In fact, ArtResin takes mosaic artwork next level - not only can you use it as an adhesive to mount your tiles, but it also enhances the texture of your mosaic with a glossy finish that'll make you want to reach out and touch it!
We love using wooden art panels here at ArtResin - you can mount your artwork and pour your resin directly on the panel! Some panels even have a raised lip specifically designed to contain resin - they make for a super easy pour with clean edges.
Measure, mix, pour, spread, cover and wait, and in 24 hours your mosaic will go from good to gorgeous!
Let's get started ....
Supplies:
- A 12 x 12" wooden art panel
- mosaic tiles ( we used a mix of glass and ceramic )
- 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
Check out our resin art tools & accessories.
Steps:
1. Assemble your Mosaic Tiles
2. Calculate how much Resin you can use
Next, 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" or 3 mm layer for a 12 x 12" panel requires 5 oz resin (2.5 oz resin and 2.5 oz hardener). Measure the lip on your panel as they can vary. The panel in our video, for example, has a 1/4" lip. If you'd like to fill the panel up to the top, you'll need double the amount: 10 oz total resin (5 oz resin and 5 oz hardener).
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.
4. Pour the Resin
Pour the ArtResin onto the centre of your piece and spread it out to the edges using a spreader. This will give you a 1/8" (or 3 mm) layer of ArtResin into which you'll lay your tiles. You'll have about 45 minutes of working time before the resin gets too thick to spread. Read our blog How To Pour And Spread Epoxy Resin for more resin tips and techniques!
💡 TIP: Be aware that ArtResin makes items look wet, so it may darken natural objects like terracotta tile etc. If you test your objects first with water, you'll know exactly what appearance you can expect once you pour on the resin.
Now you're ready to drop your tiles into the 1/8" layer of ArtResin you've spread onto your panel. ArtResin is an adhesive, so it will keep your pieces mounted to the board once it cures. Once all of your tiles have been mounted and the design in complete, you're ready to torch.
5. Use your Artist Torch
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 Artwork
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 24hr 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 72hrs 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:
- Introduction to Resin Art
- How to Resin an Acrylic Painting
- How to Resin Watercolor
- How to Resin on Canvas for Beginners
- How to Make Textured Resin Art
- How to Resin Flowers
- How to Resin Over Gold Leaf
- How to Resin A Metal Print
- How to Resin Wood
- How to Resin Rocks
- How to Resin Modelling Clay
- How to Resin Chalk Pastel
- How to Resin A Paper Collage
- How to Resin Charcoal
ArtResin: Made For Artists, By Artists.
