Which Resin Kit Do I Need?

Epoxy Resin Kits Offer Endless Possibilities

There are so many fun things about resin art and because you can't control it completely, it allows you to express yourself creatively. One of the most exciting aspects of resin art is the endless possibilities it offers. There are countless techniques and styles that can be achieved with a resin kit, making each piece truly unique.

If you prefer a smooth, glossy finish or a textured, abstract design, to coat an object or create a casting, resin allows you to experiment and create something entirely your own. From pigments and inks to glitter and dried flowers, there are no limits to what you can incorporate into your artwork. This allows for personalisation and adds depth and dimension to the final product. Creating art with a resin art kit requires patience and precision, as well as a bit of trial-and-error. While this may seem intimidating at first, it actually makes the process more enjoyable as you learn from your mistakes and continue to improve with each pour. With some patience and practice, anyone can create beautiful art from a simple resin kit.

What is A Resin Kit?

A resin kit is a collection of pre-measured epoxy resin and hardener components that are used to create various types of crafts, artworks, decorative items, and even functional objects.

The two main components in a resin kit are liquid resins, normally providing the bulk of the material, and hardeners or catalysts that initiate the chemical reaction between the resins to form a solid material. This means that when the two components in a resin kit are mixed together, they undergo a chemical reaction that transforms them from their liquid state to a solid form. Resin kits are popular among artists, crafters, and DIY enthusiasts because they offer a versatile medium that can be moulded into any shape and tinted with various colours. Because of its high strength and resistance to impact, making it ideal for items such as jewellery, coasters, and tabletops. It also has excellent clarity, which allows for intricate designs to be captured within the resin without losing detail or colour vibrancy. 

Exploring Types Of Resin Art Kits

The beauty of resin art is that it transforms ordinary surfaces into works of art. From tabletops to coasters, jewellery to wall hangings, the possibilities are endless with resin. It allows you to transform everyday objects into unique and beautiful pieces that reflect your personal style. But, it is crucial to be organised and prepared for a successful pour when using an epoxy resin kit. To understand resin art and how to create it, let's take a closer look at resin art kits.

Some art resin kits include all the necessary materials and tools for beginners to get started with resin art, while others offer a wider range of products for more experienced artists. Casting resin kit and coating resin kit are two main types of kits available, each designed for a specific purpose.

Casting resin kit is perfect for creating three-dimensional pieces such as jewellery, figurines, or decorative objects. They typically include a two-part epoxy resin kit , casting epoxy and a hardener, measuring cups and sticks for accurate mixing, as well as silicone moulds and other materials to create unique shapes. These resin starter kits are ideal for beginners because they provide everything needed to start experimenting with resin art without the need for additional tools or materials. Check out our casting resin guide Using Casting Resin To Create Works Of Art.

Coating resin kits are best suited for applying a glossy finish on surfaces like paintings, tabletops, or countertops. This clear resin kit usually comes with a clear epoxy resin that can be poured over an existing surface to create a smooth and durable coat.

Beginner resin kit or resin starter kit usually comes with resin, mixing cups, stir sticks, and a mould. Some kits may also include pigments or dyes for colouring the resin. More advanced kits may come with additional tools such as silicone moulds, heat guns for removing air bubbles, and various types of embellishments like glitter or dried flowers to add texture and dimension to their creations.

When starting with resin, it is important to read and follow the instructions carefully. Resin can be tricky to work with as it has a short working time before it starts to harden. Take a look at our Resin Art Basic Steps For Beginners to help you start creating.

Craft resin kit options can also vary in size, with some containing smaller resin kit quantities perfect for experimenting or creating small pieces, while others offer larger quantities for bigger projects. With the growing popularity of resin art, there is a wide variety of craft resin kit options available. Some may be specifically designed for creating jewellery or home decor items, while others may be suitable for casting larger objects like coasters or trays. These kits often come with a variety of additives such as glitter, pigments, and moulds to add texture and enhance the final product. For more resin craft ideas see How To Use Craft Resin For Art.

Acrylic resin kit also known as eco resin, is a versatile and environmentally friendly material that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Made from a mineral powder base and a water-based acrylic liquid. The mineral powder base is made from Gypsum, Plaster / Plaster of Paris. Normally Plaster of Paris is mixed and cured with water, but it will not be as strong as an eco resin, due to the lacking properties of crosslinking and the hard curing nature of high solids acrylic resin. By adding the water based acrylic resin, it makes it a lot stronger. The water based acrylic liquid acts as a binder to hold all the components together. This is an opaque white to off-white plaster casting material. It has a semi-gloss/gloss finish, but is not epoxy resin. Check out our How To Use Acrylic Resin guide.

Epoxy resin table kit is the go to resin kit for river tables, epoxy tables and resin deep pour requirements. These larger resin art projects often require bulk resin kits, so to be able to complete the deep pour economically from one resin kit. The type of deep pour resin in this epoxy table kit is a two part epoxy designed for casting resin projects. Characteristics often are low exothermic nature and low viscosity, enabling fewer deeper pours.

