How to Create the Water Drop Effect with Resin

The water drop effect with resin is a popular technique in resin art that creates the illusion of a 3D water droplet on a flat surface. This effect is created by placing drops of UV Resin or Epoxy Resin in a mold, curing the resin, adding a powder pigment over the surface of the mold then adding a layer of dark colored resin.

SAFETY FIRST

Creating with resin is fun, but learning how to use it safely is crucial. Believe it or not, safety is one of the most commonly overlooked steps when working with resin. I know I wanted to jump right in and start creating, but I quickly learned that I needed to read up on the safety measures so that I could enjoy this medium for years to come. Here are a few basic safety guidelines to review before you start working with resin:

• Well ventilated area. Working in a room with good circulation and/or open windows is crucial. Some resins emit fumes that can be toxic.
• Gloves. Yes, there is a thing called resin allergy. Wearing gloves is the easiest method to help with ongoing and prevent future skin conditions while working with resin.
• Respirator. Protecting your lungs is a top priority. Wearing a respirator provides consistent protection to your lungs while working with resin. 
• Clean spills immediately. Don’t let resin sit on your table or floor. Use paper towels to scoop up as much as possible, then use denatured alcohol or isopropyl alcohol to clean up any remaining residue.
• Safety goggles. Goggles help prevent unexpected splashes from touching your eyes, but they prevent you from touching your eyes. If you are like me, you will touch your eye without thinking. Getting resin in your eyes is dangerous. If you get resin in your eyes, flush with water repeatedly and seek medical attention immediately!
• Apron. Aprons help prevent resin from getting on your clothes and then absorbing and touching the stomach. When working, you can easily focus on your process and not even realize resin has touched your belly for 5 minutes or more!

How to make a Water Drop Effect with Resin Bookmark

Supplies

• Epoxy Resin
• UV Resin
• UV Lamp (my lamp is currently unavailable but this is similar to mine)
• Resin Molds
• Silicone Mixing Cups
• Silicone Stir Sticks
• Pigment Powder: 
• Paint Brush
• Heat Tool
• Food Tent
• Drill
• Jump Rings

NOTE: You do not need to use the UV Resin to create the water drop effect with resin. You can use epoxy resin for the water drops, no problem. You will need to let the epoxy resin cure for at least 24 hours before brushing on the pigment powder and adding the final layer of epoxy resin.

How to make Water Drop Effect Resin Bookmarks Step-by-Step

Here’s how to create the water drop effect with resin:

1. Cover your table to protect it from accidental spills.
2. Using the UV Resin, place drops randomly throughout the mold. Use the back end of a paintbrush to create smaller drops. 
3. Cure the UV Resin under a lamp for 2-4 minutes.
4. Using a paintbrush, brush a thin layer of pigment powder over the base of the mold and the cured UV Resin drops.
5. Mix Epoxy Resin according to the directions on the package.
6. Add a dark color of paint or paste to the epoxy resin, being careful to add less than 5%. 
7. Add the colored resin to the mold.
8. Let cure according to the directions on the package, usually 24-48 hours.
9. Once cured, demold the resin and add tassels and embellishments as desired. 
10. Enjoy your handmade Water Drop Effect Resin Bookmark!

NOTE: You do not need to use the UV Resin to create the water drop effect with resin. You can use epoxy resin for the water drops, no problem. You will need to let the epoxy resin cure for at least 24 hours before brushing on the pigment powder and adding the final layer of epoxy resin.

How to make Water Drop Effect Resin Coasters

Supplies

• Epoxy Resin
• UV Resin
• UV Lamp (my lamp is currently unavailable but this is similar to mine)
• Resin Molds
• Silicone Mixing Cups
• Silicone Stir Sticks
• Pigment Powder
• Paint Brush
• Heat Tool
• Food Tent
• Drill
• Jump Rings

NOTE: You do not need to use the UV Resin to create the water drop effect with resin. You can use epoxy resin for the water drops, no problem. You will need to let the epoxy resin cure for at least 24 hours before brushing on the pigment powder and adding the final layer of epoxy resin.

How to make Water Drop Effect Resin Coasters Step-by-Step

Here’s how to create the water drop effect with resin:

1. Cover your table to protect it from accidental spills.
2. Using the UV Resin, place drops randomly throughout the mold. Use the back end of a paintbrush to create smaller drops. 
3. Cure the UV Resin under a lamp for 2-4 minutes.
4. Using a paintbrush, brush a thin layer of pigment powder over the base of the mold and the cured UV Resin drops.
5. Mix Epoxy Resin according to the directions on the package.
6. Add a dark color of paint or paste to the epoxy resin, being careful to add less than 5%. 
7. Add the colored resin to the mold.
8. Let cure according to the directions on the package, usually 24-48 hours.
9. Once cured, demold the resin and enjoy your handmade Water Drop Effect Resin Coasters!

NOTE: You do not need to use the UV Resin to create the water drop effect with resin. You can use epoxy resin for the water drops, no problem. You will need to let the epoxy resin cure for at least 24 hours before brushing on the pigment powder and adding the final layer of epoxy resin.

Water Drop Effect Resin Coaster Videos

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