It’s holiday time, and as folks retreat indoors for winter and hibernation, it’s a good time for diy crafting and gift making. I’ve gotten a lot of questions about my resin process and how to get started, so I’m putting together a series to help anyone — whether you’re making something for sale, for gifting, or just for yourself.
If you’re in a hurry and want a quicker rundown, check out the post I wrote a few years ago here.
Long-Curing Resin
PuDuo resin is the brand I use for large pours and casting. I’ve used all sizes, and the consistency is neither too thick nor too thin, plus it has a 40 minute work time for easier pouring. Another thing I like about PuDuo is that it doesn’t have a strong odor. I’ve used it to dome resin projects (i.e. finishing off a resin piece like a tray or coaster) and to seal acrylic paintings with a clear, glass-like finish.
If you’re interested in checking out PuDuo resin, check out my affiliate link to help an artist out at no extra cost to you. Amazon is currently holding a Black Friday sale, so it’s a great time to stock up.
Ultraviolet Light Quick Cure Resin
For quicker projects like adhering earring parts or smaller projects in clear molds or glass, I use a UV resin. So far it’s worked well on glass, silicone, wood, metal, and of course resin. I typically create a UV resin piece then let it sit to ensure it’s fully cured for about a two days to a week depending on the thickness and surface area size. A hard curing resin is best to ensure a solid adhesive.
To get started, I suggest a kit so you can get reusable silicone mixing cups, the resin, and a UV light with the appropriate strength and light spectrum level. The brand I’ve found for this is Sanaa clear hard type. I’ve linked it below.
- Sanaa UV clear hard type resin 100g kit with UV light included
- Sanaa UV resin clear hard type 3-pack (no uv light included)
Other Tools for Resin Crafters
If you’ve never worked with resin before, know that it’s very messy and takes a lot of workspace. I keep my space clean using silicone mats. They’re cleanable and keep your workspace free of resin and mica powder. This set works well.
Gloves will protect your hands. You’ll be surprised how messy resin can get, and keeping your hands clean and protected is a priority. That plus a good respirator mask will help protect your lungs from fine or flake glitter or mica powder dust.
Morbid Smile 
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