What can I use for cool epoxy resin effects?
Epoxy resin is the ideal medium for anyone who wants to start creating their own unique craft projects.
Not only is it an easy medium to work with, but even a beginner can also achieve cool effects with epoxy resin decorative items.
We’re going to take a look at the many different materials you can use with epoxy resin to create a stunning effect. And you’ll be surprised at the sheer variety of everyday items that will help you create a range of beautiful and unique pieces!
Equipment for your cool epoxy resin projects
Let’s start with looking at the basic equipment you’ll need for any of these cool epoxy resin projects:
- Disposable gloves
- Safety glasses
- Face mask
- Plastic stirrer
- Measuring cup
- Ultra Clear Epoxy Resin Part A
- Epoxy Hardener Clearpox Part B
- Hairdryer or heat gun to remove bubbles
To make your project super easy, grab our Ultra Clear Epoxy Resin Kit, which includes epoxy resin, epoxy hardener, a measuring cup and stirrer all in one kit.
Seashells
Epoxy resin with seashells is one of the most attractive combinations you can find. It works particularly well in jewellery projects, which are suitable even for a beginner.
To make beautiful pendant jewellery, you’ll need a selection of miniature seashells, a pendant mould, mould release spray, a craft stick, bails and chains for your pendants, a drill and the basic equipment listed above.
Here’s what you do:
1. Spray the mould with mould release spray, leave for 10 minutes then wipe off excess.
2. Place your seashells into the individual moulds, ensuring that their front side faces down.
3. Put your gloves, safety glasses and face mask on and prepare your epoxy resin according to the instructions on the packaging. Then use the craft stick to drop the resin into each individual mould, covering the seashells.
4. Let the moulds rest for 5 minutes then prick any air bubbles with the craft stick.
5. Allow the epoxy resin to cure. We usually recommend leaving it for a full 24 hours.
6. Release the pendants from the mould. Trim any uneven edges with scissors. Then drill a hole at the top of the pendant so you can add the bail. (You can use glue-on bails if you are not confident with a drill.)
7. Thread your pendant onto a chain and enjoy wearing your unique piece of jewellery!
Dried flowers
For unique epoxy resin gift items, why not make beautiful and practical paperweights?
In addition to the basic equipment, you’ll need a mould, mould release spray, resin sealer spray, glue sealer and a supply of dried flowers.
1. Spray the mould with mould release spray, leave for 10 minutes then wipe off excess.
2. Prepare enough epoxy resin for the first layer of the paperweight. Pop any air bubbles and allow to cure.
3. Spray the epoxy resin dried flowers with resin sealer spray then stick them into place with the glue sealer.
4. Once the glue has dried, mix more epoxy resin for the second layer and apply. Pop air bubbles and allow to cure.
5. Release the paperweight from the mould once dry.
Glitter
An epoxy resin glitter tumbler will bring sparkle to your everyday! As well as the basic equipment, you’ll need a stainless steel tumbler, spray paint in a colour of your choice, glitter, a turner and acetone.
1. Spray the exterior side of your tumbler with spray paint.
2. Place your tumbler on the turner while it dries so that the paint sets evenly without streaks. (You can also turn it by hand every 3 to 4 minutes if you don’t have access to a turner.)
3. Once the paint is dry, prepare your epoxy resin and apply it to the tumbler with gloved fingers.
4. With the tumbler on the turner, pour over the glitter. Make sure you have something underneath to catch any excess glitter.
5. Allow to dry then apply another layer of epoxy resin.
6. Once dry, remove any excess glitter from inside the tumbler with acetone. Rinse thoroughly and your tumbler is ready to add some sparkle to your drinking!
Beads
You can make beautiful epoxy resin projects with beads too. Create a set of unique coasters with this easy project. You’ll just need coaster silicone moulds, mould release spray and beads in addition to your usual kit.
1. Prepare the coaster moulds with the release spray and wipe off any excess after 10 minutes.
2. Prepare enough epoxy resin for the first layer and pour into the moulds up to about halfway. Disperse air bubbles and then allow your epoxy resin to cure for 24 hours.
3. Place your beads into the moulds. We love how colourful beads look when placed randomly, so don’t worry too much about trying to create a pattern.
4. Mix the epoxy resin for the second layer and apply. Pop air bubbles and allow to cure.
5. Release the coasters from their moulds once dry.
More ideas for cool effects
These are just a few examples of simple items you can use to adorn your epoxy resin craft projects. You can also use:
- Pebbles, which look amazing in river tables
- Sequins can adorn almost any epoxy resin project
- Lego minifigures provide a fun and quirky alternative addition to paperweights
- Bottlecaps can be saved from your favourite drink and added to coasters for a unique look
Epoxy resin: elevating the everyday!
Use everyday objects to elevate your epoxy resin art projects into something special and unique.
Find all the supplies you need for your creations in our online shop. You’ll be able to source everything for your special projects, from resin and hardener through to inks, pigments and dyes.
We’re always well-stocked so you don’t have to worry about delays in getting your order. We know exactly what it’s like when you just want to get cracking on that exciting project!
Our orders come with a tracking number too so you can keep up-to-date with their progress to your door.
For any help or advice about your epoxy resin supplies order, reach out to our team, who will be happy to help.