Resin art for beginners

A 500ml–1L 1:1 epoxy kit, a small set of silicone coaster or jewellery moulds, mixing cups, gloves and a cheap mini heat gun. Colour can wait — mica powder or a small alcohol ink set is enough.

UV resin plus a lamp is a different craft. Use it for tiny jewellery and keyrings when you do not want a 24-hour cure.

Cover the table. Wear gloves. Measure equal parts unless the bottle says otherwise. Mix slowly for the full time on the label, scraping the sides.

Pour in a thin stream. Pass the heat gun over the surface to pop bubbles. Leave the mould somewhere dust-free and do not poke it.

Rushing the mix, pouring cold resin, and demoulding too early. Give it the full cure. If a piece is tacky, it was under-measured or under-mixed — not ‘bad resin’.