The Pro Artist Secrets To Epoxy Resin Casting

beginners guide to epoxy resin castingYou’ve seen cool pictures where someone shows what they’ve made by casting epoxy resin. And you want to do it too.

Because you’re creative and want to make trendy things like epoxy coasters and resin dice.

But there’s sooooo much information to feed on. So much that you’re feeling uncomfortably full.

Full like you shouldn’t have eaten the last bean burrito on top of the orange cheese nachos and spicy margaritas at the neighborhood Cinco de Mayo party. Because you know you’re going to pay for it later with a gut that’s going to remind you that eating beans is for more than once a year.

It’s not your fault.

(The resin thing. That bean burrito is a battle between you and your colon.)

Fifteen-second videos are fun to watch, but they aren’t going to get you where you want to be.

Here’s the easy way to do epoxy resin casting without feeling like you’re prepping for a colonoscopy.

Let’s start with what is epoxy resin casting?

There are three words in that question we need to talk about:

First: Epoxy

Epoxy is a class of synthetic thermosetting polymers containing epoxide groups. (That won’t be on the test, but might be useful if you’re ever a Jeopardy contestant.) It is one of the most widely available resins. I also find it’s the easiest to use resin, especially for beginners. It has a long working time and simple mixing instructions.

Second: Resin

Resin is a common term defining a class of organic substances that may be natural or synthetic, thermoplastic or thermosetting. You use two-part resins with hardeners to form a solid material.

Third: Casting

This unique resin formula mixes in a thin consistency to allow bubbles to escape quickly. Once mixed, you can pour it into something with ‘sides’ like a mold, open wood spaces, or something similar.

When should you use epoxy casting resin?

Casting resins are excellent for the times you need to fill an open space deeper than 1/8 inch. You can pour the resin in thick layers (sometimes up to 2 inches deep), and they cure hard and durable. Casting resin is excellent for mold projects and deep-pour epoxy river tables.

Which epoxy casting resin should you use?

Well, it depends on what you’re going to make and what kind of results you want.



For projects where you need three ounces or less (total) of mixed resin, use the Resin Obsession super clear resin. It cures hard and clear and is ready to demold in 8 to 12 hours.

For resin mold projects where you want to pour more than 3 ounces at once, use the Resin Obsession deep pour epoxy resin.  It works perfectly in thick pour resin projects like river tables and deep molds. You can mix up to three gallons and pour up to two inches deep at once.

Side note — our epoxy resin formulas aren’t cheap. And if you only want to make a one-off project, they’re probably more than you need. But if you want something crystal-clear, that will stay that way for a long time, you’ll want to use them.

Besides, I’ve used these resins for years. I can answer your questions about epoxy resin casting a lot better than the rando stock clerk or customer service agent retyping from a script.

Can you color epoxy resin for casting?

That’s a big YES here. You can keep your resin clear, but coloring resin is one of the things that makes epoxy casting so awesome.

To color resin, here are the steps:

Step 1: Choose your resin color

epoxy resin casting supplies
You’ll get the best results coloring your epoxy casting if you use colors designed for resin. They don’t affect curing, keep their tones, and color resin evenly.

Step 2: Add your color

candy cane silicone mold

Add a small amount of color (less than you think you will need), then stir. Of course, you can always add more, but it’s hard to take it out if your color ends up being too dark.

Step 3: Use the resin

pouring colored resin into a silicone mold

Pour your colored epoxy into your space.

What’s the easiest way for a beginner to use epoxy casting resin?

silicone molds filled with resin

Silicone molds for resin are the perfect way to get started. Beginners can make something exceptional with resin molds.

How do you mix epoxy casting resin?

Step 1: Measure Part A (resin) and Part B (hardener) into separate cups.

Step 2: Mix the two parts together until it’s clear and free of streaks.

Step 3: Pour into the mold or space.

⭐️ BONUS:  We have a step-by-step guide on mixing resin that includes pictures and a video.

What else will you need besides resin?

You’ll need mixing cups and utensils, safety supplies, and other items specific to your project. This FREE beginner resin supply checklist is yours to download and have handy as you’re gathering your resin supplies.

What can you make with epoxy casting resin?

Here are a few resin crafts to get you started.

Resin coasters

Resin coaster with bumper pads

The hardest part about this project is deciding if resin coasters are more fun to make or more fun to gift. Either way, you’re going to love what you can make with resin coaster molds.

How to make resin coasters

Resin keychains

resin paw print keychain charms

The perfect project for anyone with keys. Pour resin into a mold, then add keychain hardware. Not only does this resin key chain fit nicely in the palm of your hand, but it’s easy to find in a purse or backpack.

How to make a resin keychain

Resin jewelry

purple resin and wood pendant

Looking for a way to turn nature into jewelry? Resin can be your secret weapon. Learn how to combine wood scraps with resin to make pendants.

How to make wood and resin jewelry

Looking for more help with epoxy resin casting?

It’s why I wrote the ebook, Resin Fundamentals.  For less than the cost of a resin kit, you can buy the book where I share the essential details I’ve learned in seventeen years of creating with resin. Buy the PDF book now and get a download link to your email in minutes.

Unpublished Blog Posts of Resin Obsession, LLC © 2023 Resin Obsession, LLC

Like this post? You may be interested in  The Ultimate Epoxy Resin Buying Guide (Updated for 2024)

6 thoughts on “The Pro Artist Secrets To Epoxy Resin Casting

  1. Well, I need professional advice and I have not been able to find the information either on this wonderful website or on the Internet in general.
    When I want to do two or three pours in a mold with different colors, I always run into a problem that messes everything up.
    I pour the first layer and the resin (I suppose because of surface tension and capillarity) decides to climb about 1 millimeter up the walls of the mold, creating a raft for the next pour.
    This makes it impossible to use two colors with sharp differentiation.
    Does anyone know what I can do to make my layers completely level across their entire surface?
    I thank you in advance and I’m sorry for my English.

      1. Hello,
        Thank you very much for responding so quickly.
        I knew your article. In fact I think that in the last two years I have read many of your articles and they have helped me with quite a few of my frustrations.
        Including the one with the sharp edges 😉
        There seems to be no way to lay the layers totally flat.
        I have been unable to find the way or information about it.
        If anyone reads this and comes up with a way, I’d really appreciate it if you share it.
        Thank you so much for sharing your extensive knowledge of resin and its uses.
        Kind regards.
        Gabriel

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