What Can You Put In Resin: A Guide on What You Can And Can't Embed
One of the unique properties of resin is its ability to encapsulate and preserve different items within its clear, glossy surface. It can give certain materials a 'wet look' that enhances their visual appeal. However, there are certain things that you can and cannot embed in resin.
Understanding Epoxy Resin and Its Uses
Epoxy resin is a versatile and popular material used in various crafting and art projects. It is a two-component system consisting of resin and hardener, which combine to form a chemical reaction that hardens the liquid resin. The resulting material is a super durable, high-gloss, clear surface that can be used to create a wide range of projects, from beautiful resin jewelry to intricate polymer clay sculptures.
Epoxy resin is commonly used in crafting, art, and home decor projects due to its durability, flexibility, and aesthetic appeal. It can be used to create stunning resin jewelry, polymer clay sculptures, and other decorative items. Epoxy resin is also used in industrial applications, such as flooring, tables, and boat building.
When working with epoxy resin, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing and curing the resin. The mixing process involves combining the resin and hardener in a specific ratio, and the curing process can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the type of resin and the ambient temperature. By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure that your resin projects turn out beautifully and last for years to come.
The Best and Worst Things You Can Put in Resin
A little creativity goes a long way in epoxy resin art, and resin embedding has exploded in popularity with hobbyists, collectors and professional artists alike all across the world. You can find it in many applications, from home décor to jewellery and even incredible artwork. Just the thought of encasing a highly visual item into your epoxy art can open a door to limitless possibilities. It is important to ensure that no living creatures are injured in the process, advocating for the use of ethically sourced or replica items instead.
And yet, there are always the do’s and don’ts we must all observe with the practice of embedding objects in resin. For instance, when placing items during the resin pouring process, it is crucial to use blocks or cups to elevate them, allowing the resin to pour off the edges and ensuring an aesthetically pleasing final result.
What can be embedded in resin, and what should you avoid? Adding various elements like charms, flowers, and seashells can personalize and beautify your resin projects. What are the proper techniques you can practice to earn the finish of a pro? In this article, Just Resin explores all of these questions and more.
Additionally, being aware of preparation techniques and potential outcomes is essential to achieve the best results in your projects.
What Can I Put in Epoxy Resin?
Embedding objects in resin can look great if you choose to use the right objects, consider natural elements, like flowers and leaves
Sunflower petals, daisies, even a special stone are all prime examples of what you can embed in epoxy resin, with striking flowers and leaves among those most popular in resin embedding. All it takes is a careful and proper application technique to achieve that dreamy look. Mastering the mixing and pouring technique is crucial to prevent lightweight materials from dispersing unevenly in the liquid resin mix.
First, you must dry any organic materials with Flower Drying Silica Gels before starting any resin artwork as the moisture can compromise the curing process and finish. You can press the materials in between the pages of a book for a 2-dimensional style, use a silica gel to preserve the material and create a 3-dimensional look, or simply place the object in the bucket supplied and pour the silica gel beads over to achieve the ‘aged’ aesthetic.
Once dried, use a clear sealant or varnish to coat the items and keep them from reacting poorly during the curing process and also will help keep true the colour. Now you are ready to pour, for casting information please checkout Cast an Object.
Charming pieces of wood look great embedded in clear casting resin
When casting wood in resin, prepare the pieces first by sanding them until they are smooth and without any splinters or loose debris. Then, use acetone or degreaser to clean the timber.
Refrain from using metal-polishing creams as they can stain and leave white deposits on the wood. And remember to take proper safety precautions as you complete the above tasks, especially as you work with chemical cleaning supplies. For more information about resin casting with wood please checkout Build a Table.
Preserve Insects in Clear Casting Epoxy Resin
Like other things found in nature, insects need adequate preservation before you can embed them into the resin. Given their delicate nature, you may find it difficult working with insects and need to consider how you suspend these objects in resin, so be sure to adopt a gentle and careful approach as you begin working on the project. Failure to preserve the insects will only result in their decay inside the resin closure.
Precious keepsakes and Figurines Cast In Resin
Another much-loved idea in resin embedding is covering small items like souvenirs, figurines and toys. The tricky part here is the risk that, should the process prove unsuccessful, you might not get your prized possessions back in the same perfect condition, or even at all. While resin art is an excellent way to preserve these precious items and even transform them into works of art, the piece will also be permanent, so it might be best not to embed things you can’t bear to part with. Certain aspects of resin crafting can differ a bit depending on the project.
Select Food Items embedded in resin
It’s possible to embed specific food items in resin. Be sure to work with food options without expiration dates, such as confectionery items, dried fruit, and even some baking ingredients. Also, avoid using food items with holes and gaps as the potential trapped air might affect the curing process. If you really must use them, seal the food first to maintain their colour inside your resin artwork.
