What You’ll Need

• “Art Pro” – Clear Epoxy Resin for Artists and Surface Coating: Medium viscosity epoxy for transparent, durable coatings with UV protection.
• “Icrystal” – Clear Epoxy Resin – Odourless Formula – Up to 1.5cm: Ideal for woodworking or projects needing a true odourless resin.
• “Trasparente” – Multipurpose Clear Epoxy Resin for Casting – Up to 2cm: For deep or larger coatings requiring multipurpose flexibility.
• “Heat Pro” – Flexible Heat-Resistant Glossy Coating: For surfaces requiring extra heat resistance—like hot coasters and kitchen use.
• Nitrile gloves and protective apron
• Mixing jugs and accurate scales
• Stirring sticks
• Plastic spatula or spreader
• Painter’s tape and drop cloths
• Spirit level (optional, for larger flat surfaces)
• Dust cover or box to protect the curing piece

Step 1: Prepare the Work Area and Surface

Start by choosing a well-ventilated, dust-free area where your project can remain undisturbed for 24–48 hours. Protect your workspace with a drop cloth. Ensure your surface is dry, clean, and level; any dust, oil, or moisture will show in the final resin coat. Use painter’s tape to mask off edges and unwanted drips, especially for tabletops or trays. For porous surfaces, consider sealing first with a thin resin coat or compatible primer to avoid bubbles seeping up during the main pour.

Step 2: Measure and Mix the Resin Accurately

Resin has two parts (resin and hardener) that must be weighed out precisely. Always follow the instructions for your chosen resin product—most, such as Art Pro, use a 3:2 mixing ratio, while others like Icrystal need a 2:1 ratio. Use a digital scale for accuracy. Mix the components slowly in a clean container, scraping the sides and bottom, until the mixture is completely homogeneous and streak-free. Mixing too quickly introduces bubbles; too slowly may risk incomplete activation.

Step 3: Pour and Spread the Resin Evenly

Once mixed, pour the resin onto the centre of your surface. Allow it to naturally spread outward, then encourage it to the edges using a plastic spatula or spreader. Self-levelling resins such as Trasparente work especially well for smooth, glossy layers. Aim for a consistent layer, as uneven areas may cure at different rates and cause visual imperfections. If bubbles form, gently pass a heat gun or torch over the surface, keeping it moving to avoid overheating.

Step 4: Allow to Cure and Protect the Surface

Leave the freshly coated project in a dust-free environment. Cover it with a breathable box or container to prevent airborne particles settling on the wet resin. Avoid touching or moving your piece for the full curing time—this ranges from 12–24 hours for Art Pro, up to 24 hours for Heat Pro. Warmer temperatures speed up curing, but excessive heat can create ripples or warp the resin, so maintain a stable, moderate room temperature.

Tips, Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting

Perfect transparency is achieved by carefully mixing and pouring in a clean, controlled setting. High scratch resistance and longevity come from allowing full cure and choosing a resin with the right protective features, such as those with built-in UV protection or heat resistance up to 200°C for hot surfaces. Avoid rushing the mixing or pouring, as this causes bubbles and surface imperfections. Never pour more than the maximum recommended thickness in one application to prevent overheating. If sticky patches remain after curing, insufficient mixing or an incorrect ratio is usually to blame; apply a new thin layer, ensuring accuracy this time. For best results, always follow manufacturer guidance specific to your product.