Welcome to the World of Resin Art
Resin art has become one of New Zealand's fastest-growing creative hobbies. From stunning ocean-inspired artworks and serving boards to jewellery, coasters, and home décor, epoxy resin lets anyone create beautiful, professional-looking pieces with surprisingly little equipment.
If you're completely new to resin, it can also seem overwhelming.
To decide what resin you should be buying, it really depends upon the type of resin art you want to start with. You could start by making some colourful coasters or coasters with shells or flowers in them. In that case, this can be safely poured to 20mm deep, making it ideal for trying your hand at layers in deeper pour projects. The best and easiest Art resin to use is our Passionart 1:1 Craft Resin. You can go straight into doing a deep pour single or multi-coloured pyramid, so in that case you will want to purchase the Ultimate Deep Pour Ocean Cast 100 resin. We have a wide range of the highest quality resins that you can read about to make an informed decision. You can call Paul on 021966387 to help you decide. Maybe a multi-coloured pyramid, so in that case you will want to purchase the Ultimate Deep Pour Ocean Cast 100
There are many tips and tricks for dealing with bubbles in resin, with the most common one being to pre-heat your resin first to room temperature, up to 23c to 25c. You can do this by placing your containers of resin in a hot water bath to heat the resin. Having a great gas torch is essential to pop the surface bubbles once you pour your resin into the resin mould.
All the resins that you will find on the Resin Wood Tables website are very safe products to use, all being FDA- and EU-standard approved as they contain NO VOCs. However, you still want to take a few safety precautions, such as wearing gloves and eye protection when mixing or pouring the epoxy resins. If you do get resin on your skin, it is safest to use White Vinegar to cleanse the resin off, followed by a good wash in warm to hot soapy water.
- Which pigments work best?
All the pigments on our site have been designed for working with epoxy resin, making Resin Wood Tables NZ the biggest Resin Art Supplies in New Zealand alongside our sister company Northland Resin Art located in Northland. We only stock the best of all types of resin colourants, from dyes and alcohol inks to High-Quality Mica powders from the Passionart Mica Powder Pigments range. Crekoat is another high-quality product that we are the official distributors of. Mica colours for interference to deep pearl swirling blends, dyes and alcohol inks NZ for translucent colouring and pastes for more of a deep opaque colour.
- What equipment do I actually need?
The equipment we want and need are two different things, as you can start very simply then grow to higher-quality tooling for more complex jobs later on. To start with, you really only need a few basics listed below.
That covers most of the basics, and we have resin art starter kits coming in August of 2026.
Whether you're making your very first coaster or planning to sell resin artwork professionally, this guide will help you avoid common mistakes and achieve crystal-clear results from day one using the highest-quality epoxy resins that you will find right here on the Resin Wood Tables Home of Creativity website.
What is Epoxy Resin?
Epoxy resin is a two-part, petroleum-based liquid system consisting of:
- Part A – Resin - Resin is always labelled green
- Part B – Hardener - is always labelled red for the activator
When mixed in the correct ratio, a chemical reaction begins that slowly transforms the liquid into a strong, durable, crystal-clear solid.
Unlike polyester resin, modern art epoxy resin is:
- Low odour
- VOC-free (All brands and types on Resin Wood Tables NZ)
- Crystal clear
- UV resistant ( Our epoxy resins are designed to our higher than normal levels of UV inhibitors)
- Easy for beginners
- Safe when used correctly
Today's premium art resins are specifically formulated for artists and hobbyists, making them much easier to use than older industrial resins.
Why Resin Art Has Become So Popular
There are very few limits to what you can create.
Popular resin projects include:
All of these fun and creative projects below can be crafted using the highest quality products right here on Resin Wood Tables NZ. We have hundreds of tutorials coming over the next few months, so make sure you subscribe to our newsletters and follow our blogs and social media groups.
- Ocean art
- Cheese boards
- Serving boards
- Lazy Susans
- Wall art
- River tables
- Jewellery
- Keyrings
- Bookmarks
- Coasters
- Clocks
- Charcuterie boards
- Trinket trays
- Resin flowers
- Home décor
- Sculptures
- Resin geodes
Because resin self-levels, even beginners can achieve a beautiful glass-like finish.
Choosing the Right Resin
Not all epoxy resins are designed for the same purpose.
Using the wrong resin is one of the biggest mistakes beginners make.
