What is Resin Art? Learn About This Versatile Medium

May 23, 2024

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Renowned for both its experimental nature and ethereal aesthetic, resin is proving particularly popular among today's top creatives. While the compound—which can be cultivated naturally or synthetically created—has traditionally been used in polishes and varnishes, many contemporary artists and designers are finding new and inventive ways to incorporate the malleable material into their practice. Lustrous like glass but compositionally similar to plastic, resin effortlessly pairs form with functionality, resulting in an endless amount of artistic possibilities.

Here, we will learn more about this versatile medium and how you can start creating resin art, yourself. Additionally, we will take a look at an eclectic selection of resin art, from spectacular sculptural works and three-dimensional “paintings” made on unconventional canvases to twinkling jewelry and avant-garde furniture. Dazzling and diverse, this collection of crystalline art showcases the versatility and beauty of the remarkable material.

Resin, or epoxy resin, is a synthetic material that can be combined with other objects to create many different types of art. The type of resin that is used in art usually begins as a viscous substance and is then cured into a rigid form. While it is a liquid resin, it can be manipulated by adding ingredients and other materials, and once it is fully cured, it is extremely durable and can withstand extreme temperatures.

Typically, it is a “thermosetting plastic” that is mixed in a ratio two parts—a methyl methacrylate liquid has a catalyst added to it which causes it to set into a transparent form. For this reason, it's sometimes referred to as AB resin.

UV resin is also a popular type of material to use for smaller objects. Unlike AB resin, this form of it is solar activated; just put it in the sun or under a UV light and it will cure in just minutes.

Resin can be removed using chemical solvents like IPA, or isopropyl alcohol.

Photo: Stock Photos from Velimir Isaevich/Shutterstock

Resin is rarely used by itself. In art, it typically has components added like pigment powder to create a colorful hue, or it's used to encase objects such as dried leaves, flowers, sand, or small charms. Here are the general supplies you'll need to get started (although your tools might change based on your project):

Photo: Stock Photos from Halina Savitskaya/Shutterstock

If you’re just beginning to make your own resin art, it’s best to start on a small scale. Jewelry, for instance, is something that’s easy to manage while still having a lot of creative possibilities. You can use different shapes of pendants, insert dried flowers or charms, and infuse them with a variety of colors.

Don’t know where to start? Check out these helpful YouTube tutorials that show you how to make your own resin art and jewelry with easy-to-follow instructions. You'll want to make sure you have a good work surface before you get started.

Artist Sheri Vegas offers some of her top tips for anyone wanting to make resin art; it's a great video if you're a complete beginner because it introduces you to the very basic techniques and materials needed.

This DIY shows how to incorporate dried flowers into a half circle mold to create your own paper-weight or art object.

In this tutorial, maker jedrek29t shows the meticulous steps he took to create a dazzling aquarium scene from resin.

Making resin rings is easier than you think. NerdEcrafter shares how to create 12 different rings using the same process.

Sandy Huntress of Keepsake Crafts demonstrates how to use UV Resin to create pendants with preserved flowers in them.

In this six-minute video, Ben's Worx shares how to make a pendant using resin and wood.

Once you've got some experience using resin, get more inspiration for creative products when you watch this video. It demonstrates a step-by-step process but doesn't offer a detailed explanation of each action taken.

Learn how to incorporate glitter and pigments into one stunning geode resin.

Here's another video to save once you've gotten more comfortable with making your own resin jewelry. The compilation offers great inspiration by doesn't articulate any steps taken. Instead, it simply shows you Aprelskaya's process.

If you prefer a source you can refer back to at your own pace, then consider picking up one of these books on resin art. Some of these texts will provide great insight into starting resin jewelry, while others elaborate on essential techniques. There are also guides on how to do woodturning with epoxy resin.

Photo: Wood All Good

Photo: Secret Wood

Photo: Britta Boeckmann

Photo: PAGANE Uniques

Photo: Daimblond

Photo: Luna Flora Designs

Photo: L'Atelier de Lizzie

Photo: I Sew Cute

Photo: ArtbyAelia

Photo: Alexandre Chapelin

Photo: Hattern

Photo: Bich Nguyen

Photo: Tatiane Freitas

Photo: Stelios Mousarris

Photo: Iluka London

Photo: Isana Yamada

Photo: Yukio Takano

Photo: Annaluigia Boeretto

Photo: Loris Cecchini

Photo: Jonathan Whitfill

Photo: Deranged Donkey

Photo: Stefano Prina

Photo: Oodesign

Photo: Bruce Riley

Photo: Riusuke Fukahori

Photo: Lillian Lee

Photo: Jessica Dunegan

Once the resin is fully cured, it should be highly durable and can withstand extreme temperatures, and does not rust or corrode.

Resin artwork is jewelry, sculpture, furniture, and paintings made with epoxy or casting resin.

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resinepoxy resinEpoxy or Casting ResinUV Resin Epoxy Resin PigmentDisposable CupsWood SticksDisposable GlovesTop Tips and Tricks to Create Resin Art for BeginnersDried Flowers in Resin by Garden AnswersDIY Aquarium by jedrek29tHow to Make 12 Resin Rings by NerdEcrafterResin Pendant Jewelry Tutorial by Keepsake CraftsHow to Make a Secret Wood Pendant Necklace by Ben's Worx21 Clay and Resin DIYs by 5-Minute CraftsCreate a Resin Geode by Taryn TrueArtFairy Pendants Made From Dried Plants and Epoxy Resin by Maria Aprelskayabooks on resin artDreamy Landscape Pendants by Wood All GoodYear-Round Rings by Secret WoodShoreline Necklaces by Britta BoeckmannFine Art Bangles by PAGANE UniquesGlistening Gold-Flecked Bands by DaimblondCrescent Moon Medallions by Luna Flora DesignsMermaid Tail Necklaces by L'Atelier de LizzieSpace-y Statement Pieces by I Sew Cute“Fiery” Necklaces by ArtbyAeliaOceanic Tables by Alexandre Chapelin of LA TABLESwirling Dining Room Table by Bich NguyenKintsugi With a Twist by Tatiane FreitasRocket Coffee Table by Stelios MousarrisNatural Wood Lamps by Iluka LondonWorlds Within Whales by Isana YamadaEnchanting Mushrooms by Yukio TakanoSplashing Sculptures by Annaluigia BoerettoSculpted Vibrations by Loris CecchiniEnlightening Book Wheels by Jonathan WhitfillLava Block by Deranged DonkeyDragon Eyes by Stefano PrinaGravity-Defying Flowers by OodesignPsychedelic Panels by Bruce RileyGoldfish Bowls by Riusuke FukahoriDazzling Dragons by Lillian LeeFemale Portraits by Jessica DuneganDoes resin break easily?What is resin artwork?

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