Resin can be tricky to paint and very different from painting on canvas or wood, as you will find that paint doesn’t cling to resin very well. Here are some of my tips on painting on resin if you’d like to add some color to your resin crafts.
Tip 1: The easiest way to paint resin is to use a primer.
Primers generally come in three colors: white and black being most common and grey being a little more challenging to find. Selecting a primer color generally should be based on the color you plan to paint on top of the primer. If you want to use darker colors, use a black primer. If you’re using lighter colors, use white primer. Grey or white primer is best if you’re using mixed colors. I prefer using a spray primer, as it helps so that you don’t apply too much and change the look of the epoxy resin. However, you can also use a paint-on primer.
When using a primer, make sure you use it in a well-ventilated area and use protective gear. Use spray cans outside. Protect the site you are spraying (I use aluminum foil) and allow it to dry between coats. You may need more than one coat of primer to cover your crafting resin entirely. Once the primer has dried (follow recommendations on your particular primer), you can begin painting your piece.
Tip 2: Paints meant for plastic work best when painting resin.
I typically recommend using acrylic paint. Using craft paint, especially when you’re getting your bearings painting resin, is perfectly fine as well. I’ve found that synthetic brushes, especially Taklon and White Taklon, seem to work best for resin painting. If you want to add tiny details to your artwork, you may want to visit a model train store or a store that sells miniatures (like a gaming store), as they will sell paintbrushes with very, very fine tips. There’s one out there called ‘The Psycho’ that I’ve used in the past. Imagine the point on that one.
Tip 3: When painting on resin, the key is patience.
If you’re anything like me, once you get an idea, you want to get it out of your head and into the real world as soon as possible. However, when working with paint and epoxy for art, you’re going to have to take your time. Add your first layer of paint, starting with the main color you plan to use. When doing this, dab the paint on. Using a standard paint stroke will leave paint streaks rather than opaque color. Don’t add enough paint to make it opaque in one go. It will take a couple of applications. Once your base color has dried, you can add details to your painted image.
Tip 4: If you make a mistake or want to try something out, it’s straightforward to get paint off of resin.
If the paint is still wet, it wipes away relatively quickly. You can use a damp paper towel to remove any residue or dried paint. However, before adding any new color or resin, you must wait for everything to dry. Using a paper towel to dry the resin can be iffy since it’s likely to add dust and other contaminants. A cloth towel or air drying works best. Even if you use a towel, let the piece sit for a bit to ensure no moisture has been left behind.
Tip 5: When using paint on resin, you’ll need to be careful not to scratch your painting, or it’ll come off.
This is a plus and a minus in that you can pretty quickly correct any mistakes you’ve made. On the downside, though, if you’re using a pipette to apply your resin, you need to be careful not to let it scrape your painted piece. I have not had any issues with paint coming off in the resin itself, so long as it’s given time to dry. Even if you scratch the resin a bit when removing the color, it generally gets filled in when you apply another layer of resin (which you’ll want to preserve your resin art).
Tip 6: Set your piece aside for twenty or thirty minutes between painting layers.
If you notice a mistake in your painting after applying the resin, there’s not much that you can do. There have been several pieces I’ve had to restart from scratch after finding that I’ve made a mistake in the layering order or something ‘just doesn’t look right.’ Set it aside, then, when you come back, if it looks okay, continue with adding your next layer of epoxy resin.
Tip 7: Let your paint fully dry before applying a resin layer.
I let my paint dry for about twenty minutes unless it’s rather thickly coated, which in that case, it gets a longer dry time. Once you can touch the paint without smearing it, it’s ready for resin application. You may want to include pearls to create an air bubble effect, plants, etc., at this point too.
Tip 8: If your painting requires straight lines or crisp edges, use painter’s tape.
Paint the image, wait for the paint to dry, then remove the painter’s tape. Stencils or cut-outs may also be helpful.
Tip 9: Use a bright light angled so that it’s shining directly on top of the piece.
That usually helps me find any dust, hair, etc., before the piece sets.