Art Resin NZ
Best Resins for many forms of Creative Art pieces:
- Canvas artwork
- Ocean art
- Coasters
- Jewellery
- Silicone moulds
- Crafts
Art Resin NZ Mixing Ratios:
- 1:1 by volume - Is one of the most popular resins in the resin art community
- 2:1 by volume is typical of some of the deep pour resins and domming resins
- 2:1 by weight is typical for most of your flooring and tabletop epoxies
- 3:1 by weight is another common type for both art resins and deep pour resins
Art Resin 1:1 Benefits:
Art Resin, like Passionart Craft Resin 1:1, has many benefits, with the most obvious one being the working time, along with the vast number of creative concepts it can be used for or applied to. I use a lot of the 1:1 when I am doing effect layers in my huge 15-layer Ocean Tables.
- Easy measuring
- Long working time
- Excellent clarity
- Great UV resistance
- Many options for creativity
Perfect for beginners.
Tabletop Resin
We have a few Tabletop resins here on our site, with the Ultra Fast Resin being one of the favourite types, as it cures in 4 hours, is touch-dry, and is fully cured after 24 hours. Our Crystal Clear Tabletop resin is our imported version, which we have heavily modified from our partner company in Guangdong, China, Guangdong Crekoat New Materials Limited. This product is very good, with a much longer working time of over 40 minutes and a cure time of 24 to 36 hours.
-
Timber projects
- Serving boards
- Bench tops
- Bar tops
- Furniture
Tabletop Resin Benefits:
- Harder finish with Ultra Fast
- Better scratch resistance
- High gloss
- Excellent durability
- Longer working times
Deep Pour Resin
Deep Pour Resin is used for castings, small and large, with some ambitious projects I have poured being over 250mm deep all at once in special conditions.
- River tables
- Thick moulds
- Large castings
- Small castings
- Sculptures
- Free-form artwork
Unlike art resin, deep pour systems cure much more slowly, allowing thick pours without overheating. Once you master the various types of Deep Pour Resin that we have you will be crafting like a pro in no time at all under Paul's guidence.
Understanding Mixing Ratios
Every resin has a specific mixing ratio.
Examples include:
- 1:1 by volume
- 2:1 by volume
- 2:1 by weight
- 3:1 systems
Never guess.
- Incorrect measuring is the number one reason resin fails to cure.
- Other signs of failed mixing include soft spots once resin elsewhere is cured
- A silvery-looking pattern under a hard layer of resin
- Seepage coming out after you trim or bullnose the edges of a table
- Orange skin look on top of your resin or a spiderweb effect
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. If in doubt, call Paul on +6421966387 from 7 am - 11 pm, 7 days a week
Essential Equipment for Beginners
You don't need an expensive workshop to start.
Basic equipment includes:
- Mixing cups
- Measuring cups
- Stir sticks
- Silicone mixing tools
- Nitrile or latex gloves
- Heat gun
- Small torch
- Silicone mats
- Dust cover
- Digital scales (if required)
- Respirator (recommended)
- Level workbench
Quality tools make resin projects much easier.
Safety First
Although modern art resin is much safer than older products, safe working practices are still important.
Always:
- Wear gloves
- Work in a ventilated room
- Protect your clothing
- Keep children away during curing
- Avoid skin contact
- Read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Many premium art resins contain no solvents and very low odour, making them pleasant to work with.
Temperature Matters
Temperature has a huge effect on resin.
Ideal working temperature:
22–25°C
Cold resin may cause:
- Thick resin
- More bubbles
- Poor flow
- Longer curing
Hot temperatures may cause:
- Faster curing
- Yellowing
- Overheating
- Cracking
If your resin is cold, place the sealed bottles in warm water before mixing.
Never microwave resin.
How to Measure Resin Correctly
Accurate measuring is critical.
Step 1
Calculate how much resin you need.
Step 2
Measure accurately.
Step 3
Do not estimate.
Step 4
Scrape the container.
Step 5
Mix thoroughly.
Small measuring errors can prevent proper curing.
How to Mix Resin Properly
Mix slowly.
Fast mixing creates unnecessary bubbles.
Mix for several minutes while scraping:
Many professionals use the "double cup method."
After mixing:
- pour into a clean cup
- mix again
This ensures every part of the resin is fully blended.
How to Remove Bubbles
Bubbles are completely normal.
Methods include:
- Warm resin first
- Mix slowly
- Use a heat gun
- Use a small butane torch
- Allow bubbles to rise naturally
Never overheat the resin.
Too much heat can damage the finish.
Colouring Resin
You can colour epoxy using:
- Mica powders
- Resin pigments
- Alcohol inks
- Metallic powders
- Transparent dyes
- Glow powders
- Pastes
Always use products designed specifically for epoxy resin.
