How To Resin Rocks

July 9, 2018

Covering rocks (and other embedded objects) in ArtResin is easy!
In fact, ArtResin takes embedded artwork next level - not only can you use it as an adhesive to mount your objects, but it also enhances the texture of your collage 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 rock collage will go from good to gorgeous!

Let's get started ....

Supplies:

A 12 x 12" wooden art panel
decorative rocks
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. Assemble your Rock Collage

First, assemble your rock collage. You may choose to draw a design outline directly onto the wood panel before you start ( as we did ) or you can simply freehand your design. Either way, glue your rocks to the panel using adhesive or a very small batch of ArtResin ( ArtResin IS an adhesive, the strongest adhesive in the world, in fact.) Once your collage is complete and all of your rocks have been mounted, allow your piece to sit and dry for at least 24hrs.

💡 TIP: being an organic material, wood may contain trapped air which can release into your resin as bubbles. There are many variables that can affect gas bubbles: the type of wood, how dry the wood is, humidity etc. Sealing wood with a spray or brush-on sealant is an option to help to prevent bubbles. We've used these wood panels enough to know that we don't need to seal them, but we always recommend testing with your particular materials so you know exactly what results to expect before you resin your final project. Again, if in doubt, you can never go wrong by sealing first if it makes you feel more comfortable.

Resin Rocks – draw a design outline directly onto the wood panel

Resin Rocks – draw a design outline directly onto the wood panel

Resin Rocks – Assemble your Rock Collage

Resin Rocks – brush-on sealant is an option to help to prevent bubbles

2. Calculate how much Resin you need

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. In order to fill it to the top, you'd use 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.

Resin Rocks - measure accurately by volume

Resin Rocks - Stir thoroughly for 3 minutes total

4. Pour the Art Resin

Pour the ArtResin onto the centre of your piece and spread it out to the edges using a disposable foam brush which will allow you to work around the rocks. 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 rocks, wood, fabric etc. If you test your objects first with water, you'll know exactly what appearance you can expect once you pour on the resin.

Resin Rocks – allow you to work around the rocks

Resin Rocks – Pour the ArtResin onto the centre of your piece

Resin Rocks – disposable foam brush which will allow you to work around the rocks

Resin Rocks – spread it out to the edges

5. Use your Artist's 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 Piece

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.

Resin Rocks – resin will be dry to the touch at the 24hr mark

We hope you found this informative and helpful!

Do you want to learn more about using resin with different mediums? 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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