What You’ll Need

• “Art Pro Deluxe” – Ultra-High Viscosity Epoxy Resin for Artists: Ultra-high viscosity for precise line control and clarity.
• “Fairy Wings” – UV Resin for Volumetric Reliefs, Dual Colour, 30ml: Suitable for adding intricate raised 3D details.
• “Be Flex” – Transparent Polyurethane Doming Resin – Scratch-Resistant: Ideal for domed, flexible finishes.
• “Sea” – Resin Kit for Creating Ocean Art, 1.7kg Epoxy, Pigments & Canvas: Includes thickened resin, pigments, and additives for ocean-inspired designs.
• Mixing sticks and disposable cups
• Nitrile gloves and protective wear
• Heat gun or torch (for popping bubbles, if needed)
• Level, dust-free workspace and coverings

Selecting the Right Resin for Your Art

Choosing the proper resin is crucial for achieving the perfect suspended, layered, or domed effect. Highly viscous clear resins such as Art Pro Deluxe offer superior line definition and are less prone to colour bleed during creative processes. For reliefs or small details, a ready-to-use UV resin like Fairy Wings allows rapid, controlled application in thin layers.

Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area and Materials

Wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area. Resin can be sticky and may emit odours during curing. Protect the surface with plastic sheeting or a silicone mat. Ensure all containers, colourants, and additive powders are ready and close at hand so you can work efficiently before the resin begins to set.

Careful surface preparation is vital. Clean your base (canvas, board, or object) to remove oils and dust. A clean, level workspace will also prevent resin run-off and uneven curing.

Step 2: Mix the Thickened Resin Carefully

Measure the resin and hardener according to manufacturer’s instructions. Slowly combine them, stirring gently for several minutes to avoid introducing air bubbles. Pour slowly and in layers to avoid air bubbles. For projects demanding sharp, defined lines—such as geode, ocean, or layered art—a product like Art Pro Deluxe is especially effective due to its high viscosity.

Avoid water-based or moist materials as these can prevent proper curing and clarity.

Step 3: Apply Layers and Suspended Effects

For suspended designs or embedded object projects, pour the first layer and allow it to partially set (to a gel-like stage) before placing decorative items or adding a secondary colour. Thickened resins like those in the Sea – Resin Kit for Creating Ocean Art are brilliantly suited for layering pigments and additives for wave effects or dimensional separation.

Using a crafting stick or spatula, shape lines gently or drag colours through the resin, making the most of its stable consistency.

Step 4: Cure and Finish the Project

Allow each layer to cure fully before adding the next, as rushing layering can cause unwanted blending or a cloudy appearance. For quick-drying relief or precise doming, Fairy Wings – UV Resin for Volumetric Reliefs or Be Flex – Transparent Polyurethane Doming Resin are best set using a UV lamp or according to package directions.

Once cured, gently remove moulds or tape edges. Polish the final piece if desired, following specific product recommendations, to achieve a high-gloss, scratch-resistant finish.

Tips and Common Mistakes Using Thickened Suspended Resin

• Work in manageable portions to avoid setting before application.
• For intricate 3D detail, use a gel-based or UV-curing resin in very thin layers.
• Do not use water-containing additives or work on humid surfaces—this can impair curing.
• If bubbles form, use a gentle heat source such as a torch or heat gun at a safe distance.
• Avoid overworking or excessive stirring once pigments are swirled; otherwise, lines may blur.

Achieving Dimensional Effects with Suspended Resin

Layering and timing are key when creating suspended effects. Allowing partial curing between pours provides crisp edges and prevents colours from merging. Kits like Sea – Resin Kit for Creating Ocean Art include all essentials for mastering ocean effects with thickened resin.