The starting point of resin crafting is both exciting and slightly overwhelming. If you’re thinking of making jewellery, keychains, coasters, home décor, etc. knowing a little about resin and hardener for beginners is a must!! This guide will lead you through all the basics—from what type of resin to use to safety precautions and pitfalls to avoid—so you can feel ready for your next DIY resin project.
What You Can Do With Resin and Hardener?
Resin, a liquid polymer that cures with a hardening agent into a solid, plastic-like substance. That mixture is called epoxy resin. For most DIY, especially for craft purposes, resin, and hardener come in kits with exact instructions for mixing proportions.
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Resin: The material that gives the cured piece its body and finish.
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Curing Agent / Hardener: The activator; initiates the chemical reaction that causes the resin to cure or harden.
How to Mix Resin and Hardener — For Beginners, mixing resin and hardener is key to getting clear, bubble-free, and lasting creations.
1: 3:1 Ratio Resin – Best for Casting and Mould Projects
3:1 resin is specially designed for casting applications. It has a medium viscosity, which makes it ideal for pouring into silicone molds to create thicker, solid objects with high clarity. It flows smoothly but is thick enough to retain shape, detail, and hold embedded materials beautifully.
Detailed Uses & Features:
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Perfect for resin keychains, jewelry, fridge magnets, paperweights, decorative items, and thick mold projects.
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Provides excellent transparency and glossy finish, making it ideal for embedding glitter, dried flowers, charms, and pigments.
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Once cured, it results in a scratch-resistant, durable, and bubble-free surface, ideal for items that may be handled regularly.
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Gives enough working time, so beginners can comfortably mix, pour, and adjust before it starts curing.
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Compatible with a wide range of resin colors, mica powders, alcohol inks, and other creative additives.
Tip: For deeper molds, it's best to pour in layers—let each layer partially cure before pouring the next to avoid overheating and ensure a smooth finish.
2: 2:1 Ratio Resin – Perfect for Surface Finishing, Lamination & Coating
2:1 resin is a low-viscosity (thin) resin designed specifically for surface coating and lamination. It spreads evenly across flat surfaces and self-levels to form a clear, glossy, and protective layer, making it perfect for coating projects rather than moulding.
Detailed Uses & Features:
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Ideal for wooden tray coatings, tabletops, photo frames, coasters, canvas sealing, and resin art surfaces.
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Helps to enhance color depth and vibrancy, making it especially useful in ocean resin art and fluid abstract art.
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Known for its strong self-leveling ability, resulting in a smooth and uniform top layer.
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Cures into a UV-resistant, glass-like finish that protects the base surface from yellowing and scratches.
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Excellent choice for projects that need a clear protective topcoat to preserve both durability and aesthetics.
Tip: Always apply in thin layers only. Pouring too thick can cause overheating or improper curing.
3. UV Resin – Rapid Hardening for Smaller and Detailed Works
UV resin, on the other hand, is a pre-mixed, one-part resin. It cures in minutes under a UV lamp or direct sunlight, which is incredibly time-saving and convenient for small jobs, or for a speedy fix.
Detailed Uses & Features:
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Great for doing miniature charm earrings, pendants, cabochons, mobile grips, or sealing minor layers.
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Cure in 2–5 minutes under an UV light or 10–15 minutes in bright sunshine.
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It’s ideal for precision work, like coating fine lines, creating dome finishes or sealing edges.
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Best for Those Who Want Instant Results Without Having to Measure and Mix.
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Allows layering—you can put on a few thin coats, curing each one before putting on the next, which gives you more control and a smoother finish.
Tip: UV resin only cures in thin applications, so it's not intended for deep molds or large pours. Use good-quality UV lamp for better results and always work in layers.
Toothpicks and tweezers (for fine detail)
In fact, knowing the process is only half the battle — the right tools are also essential. We have searched for the best beginner-friendly mold kits and tools, if you're looking for quality DIY use, make sure to check out Our Kraft Store.
Resin Mixing Tips — Ratio and Curing Time
Incorrect mixing is one of the most common beginner mistakes. Here’s how to do it right:
Step by Step Tips About How To Mix the Resin:
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Read the instructions Always stick to the mixing ratio that the manufacturer suggests Mixing anything other than the recommended amount may cause your adhesive not to work.
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To promote accurate measuring, use entirely separate measuring cups or a digital scale.
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Mix Well: Slowly stir for 3–5 minutes. Use the sides and bottom of your cup to scape.
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Avoid Air Bubbles: Stir slowly to minimize the creation of bubbles.
Cure time is brand-specific but is typically between 12 and 48 hours. Take your time — if you touch or move the resin before it’s fully cured, you can ruin your work.
Epoxy Resin Safety: Essential Info
Since you will need to work with resin, which may be harmful, you absolutely must have good ventilation in the area where you work on resin, especially if the area is enclosed. Take the following precautions when using epoxy resin:
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Work outdoors, or wear a respirator mask to protect against breathing in toxic fumes.
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Wear gloves and protective clothing at all times to avoid skin contact.
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Keep food and drink away from where you work.
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Be sure to keep resin out of the way of children and pets.
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Keep resin kits in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Some resins give off fumes that can be irritating, so take all precautions you can, especially if that’s an indoor craft.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Even savvy crafters mess up, but here are some ubiquitous mistakes that newbies can sidestep:
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Mixing ratio incorrect: Causes sticky or uncured resin
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Mixing too fast: Creates bubbles
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Not properly sealing porous items (such as dried flowers): Air bubbles or color changes
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As a result, the thickest parts may overheat, leading to uneven curing.
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Neglecting to use safety gear: Can result in skin irritation or respiratory problems
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You set yourself up for success and avoid wasting time or wasting materials.
Conclusion: Enter the World of DIY Resin!
It is then that you come to know about things like resin and hardener, this guide is going to help you out in learning the ins and outs of the resin for beginners. And whether you’re crafting key chains, coasters or decorative trays, being informed and prepared makes the process more enjoyable — and rewarding.
So whether just starting out with resin, or an experience user looking to up their skills, we invite you to check out Our Kraft Store with all the tools, silicone molds, and more that you will need to help you bring your ideas into reality! Check out our DIY resin kits and start your first project today!
FAQ: Resin & Hardener for Beginners
What is the curing time for Resin?
Curing times for resins typically fall in the 24–48 hour range. You'll know it's done when it's firm to the touch and no longer sticky. Of course the time can vary due to temperature and humidity.
2:1 Resin:
This ratio often results in a quicker curing process, allowing for faster turnaround times. This can be advantageous for projects like small molds or intricate designs where speed is important.
3:1 Resin:
The 3:1 ratio generally has a slower curing time, providing more flexibility for working with larger surfaces or making adjustments before the resin hardens. This can be useful for projects where you need more time to make changes or work with larger pours.
Can I color my resin?
A: Yes! You will be using resin specific pigments, mica powders or alcohol inks. Just stay away from water-based colors since they can interfere with the cure.
What’s the shelf life of resin and hardener?
Under proper storage conditions, 6–12 months. So be sure to also look for crystallization or discoloration before use.