Tip 10: Leaving areas clear on your resin also leads you to create some fascinating effects.
I have frequently used this to create depth in landscapes and fish that appear three-dimensional, despite several layers of flat paint. Abstract pieces can have a very unique and deep effect.
Here are a few of my finished epoxy resin crafting projects:
What else would you like to know about how to paint on resin?
Ready to try creating with resin but confused by all the information out there? I get it — there is so much out there. But how can you possibly consume it all? It’s why I wrote the ebook Resin Fundamentals. I share my seventeen years of experience with resin into the essential facts you need to know to make something extraordinary from the first try. Buy the ebook now, and a link to download it arrives in your inbox in minutes.
originally written by Lynette Olnhausen
Unpublished Blog Posts of Resin Obsession, LLC © 2023 Resin Obsession, LLC
Thanks!
Do you have to put a primer on anything you paint. Including tiles that have a shine on them.
I don’t prime tiles before using them.
I have my sea glass embedded in cured acrylic resin & they will be glued on sheetrock with other subway tiles to create a backsplash. I want to paint back of created tiles but wondered if I need to put a colored primer on or a clear primer then paint, so tile glue adheres to my tiles? Please help!!!!
Hi Kim, I would expect either to work.
I painted an outdoor Garden Resin piece with oil paints and now 24 hours later it is still not dry . Was it a mistake using oils ? Remedy for this .
Please let me know. Thanks in advance. Suman
I haven’t used oil paints on resin, but it’s my understanding they take a long time to dry.
Never use oil paints on anything that is nonporous. It works great on wood but not on metal or resin
Can you use an ink stamp with acrylic or alcohol inks to apply a design?
You can, but have to seal it afterwards, otherwise it may come off. This is the sealant I like to use: https://shop.resinobsession.com/collections/tools-and-supplies/products/castin-craft-gloss-resin-sealer-spray
Very helpful. Thanks.
Very helpful just want to give it a go am usually painting on canvas so want to try something different
I am about to make egg shaped ladybugs from resin and paint on top of it. is it a good idea to apply a layer of resin on top of that? I’m afraid that it will get droopy sides and that it won’t be evenly covered. I’ve heard people about triple thick but since that melts acrilyc paint and sometimes leaves brush strokes in it I’m not sure if I should use that.
..9o9
I want to place a painted picture on my TV tray, covering it with resin or polyurethane. Do I need to remove the finish from the top first or can I just pour or paint over the picture & the remaining top? This will be my first time working with resin. Any advice will be helpful.
I would remove the finish from the top first, otherwise, it may keep the resin from sticking.
Hello Katherine,
Is my first time of using resin and acrylics. My project is a doll head pretty big size. I have bought primer, also acrylics, now my question is how I should start the painting? Step by step what i should add and does the acrylic color mix with resin for painting or is applied directly ? How much I should mix from each and when i need to apply resin layer? After finishing the painting or between them? Thank you so much in advance!!!
Hi Florea, you have a lot going on here! I want to help you with your project, and I think this situation is best suited for a one-on-one consulting call where you and I talk back and forth about what’s going on. A 15-minute consultation call is $20. I do them by video so I can have a chance to see what you are working on. If you are interested, please send a message through the ‘contact us’ page and I can get this going for you.
will silver metallic acrylic paint adhere to the back of a coaster made of resin. Will it still need sealing afterwards, possibly using a Krylon spray sealant or possiblly the Krylon triple glaze brush on.
Have you tried to use enamel paints like TESTERS brand on resin? How about airbrushing?
I have not tried enamel or airbrush paint.
Yes, Testors works great with resin!
How do you remove dried paint from resin? Baby wipes and warm soapy water hasnt worked
Hi Ari, it sounds like you may need to sand off the surface.
Thank you so much. I use resin a lot and you just opened up some “creative” doors for me!
Fantastic!
I am trying to repair a broken figurine, the paint on it is pague, I am just attempting to match the color. (it is a very dark brown) Any suggestions?
