reaction.
- Mixing ratios must be exact. Too much of either component prevents proper curing.
- The hardening process (not drying) can take 12 to 72 hours.
- Working time or pot life usually takes 20–45 minutes, depending on temperature and formula.
Coating resins are thinner and cure quickly; ideal for surface layers, sealing art, or achieving a smooth, glossy finish. Casting resins are formulated for thicker pours like river tables or molds, curing slowly to prevent bubbles and overheating. Watch this video that explains the difference in resins.
Art with epoxy resin offers endless potential for customization. You can add pigments, dyes, glitter, or metallic powders to achieve your resin art ideas. Some artists pour multiple layers for depth, while others swirl colors together for a marbled or ocean-wave effect. For inspiration, watch this video on how to make a stunning burl wood and resin hybrid knife handle.
How to Use Epoxy Resin in Your Art
No matter the type of project, the process of using epoxy resin in art follows the same basic principles: preparation, precision, and patience. For the best results on your project, see these essential tips for using epoxy resin on wood. One of the most popular projects combining epoxy resin wood techniques is the live-edge river table. You might be wondering how to make a resin wood table?
The basic process involves:
- Selecting a slab of wood and planning your project.
- Building a mold or form to contain the pour.
- Mixing the resin and hardener thoroughly according to the product instructions.
- Pouring in layers, allowing bubbles to rise and removing them with a heat gun.
- Releasing the table and sanding and finishing the surface once fully cured.
You can see a detailed, step-by-step example of how to make a resin wood coffee table at Instructables. This website is an excellent resource for creatives to find inspiration, document their work, and share it with like-minded folks.
For smaller-scale projects, consider experimenting with resin and wood jewelry, embedding keepsakes in clear resin, or casting decorative blanks for turnings using a pressure pot to combine resin and wood.
How to Safely Use Epoxy Resin in Art
Working safely with resin arts and crafts is just as important as the creative process itself. Epoxy resin contains chemicals that can irritate skin or lungs, so it’s essential to use proper safety gear and work in a well-ventilated area.
Safety tips for working with epoxy resin:
- Always wear gloves, safety glasses, and a respirator rated for organic vapors.
- Protect your work surface with a disposable cover or silicone mat.
- Avoid mixing in your living space; work in a garage, shop, or outdoor area when possible.
- Keep resin and hardener sealed tightly and stored at room temperature.
How to Maintain Your Resin Arts and Crafts Projects
Once your epoxy resin wood project is finished, care and maintenance are simple:
- Clean with a mild soap and soft cloth, avoiding harsh solvents or abrasives.
- Keep your resin projects out of direct sunlight to prevent yellowing.
- Reapply a fresh, light coat of resin or polish the surface if scratches develop.
For more on epoxy basics and resin wood ideas, check out Resins for Rookies. It covers everything from mixing ratios to polishing finished projects.
Working with resin is as much about discovery as it is craftsmanship. Mistakes happen, but they often lead to beautiful results. So grab your resin art kits for beginners, gather your supplies, and just get started. With a bit of patience and imagination, you can create your own gallery-worthy resin wood masterpieces.