Hey everyone! It’s Chad here to share one of my new favorite pass-times: epoxy crafts. Something that I love about epoxy is that is a very slow process. In a world where everything is go go go, it allows you to practice patience (and a little bit of fortitude!). It is also relatively inexpensive and, in this blog, I’ll even breakdown some products that would be helpful to get started!
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One thing I’ve noticed is that epoxy resin is a strong A D H E S I V E and it will stick to anything and everything! Please exercise incredible caution when working with resin, wear overalls/coveralls or the like, respirator, safety glasses, gloves, etc. Outdoors is a well-ventilated area to work with epoxy, indoors is not recommended. The epoxy resin is made up of 2 parts (hardener and resin) which are bottled separately, and you mix whenever you are about ready to pour into your creation.
Note: Before you open your epoxy resin containers, please read the manufacturer’s instructions on required safety and disposal information. Most epoxy resin is an irritant to eyes and skin, so handling requires caution and proper PPE as described by the manufacture. The manufacturer will also lay out how to remove epoxy resin from inadvertent eye or skin contact.
Here is a walkthrough for everything you need to know:
1. The first step is to start with can also be the best: what do you want to make with epoxy? There are so many possibilities and this really gives you a chance to flex your right brain! I’ve been experimenting with charcuterie boards but coffee tables, drink coasters, jewelry, planter pots, clocks to name a few!
2. Once you have an idea, you will want to select an epoxy resin for your project. The biggest thing for this is food safe vs non-food safe. If you are making a clock or a paperweight, non-food safe is acceptable. If you are making a cutting board or fruit bowl, you will want to ensure that the manufacturer explicitly says food safe. This will save you a lot of headaches later!
Another alternative, you may pour a topcoat of food safe epoxy onto your item that you intend for food – like a charcuterie board. Here is the epoxy resin I have used and enjoyed so far. It is self-degassing so you do not have to worry about any bubbles.
3. Next, you will look for a mold if needed. There are shapes and sizes for any of your needs. Be careful with the mold material and make sure it is compatible with epoxy resin before you purchase. Here is my personal fav.
4. Then, you will need a mixing cup -ideally a mixing cup with volume increments like this one.
5. Optional (but kinda mandatory!) – buy mica powder and add a blast of color to your piece! Mica powder really pops and gives life to your piece. It is so fun to experience new colors and patterns allowing you to be proud of your creation!
6. Grab some Mold Release spray. This will save your mold from damage or deformation and let the epoxy leave the mold easily after it cures.
7. Lastly, you may want to invest in some gear to protect your skin and lungs from the chemicals. A simple face mask one is here, or a more intense one is here. Some gloves that would work are these.
How to create an epoxy craft!
1. Apply your mold release spray onto your mold. This allows pain-free removal. You will thank me later.
2. Slowly mix your resin part with hardener part into your mixing cup. Typically, an epoxy resin is one part resin to one part hardener, but double check beforehand for your project. Mixing slowly will allow the bubbles to burst before they harden permanently. Try to mix as evenly as possible, and you should see a pure mixture after 5 minutes or so.
3. Once it is mixed evenly, you can add your mica powder to your cup! Your creation will look best if you mix the powder evenly as well.
4. Pour time! Make sure the mold is level and on an even surface so that it can cure correctly. There may be some bubbles in your project after pouring. You can pop the remaining bubbles a few ways:
- Use a toothpick and slowly mix near the bubbles (my favorite way).
- Blow towards the bubbles at a safe distance (the carbon dioxide in your breath will bop the surface bubbles! God is awesome.)
- Use a heat gun.
5. Cure! Basically this means let it sit untouched. This is when your patience is practiced. Curing epoxy can take 3 days, but I’ve seen some epoxies take 30+ days! Talk about extended gratification!
You will want to allow the epoxy to cure in a well-ventilated area (ideally outdoors). A cheap way to cover your creation is with tin foil, or a drop cloth that will keep bugs, unwanted leaves, or spiderwebs from falling into your epoxy. Remember I said this stuff is A D H E S I V E, aka very very sticky. Also to note, some manufacturers have a temperature range for curing, so be sure to check what that is for your project materials.
6. Final step, power tools!
Okay just kidding, but a sander can help. I enjoy my Dewalt orbital sander, and it can clear up your epoxy piece. The higher sandpaper grits (400 grit and above) help with a smooth finish and crystal-clear finish. Remember to finish with a small top coat of resin if you plan on using a sander.
If you have any creations, feel free to share them with us! Happy epoxying!