I have some simple steps and helpful tips to help you use ArtResin on your masterpiece!
- You have painted your painting.
- Have printed your photo.
- Sculpted your sculpture.
- Wrapped your handiwork.
- Completed your crafting.
And you've purchased your ArtResin, the clearest, glossiest epoxy resin on the planet and you're ready to coat your piece…
Now then?!
Well, first of all:
✔ check out our FAQ page for loads of really useful tips, advice and tutorials to set you up for success.
✔ practice on a non-masterpiece first :)
✔ Follow our simple steps below
1. MEASURE
ArtResin epoxy resin comes in 2 parts (a resin and a hardener) and has a 1:1 mixing ratio.
- With gloves on, pour equal amounts of resin and hardener into a mixing cup. Measure equally and accurately! Adding too much of either the resin or hardener will alter the chemical reaction and the mixture will not cure properly.
- ArtResin is very sticky so gloves will protect you from dirt and possible skin irritation. Clean the skin immediately with soap and water if it comes into contact with ArtResin
NOTE - If ArtResin somehow comes into contact with your eyes, rinse with water repeatedly and do not rub. Seek immediate medical attention
💡 TIPS:
- ArtResin is considered a non-hazardous material, non-toxic when used as directed and safe for home use in a well-ventilated area. Read our safety data sheet for more information.
- Mix a little more than you think you will need...you want to cover your work completely in one go and not have to mix more at the last minute.
- Sometimes people think they can speed up the 24 hour curing time by adding more hardener to the mix. But this will throw off the delicate 1:1 mixing ratio and your resin will not cure properly. The best way to encourage curing is to increase the room temperature, as curing is accelerated by heat.
2. MIX
For at least 3 minutes, scrape the bottom and sides of your mixing bowl while stirring
- Once you have measured equally and accurately, it is imperative to thoroughly mix both parts for at least 3 minutes and then just a little more to be sure!
- After you have mixed, you have about 45 minutes of working time before the resin thickens and hardens.
💡 TIPS
- Be sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the container when mixing - improperly mixed resin on the sides and bottom will not be able to catalyze and will not cure properly, leaving you with sticky spots that will not cure.
- If bubbles appear, don't worry - we will remove these after pouring :)
3. POUR & DISTRIBUTE
After making sure your piece is even, go ahead and pour ArtResin over your work. Do not be afraid!
- ArtResin is self leveling so it starts to level by itself, but you can spread it around in place with an Epoxy spreader/toothed plastic disc. A reusable plastic spreader is the perfect tool to spread ArtResin evenly and efficiently.
- Edges can be handled in several different ways: some artists like to tape the edges entirely and just let the ArtResin sit domed on top of their work. Others like to mask the underside of the piece and let the resin drip over the sides, spreading it smoothly with a brush or with their hands covered in a pair of nitrile gloves.
- You will notice bubbles starting to rise to the surface. Many of these will pop on their own, but if you want a flawless, glass-like finish, a gas burner is perfect for this.
4. FINISH YOUR PROJECT
Burn away bubbles and cover your newly plastered work
- Put a protective cover over your piece of plastic (a large cardboard box is perfect for this!) Have the cover close at hand before you start your work with resin so that it is available as soon as you are done.
💡 TIPS
- Make sure your artwork is dry and dust free before applying ArtResin.
- It is a good idea to have your piece elevated from your work surface on support blocks. I like to use big pieces of legos! This allows the resin to spill down the edges without pooling at the base, which would cause your piece to stick to your work surface.
- You'll also want to place a drop cloth over your work surface. Cloth and paper towels soak up the resin so it's best to use ArtResin's drip cloth: a vinyl shower curtain or a large silicone mat. ArtResin doesn't stick to plastic so cleanup is as easy as peeling off the hardened resin after it dries!
- After burning the bubbles, keep a toothpick handy to pick out any dust or hair that may have settled on your plastic piece.
- Looking at your spread surface in the reflection of a light will really help you see any imperfections. Your smartphone's flashlight is great for this purpose!
- Drops can be wiped off with a glove while still wet, but if there are any that have dried they can be easily sanded away.
- Wood panels work best for large pieces rather than canvas as the wood does not sag under the weight of the resin.
WAIT
ArtResin must sit for 24 hours in a dust-free space while it cures.
- For about 8 hours it will be tacky but you will be able to pour a second coat if needed. After about 12 hours it is dry to the touch. Within 24 hours it is 95% cured and fully cured within 72 hours.
💡 TIPS
- In the meantime, clean up! Silicone mats are good to have on hand for easy cleaning. Simply wipe all reusable tools with a paper towel before the resin dries and place them on the mat for next use.
- Tip your mixing cup upside down on the mat so the extra ArtResin drips out. It will leave a super thin layer on the inside of the cup that you can peel off, giving you a clean mixing cup!
- The silicone mat can also be used many times as the hardened resin can be easily pulled off. Attempt! :)
I hope you find these tips useful! And don't forget... the FAQ page has a wealth of information! Many topics are covered there, including how-tos, experiments, troubleshooting and much more! All the information you need for a great ArtResin experience :)
Got a great tip to share?
Or want to show off your own ArtResin'ed masterpiece?
Get in touch then!! We LOVE hearing from our customers! Notify us via the website's contact page.
Until next time ... be creative :)