Epoxy Resin Materials: Everything You Need to Get Started
One of the most frequent questions when someone discovers the world of epoxy resin is always the same: where do I start? What exactly do I need?
Searching online can be overwhelming: there are endless lists of products, brands, tools... and it's not always clear what's essential, what's optional, and what's directly unnecessary to begin.
This guide is written to answer exactly that. No beating around the bush, no endless lists. Just what you really need to make your first pieces with epoxy resin and the materials we use and recommend at Green Maiden Art.
The Essentials: Resin and Hardener
It all starts here. Epoxy resin is a two-component system: one part resin and one part hardener that, when mixed in the correct proportions, trigger a chemical reaction that transforms them into a hard, glossy, and transparent solid.
Not all resins are the same. They vary in viscosity, working time, and maximum layer depth. To start working with resin art, you need one specifically formulated for artistic use: one that is crystal clear, doesn't yellow over time, and has enough working time to create without rush.
At Green Maiden Art, we work with resins selected by Eva, specifically formulated for artistic techniques. Exceptional transparency, UV resistance, and the behavior with pigments you need for Ocean Art.
Pigments: The Soul of Color
Pigments are what transform transparent resin into art. For Ocean Art techniques, highly concentrated fluid pigments are the most versatile: they allow for smooth color transitions, depth effects, and that characteristic organic movement of water.
It's important to use pigments specifically formulated for resin. Water-based dyes (watercolors, tempera, very diluted acrylics) can interfere with the chemical reaction and ruin the cure.
Supports: Where Your Work is Created
Resin can be applied to multiple surfaces: primed canvases, wooden boards, wooden trays, plexiglass... The important thing is that the support is rigid (resin doesn't work well on unstretched canvases because it flexes) and completely level before starting.
At Green Maiden Art, we have a selection of supports specifically prepared for working with resin, in the most common sizes for Ocean Art.
Mixing and Application Tools
- Graduated measuring cups: essential for observing the exact proportions of resin and hardener. You need at least two: one for mixing and several small ones for colors.
- Precision scale: more reliable than measuring by volume. A digital kitchen scale with 1g accuracy is sufficient to start.
- Silicone or wooden spatulas: for mixing and applying. Silicone ones are reusable if you clean them before the resin cures.
- Gas torch or heat gun: to remove surface bubbles and activate pigment movement. This is a basic tool for any Ocean Art technique.
- Bubble level: small but critical. Without the support being completely level, the resin will pool on one side.
Textures and Special Effects
Once you master the basics, you can explore additional materials to create specific effects: metallic pigments, mica powders, sands, salts, alcohol... Each interacts differently with the resin and results in unique textures.
Personal Protective Equipment
Liquid epoxy resin is irritating to the skin and can cause allergic sensitization with continuous exposure. Protection is essential:
- Nitrile gloves (not latex): every session, without exception.
- Mask with organic vapor filter: especially important in poorly ventilated areas.
- Protective clothing: an apron or old clothes you don't mind getting stained.
Summary: The Starter List
- ✅ Artistic epoxy resin kit (resin + hardener)
- ✅ Fluid pigments for resin
- ✅ Rigid, leveled support
- ✅ Measuring cups or scale
- ✅ Mixing spatulas
- ✅ Torch
- ✅ Nitrile gloves and mask
- ✅ Protective sheet for the work area
With this, you have everything you need to make your first pieces. As you progress, you will add specific materials according to the techniques you want to explore.
Want to learn how to use all this step by step?
Having the materials is the first step. The second is knowing how to use them well. At Green Maiden Art, we have online courses for beginners where Eva Jurado guides you from scratch: what materials to use, how to mix them, how to create your first pieces, and how to progress to more complex techniques.
