Epoxy Resin Art- For Beginners Who Need Special Instructions- Speaking From Experience (Rookie Mistakes 101)

Epoxy Resin art is not something you just want to dive right into, without at least doing a little bit of research first! I say this, because, well, several years ago I mindlessly dove right into epoxy resin work, with zero knowledge or preparation. Among all the consequences of my doing so, the worst was being hospitalized with Chemical Pneumonia, as a result of being ILL-INFORMED, and driven by ASSUMPTION (a reckless and dangerous combination)*...

At the hospital, the nurse asked what type of work I do, to which I responded, "I'm an artist."

When the reason for my visit was revealed to be the result of me mixing and working with the hazardous chemicals of epoxy resin... (from sun-up to sun-down, for four consecutive days, in a small room, with the door shut and NO ventilator nor even a fan..)....The nurse was kind enough to refrain from verbally calling me out, however her facial expression screamed, "Artist, huh? More like 'Rookie'.."

That was a real bad deal; but a learning experience- without a doubt! While I was down, I took advantage of my involuntary free time, using it to educate myself- as to avoid any further disabling mishaps in the world of epoxy resin. That two-month "study-break," aided my full recovery and it has since been followed by many, safe & successful epoxy resin projects. Four years of trial and experience later- I am now confident and qualified to advise you, and hopefully* help prevent you from making the same mistakes I tortured myself with, once upon a time!

Since we've already grazed the surface of this pointer, we will begin by going over the importance of protecting your lungs from chemical burn. If you are using a two-part epoxy mixture- it is important to understand that as soon as you combine part A with part B, you have created a chemical reaction- one that is hazardous and toxic when inhaled, causing sensitization. Particles and fumes created in the air by the combination of the two part mixture can cause reactions in the unprotected human body ranging from mild skin irritation- to more severe inflammation of the lungs and could ultimately cause permanent damage to your respiratory system. I cannot stress to you enough the vast importance of protecting your lungs and your skin when working with epoxy resin. Please be always cautious and mindful of the following tips:

* Wear a respirator- the biggest threat is presented to your lungs and to your eyes- so your mask needs to cover and protect accordingly. If you do not have a respirator, set a short-term financial goal, making self protection your very next investment. If you insist on improvising in the meantime- you can craft outdoors or in a very well-ventilated space (use a fan if indoors) wear at minimum a mask that covers your mouth and nose, and protective eye wear such as goggles

* Wear latex or rubber gloves

* Wear sleeved clothing that leaves none of your bare skin exposed

* DO NOT mix epoxy resin or work with the uncured mixture in an enclosed room or area. In fact, some artists will say as long as a window is open indoor use is okay- I only support indoor epoxy crafting if the artist is the only person in the (ventilated) area and is wearing a respirator while working. But as far as I'm concerned, to be most effective in protecting yourself, your absolute BEST option is going to be working outdoors, being sure to position structures to block wind flow from carrying debris onto your resin art as it cures.

* Once resin is fully cured / hardened, your finished piece is a completely safe gift or possession- but during the process of curing, whether you're mixing pre-cure; or sanding semi-cure- please take this so seriously- never underestimate these chemicals and the recommended safety precautions advised with their use. After all, overexposure and/or special circumstances could be debilitating at the least, to an irresponsible crafter.

This next tip is in regards to getting the most accurate measurement when combining parts A & B of your epoxy resin. You THINK you're measuring evenly, but you may not be! It's very easy to make this mistake and if you've been doing it this way, it's very likely exactly why you keep seeing inconsistencies, problems, mishaps, or failures in your yield. The 1:1 ratio represents that both parts A & B of the epoxy mixture serve a perfectly equal purpose- therefore you DO NOT want to "eyeball" or "guesstimate," a "ballpark" type of measurement shall not suffice.

