Using epoxy resin in your art & craftwork
Today Jane takes a brief look at the use of epoxy in art & craft work.
What is Epoxy Resin
Epoxy resin is a two-component system consisting of resin and hardener. The components need to be mixed together to cause a chemical reaction. Gradually they harden to a solid plastic.
The result is a high gloss, crystal clear surface. Resin is now not only used in industry, adhesives and boat building but also in art and crafts.
What can you make with Epoxy Resin
What sort of thing can you make with epoxy resin, here are a few examples.
In woodworking, jewellery making, coasters, ornaments and pouring art.
As the resin is flexible it can be poured in to silicon moulds and becomes rock hard when dry.
Colouring your resin
If you want to colour your resin you can use acrylic paint all you need to remember is to be sure to follow the 1 to 10 ratio rule;
Mix 1 part acrylic paint to 10 parts resin. If you use too much paint, your resin could become clumpy and it won’t pour well.
Because resin is so crystal clear you can also use powder pigments, alcohol inks, airbrush colours and liquid concentrates to colour it. If you want to add a little bling to your resin try adding some gold leaf, dried flowers, glitter or beads.
Using the epoxy
These epoxy resins are also meant to coat surfaces, plus self-level, to give a smooth high gloss finish to your art work.
In the past we have had art for sale in our gallery which has had this very high gloss finish that’s almost like glass. It looks stunning but is expensive, we were asked on many occasions what the coating on the paintings were, then we didn’t know as it was a guarded secret. Now of course it’s known to be resin and very popular in art.
Gadsby’s sell epoxy resin crystals.
You have to supply the artistic talent and dedication to make the pieces you love. It is hard work, but it is amazing fun too.
Jane is a member of the Gadsby’s team. She has a wide knowledge of the arts & crafts products and materials sold by Gadsby’s both from the perspective of an advisor in the shop and, for many of the products, from personal use too.
Please note that this is not a service that Gadsbys offer to clients – just an example of the private work done by one of the highly skilled and knowledgable Gadsby’s team shown for your interest.
