How to use epoxy resin for complete beginners

Summary

Join Gathered Makes for a beginner-friendly guide on crafting with epoxy resin. Learn to prepare your workspace with a silicone mat and gloves, mix the two-part resin carefully, and pour it into molds to create beautiful crafts. Discover how to reduce air bubbles, add confetti or mica powder for a touch of color, and create 2-pour projects or charms with glitter. This tutorial also covers safety tips, like working in a ventilated area and avoiding allergic reactions. Get inspired to make personalized gifts with epoxy resin, and subscribe for more crafty insights.

Takeaways

• 🛠️ Prepare your workspace with a silicone mat and protective gloves to handle epoxy resin safely.
• 🧪 Epoxy resin is a two-part liquid that requires mixing resin and hardener together according to package instructions.
• 🌬️ Work in a well-ventilated area and be aware of potential allergic reactions to the resin.
• 🔥 Warming the resin and molds can help reduce air bubbles in the final product.
• ⏱️ Allow the resin to cure for the time specified in the package instructions, such as 24 hours for a coaster.
• 🎨 For a two-pour project, add decorative elements like confetti sprinkles between the pours of resin.
• ✨ Incorporate mica powder and glitter into the resin for a sparkly effect, ensuring even distribution.
• 🔨 Use a toothpick to help the resin settle into the details of the mold.
• 🔩 After the resin hardens, remove the mold and drill a hole for attaching the charm to a keyring or jewelry.
• 🎁 Epoxy resin charms can be personalized with alphabet letters, making them great gifts.
• 🌈 Pigment inks can also be added to the resin for a deep color effect.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the video?

The purpose of the video is to demonstrate how to use epoxy resin for crafting various items, such as coasters and charms.

What materials are needed to start working with epoxy resin?

To start working with epoxy resin, you need a silicone mat, cups, stirring sticks, toothpicks, a mold, gloves, and optionally, pastel confetti sprinkles, mica powder, and glitter.

Why is it important to work in a well-ventilated space when using epoxy resin?

Working in a well-ventilated space is important to prevent inhalation of potentially harmful fumes and to ensure proper evaporation of the resin mixture.

What precautions should be taken to avoid allergic reactions when handling epoxy resin?

To avoid allergic reactions, one should wear gloves and discontinue use if any skin irritation or breathing problems occur.

How can you reduce the amount of air bubbles in the epoxy resin?

To reduce air bubbles, warm the resin in a jug of warm water and possibly rest the bottles on a hot water bottle before mixing.

What is the recommended method for mixing epoxy resin and hardener?

Follow the package instructions carefully to measure out the correct amounts of resin and hardener, and mix them thoroughly for the time specified.

How long should you wait before adding a second pour of resin on top of the first pour?

You should wait until the first pour has hardened, which according to the script, is typically 24 hours.

What can be added to the epoxy resin for decorative purposes?

You can add pastel confetti sprinkles, dried flowers, glitter, mica powder, and pigment inks to the epoxy resin for decorative effects.

How can you create a two-pour project with epoxy resin?

To create a two-pour project, first fill the mold halfway with resin and let it harden. Then add decorative items like confetti and pour a second layer of resin on top, allowing it to harden again.

What can be done with the finished epoxy resin charms?

The finished epoxy resin charms can be turned into keyrings or jewelry by drilling a small hole in the top with a mini resin drill.

How can the epoxy resin be used for personalized gifts?

Epoxy resin can be used to make alphabet charms, which can be personalized and given as gifts to friends.

What is the recommended way to distribute mica powder evenly throughout the resin?

Stir the mica powder well into the resin to ensure an even distribution before pouring it into the mold.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 Crafting with Epoxy Resin: Basics and Techniques

This segment introduces viewers to the basics of using epoxy resin for crafting. It emphasizes the importance of a well-ventilated workspace and the use of protective gloves due to potential allergic reactions. The process begins with preparing the workspace with a silicone mat and gathering necessary tools such as cups, stirring sticks, toothpicks, a mold, and gloves. The tutorial then explains how to mix the two-part epoxy resin, highlighting the addition of pastel confetti sprinkles for a decorative touch. It also advises on warming the resin and mold to reduce air bubbles and provides step-by-step instructions for a two-pour project, including filling the mold, allowing it to harden, adding confetti, and completing the pour. The segment concludes with a mention of a one-pour method using mica powder and glitter, which will be demonstrated in subsequent parts of the video.

05:16

💍 Creating Epoxy Resin Charms and Decorative Items

The second paragraph delves into creating decorative epoxy resin charms and other items. It details the process of teasing the resin into the mold's details using a toothpick and assures viewers that any excess resin will be easily removed once hardened. The charms can be transformed into keyrings or jewelry by drilling a small hole. The video also touches on making alphabet charms, which are a popular project for children to create as gifts. The paragraph expands on the variety of materials that can be incorporated into the resin, such as mica powder, glitter, and pigment inks for color. The summary concludes with an invitation to subscribe to Gathered Makes for more craft tutorials, emphasizing the enjoyment and educational value of the guide provided for beginners in epoxy resin crafting.

Keywords

💡Epoxy Resin

Epoxy resin is a type of plastic material formed from the reaction of an epoxy resin with a hardener. It is known for its strong adhesive properties and durability. In the context of the video, epoxy resin is the primary material used for crafting various decorative items. The script mentions mixing it with a hardener and pouring it into molds to create charms and coasters.

💡Silicone Mat

A silicone mat is a non-stick, heat-resistant surface used for protecting work areas during various crafting and DIY projects. In the video, a silicone mat is recommended to cover the working surface to ensure that the epoxy resin does not stick and to facilitate easy cleanup.