For more information about the types of resin kits available from Just Resin, head over to our Which Epoxy Resin page.

Using Epoxy Resin Kits In Art

The process of using resin to make art is relatively simple but requires precision and attention to detail. Let's take a look at a common resin art project often created with our resin kits, an epoxy resin wall art piece.

For the creation of resin wall art pieces, we suggest to use purpose made & designed Art Boards – Canvas can sag in the centre due to weight of the Resin, and can warp out of shape immediately or over time. 

Ideal ambient temperature for pouring Resin is 22-25 degrees Celsius, with a maximum of 75% humidity – low humidity for best results. 

Your Art Board should be sealed with two coats of an Artist Quality Gesso – however a cheaper alternative of a 2/3 in 1 primer can be used too if you wish, keeping in mind the archival qualities of a Gesso. Ensure the Gesso is allowed to completely dry. 

Use a spirit level & ensure your work surface is level prior to commencing measuring & mixing your resin. This is very important, as once you begin to pour and the surface is not even, your design will lose its shape and flow over the edge. 

Calculate the amount of Resin required for your piece. The JR Resin Calculator is a great guide. 

Which Resin To Choose?

When it comes to creating resin wall art, choosing the right type of resin is crucial.

There are various types of resin available, each with its own unique properties and uses. The most popular resin for wall art is epoxy resin, as it is known for its durability and clarity. Epoxy resin is also self-levelling, making it easy to work with and perfect for creating smooth finishes on flat surfaces. It can also be pigmented or mixed with other materials such as glitter or alcohol inks to create stunning effects.

Just Resin suggests two art resin kit options for wall art. With these kits from Just Resin, creating unique and eye-catching resin wall art has never been easier or more accessible.

DiamondCote is a 1:1 Ratio Epoxy Resin – For a total of 400mls required, you will need 200mls of Part A & 200mls of Part B. Mix for approx. 3mins, making sure the components are combined well, and ensuring consistency is even throughout, paying attention to the sides and bottom of the mixing vessel. You have an approximate working time of 70 minutes once Part A & B are combined, this time does depend on a variety of factors (see page two). 

JR Art Resin is a 2:1 Ratio Epoxy Resin – For a total of 300mls required, you will need 200mls Part A & 100mls Part B. Mix for approx. 3mins, making sure the components are combined well, and ensuring consistency is even throughout, paying attention to the sides and bottom of the mixing vessel. You have an approximate working time of 40 minutes once Part A & B are combined, this time does depend on a variety of factors (see page two). 

Get The Best Results Using An Epoxy Resin Kit

Pour the resin onto the substrate in your chosen design. There really are no rights or wrongs. Experiment with different techniques, and most of all, have fun.

Air bubbles can be removed with a butane torch, or heat gun. Be sure not to hold the heat too close, and gently sweep over the piece. Don’t leave heat directed in one spot for too long. (A small hand-held kitchen torch is great for beginners). Note that when pouring clear coats using DiamondCote. It is not essential to use heat to remove bubbles. 

To avoid dust landing on your artwork. Use an item such as a cardboard box, plastic container, food cover etc. Be sure that it’s sturdy, and will not fall onto the artwork as its curing. Your artwork will be touch dry in approximately 12-24 hrs and will be fully cured in 7 days.

Head over to our artwork creation page to gain a step by step guide on creating beautiful resin wall art.

Common Just Resin Kit Questions Answered

We love it when artists ask us questions, we love talking about resin art and helping people use our resin kits. Here's a list of common questions we get.

What Are Some Possible Causes Of My Epoxy Kit Going Hard In The Cup? 

1. More than 10% ink/pigment/acrylic paint to Resin ratio used *Making note that some acrylic paints or resin pigment additives may not be compatible and may accelerate curing due to high water content 

2. Too much Part B, measuring is to be precise 

3. Room being too warm, 22-25 degrees is ideal 

4. Leaving mixed Resin in a confined space (eg cup, jug) will accelerate curing and could encounter aggressive exothermic reaction 

What Can I Colour Or Tint My Resin With? 

Various types of pigment pastes, inks, powder pigments and even acrylic paint. Suggest to stay below the ratio of 10% (tint to resin) for best results. Be sure to add a little bit at a time, until you reach your desired colour. *Making note that some acrylic paints or pigment additives may not be compatible and may accelerate curing due to high water content 

What Steps Should I Take To Clear Coat My Acrylic Kit Pours? 

For clear coats over acrylic pours, here are steps that may assist: 

1. Allow the acrylic pour to dry for at least 1 week, must be completely dry

2. If silicone, or silicone like substances have been used, clean away the silicone thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol and a cloth (test in a small section to ensure it does not ruin the painting) - allow to dry 

3. Use a spray varnish or mod podge to seal the acrylic pour, and allow to completely dry 

4. Pour the clear coat, gently heat, allow to cure (7 days for a full cure). 

Tip - Taping up edges for clear coats can assist, and remove the tape when the resin becomes tacky, usually at approx the 40min mark, however this does depend on ambient temperature, and viscosity of the resin kit used.