How To Resin A Metal Aluminum Print

July 19, 2018

Covering an aluminum print in a coating of epoxy resin is easy - in fact, ArtResin takes aluminum metal prints next level, giving them a professional, glossy finish, deeply saturating the colour and making them look like a million bucks!

Measure, mix, pour, spread, cover and wait, and in 24 hours your metal print will go from good to gorgeous!

Let's get started ....

Supplies:

a metal print
ArtResin epoxy resin
A pair of nitrile gloves, a stir stick and spreader
a level
a measuring cup with easy to read measurement lines
a mixing container
a handheld torch like our Artist's Torch
toothpicks
an empty plastic tote or cardboard box with the flaps cut off to protect your piece while it dries

Discover our resin art tools & accessories!

Steps:

1. Decide On An Image

Decide on an image you love and choose a print shop that specializes in metal prints. There are lots to choose from - we ordered an HD Metal Print from online printer PosterJack. Simply choose your size, upload your image to their website and a beautiful, ready-to-hang metal print will be on its way to your door in no time!

💡A NOTE ON METAL: Our aluminum print had a brushed finish and did not require a sealant. However, If your metal surface is smooth and shiny, it requires preparation to ensure the resin adheres properly. Remove oil, dirt, and contaminants with a suitable metal degreaser. Then, roughen the metal using a wire brush, sandblaster, sandpaper, spray sealant, or chemical treatment to create tooth for resin adhesion. Always test on an inconspicuous spot to ensure that an abrasive treatment such as sanding or wire brushing does not damage the your artwork/effect on the metal. Apply the resin as soon as possible after preparing the metal surface.

💡A NOTE ON PREPARING METAL FOR RESIN: Our aluminum print had a brushed finish and did not require a sealant. However, If your metal surface is smooth and shiny, it requires preparation to ensure the resin adheres properly and to prevent possible delamination down the road:

Remove oil, dirt, and contaminants with a suitable metal degreaser.
Then, rough up the metal using a wire brush, sandblaster, sandpaper, or chemical treatment to create tooth for the resin to adhere to.
Apply the resin as soon as possible after preparing the metal surface.

2. Calculate How Much Resin You Need

Using our Resin Calculator, simply enter the length and width of your piece to determine how much ArtResin you’ll need.
💡 TIP: a standard 1/8" coating for a piece of art measuring 12 x 12" requires 5 oz resin ( 2.5 oz resin and 2.5 oz hardener ).

Resin A Metal Print - Calculate how much resin you need

3. Stir Thoroughly

Wearing gloves, measure accurately ( by volume ) precisely equal amounts of resin and hardener. Stir thoroughly for 3 minutes total, ensuring you scrape the bottom and sides of your mixing container as you go.

💡 TIP: for our very best measuring and mixing tips, read the blog How To Measure And Mix Resin And Hardener.

Resin A Metal Print - Wearing gloves, measure accurately

4. Pour Resin

Pour the ArtResin onto the centre of your piece and spread it out to the edges using a plastic spreader or a popsicle stick. You'll have about 45 minutes of working time before the resin gets too thick to work with.

💡 TIP: Read our blog How To Pour And Spread Epoxy Resin for more resin tips and techniques!

A Note On Doming your Resin:

For a real pro finish, try doming your ArtResin, which is simply spreading your ArtResin right to the edge of your piece without going over the sides, allowing it to sit neatly on top of your artwork.

First, pour your carefully measured and mixed resin in the centre of your piece and using your spreading tool, work the resin slowly outward, gently nudging it to the edge - ArtResin's beautiful, viscous consistency means that it will sit exactly where you want it to. Doming requires no special tools and is an easy technique to master with a little patience and a steady hand - it's one of our favourite techniques here at the ArtResin studio!

Read our blog: What Is Doming Resin?

💡 TIP: You can tape off the sides as extra insurance the first few times you try doming, but once you get the hang of it, you'll find (as in our video) that you don't need to tape at all. Keep in mind that doming works best on pieces where the edges form a sharp 90 degree corner.

5. Use Your Torch To Remove Any Bubbles

Using your Artist’s Torch, hold the flame a couple of inches above the resin surface just long enough to pop the bubbles, keeping the torch moving from side to side at all times.
💡 TIP: if you're nervous about using a torch, don't be! Read our blog with all you need to know about How To Use A Torch On Epoxy Resin.

6. Final Check of your artwork

Once the piece has been torched, look at the resin in the light for any missed bubbles, tiny hairs or bits of dust, using a toothpick to fish them out.

7. Cover Your Resin Piece

With a plastic tote or a cardboard box ( with the flaps cut off ) cover your piece and let it sit for 24 hrs until it’s dry to the touch.

8. Wait 24 Hours

After 24hrs has passed, reveal your piece!
💡 TIP: the resin will be dry to the touch at the 24 hr mark. At this point, you're free to hang and admire your artwork on the wall, absolutely, but if you're planning on packing and shipping your artwork, please wait at least 72 hrs until the resin has fully cured.

We hope you found this informative and helpful!

Do you want to learn more about using resin with different mediums and on different surfaces? Check out our how-to tutorials:

ArtResin: Made For Artists, By Artists.

About the author: Joanne Wright

I'm Joanne, the Content Manager at ArtResin. Originally from Canada, my home is now Indianapolis, Indiana. My love of all things creative and my entrepreneurial heart means I’ve worn many hats over the years including fashion producer & stylist, retail store owner, t-shirt designer, and even vegan baker! I am...

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