Many of your basic "Epoxy Resin DIY" kits will come with cups labeled for accurate measurement. If your epoxy kit did not come with measuring cups, this is another solid financial investment to consider making in the very near future. Measuring cups are crucial to aid you in creating your perfectly equal portions- but for true accuracy, you need at least three measuring cups of the same size*... Below, is a link for a set of silicone measuring cups on Amazon, for less than ten bucks!

(SILICONE CUPS ON AMAZON) -> https://www.amazon.com/Flexible-Silicone-Measuring-Graduated-RVV/dp/B0928TNCJH/ref=sr_1_23?crid=1TVAFCR50PDQW&keywords=silicone+measuring+cups+for+resin&qid=1645032025&sprefix=silicone+measuring+cup%2Caps%2C323&sr=8-23

Let me just tell you, silicone measuring cups are the ONLY measuring cups I recommend for work with epoxy resin. DIY Kits often include a small set of disposable or plastic measuring cups- and when you don't know what you're missing out on, well those crappy cups seem great...The endless list of silicone measuring cup excellence is kind of one of those "if you know, you know," type things. It would almost seem petty to debate or point out the differences, because they are mostly all very small, simple things- of which a night-and-day difference is presented in favor of the usability and function of silicone cups...

BUT, just to mention a couple of my most favorite of their attributes: when pouring, you can literally turn the cup inside out, allowing you access to every last drop of material!!! This feature makes transferring products for mixture an absolute breeze- while the provided accessibility allows you to maintain the accuracy of your measurements throughout the process. Plus, you do "clean up" the next day so that any remaining material can simply be removed from the cups surfaces with a piece of tape!! Need I say more?! Didn't think so.

Here's a pro tip to use for accuracy of measurements:

To obtain the most accurate result, use three separate measuring cups: identical in size; each with their own separate stir-stick. Use a Sharpie or a labeling system to predetermine that each cup will contain the same designated future contents: label one "A," one "B," and the final "AB." Label three stir-sticks accordingly, assigning one stick per each cup.Take your time and carefully fill the two individual cups, A & B, to the exact same measurement with it's according contents. Always allow gravity a few minutes to catch up- so that all contents contribute to the measurable mass- leave no contents or drips resting on the inner-cuff of either cup, before combining both parts "A" and "B" into the "AB" cup. Scrape every last bit of epoxy mixture into the "AB" cup and then begin your stirring.

Despite adding a couple additional seconds to your clean-up, this method of mixing is every bit of worth it. When I first began working with epoxy, I was measuring both parts before mixing, however I was measuring the wrong way. For example: In order to mix 6ML of epoxy to work with, I would simply pour part A in first, stopping at the 3ML line and then in the same cup I'd add part B, filling the remaining space between the 3 ML and 6 ML lines. I kept seeing problems in my results, so I did some research, and discovered that I had been throwing my ratio off, by measuring and mixing parts A & B in the same cup. When I actually thought about it, it made a lot of sense: since the two parts look exactly the same after they've been poured, it's nearly impossible to get an equal understanding of where one part ends and the other begins, when they are dumped on top of one another. But when you measure both parts in two separate cups, and then mix them together into a third cup, you're in full control of the accuracy of your portions.

By the way, I almost didn't mention this because I feel like it could render a "duh," or two .... But then I looked over some of the other "rookie mistakes" and points I've listed here.... I realize, based on my own tribulations, that nothing should be assumed! So, just for the sake of saying it: Your epoxy resin art supplies and your kitchenware or kitchen utensils should not be stored together or used interchangeably. Do not mold epoxy resin in the same molds you use for fondant/cake decorating, under any circumstances.

