What You’ll Need

• “Art Pro” – Clear Epoxy Resin for Artists and Surface Coating: Medium viscosity resin for glass-like finishes on art and homeware
• “Icrystal” – Clear Epoxy Resin – Odourless Formula – Up to 1.5cm: Clarity-focused resin for surfaces, jewellery, and worktops
• “Trasparente” – Multipurpose Clear Epoxy Resin for Casting – Up to 2cm: Ultra-clear resin for thicker layers and casting creations
• “Epoxy Polish” – Epoxy Resin Polishing System: For final polishing, achieving mirror gloss if required
• Mixing sticks, accurate scales, disposable gloves, and protective mask
• Smooth, dust-free workspace with level surface
• Optional: heat gun or torch for removing bubbles

Visual Guide to Resin Gloss

See examples of projects finished with clear, high-gloss epoxy resins to inspire your own creations. Notice the level of shine and depth possible from careful mixing and application. Explore our gallery of glossy resin artworks, tabletops, and decorative pieces for ideas on your next project.

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Materials

Always wear gloves and ensure good ventilation when working with epoxy resin. Begin by cleaning your work area thoroughly, removing as much dust and debris as possible. Make sure your surface is level to prevent the resin from pooling unevenly. Lay out all your tools, check the manufacturer’s instructions on your chosen epoxy for ideal temperature and humidity, and have your protective gear ready.

Careful preparation helps minimise contamination and supports a flawless glossy effect. Take special care to avoid sources of lint, pet hair, or airborne dust, as they can settle in the curing resin and dull the surface.

Step 2: Mix the Resin and Hardener Carefully

Measure resin and hardener accurately for best clarity, closely following the ratio recommended by the specific product (such as 3:2 for “Art Pro” – Clear Epoxy Resin for Artists and Surface Coating or 2:1 for “Icrystal”). Use digital scales and always mix in a clean, dry container. Stir gently but thoroughly for several minutes, scraping the sides and bottom of the mixture to fully combine the two parts.

If mixing isn’t complete or the ratio is incorrect, the result may be a cloudy, undercured, or tacky finish rather than a true glass-like gloss. Allow the mixture to rest for a few minutes after stirring to help release air bubbles.

Step 3: Pour and Spread in Thin, Even Layers

Pour in thin, even layers for maximum gloss. Pour the mixed resin slowly over your prepared surface, letting it flow and level out naturally. For larger coats or castings, select a resin appropriate to the thickness—such as “Trasparente” – Multipurpose Clear Epoxy Resin for Casting – Up to 2cm for thicker applications.

Gently guide the resin using a spatula or spreading stick. Work methodically and avoid overworking the surface once it has begun to self-level, as this can introduce air bubbles or unevenness. Address any surface bubbles with a quick pass of a heat gun or torch, being careful not to scorch or overheat the resin.

Step 4: Cure Correctly and Protect the Surface

Once poured and spread, cover your project with a clean dust sheet or box to prevent dust or debris from settling on the surface. Allow the resin to cure at room temperature, away from humidity and temperature fluctuations. Typical cure times vary from 12 to 48 hours depending on resin type and thickness.

Do not move or touch the surface during curing, as even light contact can leave marks and dull the intended gloss. For the final result, patience is critical—handle only after the resin is fully cured and hard to the touch.

Step 5: Polish for an Ultra-Gloss Finish (Optional)

If you desire an ultra-reflective, mirror-like appearance, polishing may be required—especially for thick resin coatings or after sanding. Use “Epoxy Polish” – Epoxy Resin Polishing System with a microfibre cloth or suitable polishing pad. Polish only after resin is fully cured; premature polishing can create dullness or marks.

Work gently and in small sections, removing micro-scratches and restoring perfect clarity without swirl marks. Always follow the product instructions for best results.

Tips, Troubleshooting, and Common Mistakes

• Avoid working in humid or cold conditions, as this can create a matte film or bubbles on the surface.
• Always use precise measurements; incorrect ratios inhibit full curing and gloss.
• Do not pour beyond the maximum recommended thickness in a single layer to prevent overheating, cloudiness, or yellowing.
• Cover surfaces during cure to block airborne dust particles.
• If small blemishes appear, light sanding followed by polishing can restore the shine.

Before and After: Gloss Polishing Results

Compare raw resin surfaces to those enhanced by professional polishing systems. A visual step from cured but unpolished resin to ultra-glossy, mirror-like finishes shows the transformative power of correct polishing. Reflect on the difference expert finishing techniques can make to the final result.