FAQs

What Makes ArtResin Safe To Use?

ArtResin has been evaluated by a certified toxicologist and conforms to ASTM D4236 , ensuring it is non-toxic when used as directed. Made from the highest quality materials, ArtResin produces no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or fumes.

Our formula is a clean system with no solvents or non-reactive diluents, meaning nothing becomes airborne to cause health issues. ArtResin is non-flammable in liquid form, classified as non-hazardous, and can be shipped by air. Additionally, unlike many epoxy resins, ArtResin has a low odor, making it more pleasant to work with.

ArtResin Passes Food Safety Tests

Yes, once fully cured, ArtResin is inert and can be safely used as a food contact surface.

ArtResin has been rigorously tested by a third party for leaching and migration across worldwide standards and passed every test: when used as directed, cured ArtResin will not transfer any substances into food. 

For more details, please refer to ArtResin's Safety Data Sheet.

What Safety Precautions Should I Take When Using ArtResin Epoxy Resin?

ArtResin conforms to ASTM D-4236, indicating it has been evaluated as non-toxic and safe for home use when used as directed. Here are some common-sense safety precautions to follow:

1. Wear Gloves: Protect your skin from a sticky mess and potential irritation. If resin contacts your skin, clean promptly with soap and water.
2. Eye Contact: If resin gets in your eyes, flush with water repeatedly without rubbing and seek medical attention immediately.
3. Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area. Wear a respirator if ventilation is poor.
   

For detailed health information, please see ArtResin's Safety Data Sheet.

See our Resin Calculator or Circle Calculator for your specific coverage needs.

Where Should I Epoxy Resin My Work?

Warm and dry conditions are best when working with ArtResin. Aim for an ideal temperature range of 75-85°F (24-30°C) and ideally with 50% humidity, or below 80%. It's important to maintain stable temperatures during the first 24 hours to avoid dimples in the cured resin.

How To Measure and Mix Resin And Hardener
How To Pour and Spread Epoxy Resin

1. Measure Properly: Measure equal amounts of resin and hardener by volume, not weight. Altering the ratio will prevent proper curing.
2. Mix Thoroughly: Stir for at least 3 minutes, scraping the bottom and sides of the container to ensure thorough mixing. Inadequate stirring will result in sticky, uncured resin.
3. Remove Bubbles: If bubbles appear, don’t worry - use an Artist's Torch after pouring to eliminate them.
4. Pour Carefully: Avoid scraping the sides of the container when pouring, as unmixed resin or hardener stuck to the sides will cause sticky spots.
5. Coat Your Piece: Pour in the center and spread with a reusable spreader or an old credit card. ArtResin will naturally self-level to about 1/8" or 3 mm.
6. Resin the Sides: To resin the sides of your piece, use a disposable foam brush or your gloved hand, or dome the resin by nudging it to the edge without going over the sides. ArtResin's thick texture helps it stay in place!

Follow these steps for a flawless resin finish!

3 Ways To Get A Thick Layer Of Resin

ArtResin was formulated as a surface coating for artwork to be poured in thin applications. It naturally self-levels to 1/8" (3 mm). You can apply ArtResin as thick as you want, as long as you pour in multiple 1/8" layers. There are two methods for pouring multiple layers:

1. Gel-Like Stage Method:

• Pour the initial 1/8" layer.
• Use a torch to remove bubbles.
• Cover and wait 3-5 hours until the ArtResin reaches a gel-like stage.
• Pour the next 1/8" layer, remove bubbles, cover, and wait another 3-5 hours.
• Repeat these steps until you reach the desired thickness. This method is ideal for molds or dams.

2. Dry Layer Method:

• Allow the first layer to dry completely.
• Wearing a dust mask, lightly sand the surface. Remove sanding dust.
• Pour the next 1/8" layer, remove bubbles, cover, and let it dry.
• Repeat these steps as needed to achieve the desired thickness.

What Is The Working Time Of ArtResin?

ArtResin epoxy resin has a working time of about 45 minutes before it starts to cure and becomes too stiff to work with. To ensure the best results, apply the resin immediately after mixing it for 3 minutes.

Note on Temperature:
Heat affects the working time of the resin. If the resin is warmed in a water bath, the working time decreases by about 10 minutes. Additionally, the cure time may also be shortened in temperatures above 85°F (25°C). Be mindful of your workspace temperature for optimal working time and curing results.

Tips To Prevent Resin Bubbles
Why Use A Torch With Resin?

