How to Make Resin Jewelry - The Definite Guide

The Things You'll Need

It should be noted that every undertaking is wonderful if it has the right system of approach. Following this you should clearly understand this art, how ready you are for it and what do you have for it: 

• Skills and knowledge 
• Supplies like resin jewelry kit, paper, gloves, molds, etc. 

So, let us start learning to create beauty. This is the list of the things you will need during the creation process:

• Resin Jewelry Mold
• Respirator Mask
• Epoxy Resin
• Mixing Cups
• Toothpicks
• Mini Hand Drill
• Craft Sticks or popsicle sticks
• Sandpaper or Micro-Mesh
• Nitrile Gloves
• Safety Glasses
• Plastic Drop Cloth
• Heat Gun or Butane Torch
• Safety glasses

Creating Resin Pendant Charm

You can start with any jewelry, but remember that it is going to be your first work. Since charms are one of the popular ones among resin makers we are going to create them first. 

Creating resin pendant charms is so much fun. Since you have almost limitless possibilities and endless creativity you can create any kind of pendants. But first, you need to be sure that you have all the necessary supplies for this:

• Resin charms mold
• 1-ounce Reusable plastic measuring and mixing cups
• Nitrile gloves
• E6000 adhesive glue
  
• Stir sticks

Before getting started, do not forget to wear your nitrile gloves. Make sure that you work in a well-ventilated area and on a surface coated with wax paper. It will be much easier to clean up spills on such surfaces. However, it is better to work outdoors.  

Step by Step Instructions

Step One

One of the great things about working with resin molds is they can be used as many times as are cared for. Choose the mold that you love. Before you start resin curing make sure that your molds are properly prepared. Make sure they stay clean and dry before placing resin or any item like glitter, beads, sparkles, or anything else inside of them. Simply wash them with warm water and soap to make sure no particles, mud, and grease are left. Spray your mold with release and conditioner. This will help to release resin jewelry easily.

Step Two

Pour the epoxy resin and hardener into the mixing cup. Mix and stir them well. Now pour them into a silicone mold slowly. Remove bubbles. If you prefer to put small, light elements into your resin jewelry then place them in the still liquid resin. But before let the resin harden slightly. Now cover it with a final layer and let it cure.

Step Three

When your jewelry is dry and ready remove the resin charms from their molds. Now it is time to add bails to the back of the resin castings or enter the eye pins. Depending on what you have you may choose one or another method.

Using Glue and Bails

Take the glue. Usually, it has a long tip that helps to control where and how much glue you may put on your casting pieces. Put a small amount of the glue on both surfaces: on the backside of your casting and the bail. Wait about two minutes and let it dry. This is important when you use E6000 adhesive glue. Read the instructions before use. After, take two surfaces and press them together. Make sure that your bail is on straight. Flip over the casting to look if there is extra glue on the surface. Later you will know how to remove extra glue. Leave your castings to dry from 12 to 24 hours. Make sure that they adhered pretty well. Such a method is perfect, especially for resin necklace creation. 

How to Remove Extra Glue from Casting Surface? You may remove it with the help of your fingernails and cut it with the help of an Exacto knife as well. Carefully cut up the glue with a blade next to the pendant. It will come off easily if you pull it off with your fingernails. 

Using Eye Pin

Supplies that you will need:

• Wire cutters. You can buy them in the jewelry section
• Pliers: flat, pointy, or curved ones
• Eye pins

Follow safety rules as you will need fire. Before starting make sure that your resin jewelry is one disk, not two. Because it will be too difficult to enter the resin piece.

Take your eye pin. Before you heat the eye pin, bend it slightly. A slanted eye pin will easily enter the resin piece. Hold the eye pin into the fire from five to ten seconds. Enter a hot eye pin into the resin piece and make sure that it is not noticeable from either side. Such methods are good for the creation of resin earrings. Depending on the length and type of your earrings you may choose eye pin or glue and bails. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Resin jewelry needs its own special care. Despite its seemingly solid composition resin is a soft substance. It is sensitive to chemicals and can be easily scratched. Due to many questions that often arise regarding its characteristics, we decided to give detailed answers.  

Is Resin Jewelry Toxic?

This is the most common question. In this article, we will dispel all myths and give true answers to questions that you were reluctant to ask. Resin is toxic when it is liquid. It will not release harmful substances hardened. Resin products are safe for children and pregnant women as well. However, work with resin should be provided with a protective mask and gloves. Do not forget about it. Ready resin items should dry in a separate room. Several reasons will make you sure of resin safety:

• It is eco-friendly
• Resin is safe after polish
• Jewelry made of resin dries faster and does not break

It is important to polish resin jewelry since it gives not only an amazing look but makes it safe for the human body. Epoxy resin is safe, but it is better to choose the best and quality resin for your crafts. 

Is Resin Jewelry Waterproof?

No. Resin jewelry is water-resistant. This means that you should take care of your resin jewelry and not wear or use it while swimming in a pool, washing up, or in any other situation when you are dealing with water. This is especially important if your resin jewelry contains metal décor or any other pieces that can cause tarnishing. 

