If you have just started exploring resin, this is a great place to ask questions, share experiences, and get honest advice from others learning the same way. Resin work looks complex at first, but once you understand how it behaves, it opens up endless creative projects. People use it for jewellery, artwork, model bases, tabletops, and even furniture finishing.
There are three common types of resin. Epoxy resin is ideal for beginners because it cures slowly, has very little smell, and finishes clear. Polyester resin sets quickly and can be brittle. Polyurethane resin cures fast and strong but tends to yellow more easily. Learning with epoxy helps you focus on technique before worrying about speed.
Temperature, ratio, and mixing are what make or break a pour. Resin does not dry; it cures through a chemical reaction. If the room is too cold, the reaction slows down or never completes. Keep the temperature steady around 22 to 25°c. Always measure each part accurately using the manufacturer’s ratio. Guessing or changing the ratio usually leads to sticky or rubbery resin.
Mix gently for a few minutes and scrape every side and corner of your cup. Fast stirring traps air and creates bubbles. If you see bubbles rising after pouring, wave a heat gun or warm hairdryer over the surface to help them pop. Be careful not to overheat, because too much heat can cause the resin to cure unevenly or crack.
Safety matters even for small projects. Use gloves, cover your work area, and keep the room well ventilated. Avoid using plastic that melts easily or wooden surfaces you care about. Silicone mats, baking paper, or disposable plastic sheets make cleanup simple.
Every beginner encounters a few failed pieces. Sticky surfaces, cloudy finishes, and bubbles happen to everyone. Each mistake teaches you something new about timing, temperature, or mixing. Keep practising, and soon you will start predicting how your resin will behave.
