What is Resin Art? Everything You Need to Know

If you have recently learned about resin art, you must be full of questions like, what is resin art? What supplies does it require? Is resin art profitable? 

Resin art is an exciting way to express your creativity. But, as a beginner, you probably want to learn about it in the most comprehensive way.  

This article is the complete guide on what beginners need to know about resin art. Keep reading to learn more! 

What is Resin Artwork?

Resin Material

Resin is a costly form of art, especially for those artists who like to create bigger art pieces using this material. 

Resin is a high viscosity liquid that hardens with a gloss finish, the finished product is similar to plastic. While some regard resin as a type of plastic, others say that plastic results from resin processing. Some people also believe that resin and plastic are the same things.  

However, the resin in these artworks differs significantly from regular plastic. Which one usually sees in outdoor furniture, toys, shopping bags, etc.

In terms of compatibility, epoxy resin is compatible with the following:

• Oil paintings 
• Acrylic paintings 
• Inkjet prints 
• Photographs 
• Wood 

Epoxy resin is also compatible with dried sculptures, artwork with oil pastels, paper collages, ink, watercolor, and spray paintings. 

On the other hand, strong oxidation agent materials are not compatible with resin. You must also avoid combining resin with strong acids and amines. 

It’s essential to protect yourself while working with resin. Wear protective gear, like disposable gloves and an apron, before getting to work. 

In addition, you can find resin in most hardware, arts and crafts, and stationery stores. Also, many online retailers sell resin and offer to deliver it to you. 

Setting Time

Resin requires approximately 24 hours to cure (set). Setting time also depends on the thickness of your resin artwork. 

While the resin and hardener combine for 24 hours, a chemical reaction occurs to solidify the mixture. 

Resin Cleaning

To clean resin, you will need alcohol, acetone, or lacquer thinner. You can also use a sponge and a warm soap-water solution for cleaning minor residues. 

Regardless of what cleaning method you choose, remember to follow directions, safety precautions, and warnings on the labels. 

Common Resin Material for Artwork

For most artwork, you will typically find three types of resin material. These include: 

Epoxy Resin 

Epoxy resin is typically a primary choice for artists because of the variety of resin artwork one can use it for. It is also one of the safest types of resin to use on your art projects.  

It is also easier to work with and has a milder odor than most types of resin.

Polymer Resin 

Epoxy and polymer fall under the category of thermosetting plastics. You must note that this specific category means that epoxy and polymer don’t melt away due to high temperatures like thermoplastics usually do.  

The incredible thing about these two substances is that heat doesn’t melt polymer and epoxy but solidifies them. As a result, what emerges is a solid final product that cannot re-melt.  

In most cases, artists, especially beginners, opt for polymer as a cheaper substitute for epoxy. Still, they have to compromise on quality for pocket-friendliness. 

The advantage of using polymer is that one can use it to cast into molds and run experimental projects for practice until they become an expert.  

Acrylic Resin 

You must have heard of acrylic in just about every corner of the art space. This resin type is also a common material choice for clear or transparent acrylic goods. 

The acrylic resin substance combines methyl methacrylate monomer, a liquid, and powder acrylic polymer. The liquid helps harden the substance and produce a thermoplastic product that an artist can reheat and work with even after it sets.  

But when working with acrylic resin components, one must remember that it’s highly flammable and toxic. In addition, the powder is so intense that it can cause instant blindness if it accidentally comes into contact with your eye.  

Acrylic is a good choice for creative projects because acrylic paints have a water base. This is why many opt to use it for creating paintings and artwork. 

What is Resin Used for in Art?  

In art, you can use resin for three purposes. These include: 

• Pouring: One popular method of using resin in art is pouring the resin mixture onto a surface. This method produces a 2D marble effect.  
• Casting: Casting is a method in which an artist pours a resin mixture into a mold. You’ll find scores of molds and pouring objects or containers for resin casting on the art market. These days, artists do tutorials on how one can create resin casting molds.  
• Coating: The coating method features a combination of pouring and casting techniques. This method uses a resin mixture to coat something for aesthetic or sealing purposes.  

