Sydney Community College Blog | by Claire Pickard on 6 April 2021
Resin art - it’s abstract, colourful, dramatic, and a great way for people to create impressive artworks, homewares and jewellery without the need for drawing, painting or sculpting ability.
But there's so much more to this art form than just mixing, pouring and standing back. Here are six ways to avoid the most common mistakes.
1. Invest in good quality materials
There is a wide range of resin art products, and you do get what you pay for with some brands. If you buy from a specialist supplier, you can be confident your product will come with all-important accurate instructions and will flow, cure and maintain good colour and finish. Online resin chat forums are full of comments about online ordered materials that arrive with instructions in only one language (not theirs) or with no safety information. And it is not just the pigments and resin – what you pour it onto will also affect the final result, so make sure you invest in a good quality board as well.
2. Use the right resin at the right ratios
Different types of pigment and resin have different densities, so they will flow and behave differently. Do your homework to match the resin to the technique you want to use, and the surface you are working on.
It is not a one size fits all arrangement here folks, you need to be sure your measurements are exact. The amount of part A (the resin) to part B (the catalyst) must be exact to ensure a full cure (set). Get this wrong and your project may not cure correctly (or at all).
3. Choose your space wisely
Temperature, humidity and other conditions will affect resin drying time. You will need a workspace with good lighting and ventilation, that is not too dusty, and that can be left undisturbed while your work is curing. Your workbench should be completely flat (get out that spirit level!) because the resin is self-levelling. You will also want to be able to close the door on the fumes while your project cures – and avoid any little accidents, like touching the surface before it’s dry.
4. Get the conditions right
Resin and water are not compatible - so if it is humid or raining, it is best to leave your resin project for another day. Likewise, your resin will be happier when the temperature is warmer.
5. Safety first
Always use appropriate PPE. You should use a half-face or full-face respirator with an organic vapour cartridge. Hands should be protected with nitrile gloves – not only are they better for anyone with latex allergy, but they are also chemical and puncture-resistant. Keep kids and pets away from resin at all times and remember to cover your work surface!
6. Go with the flow
Resin art is a freeform technique – it's all about the movement and flow of the medium, and no two artworks can ever be the same. As College Resin Art tutor Monika Pawsey says, “it’s about accepting the unpredictability... about not having firm ideas on what your end result will look like.” This is part of the joy of working with this medium.
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