Top 5 Mistakes Beginners Make While Using Epoxy Resin Art Kits

As much as art is about beauty, the process of creation is all about embracing chaos and imperfections. Becoming an artist is just as chaotic. You have to thrive in the messy trials and errors to emerge at the other end of the tunnel with something that feels truly rewarding. 

If you're a young resin artist and this all feels intimidating, this blog is for you. Read to know about the 5 common mistakes most beginners make, and gather pro-tips that will help you navigate this process. 

1} Incorrect or inadequate mixing: 

If your final resin piece remains gel-like or turns brittle even after curing for the prescribed time, either of these could be the reason:

• An inaccurate resin-to-hardener ratio

• Insufficient mixing
  In either case, patches in the resin remain under-cured.

Getting the ratio right is crucial. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Most of OYTRA Resin Kits contain the 2:1 Art Resin, which means for 2 parts of resin, you need 1 part of hardener- every 30g of resin should be matched with 15g of hardener. 

You can perform this calculation seamlessly by using a weighing scale machine. In the absence of a weighing scale, use a measuring cup- though this is less preferable. 

Mix for 2–3 minutes in a gentle but continuous motion, scraping the sides, bottom, and corners of your mixing cup to get a uniform blend.

2} Fusing Resin and Hardener Solutions of Different Brands:

Each brand formulates its resin and hardener to work specifically with each other. Mixing solutions across brands can cause improper curing, cloudiness, or soft patches, ruining the entire project.

OYTRA Art Resin Kits always include a pair of resin and hardener, specially formulated to ensure flawless results when used in combination. 

3} Not Cleaning the Mould Before Reuse:

The best thing about silicone moulds is that they can be reused. After every use, clean the mould gently with mild soap and warm water, or wipe it down with resin remover. Store your moulds flat in a dust-free space.

If there are leftover bits of previous work or settled dust particles,  these will hinder the clarity and finish of your new piece.

4} Demoulding In a Haste:

Resin first attains touch dryness, meaning the surface feels dry to the touch, while curing, the complete hardening of the resin throughout happens more slowly.

Art Resin requires 8 hours to become tacky, 12 hours to attain touch dryness. 95% cured by 24–48 hours, after which it can be demoulded. 

For quick curing and a hassle-free process, try UV Resin Kits that come with a UV Lamp for small jewellery pieces, charms, and quick fixes. 

5} Falling behind the working time:

When you’re just starting, you may falter and fidget, taking your own sweet time figuring out the ways of resin. If embellishments like glitter, dried flowers, or stones are added too late, they won’t bond well and might sink or float.

Knowing about the working time of your chosen resin type puts you at an advantage of avoiding this mistake.

With OYTRA ART RESIN KITS, you’ll have plenty of room to get your hands dirty and truly embrace the inevitable messy starts and mistakes that are bound to happen. Every kit comes with a handy guide card featuring easy-to-follow steps explained using images, making your first project a breeze! To explore our resin kits, check out our blogs on Unboxing & Beginners' Guide.