Resin Art

Inspiration & Exploration

Resin art turns liquid into something solid, glossy, and totally unique — and it's easier to start than you think. Begin by exploring what's possible: search "beginner resin art" on YouTube and browse the hashtag #resinart on any platform to see thousands of styles. Notice the difference between geode resin (inspired by crystals and minerals — very popular in Utah!), ocean pour, petri dish, and functional resin items like trays and coasters. Visit UMOCA (Utah Museum of Contemporary Art at 20 S. West Temple, free on Thursdays) and look for mixed-media or sculptural work that inspires you. Check out the free learning section on ArtResin.com. Sketch or print out five resin pieces you love and circle what excites you about each one. You're ready for the next step when you can name three resin art styles and describe what materials make each one unique.

Tools & Techniques

Before you pour, you need to understand safety and setup — resin has fumes, so ventilation matters. Watch "resin art safety for beginners" on YouTube — the channel Poured Passion has a free safety overview. Learn the key terms: epoxy resin, hardener, mixing ratio, pot time, cure time, and molds. You'll need: epoxy resin and hardener (mixed exactly per instructions), silicone molds, disposable cups, stir sticks, gloves, and a respirator for a well-ventilated space. Resin supplies are available at Hobby Lobby or Michaels in the Salt Lake Valley — coupons are almost always available on their apps. Practice mixing water and food coloring in a cup to understand how pigments blend before you ever touch resin. You're ready for the next step when you can explain the mixing ratio for epoxy resin and list five safety precautions.

First Creations

Time to pour! Start with the simplest possible project: a single-color resin coaster in a round silicone mold. Follow the mixing instructions exactly — ratio errors cause sticky, uncured resin. Add one or two drops of alcohol ink or mica powder for color. Pour slowly, use a heat gun or lighter briefly to pop bubbles, and cover your piece to cure undisturbed for 24 hours. Watch "first resin pour for beginners" on YouTube for visual guidance. Utah's dry climate can actually help resin cure cleanly — lower humidity means fewer bubbles. After demolding, sand any rough edges with 220-grit sandpaper. Document what went well in your notebook and what you'd try differently next time. You're ready for the next step when you have a successfully cured, demolded resin piece you made from scratch.

Style Development

Now experiment with more complex techniques. Try a two-color pour with a swirl, an ocean wave effect using white and blue, or embed real objects — dried Utah wildflowers, small rocks, or glitter — inside a piece. Watch "resin art techniques for beginners" on the ArtResin YouTube channel (free). Practice your pour and swirl technique by doing at least three different pieces in the same session while your materials are already mixed. Keep a simple journal: note your mixing ratios, colors used, cure time, and what you'd change. The geode style pairs beautifully with Utah's geological landscape — try using crushed rose quartz (available at rock and gem shops in the valley) as inclusions. You're ready for the next step when you have three different pieces showing three different techniques.

Refine Your Craft

You're moving from experimenting to mastering. Study the chemistry lightly: watch "why resin gets hot" and "how to fix resin mistakes" on YouTube so you understand what's happening at a molecular level. Tackle a more advanced project: a geode wall art piece on a wood panel, or a functional tray with embedded imagery. Learn to sand and polish a finished piece to a glass-smooth surface using wet sanding from 400 to 2000 grit. Research UV resin as a second tool for small detail work — it cures in seconds under a UV lamp. Check out the Craft Lake City DIY Festival (craftlakecity.com) for local makers who demonstrate resin work. Photograph your pieces in natural light and build a simple photo gallery of your progression. You're ready for the next step when you can sand and polish a resin piece to a professional-looking finish.

Portfolio Piece

Design and execute your best resin piece yet — something that represents you and your style. Choose a format that shows range: a large geode painting, a set of matching coasters, or a functional piece like a jewelry dish with embedded materials that mean something to you (Utah minerals, pressed flowers from a local hike, etc.). Plan it on paper first: sketch the color palette, the inclusion placement, and the pour sequence. Execute it carefully over two or more pours if needed. Photograph it professionally using a plain background and natural light. Write a short artist statement — two to three sentences — explaining your concept and process. Share it in the SLCTrips community and consider submitting to the Craft Lake City festival. You're ready for the next step when you have a finished, photographed resin piece you'd be proud to give as a gift or sell.