Avoid water-based paints.
Resin Art Techniques
Once you've mastered the basics, try different techniques.
Popular styles include:
Ocean Art
White waves created with a heat gun.
Dirty Pour
Several colours poured together.
Swipe Technique
Dragging white pigment across colours.
Bloom Technique
Creating floral-style patterns.
Petri Dish
Layered alcohol inks.
Geode Art
Using crystals, glitter and metallic pigments.
How Long Does Resin Take to Cure?
Typical curing times:
Touch dry:
8–24 hours
Light handling:
24 hours
Full cure:
3–7 days
Avoid moving projects while curing.
Dust is the enemy.
Cover your work during curing.
Common Beginner Mistakes
Most resin problems come from a few simple errors.
Incorrect measuring
Always measure accurately.
Poor mixing
Mix thoroughly.
Cold resin
Warm bottles first.
Moisture
Water causes cloudy resin.
Working too slowly
Resin has a limited working time.
Using too much heat
This creates ripples and yellowing.
Cheap pigments
Low-quality pigments affect curing.
Why Did My Resin Stay Sticky?
Possible causes include:
- Incorrect ratio
- Under-mixing
- Wrong temperatures
- Old resin
- Moisture contamination
If only the surface is tacky, a fresh flood coat often fixes the problem.
Why Did My Resin Go Cloudy?
Cloudiness usually comes from:
- Moisture
- Cold temperatures
- Incorrect mixing
- Humidity
Always store resin indoors.
Preventing Dust
Dust ruins otherwise perfect artwork.
Professional artists often use:
- Plastic storage tubs
- Cardboard covers
- Dust tents
- Dedicated curing shelves
Leave the cover untouched until the resin gels.
How to Store Resin
Store resin:
- Indoors
- Out of direct sunlight
- Between 15–25°C
- With lids tightly sealed
Never allow resin to freeze.
Cleaning Up
Uncured resin:
Clean using isopropyl alcohol or specialised resin cleaners.
Cured resin:
Can usually only be removed mechanically by scraping or sanding.
Dispose of resin responsibly according to local regulations.
Taking Care of Finished Resin Art
Avoid:
- Direct prolonged sunlight
- Abrasive cleaners
- High heat
- Sharp impacts
Wash with:
- Mild soap
- Soft cloth
- Warm water
Quality resin artwork can remain beautiful for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is resin difficult to use?
No. Modern art resin is designed for beginners. Following the manufacturer's instructions carefully makes success much more likely.
Is resin toxic?
Most premium art resins have low odour and are formulated to be safer than older products, but gloves, ventilation and sensible precautions are still recommended.
Can I use food on resin serving boards?
Food should contact only the timber portions of serving boards unless the resin manufacturer specifically certifies the cured product for direct food contact.
Can resin be used outdoors?
Most art resins contain UV stabilisers, but prolonged outdoor exposure will eventually cause ageing. Outdoor projects should use products designed for exterior conditions.
Can I pour resin over acrylic paint?
Yes. Ensure the paint is completely dry before pouring resin.
Why is my resin yellow?
Yellowing can occur due to UV exposure, excessive heat during curing, or lower-quality resin formulations. Premium UV-resistant resins slow this process but cannot eliminate it.
Growing Your Resin Skills
Once you've mastered the basics, you'll be ready to explore:
- Layering techniques
- Deep pours
- River tables
- Metallic effects
- Resin jewellery
- Ocean art
- Timber furniture
- Professional finishing
- Sanding and polishing
- Resin business ideas
Every project helps improve your skills.
Even experienced artists continue learning new techniques.
Choosing Quality Resin Matters
The resin you choose has a major impact on your finished project.
A premium art resin offers:
- Excellent clarity
- Better UV resistance
- Reliable curing
- Easier bubble release
- Longer working time
- Consistent results
Using quality resin and pigments gives beginners the best chance of success and helps produce artwork you'll be proud to display or sell.
Final Thoughts
Resin art is one of the most rewarding creative hobbies you can learn. While there is a small learning curve, understanding the fundamentals—accurate measuring, thorough mixing, temperature control and choosing the right resin—will prevent the vast majority of beginner mistakes.
Start with simple projects like coasters or small serving boards, practise your technique, and don't be discouraged if your first few pours aren't perfect. Every experienced resin artist began exactly where you are now.
As your confidence grows, you'll be able to tackle larger artworks, furniture projects, jewellery, river tables and custom commissions with ease.
With the right products, patience and practice, you'll soon discover why resin art has become one of New Zealand's favourite creative crafts.