A Beginner’s Guide to Resin Projects ✨

If you are just getting started with resin, let me start by saying this:

Resin is beautiful.
Resin is creative.
Resin is FUN.

Resin is also incredibly humbling 😂

What looks simple in a thirty second TikTok can quickly turn into bubbles, sticky surfaces, uneven curing, dust in your finish, or pieces that never harden correctly at all.

Trust me… I have been there.

But once you understand the basics, resin can become one of the most rewarding mediums to work with. Whether you want to create charcuterie boards, trays, coasters, jewelry, bookmarks, river tables, or artistic home décor, learning resin opens the door to endless creativity.

Here are some beginner tips I wish someone had told me before I started.

First Things First… What Is Resin?

Epoxy resin is a liquid material that hardens into a glossy, durable finish when mixed correctly with a hardener.

Most resin projects involve two parts:

✨ Resin
✨ Hardener

Once combined in the proper ratio, a chemical reaction begins that allows the mixture to cure and harden over time.

And yes… ratios matter A LOT 😅

Always read the instructions for the specific resin brand you are using because every formula is different.

Temperature Matters More Than You Think 🌡️

This is probably the BIGGEST beginner mistake.

Resin does not like cold temperatures.

If your workspace is too cold, your resin may:

❄️ Stay sticky
❄️ Cure unevenly
❄️ Become cloudy
❄️ Trap excessive bubbles
❄️ Fail completely

As someone working in New England, I learned this the hard way. My garage needed a complete insulation overhaul because the temperature fluctuations were destroying my resin pours.

Most resin brands work best between 67 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Stable temperatures are key.

Start Small

Do not start with a massive river table because you watched one satisfying Instagram reel 😭

Seriously.

Start with beginner friendly projects like:

✨ Coasters
✨ Bookmarks
✨ Small trays
✨ Jewelry dishes
✨ Keychains

These projects help you learn mixing, curing, bubble removal, and timing without wasting expensive materials.

Measure Carefully

Resin is not a “close enough” type of craft.

You need accurate measurements.

If the instructions say equal parts resin and hardener, they mean EXACTLY equal parts.

Using too much or too little hardener can prevent the project from curing correctly.

I highly recommend:

✔️ Silicone measuring cups
✔️ Stir sticks
✔️ Gloves
✔️ A level workspace
✔️ Silicone mats for easy cleanup

And wear clothes you do not care about. Resin has a talent for finding its way onto literally everything.

Bubbles Are Normal 🫧

One of the first things beginners panic about is bubbles.

Tiny bubbles naturally form while mixing.

The good news? Most can be removed easily.

Some common ways to reduce bubbles include:

✨ Mixing slowly instead of aggressively
✨ Letting the resin sit briefly before pouring
✨ Using a heat gun or small torch carefully across the surface
✨ Warming resin bottles slightly before mixing

Just do not overheat the resin or you can create even more problems.

Resin Takes Patience

This is the hardest part for most people.

You pour your project and immediately want to touch it.

Do not 😂

Most resin projects need at least 24 hours before handling and even longer before they fully cure.

Dust protection is important too. One floating dog hair can suddenly become part of your “design.”

Ask me how I know.

Safety Is Important ⚠️

Always work in a well ventilated area and wear gloves while handling resin.

Always wear a respirator mask- no matter how large the project to stay healthy. Epoxy is a chemical and needs to be treated carefully and with respect.

Read your product labels carefully and never skip safety instructions.

Beautiful art is not worth risking your health.

Do Not Compare Your Beginning to Someone Else’s Middle 🤎

This is the advice I wish I heard most.

Your first resin projects may not look perfect.

Mine certainly did not.

You will probably have pieces that fail. You will waste materials. You will make weird mistakes that make absolutely no sense at first.

That is part of learning.

Every artist and maker you admire once stood exactly where you are now.

Covered in glitter. Confused about bubbles. Googling why their resin is still sticky at midnight 😅

Keep going.

Resin is one of those crafts that rewards patience and practice. And once it starts clicking? It becomes incredibly addictive in the best possible way.

Now excuse me while I go convince myself I definitely do not need to start another resin project tonight ✨