As I wrote in my last post I feel working with ART RESIN is 70% is preparation, having all the correct instruments and 30% is about application and the use of those instruments.
So what do you need to start using Art Resin, I’m dividing into 3 stages, 1 is Preparation that leads into 2-Instruments that leads to number 3-Application.
-PREPARATION-
-ARTWORK- Well this seems logic that you have to have your artwork ready but you have to have in consideration what type of work is best to resin. Generally works made in wood panels will give the best result when applying Resin.
This is because the surface is straight and hard and will resist the weight of the resin being applied without compromising the end result.
For works on canvas, and specially larger format, you have to support the back of the piece well with cardboard or a material that keeps the canvas supported, as the weight of the resin –without any support- and the flexibility of the canvas/fabric can create puddle in the middle.
Then make sure to use Painters tape and cover the sides or the bottom (depending on the effect that you want.) This way when the resin drips and dries to the sides and bottom you can just remove the tape and have a clean and professional effect.
-RESIN- Buy your Art Resin at https://www.artresin.com/ They have different sizes so you can experiment first and then commit to a bigger size.
-SPACE & Temperature-
Temperature is very important as it will allow the resin to ‘cure’ it self in peace.
So you want to make sure your room is 72-77F or 23-25C and that it stays that temperature for the following 24 hours.
You want the space to be clean and some ventilation, thankfully Artresin does not emit strong fumes, so you will be safe working in it in a regular room.
And also just make sure is a room that nobady comes in and out during the time you work, accidents happen and while you are working and the time it takes to cure you want the piece to NOT MOVE or be exposed to dirt and derby.
-INMSTRUMENTS-
OK so there’s a few things you need to apply Resin other then the Resin and the Artwork. And you would think that if you miss any of them it would be fine, and yes you can improvise (that’s why we are all creative) but you will be better off and make the process way smoother if you have all of this instruments:
-PAINTERS TAPE –Mentioned in step 1, make sure to tape the bottom and sides of the paint you don’t want covered with resin.
-PLASTIC- You can use large plastic bags or plastic sheets to protect the table/floor or surface you are working on. I like to double secure the space. And will place a piece of cardboard and then Plastic sheets I bought at the hardware store.
-STANDS- So you want to suspend your piece from the surface you are working on, if you don’t you will end up having a big piece of dry resin attached to your work or –if you don’t use plastic below- glued to your table!!!
I use metals grills that have a plastic liner that help me suspend the work from the back perfectly.
-LEVEL- I can't express how important this is as the last piece I put resin on, I did not have a level and spent SO MUCH time triying to fix it and make the work level so the resin will not fall on one side.
You want your table, stand and work all to be level. Because even if you think the table is a good level sign, many times is not. So Just make sure and save yourself the hustle.
-MEASURING CUP- You will use the measuring cup to measure 2 equal parts of the hardener and the resin. –Preferably plastic
-MIXING CONTAINER- where you will mix both equal parts. You will stir the 2 parts for 3 minutes. –Preferably plastic
-MIXING STICK- Also preferably plastic.
-SPREADER- Ideally use the ones that ARTResin sell on their website, as they have this little teeth that allow you to spread the mix easily on the work.
-DISPOSABLE GLOVES- This is to protect your hands. You don’t want any of the Resin touching your skin. I will extend this to using your working clothes that you don’t mind getting resin on accidently. Why would you get resin on my clothes you ask? Well I ask the same thing and I end up with resin on my hair, but hey that might be just me!
-TORCH- The torch is VITAL to make the process smoother and disappear the unwanted bubbles from the work. I got one small chefs torch online, but Artresin sells a small one as well. They actually sell a starters Kit where you kind find some of the items listed here and save you half the hustle.
-COVERING BOX- Last but Ohhh so important is a box to cover the work once you have applied the resin. You want the box (it can be card box or plastic) to cover the painting from the top and sides without touching it. This will prevent the Artwork to get any derby –dust, hair, and dirt- from the surface.
And there you go, Once you have all this items you are ready to enter stage 3, APPLICATION!!!
I will probably be repeating myself one a few of this items but this si how important they are and maybe that’s how my brain works triying to make a mental note about them.
PREPARE WORK AREA & ARTWORK
Make sure the surface you are working on is level and you have protected the table with a plastic bag. Place the artwork on top of the stands and level it again. Also before you start with the resin, make sure the box you are using to cover the work fits perfectly into the set up and is stable.
The artwork has to be dry and clean and again, remember to put the painters tape on the edges and bottom to protect the piece prom the resin that will drip during the process.
MIX THE RESIN-
Put on your gloves and Mix 2 equals parts of resin and hardener into the mixing bowl. How much Artresin? Calculate how much resin you need by going to this site you will need the with and height of the piece.
Mix and stir the resin for 3 minutes, make sure to scrap the sides and bottom so you get very well mixed.
3-POUR RESIN-
Pour the mixed mixture into the center of the piece, as a liquid it will expand it self and distribute on the surface of the work.
4-SPREAD AND FINISH RESIN-
With the spreader, spread and distribute the resin to the corners and any areas that are still dry. (Remember if your work is not level correctly the resin will tilt to one side, and even if you try to fix it you will never know how it will come out)
You will have at least 45 minutes for this process before it starts to cure.
Once you have spread the Resin correctly, Bring out that torch and flame the top of the resin, far enough to not burn the resin but like Magic watch all the bubbles disappear and a smooth surface will appear.
5-COVER THE ARTWORK AND LET IT CURE
Once you made sure there’s no bubbles and imperfections, cover the piece and let it rest for at least 24 hours. This will make it dry to touch and the another 48 hours to be completely cured.
WAIT
Clean all your plastic utensils with a paper towel, Rub a little bit of alcohol and wipe clean again.
WAIT
6-UNCOVER AND ENJOY!!!
Uncover that box and get ready to celebrate this process!!! Take the tape out carefully and enjoy your finished piece. It will Bring the colors out like when the paint was wet, making the art alive!
Finished pIece, 'Fight of Dragos'
Mixed media and ART RESIN on wood panel.