Hi Camille, this article will help: https://www.resinobsession.com/resin-resin-resin/how-to-mix-colors/
Can anyone tell how do get a FLAT [matt] black finish with my polyester products? … Having 10yrs experience i still cannot work this out [HELP]. My products include metal shavings. So having tried various things [gel coats/black powders/pigment] the metals will always show through the colour … So, i had a brainwave of spraying my products before the final coat, with a spray can of matt black paint. SUCCESS Excellant results!!! … BUT when i apply the final clear coat the colour/appearance is all patchy and looks terrible … Why is this?
OK, i do realise that adding a final coat will bring a ‘glossy’ effect. But why all the patchiness? … Am i going about this all the wrong way? … Would my easier solution be, just to forget the final coat and spray with a laqcuer or something? Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you … Regards, Vince
I am drying to spray paint (acrylic, satin 30%) some resin objects with multiple bands/ layers of colour. I am finding when I try to remove the masking/ lining tape off, it is fetching off the paint beneath. On reading your article I take on board what you say about a primer (any particular sort such as an etch primer etc), is it also a good idea to rough up the resin substrate with sandpaper or similar to help it key to the shiny resin substrate beneath?
I have a statue 3’ of a waiter holding out a tray with a towel over his arm. It’s meant for indoors but I put it outside. The paint is peeling and I would like to repaint it with something that it almost waterproof. The statue is some kind of a milky material. I have no idea what resin looks like but it may be. Any ideas as to what kind of paint I’d need to use? TIA
Hi! I’m looking to use a reason piece as the base to do some lettering with paint markers or watercolors or chalk markers. So you think they’ll be removable? Or so you think they’re stain the resin? Thank you so much!
Paint markers will stay on resin, even with another coat. I haven’t tried watercolor or chalk markers, so I don’t know about them. I suspect not though, unless you can seal that layer before applying resin.
I mostly mean to use the marker once the resin item is done and cured. Like lettering quotes on the resin instead of paper for posting on IG, as opposed to painting/lettering between layers of resin. I’m just not sure whether the paint will stain or be permanent / :
how to remove paint from on top the resin. I draw a line with a painter’s marker on the cured resin, but I don’t like it and want to remove it
Hi D, you will need to sand it off our use a paint remover.
Hi Katherine,
I have a resin stone wedding cake topper that has a pearl finish on it and i want to personalize it by painting the dress and suit to match our outfits. What paints would you recommend.. acrylic or paint markers? Any other advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Kay
Hi Kay, I would use acrylic paint.
Great. Thank you!
Oh sorry one last question.. would you recommend spraying it with a sealant once it’s dry?
Thanks,
Kay.
Yes, I would. This one works great: https://shop.resinobsession.com/collections/tools-and-supplies/products/castin-craft-gloss-resin-sealer-spray
Thank you for your help.
I have an urgent question – I have deer antler slices that I want to coat with a non- yellowing clear epoxy. I have found lots about painting ON TOP OF epoxy, but nothing about coating something with epoxy using a brush. Is this possible?
Hi LeAnn, yes you can do this with a foam brush. I show how in this article: https://www.resinobsession.com/resin-tutorials/how-to-glitter-and-resin-a-tumbler/
Hi Katherine, I’m thinking painting a imitation Stone Fireplace manufactured from Resin. It’s currently beige and would like to paint it white.
Please can you tell me what the best approach would be to achieve a good finish?
Hi Paul, I’m afraid this is outside my area of expertise.
Can you mix acrylic paint right into the resin before pouring into your mold so that it just dries to the color you need instead of going through the hassle of trying to paint it after?
Hi Kerri, acrylic paint sometimes works to color resin. If you want consistent results, colors designed for resin are best. You can buy them in our store here: https://shop.resinobsession.com/collections/colorants
Hi!
I’m new to using acrylic paint on resin. I would like to paint small details on cured resin piece then add a top coat of resin after painting. Will the top coat of resin adhere to the piece? I’m confused as I always thought you could not add further coats of resin to already cured resin without priming or sanding first. Please help! Thank you 😊
Hi Tracy, as long as the surface is clean, another coat of resin should adhere nicely.
