ArtResin is a self-leveling 1:1 ratio epoxy resin. It certified non-toxic (when used as directed) so it's not bad for your health like other resins. No VOCs. No fumes. No solvents. No respirator needed. Non-flammable. Non-hazardous. And it is Safe for Home Use. Sounds like a win-win to me! On top of all of that goodness...It is CLEAR! It is chemically engineered to offer the most efficient yellowing protection on the market.
Clear coat a painting, mount a photo, make some jewelry or even create layered paintings with color additives.
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First, I calculate how much resin + hardener I am going to need for my first layer by using ArtResin's Usage Calculator. (Area Of A Circle is Determined by A = π r2) For my 21" diameter serving tray, I will need a total of 15oz (7.5oz of resin + 7.5oz of Hardener) + extra for a top layer (I used roughly 5 oz more). Add it to Cart, check that baby out, and get excited! If it has already arrived, woohoo! It's time to rock and roll! |
These are the colors I have chosen, but feel free to pick your only color scheme:
Golden Iridescent Silver Acrylic
Masters Touch Warm Grey
Dazzling Metallics Dark Patina
Liquitex Titanium White Acrylic
Hand Made Modern Metallic Steel
Now, it's time to measure out your resin + hardener.
ArtResin is a 1:1 ratio, which makes it easy! I like to mark my cups where I need to pour to. Make sure you are wearing your gloves, goggles, and respirator if you are sensitive (It's not needed, but health is important no matter what...and since you are mixing with acrylics, it's an extra safety precaution).
Then, pour both mixtures into your main Large mixing cup/bowl. I used a plastic measuring cup.
Using you stir stick, stir the mixture for at least 3 minutes - being sure to scrape the sides and the bottom of your mixing container. Any unmixed residue could leave your finished product with sticky spots (no bueno).
You have about 45 minutes of working time before the resin starts to thicken up and cure.
I still had a little bit of white paint and clear mixed resin in my pouring cups that I added to the top of this wet pour. No drop goes to waste ;)
Then with a clean set of gloves, start tilting the tray lightly from side to side to move the resin around. You can also use your fingers or a spoon to push a certain color around the tray. (It's hard for me to photograph this in action, but it is what I did to smear the colors together) With the spoon, I run it in lines, waves, and squiggles through the colors. |
Once you are satisfied, its time to get out your torch. A torch helps pop all of the bubbles that rise to the surface, and gives you that FLAWLESS glass-like finish. I like to keep my torch about 5 inches away depending on the size of my flame. Don't get too close, where you burn your surface. Use a moderately medium-fast sweeping motion, and you will be able to see the bubbles pop. It helps to bend down at eye level to see if you have missed any spots. If you don't have a torch yet, you can purchase an ArtResin Torch when you buy your resin ;) | image from www.artresin.com |
Once you are 100% happy, cover your tray with a large enough box, and wait until it cures!
(in 8 hours it will be tacky and ready for a 2nd coat...12 hours it will be dry to the touch...and in 24 hours it will be 95% cured. It takes 72 hours to fully cure.) I save my boxes from packagings that have come in, cut them up, and tape them into the shape I need.
Yay! You successfully made a beautiful serving tray that you can use at parties, a wet bar, or use at the end of your guest bed to be fancy-shamancy for when you are visitors!
If you followed along to this in-depth post, and gave it a go, I'd LOVE to hear from you! It takes time to document things in detail, and it feels good to know there is someone out there on the receiving end!
Happy Resining!
xo Alexis
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THINGS TO KNOW:
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