Epoxy resin is an excellent material that can be classified as one of the best inventions of mankind. It possesses such qualities as reliability and strength, and in skillful hands it is possible to create real works of art from it.
To learn how to make unusual crafts from epoxy resin, you need to familiarize yourself with the features of this material.
Epoxy resin: features
Epoxy resin belongs to synthetic products, there are no natural components in its composition. The two main components of this material are resin and hardener, which must be mixed following the instructions.
The properties of epoxy resin include the following points:
- It has a high level of strength
- Resin is highly abrasion resistant
- Has the ability to waterproof
- After solidification, it does not emit harmful substances
In the photo of epoxy resin crafts, you can clearly see that when this material hardens, it looks incredibly beautiful. The resin is completely transparent, so crafts from it are original, especially when other decorative elements are added inside the hardened resin.
Resin should not be confused with epoxy glue, it is completely unsuitable for creating crafts, since it contains a plasticizer.
Safety regulations
To get started with this material, you need to know the safety rules. You should beware of harmful fumes that are formed when mixing the hardener and resin.
- Gloves are used for work.
- A respirator must be worn on the face.
- The room must be ventilated.
- Keep other people out of the workplace without a mask.
Making epoxy
Every beginner asks the question - where to buy epoxy resin for crafts? You can purchase this material in some hardware stores and workshops, as well as order it on the Internet.
The following materials are used to create epoxy:
- Hardener and resin;
- Disposable syringes, measuring cups can be taken;
- A stick with which you can stir the mixture;
Disposable syringes allow you to measure the most accurate amount of a substance, so the proportions will be ideal. The resulting composition must be thoroughly mixed, there should be no bubbles.
If bubbles do appear, you need to heat the mixture, the bubbles will rise to the surface and they can be easily removed. The exact price for DIY epoxy depends on the manufacturer and the particular store.
Epoxy resin products
Clear epoxy is a terrific foundation for creativity. A huge number of products can be made from it, from furniture to jewelry.
- Epoxy resin filler floor
- Jewelry and bijouterie
- Furniture
- Kitchen apron
- Dishes
It is best for a beginner to start with the simplest work of ideas that will allow you to learn how to work with this material and help you create your first creation.
Crafts for beginners
If there is no experience with epoxy resin, a video of making crafts from epoxy resin will come to the rescue. The most common idea for inexperienced craftsmen is to use molds.
These are special molds that can be used to create a beautiful pendant, keychain or just a figurine. The mold itself is soft and pliable, so when the product hardens, it will be easy to remove it from this mold.
Molds can be bought at any craft store, they are very plastic, do not react with the material and serve for a long time.Dried flowers for products must be well dried, otherwise they will lose their appearance and may darken, all other elements - stones, shells, beads must be cleaned with alcohol, that is, completely fat-free.
Handicraft processing
- Craft decor can be put into a mold, then pour in a thin stream of resin. There is another way - first, resin is poured into the mold, then the decor is carefully immersed.
- The finished product can be polished, but it is worth remembering that when sanding epoxy resin emits a lot of dust, so be sure to wear a protective mask and special goggles.
- To prevent dust from scattering around the room, you need to periodically moisten sandpaper or a file with water.
In order for the product to be stored as long as possible, it must be covered with a transparent varnish. All DIY epoxy crafts may have some defects that you can easily get rid of. Only experience and practice will help you create unique masterpieces that will delight the eye.
Choosing an epoxy resin
When purchasing this material, you should consider the following points.
- The hardness of the resin is influenced by the hardener.
- Color - The resin can be either transparent or colored. Special dyes are added to it, including glitter.
- It is best to use a resin that is as UV resistant as possible.
Tips for Beginners
Before you start working with epoxy for pouring a craft, there are certain points you need to know.
- Epoxy resin is very difficult to wash off clothes, so during work you need to use an apron and not wear new things.
- The decor can provoke bubbles around it, this should be noticed before the resin hardens.
- If you pour a tree, it must be primed first.
- Be sure to respect the proportions.
- You need to start with small forms and fills in order to understand how the resin behaves and what happens in all processes of working with this material.
- Do not mix large quantities of resin in one container.
- Hardening and curing are two different things. Initially, the resin must be allowed to harden, then it gains strength for up to four days. And only then can the product be sanded and processed.
- Dried flowers are poured in two stages so they do not float.
Knowing how to make an epoxy craft can help you learn how to make amazing things, from small jewelry to gorgeous, durable furniture. By understanding the nuances and following the technique, anyone can learn how to create masterpieces from epoxy resin.
Photo of epoxy resin crafts