Q ugh
Can you apply spray paint such as chrome to the back of a resin pieces to add embellishment?
Sure Leanne!
Has anyone tried to paint gold leaf on a resin piece? Also, which works better, spray paint for a base coat of primer or painting it on?
Is there a coating that goes over the finished acrylic paint to stop it coming off so easy???
I have been painting resin for a while now. I have found that the Art Alchemy paint range by Finnabair/Prima Marketing works the best. It’s a very thick paint and usually only one coat is necessary. If I’m aiming for a bit of sparkle, I use their Sparks paint and prime it using black gesso. Using their metallic paints I use white gesso to prime the piece. I have also painted pieces without priming, but that requires more than one coat of paint and I don’t have the patients to wait for it to dry. I’ve also painted resin pieces with Alcohol inks using the pin point skinny cotton point brush (like the kind used by the dentist and I found them in the aisle with modeling paints at the craft store) and they come out quite well. I hope this helps someone who is contemplating different kinds or methods to paint.
Hi, you seem to know about resin and alcohol ink and I’m hoping you can help me. I want to make a piece of art with multiple layers of resin (about 6-7 layers) and alcohol ink. Can I make multiple layers with alcohol ink on top of each cured resin layer. And do I protect each layer with a protective spray before reapplying the resin.
Purchased a statue that is quite rough. Should I try to sand it first?
Not necessarily Deborah, but if you want the finish to look smooth, then sanding will help.
Hi Mooki, that’s what I would guess too by reading your description.
okay thank you!
What do you use to paint the dots on resin dominoes. First resin time user.
Hi Jan, you can use acrylic paint.
I bought outside table and chairs don’t like the color they are resin can I paint them and how ? Help
Hi Kay, I know there are spray paints for this type of situation. Unfortunately, I don’t know a specific brand.
Hi, I was just wondering what happens if you don’t use primer on a resin piece first? Can you paint on the resin without priming it? Sorry if the answer to this is obvious, I’m new to resin. 😅
Hi Kathy, yes, the paint will stick to resin without primer.
Hi…I have a large bulldog head resin urn that is black. Of course my bulldog’s remains are sealed inside. I would like to paint this urn white….any suggestions?
I know this thread is old but I’ve been trying to find a definitive answer before I start a big project and I can’t find one lol
So I’m planning to make a 12″ diameter wall hanging using a mould. I need to be able to do multiple layers and I plan on letting each layer cure before painting on top with alcohol inks/paint/ink. Since it won’t be staying contained I wasn’t sure if the resin layers will actually adhere to eachother.
Usually when I’m pouring over cured resin I have to sand it. I know that paint gives it texture/tooth but there will be spaces in between without paint. Do you think the layers will form a smooth piece? I will be using a lot of resin so I don’t want to mess it up.
Thanks!
Your awesome
Hi!
I bought white resin photo frame, with birds and branches. I do not know type of resin used. I would like to paint it with a ‘antique gold’ acyric paint.
Will a spray primer work on this unknown resin?
Hi
How do you get your designs on the resin please just starting an interest with resin thanks
I have plastic/resin pots for crafts flower arrangements. Would like to apply black & white large vertical lines on each. What should I do?
I painted a wood sign and poured resin to protect it but don’t like the contrast now. Can I paint over the resin and pour again to protect it or should I seal it another way?
That sounds like a great plan Elizabeth.
I have a coffee table made by Gabby that is covered in resin. i would like to touch up a few spots! Can this be done? If so what type of paint might I use? OR is it better to use an overall paint application? I am pleased with the color but want to ensure durability.
If the coffee table is covered in resin, then it is fully sealed and very durable. I would not paint over the resin.
I have a white resin reindeer from Joann’s. Can I use spray paint on it? I just want it one solid color.
You should be able to! Resin reacts the same as plastic!