Resin Art Ideas for Beginners 

Are you a beginner artist just treading into the world of resin art? Then you must start with easy-to-accomplish items until you master the art. Here are some fun ideas to begin with:

• Jewelry 
• Keychains 
• Decor items 
• Bookmarks 
• Straw toppers 
• Serving trays 
• Coasters 
• Pyramids 

How Much Does Resin Art Cost? 

Considering the present status of resin artwork in the art market, we expect the value of the resin art industry to hit 10.3 billion dollars by 2027. The market currently shows that art pieces can range anywhere from $165 to $15,000.  

Resin art is a lucrative niche for artists right now, especially those looking for sizable profits.

The Resin Art Market

A look at the rising trends of resin art tells you that it has gained intense momentum since 2020. This art form is currently riding a wave of popularity, so now is a good time to invest in it.  

Soon, the market will become fiercely competitive and saturated, which may make it challenging to generate a profit at that point. So now is a perfect time to establish yourself in this niche.  

Considering the incredible popularity and uncontainable progress of resin art, you must be wondering what’s so special about it. 

Let’s look at the features that distinguish resin artwork from other forms.  

Uniqueness  

The best advantage of resin artwork is its uniqueness. Replicating resin epoxy designs on any other canvas is almost impossible. The most eye-catching feature of resin paintings is how they have free-flowing designs and patterns.  

Each resin painting features a unique flow and depiction, which is highly fun and satisfying to create. This way, art enthusiasts will always find that each piece of resin artwork is different from the rest.  

Unbeatable Durability  

Do you know that resin, especially epoxy resin, does not wither under moisture and sunlight? Instead, resin artwork retains its original appearance very well, despite exposure to moisture, sunlight, and UV rays.  

Resin paintings do not fade away, nor does other resin artwork crumble even slightly under heat, humidity, and water. In addition, epoxy is rigid, so it is an excellent choice for home designers and homeowners looking for durable items.  

Resin promises longevity for those who invest in its art form while also faring well during shipping and other transportation.  

Endless Possibilities  

Resin art was most commonly featured in paintings and other art forms when the resin art trend began. Today, resin is also popular in furniture and interior design (which offers artists more opportunities for career growth).  

The flowing, mesmerizing patterns of resin art in furniture and household items made homes and offices more beautiful. As a result, homeowners and other property owners no longer need to make do with unappealing, uninspiring, and boring furniture and utility items.  

Everyone can express tons of creativity in their homes, with various hardened resin furniture pieces, like stools, chairs, and tables. In addition to the fascinating array of resin products for daily use, it’s easy to see that style and aesthetics play a significant role in people’s choices today.  

Is Resin Art Profitable?

Resin art is highly profitable and will continue to be so in the future. Besides paintings, other items are fetching decent figures. 

Forecasts for the resin market estimate a profit amount of about 10.3 billion dollars by 2027. This figure also indicates that the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) will be approximately 7%. This makes it easy to see the heavy cash amounts flowing towards resin art.  

If you want to learn how profitable investing in a resin art business will be for you, check the current statistics. But, considering the humongous profits that will make their way into the resin market in the future, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be a part of it.  

You can check any digital resin art store, such as Etsy, for the incredibly desirable art prices pieces are selling for. For example, certain resin paintings cost around $15,000, which most of us can only dream of earning for a single product.  

Tips for Selling Resin Art Profitably 

Here is a Facebook group that is a marketplace for resin art

Donate Resin Art 

Donating some of your resin art pieces to local businesses is an excellent form of advertisement. Of course, you don’t have to give away your prized pieces for free- a few small art items will help. 

Then, when the incoming traffic at those businesses sees and admires your work, they’ll start purchasing from you directly.  

Final Thoughts  

What is resin art? Resin art involves mixing resin ingredients to produce a liquid medium. Artists can then incorporate colors and additives to create endless different artworks in three different ways.  

This new style of artwork isn’t just limited to walls. Coffee tumblers, ashtrays, wall art, and even resin furniture are popular in households, offices, restaurants, etc. 

Art lovers are indeed aware of the massive popularity of resin art in the last few years. This particular genre of artwork has taken the world by storm, all because of its uniqueness and versatility. It is hard to find a wall without any resin artwork.