Beginner Resin Course

Lesson 1 • Setting Up Your Workspace

Guides learners through organising a dedicated resin area with proper surfaces and lighting. A well-prepared workspace reduces errors and contamination.

Lesson 2 • Reading Product Labels and Data Sheets

Teaches interpretation of manufacturer instructions, mix ratios, and cure times. Accurate label reading prevents costly mistakes and failed pours.

Lesson 3 • What Is Resin?

Covers the chemical nature of epoxy, polyester, and UV resin. Establishes vocabulary and material distinctions used throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • Finishing and Post-Processing Tools

Presents sanding supplies, polishing compounds, and UV lamps for finishing cured pieces. Proper finishing tools elevate amateur work to professional quality.

Lesson 2 • Moulds and Release Agents

Introduces silicone, plastic, and DIY mould options alongside release agent application. Mould choice directly affects surface finish and demoulding ease.

Lesson 3 • Colourants and Additives

Surveys pigment powders, alcohol inks, dyes, and specialty additives like glitter and glow powder. Additive compatibility with resin type determines final appearance.

Lesson 4 • Budgeting and Sourcing Materials

Guides cost-effective purchasing decisions and reliable supplier evaluation. Smart sourcing prevents wasted money on incompatible or low-quality products.

Lesson 1 • Calculating Mix Ratios

Explains weight-based and volume-based ratio calculations for different resin systems. Correct ratios are non-negotiable for achieving a full chemical cure.

Lesson 2 • Eliminating Bubbles

Teaches torch, heat gun, and pressure pot techniques for removing air bubbles. Bubble-free pours are essential for clear castings and professional finishes.

Lesson 3 • Mixing Technique and Timing

Demonstrates slow, thorough hand-mixing methods that minimise air introduction. Consistent technique prevents uncured spots and surface defects.

Lesson 1 • Curing, Demoulding, and Inspection

Guides learners through cure monitoring, safe demoulding, and defect identification. Recognising defects early builds diagnostic skills for future projects.

Lesson 2 • Pouring Techniques for Flat Pieces

Demonstrates controlled pouring, spreading, and self-levelling for coasters and tiles. Controlled pours reduce overflow and ensure even thickness.

Lesson 3 • Adding Colour and Simple Effects

Introduces swirl, cell, and layered colour techniques for decorative flat pours. Basic effects build creative confidence without requiring advanced skills.

Lesson 1 • Layered Pouring for Suspension

Teaches tack-cure timing between layers to suspend objects at desired depths. Layering prevents inclusions from sinking or floating to the surface.

Lesson 2 • Troubleshooting Casting Defects

Diagnoses yellowing, cloudiness, sticky spots, and cracking in cast pieces. Systematic defect analysis prevents repeated errors across future projects.

Lesson 3 • Selecting and Preparing Inclusions

Covers moisture content, sealing, and sizing of flowers, photos, and objects. Unprepared inclusions cause cloudiness, bubbles, and adhesion failures.

Lesson 1 • Sanding and Polishing Jewellery

Teaches progressive wet sanding and polishing to achieve a glass-like finish. Finishing quality determines whether a piece looks handmade or professional.

Lesson 2 • Embedding Decorative Elements

Demonstrates placing dried flowers, foils, and charms within jewellery-scale pieces. Precise placement at small scale requires different tools than large pours.

Lesson 3 • UV Resin for Small Jewellery Pieces

Covers UV resin application, layering, and curing for fast small-scale jewellery. UV resin's rapid cure makes it ideal for detailed, layered jewellery work.

Lesson 4 • Jewellery-Specific Moulds and Bezels

Compares open-back bezels, closed moulds, and pendant frames for jewellery applications. Bezel and mould selection determines the finishing steps required.

Lesson 1 • Resin Coasters and Trays

Guides production of flat functional pieces with durable, heat-resistant finishes. Functional pieces require thicker pours and specific resin formulations.

Lesson 2 • Quality Control for Functional Items

Establishes inspection criteria for hardness, clarity, and surface consistency in functional pieces. Consistent quality standards are essential for customer satisfaction.

Lesson 3 • Resin on Wood and Mixed Media

Teaches sealing wood substrates and pouring resin over mixed-media surfaces. Wood outgassing causes bubbles unless properly sealed before resin application.

Lesson 1 • Geode and Crystal Effects

Demonstrates crushed glass, crystal placement, and metallic outlining for geode-style art. Geode work requires precise colour zoning and strategic crystal arrangement.

Lesson 2 • Developing a Personal Style

Guides learners in analysing their work, identifying preferences, and building a cohesive aesthetic. A recognisable style differentiates creators in a competitive market.

Lesson 3 • Resin Painting and Petri Dish Art

Teaches alcohol ink and silicone oil cell creation for abstract resin painting. Cell formation depends on density differences between pigments and additives.

Lesson 4 • 3D and Sculptural Resin Work

Introduces thickened resin, doming, and sculptural layering for three-dimensional effects. Sculptural work requires managing resin viscosity and extended cure schedules.