The epoxy resin craft is an attractive hobby that can also be challenging. While the first few pieces you make may not turn out perfectly, there are several typical mistakes that resin novices make. Avoiding these will help you learn the craft faster and produce better-quality pieces.
Mismatched mixing ratio
Resin consists of resin and hardener mixed in a certain percentage to cure into a strong and clear material. If these components are not mixed in the right ratio, you won’t end up with the results you expect. The finished piece will either remain sticky and soft or may have uncured spots.
This is why it’s essential to know the ratio specified by the resin manufacturer and use tools that are accurate.
Mixing the resin too quickly
Mixing epoxy resin is more than just blending the liquid; it’s also about mixing it with care and patience. Stirring the mixture too quickly creates bubbles that get trapped in the epoxy and remain even after curing.
Ignoring your workspace
The curing of resin is highly dependent on the environment where it’s mixed. If the workspace is full of dust, is too hot, too cold or humid, the epoxy resin will not cure properly. This will leave imperfections in the resin art piece. Always use a clean workspace and keep it well maintained before you start your work.
Too much pigment and other additions
Using additives such as colorants to change the color of epoxy resin and mica powder and other decorative elements is very common, but doing so in excessive quantities can cause problems for you in the final piece. This will either affect curing or leave you with a less-clear piece of resin art.
When adding color to your pieces, remember to do so in small quantities. This will keep your resin pieces looking the same as before but adding visual interest.
Not properly removing bubbles
It’s inevitable that you’ll form some air bubbles when you mix epoxy resin with a hardener. If these don’t go away, it affects the final product, especially if it’s something with a high-quality surface finish.
Using heat from a heat gun or a torch to gently melt the surface bubbles is the most common way to avoid having them trapped in your final piece. Be careful though; too much heat can lead to discoloration.
Taking your resin piece from the mold too soon
Resin needs time to cure completely, and once it does, you should take it out of the mold or it will stick to it or warp. Even when the resin feels fully cured, there is more work to be done, so make sure you follow the manufacturer’s recommended cure times.
Skipping the finishing step
After the resin has fully cured, it looks good, right? Well, not necessarily. For resin novices and hobbyists, epoxy resin pieces can easily be left unfinished, which results in a less polished, less professional-looking piece.
After your epoxy resin has cured, it’s recommended you sand and polish it to give it more shine and to remove any remaining imperfections.
Conclusion
The most common resin art errors are usually caused by rushing the process, mixing the ingredients incorrectly, or improper work surface preparation. However, by following the right technique, making sure your workspace is clean and well maintained, and giving resin pieces enough time to cure, you’ll be creating better pieces more often. With a little practice and attention to detail, you’ll be on your way to becoming an accomplished epoxy resin artist in no time.