Embedding paper in resin
Paper can prove beautiful in resin embedding but might be challenging. Remember that the resin’s initial liquid state might cause unsealed sheets to become damaged by water.
To help, apply PVA glue to plug the paper objects and prevent them from getting ruined (and ensure you have copies of all photographs or artworks).
Resin Casting With Glitter
Glitter is a popular choice for both those who are new to resin, and professionals in the field. Thanks to its versatile nature, artists can introduce glitter in both layers, or mixed before the resin is poured, with you completely in control of the amount you would like to include in the piece.
Small Items Embedded In Resin
If you have a selection of smaller objects in mind, such as confetti, sand, and beads, you might find they prove immensely effective in items like resin coasters, jewellery, and picture frames. They can make a lasting impression while still being available at an incredibly low price. Just make sure to work slowly when it comes to items of this size, such as operating in layers to prevent air bubbles from becoming trapped in the pile, and keep objects from floating in resin or moving in the middle of your design. Incorporating ashes into resin projects can hold emotional significance for the owner, allowing them to preserve the memory of a cherished individual or pet through artistic projects that encapsulate ashes permanently.
Things Not To Be Embedded In Resin
Now that we have explored all of the wonderful things you can add to your next resin art project, it is also important to review some of the materials you should avoid introducing to the process. For instance, a unique art project involved casting pizzas in epoxy resin for a promotional effort, showcasing the creative potential of resin art.
Liquids
For your piece to successfully cure, the resin must mix directly as the instructions state. Unfortunately, any liquid, or items containing an element of moisture, may adversely trigger a chemical reaction, increasing the solidification process and turning white.
Fresh food or plants.
As mentioned before, these items contain moisture that can ruin the curing process. Fresh plants and food hold moisture, and any excess liquid could ruin the curing process.
Additionally, fresh food and plants might rot inside the piece and ruin a once beautiful design.
Items that you don’t want to risk losing
Resin is permanent; you can’t remove items once encased. It is important to be aware that even seasoned professionals make mistakes, so if you are still finding your feet with the foundations of resin art, it is always best to start with items you don’t mind losing. Otherwise, you could find something precious, completely unsalvageable.
Glitter and Ashes
The variety of glitter available means you can run multiple projects without ever running out of options. However, be cautious with ashes as they can move around in the resin while still liquid, requiring careful management to prevent uncontrolled movement.
Safety Precautions and Best Practices for Resin Projects
Working with epoxy resin requires some safety precautions and best practices to ensure a successful and safe project. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Always wear protective gloves and work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling the fumes.
Make sure the workspace is clean and free of dust and debris.
Use a mixing cup and stir stick to mix the resin and hardener, and avoid using a drill or other power tools.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing and curing the resin.
Use a mold or container that is compatible with the type of resin you are using.
Avoid overmixing the resin, as this can create air bubbles and affect the final product.
Use a heat pad or UV light to accelerate the curing process, if necessary.
Keep the workspace clean and organized to avoid accidents and mistakes.
By following these safety precautions and best practices, you can ensure a successful and safe resin project. Remember, a clean and organized workspace is key to avoiding accidents and achieving the best results in your resin art.
Troubleshooting Common Issues in Resin Art
Resin art can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it can also be frustrating when things don’t go as planned. Here are some common issues that can arise in resin art and some tips for troubleshooting:
Air bubbles: Air bubbles can form in the resin due to overmixing or improper pouring. To avoid air bubbles, make sure to mix the resin and hardener slowly and carefully, and pour the mixture slowly into the mold or container.
Cloudy or hazy resin: Cloudy or hazy resin can be caused by improper mixing or curing. To avoid cloudy or hazy resin, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing and curing the resin.
Sticky or tacky resin: Sticky or tacky resin can be caused by improper curing or contamination. To avoid sticky or tacky resin, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for curing the resin, and keep the workspace clean and free of dust and debris.
Cracks or breaks: Cracks or breaks can occur in the resin due to improper curing or handling. To avoid cracks or breaks, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for curing the resin, and handle the finished product with care.
By following these tips and troubleshooting common issues, you can ensure a successful and beautiful resin art project. Remember, patience and attention to detail are key to mastering the art of resin.
Take Your Clear Casting Resin Art To The Next Level
Now that you have learned more about what you can experiment with in resin embedding, you are now set to experiment and create more eternal pieces. Adding various elements such as charms, flowers, seashells, and even ashes can personalize and beautify your resin projects. But what really matters most is that you enjoy the process while being safe.
Just Resin helps resin artists with their craft by providing helpful resources and quality supplies for your every need. Be aware of preparation techniques and potential outcomes to achieve the best results. Browse our selection available online today, or contact our friendly team with any questions you may have about the process.
