Resin is a substance secreted by plants, especially fir trees, but may also be artificially recreated. The synthetic resin suitable for craft projects is known as methyl methacrylate or acrylic resin. Acrylic resin is ideal for encasing photos, shells, plants, dead insects or other colourful small objects. The resin may be cast into moulds and you can continue your craft project by turning the resulted resin into pendants, earrings or rings.

Decide on the items you want to encase in resin. Base your decision on the plasticity, colour and availability of the items you consider. The size of the things you choose should be suitable to fit in a mould. Remove dust and dirt from the things that you seal in resin. Use a mild detergent or a damp cloth to clean the items. Dry the items and cover them in vinyl resin sealer, so that they are protected.

  • Resin is a substance secreted by plants, especially fir trees, but may also be artificially recreated.
  • The size of the things you choose should be suitable to fit in a mould.

Buy moulds to pour the resin in. Resin can be poured into metallic, plaster, rubber or plastic moulds.

Get pourable resin and prepare it in a plastic recipient following the guidelines on the label. There are various sorts of resin that involve different preparation techniques. Typically, you need to mix the resin with the catalyst, also known as curing agent. Mix well using a stick to obtain a paste. Allow a few air bubbles to exist in the mixture.

  • Buy moulds to pour the resin in.
  • Get pourable resin and prepare it in a plastic recipient following the guidelines on the label.

Pour resin in the mould until it's approximately half full and leave it to harden for up to 60 minutes or as indicated on the label of the resin.

  • Pour resin in the mould until it's approximately half full and leave it to harden for up to 60 minutes or as indicated on the label of the resin.

Insert the item(s) you want to seal in resin.

Prepare resin to fill the rest of the mould. Check the label for instructions on how to mix the second layer of resin. In some cases, the percentage of resin and catalyst needed may slightly differ from the formula used for the first batch. Allow the resin to dry for up to 24 hours.

Remove the resin from the mould and use fine-grit sandpaper to eliminate any excess material.

TIP

Rubber moulds are ideal for working with resin because they're flexible and the resin is easy to remove. Use the bottom of a metallic can as a mould to encase larger objects in resin.