How Long Does Resin Jewelry Last?

With proper care, your resin jewelry will last for a very long time. Three main factors influence its durability:

• Quality
• Metal quality
• Flora 

Quality

Some resin brands tend to be yellow after a certain period. So, it always depends on the quality of the resin. Try to buy only the best brands.

Metal Quality

Since most of the resin jewelry has metals and many other mixtures of cheap metals and other items that give jewelry a dirty tint its quality deteriorates over time. The enamel becomes thinner and contributes to resin jewelry abrasion and loss of quality. 

Flora 

If you use natural color flora in your resin jewelry, then you should know that it will fade. It is just a matter of time. Resin jewelry will lose its vibrant colors due to exposure to UV. Dyed flora will remain the same. 

Can Resin Jewelry Get Wet?

Most likely this question is related to the reaction of resin to water. Water will not have a negative effect; it will affect the metal. If your metal basil or eye pin often contacts with water be prepared that water will tarnish on them. You can wash your resin crafts in a washing machine. However, they will still keep their initial look.  

How do I Keep my Resin from Leaking Out?

The best way to avoid it is to prevent your casting from happening. Three effective methods will help you:

• Painter’s tape 
• Liquid latex 
• Vaseline 

Painter’s Tape

It will stop the resin drips effectively. Due to a few simple steps, you will prevent your square or rectangle molds from resin drips. Place the tape on any place where resin might go and make sure that you use several layers of the tape. Once the resin is gelled and stopped dripping, take away the tape otherwise resin will act as glue and will set your resin firmly. In this case, it will be hard to get off the tape. Use an alarm to not forget to get off the tape otherwise, it will stick the tape to your resin craft. 

Liquid Latex 

Liquid latex is the best choice for round resin jewelry pieces. You will need:

• Paper towel
• Paintbrush or sponge

Pull the liquid latex with the help of a paper towel. Go round up to the edges of the resin craft. You may put several latex layers depending on your needs and the intensity of resin drips. Usually, it is needed three layers on the bottom of round resin jewelry. After you may pull your resin. When your resin craft is dry you may pill back the latex very easily. 

Vaseline

Put Vaseline all around the bottom of your resin craft. Epoxy is very soft and pleasant to work with. Now you can cover your craft with resin. After it dries take the rest of the Vaseline with a paper towel and the rest of the resin as well. It is as easy as liquid latex. Because Vaseline is so greasy it does not let resin stick.  

Tips and Tricks that Will Keep Your Resin Jewelry in Top Condition

If you want to make your resin jewelry long-lasting and with always new look then do not forget about these tips for regular care:

• Do not put on lotion or perfume, swim or wash with your resin jewelry on. 
• Store your resin jewelry in a dark place and preferably in a container like a jewelry box, sealed bag, or an ordinary box. A cool and dry place will preserve the longevity of the flora and the resin as well.

Things to Avoid

Extreme Heat

The melting point of epoxy resin is lower than that of metal. Do not forget that it can be flamed when it first mixes and during its hardening stage as well. Flame can still damage cured resin jewelry. Although you can fix this with an extra coat. Just apply it to the top of your jewelry and enjoy its new look. 

Sharp Objects

Avoid using sharp objects that can scratch the surface of your resin jewelry. Also, try to not wear abrasive clothes or use sandpaper. Any alike items can damage your resin jewelry. 

Oils

Although oils do not seem harmful at first glance they can ruin the surface of your resin jewelry. Try not to leave the oil on your resin crafts if you want to wear it as long as possible. If this happened, just put an additional coat resin layer onto your craft. Any type of oil from food oils to oils from human skin can be cleaned gently with mild dish soap. 

Harsh Chemicals

We use chemicals in our everyday life. They are almost everywhere from aggressive to natural ones. However, certain chemicals can damage your resin jewelry significantly. For example, well known acetone is considered to eat plastic. Alcohol can perfectly clean metal parts of your jewelry but there is a risk to damage the surface of your jewelry. Also, try avoiding alcohol-based perfumes. 

Smoking

Regular contact with smoke makes your resin jewelry yellow. 

Now you know almost everything about how to make resin jewelry. It is an extremely simple and fascinating activity. Working with resin is an amazing practice that takes little time but leads to great achievements. This process lets you wear beautiful masterpieces and be proud of your creativity. Resin jewelry making gives endless possibilities to improve, experiment, and bend all existing rules by developing your jewelry crafting style. Such creativity gives rise to great abilities.  

Once you have learned the basics of resin jewelry making your next step is to figure out the type of jewelry that you will create shortly: rings, decorative pendants, charm bracelets, necklaces, and much more amazing. The best thing is to find inspiration ideas from nature and release a whole collection impressed by summer or autumn.  Another motivational idea is an upcoming holiday. For example, it could be Valentine's day or the birthday of your husband or wife. Add some creativity that will surprise you with its amazing result.