So, have you decided to give resin art a try? If so, you have made an excellent choice and have an exciting journey ahead. From the beginning, jumping straight can be accessible without much research. But resin art comes with challenges, and there is much to learn, which can be overwhelming.
If you are looking for a step-to-step guide, then this article will help you out:
1: Before getting started, you should know the difference between terms you will come across often in your resin art journey, and we reference the term epoxy throughout this article. Well, epoxy is created by mixing two components, a liquid resin, and a suitable hardener.
Characteristics of UV resin
UV resin is excellent for DIY projects, and they have several characteristics that distinguish them from other types of resin.
Fast Curing
UV resin has a fast curing hardening speed, which is why it is known as quick-curing resin.
Longest Pot Time
Pot times are when the resin will maintain its liquid state. Since UV resin doesn’t require a hardening curing agent, and its life is longer than other resins. It will only harden when placed under direct sunlight or UV light.
Cures At Low Temperatures
UV resins don’t require high temperatures to cure.
Depth
UV resin can only be used in projects where the required layer thickness is 3mm to 4mm. You need to make some extra layers of resin for a thick layer.
Shelf Life
The shelf life of UV resin is very short, and if the resin doesn’t work well, you must check for its expiry date.
The Comparison Between Uv Resin And Epoxy Resin
When shopping for the project’s best resin epoxy starter kit, one must consider epoxy resin as another option. Many compare UV resin with epoxy resin due to some similarities. However, there are some noteworthy differences between UV resin and epoxy resin.From durability and quality to curing time and application, it is essential to understand the difference between the two types of resin to determine which fits the project’s needs best. Here are some significant differences between the two:Resin Epoxy Starter Kit
Curing Time
Epoxy resin can require several hours or even days to cure fully, whereas UV resins in just a few minutes.
Durability and Quality
Epoxy takes the win for durability and quality, but only with the extra work. It should be maintained regularly to last and UV resin can harden within minutes. Thus, it makes the process much faster and more efficient, but it is still prone to wear and tear from heat and scratches.
Curing process
Unlike epoxy, UV resin is a one-step process without measuring or mixing. On the other hand, epoxy is a two-step process that combines resin and hardener to achieve a glossy and transparent finish.
Application
UV resin is cured under a UV light layer by layer, so it is not feasible for big projects, while epoxy resin can be applied to more complex projects. Also, it is more costly than epoxy resin.
Applications Of UV Resin
However, there are various application capabilities that UV resin has to offer. While the resin is a popular jewelry-making tool, it can also be used for craft decor. UV resin has become the ultimate DIY tool for crafters.
Resin Jewelry Making
UV Resin is ideal for jewelry making, whether earrings, pendants, necklaces, or much more. Due to its fast-curing applications, crafters can produce twice as many pieces of jewelry, and not to mention the resin doesn’t give off any odor and results in a fully cured and transparent surface.
Craft Decorations
Various silicone molds can be used with UV resin to produce custom pieces. But not limited to unique craft decors such as coasters, ornaments, paper holders, and keychains.
Wood Pieces
Another form of material that can be used with UV resin is wood. While the application process can be a little more challenging and the result is much more rewarding.
Other Uses
Epoxy resin and hardener for crafts can be used for sealing small surfaces of colleges and making cast figurines, and finishing layers of projects by mixing it with colorants and glitters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Q1: Where do I start with epoxy resin?
Plan your resin creation in step one.
Set up your workspace for resin.
Recognize resin safety.
Purchase your resin supplies.
Prepare your ingredients in advance.
Combine the resin and pour.
Permit the resin to dry.
Complete your work.
Q2: What do you need in a resin starter kit?
Cups for measuring and mixing.
Small dowel rods or craft sticks.
91 percent rubbing alcohol, a heat lamp, a hair dryer, or a butane flame.
Cover your workspace with a silicone mat, wax paper, or plastic sheeting.
Silicone molds.
Q3: Which resin is best for beginners?
The best epoxy resin for beginners is ArtResin. This epoxy resin is simple to mix with a 1:1 ratio of resin to hardener. It takes roughly 72 hours to cure fully and has a working time of 45 minutes.
