Are you thinking of taking up a new hobby? If so, resin art could be the new venture for you. Not only is it cool, quirky, and undeniably attractive, but it's also something a bit different from your typical paint and paintbrush.

What is Epoxy Resins?

Epoxy resins are a two-component system that consists of resin and hardener. When you mix the two, a chemical reaction takes place. This causes the liquid resin to eventually harden and create the appearance of a solid plastic. 

You may have seen those 2 minute DIY Facebook videos of people creating beaches on coffee tables, or simply creating psychedelic colorful designs on pieces of wood. Well, if you didn't know — that's resin art. 

When you work with resin, the results you will see are a high-gloss, clear surface, with your art sitting proudly underneath. It's also a very versatile art product, as you can create masterpieces on floors, tables, kitchen counters, and sculptures, or even create jewelry. There are many tutorials out there, so why not give this fantastic art a go?

Here are 3 tips to get you started:

1. Decide What You Are Going To Make

When you're just starting out, many resin artists advise that you decide what you're going to make before you jump straight in. Consider this fluid-painting.com resin art tutorial for a step-by-step guide. 

The reason it is advised that you decide what you are going to make is because you can then choose the right resin for your project. For example, resin in molds isn't the same as the resin you would use to coat artwork. Knowing the difference between the different types will make it easier for you when it comes to choosing your projects.

2. Prepare Your Workspace

Working with resin can be a pretty messy job. All experts advise you to create a protective area with the right materials, to ensure that it doesn't ruin your surfaces. Materials such as wax, silicone, and practically anything with a greasy surface will do the trick. 

When you work on wax paper or parchment paper, you can actually leave the resin to cure and peel away from the surface, creating another cool piece you can enjoy! You can also use mold release to keep it from sticking to molds. It's also great for prolonging the life of molds, too.

3. Understand Resin Safety Precautions

You must remember that resin kits are chemicals, which means they should be treated with care and used only in sensible hands. When working with the two-components, you must wear personal protective gear, alongside working in a well-ventilated area to make sure you keep yourself healthy,

Other precautions you can take that will enable you to keep working with resin for a long time, are to make sure the components you use are arts and crafts friendly and not industry types. 

If you have a ceiling fan, you can put that on too, as well as open as many windows and doors as possible. Ensuring that clean, breathable air is circulating is imperative when you are working with chemicals.

Bottom Line

So, hopefully, you're a little more clued-up when it comes to working with resin!

For best effects in both final products and health and safety, be sure to follow tutorials if you are unsure and research as much as you can before taking on a large project.

Be sure to understand what type of resin is best for what use, and start small. Who knows, you could end up creating some world-class artwork in no time!