Lesson 1Tools, equipment, and PPE: mixing cups, scales, spreaders, heat sources (torch vs. heat gun), respirators, gloves, eye protection, ventilation and workspace setupSet up a safe, efficient resin workspace with proper tools and PPE. You'll pick precise mixing gear, heat sources, and ventilation, plus learn to safeguard your lungs, skin, and eyes with every pour.
Essential mixing cups, sticks, and scalesSpreaders, brushes, and detail toolsTorch vs. heat gun: when and how to useRespirators, gloves, and eye protectionVentilation strategies for small studiosOrganizing a clean, dust‑controlled areaLesson 2Sourcing realistic product examples: how to compare brands by TDS, customer reviews, and lab data (what to look for in examples)Learn to assess real epoxy products using technical data sheets, lab tests, and user feedback. You'll compare brands, spot hype in marketing, and shortlist reliable resins for various craft uses.
Key info to extract from epoxy TDS sheetsUsing viscosity, hardness, and clarity metricsInterpreting cure schedules and temperature limitsEvaluating yellowing and UV resistance claimsWeighing lab tests against customer reviewsLesson 3Additives and modifiers: pigments (mica, powdered, liquid dyes), alcohol inks, UV stabilizers, thickeners, and flexibilizersDiscover how additives alter colour, flow, flexibility, and strength. You'll compare pigment types, alcohol inks, UV stabilisers, thickeners, and flexibilisers, practising safe, precise dosing for consistent outcomes.
Mica powders for shimmer and coverageLiquid dyes and transparent color effectsUsing alcohol inks without overreactingUV stabilizers and anti‑yellowing packagesThickeners, fillers, and texture modifiersFlexibilizers for impact‑resistant piecesLesson 4Inclusions and findings: natural inclusions (dried flowers, shells), metallic leaf/foil, glitter types, pigments vs. dyes — compatibility and sealing needsExplore how flowers, shells, metals, and colourants act in resin. You'll learn safe inclusions, drying and sealing methods, and prevent bleeding, bubbles, and rust in final pieces.
Preparing and drying natural inclusionsSealing porous items to prevent bubblesUsing metallic leaf, foil, and metal findingsChoosing glitter types that resist sinkingPigments vs. dyes: opacity and bleed controlTesting compatibility before full poursLesson 5Understanding resin chemistry: pot life, working time, exotherm, cure stages, and shelf lifeGet a practical grasp of epoxy chemistry for safe, predictable pours. You'll understand how pot life, exotherm, cure stages, and storage impact working time, strength, and lasting stability.
What pot life and working time really meanExotherm: heat buildup and how to control itGel, green, and full cure stages explainedEffects of temperature and humidity on cureShelf life, crystallization, and storage tipsLesson 6Types of epoxy resins: casting, laminating, tabletop, UV, doming — properties and appropriate usesKnow the key epoxy resin types and their best uses. You'll compare casting, laminating, tabletop, UV, and doming systems by depth, clarity, hardness, and heat tolerance for craft projects.
Casting resins for deep, clear poursLaminating resins for layers and fiberglassTabletop resins for coatings and bar topsDoming resins for jewelry and labelsUV‑curing resins: pros, cons, and limitsLesson 7Molds and mold materials: silicone, rigid molds, two-part molds — release, shrinkage, and surface finish considerationsSee how mould materials influence cure, clarity, and demoulding. You'll compare silicone and rigid moulds, know when to use two-part ones, and handle release agents, shrinkage, and finish quality.
Choosing between silicone and rigid moldsDesigning and using two‑part moldsApplying and selecting mold release agentsManaging shrinkage and dimensional accuracyImproving gloss and reducing surface defectsLesson 8Product selection checklist: how to read technical data sheets (TDS) and safety data sheets (SDS) for curing times, mix ratios, temperature ranges, and yellowing resistanceBuild a step-by-step way to choose epoxy products. You'll read TDS and SDS for mix ratios, cure times, hazards, then create a checklist matching resin traits to your craft needs.
Key sections of epoxy TDS to reviewFinding cure time and recoat window dataReading SDS for health and fire hazardsChecking temperature and humidity limitsAssessing yellowing and outdoor durabilityBuilding a repeatable selection checklist