Next, is another super simple way I improved the results of my epoxy resin art results. It's so simple, that I can't believe it took me a couple months of recurring failure before I caught on and changed this part of my process! See, for some reason, I had it stuck in my head that if I were adding a photo/printed image to a resin piece, that I should seal the image and laminate it with clear tape (to prevent ink from "bleeding"). Once properly sealed, I would submerge the image in the uncured resin so it would dry "within" the piece being molded...I have no idea why I ever thought this was necessary... So much extra work, all just to come up with straight garbage results! ... And often, the image would end up being ruined by the wet epoxy, regardless of my efforts toward "sealing it" .... I just can't express how relieved I was when it finally occurred to me that with minimal effort: dry, unsealed images can be secured behind clear finished/cured molds.... (For the record: I am a bit blonde)

This tip is one of the handiest I could possibly provide! It's another investment that will pay for itself, a million times over. For artists and crafters on a budget, the only expense more intimidating than the epoxy itself, is the dang molds!!! Working with epoxy is NOT cheap, but here's one sure way you can cut down on supply costs:

*Alongside your 2-part epoxy resin DIY mixture, make a purchase of 2-part silicone DIY mixture as well

Imagine the possibilities, when you have the supplies to create your own molds at your convenience! Cast a custom mold around any shape or feasible exterior. This is an absolute game-changer! For those who sell their artwork, like I do, using your own custom molds gives you a unique advantage over other shops whose inventory reflect the like-minded and common popular molds on the market. Nothing like having one-of-a-kind molds, for casting your one-of-a-kind pieces!

Using liquid silicone mixture doubles the mess, which in logic, also doubles the stress, right? Well, in my research I came across a miraculous, MESS-FREE 2-part silicone mixture! It's AMAZING, and I am just obsessed with it- I will never buy a messy, liquid silicone mixture again! Not to mention, I will never buy a costly mold again, either (unless it's just absolutely necessary)

Here's the link for you to order it on Amazon; if you are a Prime member, you'll be making your own molds as soon as tomorrow!

(SILICONE PLASTIQUE ON AMAZON) -> https://www.amazon.com/Silicone-Plastique-Making-Reusable-Non-Toxic/dp/B07XZCQ5FL/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1SLE09GTZLK49&keywords=silicone+plastique&qid=1645031944&sprefix=silicone+plasti%2Caps%2C1031&sr=8-2

If you're creating your own molds, I recommend the use of polymer clay, tin foil and hot glue. For bigger shapes, make up the mass of the object with foil, but cover it with clay to create the smooth surface for your casting. Smaller shapes can be made using just baked polymer clay pieces. Always be mindful of the surface you're creating, and how it's going to reflect in your results. If you use Silicone Plastique, as recommended above, your silicone mixture will have the consistency of putty clay and is super easy to press around and against the exterior of the sample shapes you've created to make your mold castings with. I recommend having your glue gun on hand for if/when you may see fit.

For instance, if you create a mold for a 3D/ encased object, when you go to actually fill it with resin, you're gonna need to seal the mold shut with the resin inside- and what better to do this with, than hot glue?! It creates the perfect liquid-proof seal, AND it doesn't damage your molds or your final product!!!

So, have you set up shop yet? Do you intend to sell your work? My very last bit of rookie advice here is this: with this fun hobby you're also adapting a new skill-set capable of fostering quite the come-up! If you haven't yet considered selling your artwork, take this time to do so. There is no feeling of prideful accomplishment quite like that of making a sale on a product that you created by hand, from the ground up- and then getting to read a highly-rated review of customer satisfaction in response to your product!!! So consider producing a small inventory of replications of your most successful pieces- and get set-up on Etsy or Mercari... I started out with just small shops on both of these platforms, and once I was a couple years in, I decided I had enough inventory to commit to setting up a station/shop at the flea market on the weekends as well. I turned my artistic hobbies into a living, and it was the best choice I ever made (especially in times like these!!) So, in conclusion, my very best advice to you would be: boost your self-confidence and your bank-roll, by making your work available to the public!! I'll even provide links for you to follow to quickly and easily set up your first shop!! ;)

Set up to sell on Mercari: https://merc.li/HsFeTHpFb

Set up to sell on Etsy: https://etsy.com