Epoxy resin is a popular and versatile material that can be used in a variety of projects, from Resin Art and jewelry making to furniture production. It is a two-part liquid material that when combined, cures to form a solid and durable surface. However, to get started with epoxy resin, there are several materials and accessories that a beginner may also wish to consider purchasing. So what materials and accessories should a beginner buy when working with resin?
Materials
Epoxy resin
The most important material for any epoxy resin project is, of course, the resin itself. We have many different types of epoxy resin, so it’s important to choose one that meets the specific needs of your project. Some resins are better suited for jewelry making and castings, while others are designed specifically for resin art.
If you want to learn more about epoxy, we have a dedicated article on working with this material: HOW TO USE EPOXY RESIN: TRICKS AND GENERAL GUIDE
Resins for Resin Art:
Resins for Jewellery making:
Resins for Castings and Furniture:
Dyes & Pigments
Colorants can be added to the resin in percentages from 1 to 5% to create custom colors and designs. There are a wide variety of these available, from dense and translucent dyes to metallic mica powders that create an amazing 3d effect.
Silicone moulds
Silicone moulds are a versatile and easy-to-use tool for creating a variety of shapes and designs with epoxy resin. They are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, from small jewelry to large resin art moulds.
Accessories
Tools for mixing
Mixing cups and stir sticks are essential tools for mixing the resin and hardener. It’s important to choose clear cups so that the colour of the resin can be easily seen, and to choose stir sticks that are specifically designed for use with epoxy resin. Moreover, you will need an electronic scale to measure the right amount of epoxy and hardener to mix.
Can’t figure out how to measure and mix resin? We also have an article about this: HOW TO CALCULATE THE QUANTITY OF A AND B IN EPOXY RESINS
Heat gun
A heat gun is a useful tool for removing air bubbles from the resin. It works by gently blowing warm air onto the surface of the resin, causing the bubbles to rise and pop.
Protective gear
Working with epoxy resin can be messy, so it’s important to have protective gear on hand, such as a protective apron or old clothing to wear whilst working with the material. Also, do not forget about gloves to protect the skin of your hands from getting epoxy on them. We put a pair of protective gloves with resin sets from 800 gr in the orders, but for frequent work we recommend purchasing a large pack of gloves, because this is one of the most consumable accessories when working with epoxy resin.
We also have a strong degreaser to remove resin and hardener from the skin. It is dermatologically tested and hypoallergenic. Made only with solvent-free plant extracts!
What’s more? We highly recommend purchasing a protective mask/respirator for working with resin. Epoxy can be harmful to the respiratory tract, and to be safe, you need to work with it in a respirator.
In conclusion, epoxy resin is a versatile and fun material to work with, and with the right materials and accessories, you can create a variety of beautiful and unique projects. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced resin artist, these essential materials and accessories will help to ensure the success of your next project.
Resin Pro team is always ready to answer all your questions in the comments 🙂