The most efficient way to remove bubbles from epoxy resin is with a flame torch. Whether you use a butane Artist's Torch or a propane torch, the flame warms the resin surface instantly, thinning it out and allowing bubbles to escape easily. Heat guns can also work, especially with silicone molds; however they are less precise and tend to blow wet resin around. The flame also burns off tiny dust particles. Use caution with any torch or heat gun.

Additional tips to prevent bubbles:

• Seal your work, especially wood or paper that might release air.
• Ensure your resin is at room temperature or warmer.
• Stir slowly instead of whipping your resin.
• Pour slowly.
• Pour in 1/8" (3 mm) layers to allow bubbles to escape.

What's The Cure Time Of ArtResin Epoxy Resin?

ArtResin is dry to the touch within 24 hours and reaches its full cure in 72 hours. Ensure that the resin cures in a stable, room-temperature environment for optimal results.

Tips To Keep Dust Out Of Your Resined Artwork.

Before you start to resin, prepare a protective covering, such as a clean plastic tote or a large cardboard box with the flaps cut off. This way, it's available as soon as you finish applying the resin.

If you're working in a garage or other dusty area, mist the air with water in a spray bottle to keep the dust down.

How To Clean Up Epoxy Resin

Wear disposable gloves to protect your hands. Line your work surface with a plastic liner or a vinyl shower curtain, and use drop sheets on the ground for easy clean-up.

Important: Do not pour leftover epoxy resin down the drain!

For cleaning:

1. Wipe containers and reusable plastic tools with paper towels.
2. Clean with isopropyl alcohol or acetone to remove all residue.
3. Once all traces of resin are gone, wash with hot soapy water and air dry.

Alternatively, place wet tools on your plastic-lined work surface, let the resin cure, and peel it off the next day.

What Materials Can I Or Can't I Use Epoxy Resin On?

ArtResin epoxy resin bonds well with most mediums, excluding materials that repel water such as wax, oil, and plastics, including silicone. It adheres well to wood, photographs, inkjet prints, fully dried acrylic, oil, watercolor, and spray paint, ink, oil pastel, paper collage, metal, glass, sculptures, flowers, rocks, and other found objects.

Avoid pouring resin over loose materials such as glitter or chalk pastels, as they may float in the liquid resin. Soft papers may absorb resin; apply a sealant first to create a barrier. It's a good practice to test your materials with resin before beginning your project. Enjoy experimenting!

Should I Seal my Artwork Before I Resin?

In most cases, you don’t need a sealant before applying ArtResin. However, sealing is recommended for materials like paper that could absorb resin, loose materials that might float, and natural objects like wood that could off-gas air. Use a clear-drying brush-on or spray sealant appropriate for your artwork.

If unsure, apply a sealant first and test on a scrap piece so you know exactly what results to expect.

What Is ArtResin's Heat Resistance?

Cured ArtResin can withstand temperatures up to 120°F (50°C). At this temperature, the resin may become slightly flexible but will harden again once cooled. Placing a hot cup of coffee on a coaster typically won’t damage the resin surface. However, exposing cured resin to temperatures exceeding 120°F (50°C), such as placing a hot dish from the oven on it or leaving it in a hot car, can cause irreversible damage.

Sanding Epoxy Between Coats

Yes, you can apply a second coat of ArtResin. To repair imperfections like bubbles, hair, or dust, first sand out the imperfection and then sand the entire piece to create a rough surface for the new layer to adhere to. The scuffed marks will disappear under the fresh coat. Prepare and apply the second layer just like the first.

You can pour multiple layers of ArtResin to cover high relief areas, fill molds, or achieve a thicker coat. The ideal thickness for each pour is 1/8" (3 mm) to avoid trapping bubbles. Layer ArtResin in increments of 1/8" (3 mm) until reaching the desired height.

There are two methods for pouring multiple layers:

1. Pour the first layer, torch out bubbles, cover, and wait 3-5 hours until it reaches the gel stage. Pour the next layer, torch out bubbles, cover, and repeat until repeat as needed.
   
   
2. Alternatively, let the first layer fully dry. While wearing a dust mask, sand the surface with coarse sandpaper, clean up the dust, and pour the next layer. Torch out bubbles, cover, and let it dry. Repeat as needed.

Can Resin Art Be Hung Outside?

ArtResin epoxy resin contains advanced UV and Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers to protect it from degradation, including yellowing caused by UV light exposure. However, deliberately exposing it to UV light is not recommended.

