So, you want to start using resin?
Here are some things you should know before you get started!
Hello all, I’m happy you’re here!
Working with epoxy resin is a really fun craft! You can be so creative with it. There are tons and tons of molds you can get for just about anything you want to create and if you can’t find it you can likely make it or something free form…the sky is really the limit! HOWEVER, as fun as resin work is it can be dangerous and cause some pretty severe allergic reactions…believe me, I know!
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By writing this I don’t want to scare you into not using it but I do want to give you a healthy respect for it! When I started with it I read that it can cause allergies and skin irritations and I sort of just brushed it to the side and thought, how bad can it be? I bought it at a craft store after all! I didn’t use gloves or anything! stupidest thing I could have done!
I worked with it for about a month almost daily with no gloves or anything until I started to notice issues. My skin started to get some odd rashes. On my arms and legs and even behind my ears. I also have psoriasis so I sort of just figured it was that. It wasn’t until my eyelids started swelling that I started to think it might be something else. If you want to see what I’m talking about just google resin allergies and there are plenty of images there!
Needless to say, I use proper precautions now! I use gloves, long sleeves, a respirator, and goggles.
It’s best to work in a very well-ventilated room or garage with no people or pets! I also have a window fan that helps to suck the fumes out of the room.
To protect your work surface, I would suggest getting a silicone mat to work on. Resin comes off silicone very easily so that makes for easy clean-up! High-proof ISO alcohol and baby wipes are also good to have as they help to remove resin better than anything. I also included a link to a resin starter kit for tools. I find using as many silicone products as possible makes for easy clean-up and less waste.
Disclaimer – These are just my suggestions! I am not a medical professional. Do your research and if you do experience an allergic reaction, please, seek medical advice.
~Other things to think about getting
Aside from the safety gear, you’re going to need to think about what you want to create! There are tons and tons of great molds on Amazon (which is where I get 99% of mine) When I started I just bought everything that I thought would be fun, that was a bit of a mistake. Now I have a box of molds for trays and containers and I basically just make jewelry and accessories…oh well. You can also make things free form as well but I would suggest getting to know how resin works before you start something like that.
Add-ins are something you’re going to want to think about. The possibilities are almost endless! Glitter, sprinkles, resin paste, alcohol ink, dried flowers, mica powder, craft or aquarium rocks, many different nail decorations, etc., etc. Just know that anything you add HAS to be dried! So, no fresh flowers or food, these will look good for a little bit but will eventually rot!
I have used all the products listed above and love them all!
~Resin can get messy!
You’ll also want to consider not wearing clothing that you like while doing resin. You will drip and possibly spill and resin does NOT come out of clothing, carpet or hair!
I know I’ve mentioned a lot about the risks and safety but it really is a fun hobby and you can be so creative with the things you add, the colors, the glitter, the molds, and so on and so on! If you try it, I hope you love it!
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Tagged crafty kids,DIY with kids,kid's crafts,kid's stuff,sensory play