A Fool-Proof Formula for Using Resin as a Coating

You want a flawless, glossy finish for your resin projects. How do you make that happen? One way is by using epoxy resin as a coating. It will cure with that ‘wet to the touch’ look that gives a splendid shine. It’s also helpful when you need to even out a resin surface to hide imperfections.

Can you use any resin as a coating?

Unfortunately, no.

You have to use a doming resin for projects like this.

Why?

Doming resins mix with the consistency of honey. This gooeyness is what allows it to cover evenly and self-level.

⭐️ BONUS: Learn about the differences between epoxy resin types and why it matters.

How do you use resin as a coating?

Step 1: Decide how much space you want to cover.

Then, use this resin calculator to confirm how much resin you need.

Step 2: Protect the sides and/or back.

Your resin is a liquid and cannot escape the powers of gravity. (on this planet anyways) That means your resin will flow until something stops it.

Like…

Building a tape dam.

 

(Or a resin edge stopping the flow.)

Mix the resin.

If you’ve never done this before, be sure to read how to mix resin so you can avoid sticky spots.

⭐️ BONUS: Here are the best resin beginner tips.

Apply the resin to your surface.

Pour resin so that it only covers the center half of your surface.

Then, use your stirring stick to draw the resin to the edge.

Then, add more resin as necessary to fill in open areas and build a higher finish.

💡 Pro tip: Why not add all the resin at once? Because it spreads like a tsunami and can run over the side.

Check the surface.

Use a heat gun to blow hot air over the surface to pop bubbles. Look for dust specs and cat hair too.

Let cure.

Doming resins take 24 hours to cure. But, you’ll want to give it a full 7 days so the resin cures as hard as possible.

💡 Pro tip: Sometimes you don’t need a lot of resin for coating. These projects are great for any time you’ve got leftover resin.

So what if you want to use resin for coating a curved surface?

That gravity thing still applies. Resin can’t be used as spackle to patch random areas. I’ve tried.

 

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You’ll need to keep your project moving while the resin cures. Like using a spinner to make a resin tumbler.

Or don’t. And you’ll have a mess to clean up plus the potential for (more) divots on the surface.

What can you do to get a glossy finish without using resin as a coating?

You can polish resin to get a shiny surface. That means you’ll need to use an epoxy casting resin. Or, this is the time to give polyester resin a try.

Ready to fast-track your resin learning curve?

 

Then you’ll want a copy of the beginner resin ebook, Resin Fundamentals. In a couple of hours, you’ll know what the resin pros do without wasting supplies and your precious time. Buy the PDF book now and a download link comes to your email in minutes.

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