ArtResin epoxy resin is durable and food safe once fully cured, but keep in mind that it was designed as a surface coating for artwork. While it is scratch-resistant, it’s not scratch-proof. 

On the other hand, our Industrial Clear epoxy resin was specifically formulated to handle tough situations and high-traffic areas like counters and floors.

It’s important to note that epoxy resin may be slippery when wet.

Does Epoxy Resin Expire?
What Can You Do With Yellowed Hardener?

ArtResin remains fresh for about 6 months in opened bottles or 1 year unopened from the date of manufacture. The manufacture date can be found on the ArtResin label.

After this time, the hardener may yellow in the bottle due to oxidation. It's important to note that this yellowing effect occurs only to the hardener in the liquid state; it's much like the browning of an apple or avocado once cut and exposed to oxygen. Oxidation is not the same as UV-induced yellowing, which occurs after cured resin has been exposed to direct sunlight.

While it may appear worse in the bottle, once you mix the hardener with the resin (which remains clear), the yellowing will dilute significantly. The yellowed hardener will still cure as expected. While it may not be ideal for light-colored artwork, it’s suitable for darker pieces of art, over wood, or for use with tints.

Why Is My Resin Cloudy: Discover 6 Causes of Cloudy Resin
How Does Cold Weather Affect Resin?

ArtResin's ideal working temperature is between 75-85°F (24-30°C). Resin colder than this becomes thick, difficult to work with, and may appear milky due to microbubbles that cannot be torched out.

To resolve this, let the resin reach room temperature or warm the tightly capped bottles in a warm water bath for about 10 minutes. Keep in mind that warming reduces your working time by about 10-15 minutes. Ensure the bottles are thoroughly dried before opening them.

Why Is My Resin Bendy?

In most cases, bendy resin just needs more time to cure. ArtResin reaches 95% solidity after 24 hours. Attempting to move or bend the resin before this 24-hour mark will cause it to bend. For a full cure, wait at least 72 hours. Bendy resin can result from several factors:

• Under-mixing
• An inaccurate mixing ratio
• Adding too much colorant
• A thin pour without a substrate

To fix bendy resin, allow more curing time. If it remains bendy, try pouring a thin top coat of properly measured and mixed ArtResin over it to add some strength.

How Can I Fix Soft, Sticky Spots In My Resin?
How To Harden Sticky Resin

If your resin hasn’t cured properly, it usually means that the chemical reaction did not occur correctly. This is most often due to inaccurate measuring, under-mixing, or curing in cold temperatures. If you suspect temperature was the issue, try moving your piece to a warmer environment for 24 hours to see if it cures.

If it remains sticky, scrape away any liquid or uncured material, sand down the dried areas, and pour another coat over the entire surface. Resin that stays sticky for days will remain so indefinitely until corrected.

Can I Spot Fix Small Imperfections In My Resin?

If your resin has cured with surface imperfections like dust, hair, dimples, or waves, sand down the entire surface while wearing a dust mask. After sanding, thoroughly wipe away all traces of dust. Then, pour another coat of properly measured and mixed ArtResin over it.

We don't recommend spot fixing, as it's almost impossible to achieve a seamless finish by patching a small area on top of the original resin coat.

Will I See The Scratch Marks From Sanding Under A Second Coat Of Resin?

The scratchy, scuffed appearance from sanding the cured resin surface will vanish once you apply a fresh coat of resin.

Why Are There Bare Spots In My Cured Resin?

Resin can be repelled by contaminants such as oil, grease, and wax. To fix a bare spot, clean the surface with isopropyl alcohol or warm water and dish soap. Allow it to dry. Then, wearing a dust mask, sand the entire surface with 80-grit sandpaper. Wipe away the sanding dust and pour a well-measured, well-mixed coat of ArtResin epoxy resin over it.

Why Does My Epoxy Resin Mixture Feel Hot?

When you combine the resin and the hardener, a chemical reaction begins, producing heat. This is normal, and the heat is greater with larger quantities of the resin mixture.

However, if the resin is poured as a very thick layer, such as into a mold, or sits in a large quantity in the mixing cup for too long, especially after a warm water bath, it can heat up very quickly and cure prematurely or flash cure. To prevent this, pour in thin layers or sections, pour the mixture immediately after mixing, or divide the resin into smaller portions.

Is It Possible To Over-Torch My Epoxy Resin?