💡Two-Part Liquid

The term 'two-part liquid' refers to a mixture that consists of two separate components that need to be combined to achieve the desired properties. In this video, epoxy resin is described as a two-part liquid that requires mixing resin with a hardener to initiate the curing process, which is essential for crafting with epoxy resin.

💡Pastel Confetti Sprinkles

Pastel confetti sprinkles are small decorative pieces that come in light, soft colors. They are used in this video as an additive to the epoxy resin to create a visually appealing effect within the resin crafts. The script mentions adding these sprinkles as part of the two-pour project.

💡Ventilation

Ventilation refers to the circulation of fresh air in a space to ensure a healthy environment. The script emphasizes the importance of working in a well-ventilated area when using epoxy resin, as it can release fumes that need to be properly dispersed to prevent health issues.

💡Allergic Reaction

An allergic reaction is a response of the body's immune system to a foreign substance. The video script warns about the possibility of having an allergic reaction to epoxy resin and advises to stop using it if any skin irritation or breathing problems occur, highlighting the importance of safety precautions.

💡Warm Resin

In the context of the video, 'warm resin' refers to the practice of warming the epoxy resin before use. Warming the resin can help reduce the formation of air bubbles, which can affect the final appearance of the resin crafts. The script suggests placing the resin in a jug of warm water to achieve this.

💡Mica Powder

Mica powder is a pigment that can be added to epoxy resin to create a shimmering effect and add color. In the video, mica powder is used in the one-pour method to give the resin a metallic and sparkling appearance, enhancing the visual appeal of the finished product.

💡Pipette

A pipette is a laboratory tool used for transferring small, measured volumes of liquid. In the script, a pipette is mentioned as a useful tool for pouring epoxy resin into smaller molds, allowing for greater precision and control during the crafting process.

💡Mini Resin Drill

A mini resin drill is a small tool used for drilling into hardened epoxy resin. The video script describes using this tool to create holes in the finished resin charms, which can then be used to attach them to keyrings or incorporate them into jewelry.

💡Pigment Inks

Pigment inks are a type of ink that contains fine particles of pigment suspended in a liquid. In the video, pigment inks are suggested as an alternative additive to epoxy resin, providing a deep color to the resin and offering more customization options for the crafts.

Highlights

Introduction to using epoxy resin for crafts

Use a silicone mat to cover your working surface

Epoxy resin is a two-part liquid that requires mixing

Essential tools include cups, stirring sticks, toothpicks, a mould, and gloves

Adding pastel confetti sprinkles for a creative touch

Work in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves for safety

Potential allergic reactions and the importance of stopping use if irritation occurs

Using warm resin and molds to reduce air bubbles

Instructions for warming the resin in warm water

Measuring resin and hardener according to package instructions

Thorough mixing of resin as per the recommended time

Pouring the mixed resin into the mould

Demonstration of a two-pour project with the first pour

Harden the first pour and add confetti for the second pour

Removing the mould to reveal the finished epoxy resin object

One-pour method using mica powder and glitter for a different effect

Even distribution of mica powder throughout the resin

Using a toothpick to work resin into the details of the mould

Creating epoxy resin charms and turning them into keyrings or jewelry

Alphabet epoxy resin charms as a fun craft for kids and gifts

Using pigment inks for a deep color effect in the resin

Conclusion and invitation to subscribe for more craft videos

Transcripts

Hello and welcome to Gathered Makes. 

This video will show you how  to use epoxy resin for crafts. 

Cover your surface with a silicone mat.

Epoxy resin itself is a two-part  liquid that you mix together.

You also need cups, stirring sticks, toothpicks, a mould and some gloves.

Today we are adding pastel confetti sprinkles.

Always work in a well ventilated space a and wear gloves.

It is possible to have an allergic reaction, so stop using it if you notice any skin irritation or breathing problems.

Using warm resin and warm molds will help to reduce the amount of air bubbles you get

Warm your resin in a jug of warm water before you begin.

You could also rest your bottles on a hot water bottle for this stage.

Following the pack instructions carefully, measure out some resin and some hardener.

Mix your resin thoroughly, for the amount of time stated in the pack instructions.

Pour the Epoxy resin into your mould.

You can also use a pipette or small spoon when working with smaller moulds.

For this tutorial we will show you how to do a 2 pour project. This is part 1.

Fill the mould until it is half full of resin.

Leave to harden for the amount of time stated in the pack instructions. We have left our coaster to dry for 24 hours.

The first pour is now hardened. Leave it in the mould.

Pour some confetti sprinkles into the mould. You can also use dried flowers or glitter here.

Pour a second pour of resin on top. Now leave to harden.

Remove the mould to reveal your finished object.

Now let's try a one pour method using mica powder and glitter.

Stir some mica powder well into the resin.

You want to distribute the powder evenly through the resin.

Then add some glitter if you want extra sparkle.

Pour your metallic resin into the mould.

Use a tooth pick to tease the resin into the smaller nooks and crannies of the mould.

Don't worry if you end up with little drops on the mould.These will come away from the mould once the resin has hardened.

Leave to dry and then remove the mould to reveal your Epoxy Resin Charms.

You can turn these into keyring or jewellery by drilling a small hole int he top with a mini resin drill.

You can also use resin to make alphabet Epoxy resin charms.

My kids love making these as gifts for  their friends

You can add all sorts of things to your  resin – we've shown you mica powder and glitter  

You can also use these pigment inks and  they give your resin a lovely deep colour.

We hope you enjoyed our guide to how to use epoxy resin for beginners.

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