★ DIY Resin Casting Instructions | Jewelry Projects & More Craft Tutorials ★

Resin is a liquid plastic which can be clear (and have different small objects embedded in it if you want), or it can be coloured with pigments.

The types of resin used in the projects below, and those most used for small scale craft in general, are polyester resins and epoxy resins. They both require two liquids to be mixed together in accurate proportions in order to start off the hardening of the resin.

Epoxy resins are mainly pouring/coating resins (such as 'Envirotex Lite') and are designed to be used in thin layers, to coat images, fill shallow bezels, or fill shallow molds. However, there are also casting epoxy resins, such as 'EasyCast' resins, which can be used in deeper molds.
Epoxy resins are more expensive than polyester resins, but they smell much less and are less toxic.

Polyester resins are used when the molds are deeper than around 0.5", and with this type of resin, the casts can be poured all in one go rather than in layers. The most common brand of polyester resin is Clear Polyester Casting Resin, which is good to use if you are embedding objects to be displayed within your casting.

A small amount of a 'catalyst' is mixed in with the polyester resin to start off the hardening reaction before the resin is poured into the mold. Make sure you follow the resin instructions and add exactly the right amount of catalyst, as the wrong amount can cause problems later. Mix the components in disposable, unwaxed plastic cups, using wood popsicle/lollipop sticks.

Whilst you're waiting for resin to harden, cover the open mold with plastic wrap if you like, to stop dust and debris getting inside. Try and keep your workspace clean, to make sure your resin is untainted.

A few possible materials you can use to create your own custom mold are: silicone rubber (a popular option), re-meltable PVC (Gelflex or Vinamould), or polyurethane resin/rubber. These are all flexible so can accommodate undercuts on the shape you want to cast. Wood and plaster are solid mold materials which can be used - although they must be sealed with primer sealer, and a release agent must be used so the resin doesn't stick to it.

Molds can be made in in one part for simple shapes, or two parts for more detailed designs. If you don't want to make your own molds, you can buy trays from craft stores which let you cast lots of different simple shapes. These are usually made in smooth hard plastic, and you can add some mold release sprays to these trays if you want, to make it easier to remove the resin.

For coloring resin, opaque and transparent resin pigments are available. It is possible to experiment with different coloring methods such as using oil paints, acrylic paints, fabric dyes, tempura powder, pastels, micro glitter, and even eye shadow, although these could affect curing (solidifying) time. You just have to use trial and error really!

Resin can be drilled and burred. It may be better to use dental burr bits rather than drill bits in order to reduce the risk of chipping. Resin gets hot when drilled so must be cooled regularly.

It's best to leave resin to cure completely before finishing it by sanding and polishing. A file (e.g. coarse toothed file) is usually used to take off any rough areas and sharp edges. Then wet and dry sandpapers are used with water, starting with coarse grades (p320) and finishing with fine grades (p1200) of paper.

The resin can then be hand or machine polished. Hand polish with liquid metal polish like Brasso, or use a cotton/wool mop on a polishing machine with a specialised polishing compound. A hand-held Dremel could also be used.

SAFETY TIPS; Make sure you are working in a well-ventilated area, or outdoors if it is practical. Do not have any heat sources near the resin.
Wear disposable gloves, and a vapors mask, especially when dealing with polyester resin. It is recommended to wear eye goggles/safety glasses as well, especially when sanding/drilling the resin.
Any molds, cups, dishes etc. that come into contact with the resin must not be used for any other purpose.
Put wax paper or newspaper down on your workspace in case of spillages and be sure to work on a level surface. Don't mix the resin quickly or pour from much of a height, as this will introduce bubbles. Always follow the instructions on the resin you use, taking special care in mixing accurate amounts of resin and catalyst/hardener together.
For specific safety info, refer to the instructions on your resin packaging.

A few ideas on what to embed in your clear resin:
Gems, jewels, foil (gold/silver), beads, crystals, pearls, springs/wire, confetti, dead insects, souvenirs, hardware, printed images, photos, mirror discs, sequins, paper/quilling, pressed flowers, dried foliage, leaves, shells, fossils, found objects, bones, shark teeth, charms, metal shapes, sprinkles, candy, feathers, computer chips/resistors/circuit board, fabric lace, coffee beans, glitter, pebbles, buttons, cogs, watch parts, polymer clay slices, mosaic pieces, embroidery/cross stitch/needlepoint, found objects, coins, plastic toys, collections, stamps, letters, wall art, cotton threads, art yarns, rhinestones, metal spikes, nails, silk flowers....to name but a few!

If you want to embed paper, fabric or photos, you'll need to seal them first to protect and preserve them. Coat them with a vinyl resin glue/sealer and let that dry before adding resin.

Items which you can make from resin include:
Paperweights, jewelry, sculpture/decorative objects, chandelier crystals, replicas of most solid objects (e.g. figurines/models/toys/dolls/candlesticks/lollipops/(shark) teeth/fossils/garden gnomes), coasters, kitchen backsplash, decorative tiles, counter/table top, photo frame, wall art, puppet, Christmas ornaments, fridge magnets, alphabet letters, pen holder etc. You could also coat artwork and photos in epoxy resin before displaying them.

Resin casting is often used to produce collectible and customized toys and figures too, as well as ball-jointed dolls and scale models of individual components or transport like trains, planes and ships.