While torching is the best way to eliminate bubbles from the resin surface, be careful not to over torch. Move your Artist's Torch smoothly and continuously across the surface, without stopping, much like ironing clothes.

Amine Blush: What Is It and How To Prevent It

When resin cures in humid conditions, a greasy film called amine blush can form on the surface due to the amines in the hardener.

To remove amine blush, wipe the surface with a damp cloth using warm, soapy water, followed by a rinse with plain water. Since amines are water-soluble, they should wash away easily without the need for solvents.

If any residue remains, use a more abrasive method like a scouring pad, though this may scuff the resin surface. If scuffing occurs, let the area dry completely. Then, wearing a dust mask, sand the surface, wipe it clean, and apply a fresh coat of resin to restore the gloss.

Does ArtResin Shrink?

No, ArtResin epoxy resin does not shrink. Shrinkage occurs in products with solvents, cheap fillers, or non-reactive diluents, none of which are present in ArtResin.

How Can I Make Epoxy Resin Dry Faster?

Epoxy resin cures faster with heat. Maintain a room temperature between 75-85ºF (24-30ºC), or use space heaters to increase the room temperature. Keep the temperature stable for the first 24 hrs to prevent surface imperfections. Please note that adding more hardener to the mixture will not speed up the curing process.

Why Do I Need To Give Resin A Warm Water Bath?

If your ArtResin is colder than room temperature, warm it using a water bath. Epoxy resin is generally easier to work with and produces far fewer bubbles when it's warm. Immerse tightly capped bottles in warm (not boiling) water for 10-15 minutes. Note, warming reduces the 45-minute working time by about 10 minutes. Ensure no water enters the resin mixture to prevent cloudiness.

How To Thin Out Epoxy Resin

To thin out ArtResin epoxy resin, place the tightly capped bottles in a warm water bath before mixing. Warming reduces the viscosity and significantly minimizes bubbles, but it shortens the working time by about 10 minutes. Do not use solvents to thin the resin.

For a thicker consistency, mix the resin and hardener, portion it out into smaller amounts, and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. Check it every 5 minutes until it thickens to the desired consistency. When thickening resin, ensure to divide the mixture into smaller portions to avoid overheating: if the resin sits in a large mass in the mixing container, it may overheat and flash cure.

How To Color Clear Epoxy Resin.

ArtResin can be tinted with ResinTint liquid pigment, resin paste, mica powder, or ink. Simply add the colorant to the mixture while stirring for an even, saturated color.

Always test colorants beforehand to know exactly what results to expect.

Note that water-based colorants, like acrylic paint, may react with the resin, causing thickening or flash curing. Opt for high-quality, highly pigmented artists’ acrylics and use sparingly.

Alcohol-based colorants, such as alcohol ink, are flammable when torched. We recommend using a heat gun instead.

Regardless of the colorant used, it's important to remember that less is more. Avoid exceeding 6% of the total volume of mixed resin and hardener, or the resin may not cure properly.

How To Clean Cured Resin

Keeping ArtResin epoxy resin pieces clean is very simple: simply treat them as you would glass. Use a gentle glass cleaner and a soft cloth to polish the surface. Avoid using paper towels or microfiber cloths, as these can cause fine scratches.

Yes, we do!

If you're a retailer, professional artist, or a workshop instructor, please fill out our Wholesale Application Form and we'll be in touch.

ArtResin accepts all major credit cards, as well as PayPal, Shop Pay, Google Pay, and Klarna (where available).

Please contact us by phone at 1-877-401-4001 or email at support@artresin.com.

For orders that have already shipped, the return process will need to be followed.

If you're not satisfied with your order within 30 days, you may return it to us.

• Orders received before 10AM EST Monday - Friday (excluding holidays) will be processed and prepared for standard shipping. You will receive a tracking number after your order has been processed for shipping. Typical delivery times are 1 - 5 business days.
  
  
• Delivery times for International Orders are 4 - 7 business days. Please note, international orders may be subject to customs and brokerage fees that are the responsibility of the purchaser.
  
  
• For USA 2-day shipping: Orders received before 10AM EST Monday - Friday (excluding holidays) will be processed and prepared for shipping the same day. The transit time begins the first full shipping day after the package leaves our warehouse.

In the case of a return:
Please contact us by phone at 1-877-401-4001 or email us at support@artresin.com.

We will email you a Return Authorization Form to fill out and attach to your return.

Please note that ArtResin is not responsible for return shipping fees; it is the responsibility of the buyer.