Petri art, also known as resin petri or ink drop art, is a fascinating form of art that creates amazing designs using epoxy resin and alcohol inks. The unique patterns formed resemble the organic shapes seen in petri dishes under a microscope, hence the name. This guide will take you through the process of creating your own petri art with epoxy resin.
If you are new to working with epoxy resin, we recommend that you first read these articles:
- How to use epoxy resin: tricks and general guide
- How to calculate the quantity of a and b in epoxy resins
Materials Needed
Before you start, gather the following materials:
- Epoxy resin: Choose a medium viscosity resin for the best results. Medium viscosity allows for better control over the ink flow and helps achieve the desired effect. Art Pro epoxy resin by Resin Pro is the perfect choice for Petri Art:
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From £33.15 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
- Alcohol inks: A variety of colours including white. White ink is crucial for creating the petri effect. We also have Petri colour ink sets for your convenience.
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£4.85 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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- Mixing tools: Cups, stirring sticks, and scales for measuring and mixing resin and hardener, as well as disposable pipettes for applying the ink drops. Additionally, you can purchase a gas heat gun – this tool is used to remove air bubbles from the surface of the mixed epoxy resin.
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From £7.85 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
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- Silicone moulds: To pour the resin into and create your petri art piece.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Ensure your workspace is clean, dust-free, and well-ventilated. Cover your work surface with a disposable plastic sheet or silicone mat to protect it from spills.
Step 2: Mix the Resin
Follow the instructions to mix the epoxy resin and hardener. If you are using Art Pro resin by Resin Pro, its components A and B must be mixed in ratio of 100 to 66 (3 to 2):
- Each component is measured strictly by weight in grams
- Measured components are poured into one container (clean and dry) and mixed for 5-7 minutes (alternating clockwise and counterclockwise mixing, while scraping the material from the walls and bottom of the container). We recommend mixing more slowly (but no less thoroughly) to avoid creating a large number of air bubbles.
- After mixing, it is recommended to pour the mixture into another clean and dry container and leave for 5-7 minutes
- After that, the mixture can be poured into a silicone mould.
- If you have a gas heat gun, wait a couple of minutes until all the air bubbles float to the surface of the resin and remove them with short flashes of flame, avoiding the sides of the silicone mould.
Step 3: Wait for the right viscosity
To get a great petri art effect, you need a more viscous consistency of the resin: this can be achieved by waiting until the resin in the mould begins to thicken due to the curing reaction. The waiting time varies depending on the type of resin you purchased and the ambient temperature. If you are using Art Pro resin by Resin Pro, the waiting time after mixing the components before applying the ink is about 20-30 minutes. After this time, the resin should begin to warm up a little and become more viscous.
Step 4: Apply the Colour Inks
Using disposable pipettes or droppers, apply drops of coloured alcohol inks onto the surface of the resin. You can use a single colour or multiple colours, depending on the design you want to achieve.
Step 5: Create the Petri Effect
After applying the coloured inks, immediately add drops of white alcohol ink directly on top of each coloured ink drops. The white ink is heavier and will sink through the resin, creating the distinctive petri effect as it pushes the coloured ink outwards and forms amazing coral-like patterns.
Step 6: Observe and Adjust
Watch as the inks interact and create patterns. You can add more drops of coloured or white ink as needed to enhance the design. Be mindful not to overdo it, as too much ink can muddy the colours and patterns.
Step 7: Let It Cure
Allow the resin to cure undisturbed for the time specified by the manufacturer (for Art Pro resin it’s 24 hours). Ensure the curing area is dust-free and protected from any disturbances.
Step 8: Demould and Finish
Once the resin is fully cured, carefully demould your artwork. If needed, you can sand the edges or apply a clear topcoat of the same resin for a glossy finish.
Tips for Success
- Temperature and Humidity: Ensure the working environment is within the recommended temperature and humidity range for the resin. Extreme conditions can affect the curing process. The recommended temperature for working with resin is 22-27 °C and the recommended humidity is not higher than 30-40%.
- Experiment: Try different colour combinations and patterns. The beauty of petri art lies in its unpredictability and uniqueness.
- Practice: If you are new to resin art, practice on small pieces before moving to larger projects.
- Safety: Always wear protective gear and work in a well-ventilated area.
Creating petri art with epoxy resin is a rewarding and creative process. The unique patterns formed by the interaction of coloured and white inks with the resin result in stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces. With a little practice and experimentation, you can master this art form and create beautiful resin artworks. Enjoy the process and let your creativity flow!
