Books and Resources to Start Strong
Before you invest in equipment, you need to understand the fundamentals of resin art—from chemistry and safety to design principles and business operations. These books give you the knowledge base to avoid costly mistakes and build your practice with intention.
The Complete Modern Epoxy Resin Handbook by Stephanie Kraft
This book covers everything from resin types and mixing ratios to troubleshooting common problems like bubbles, yellowing, and uneven curing. You’ll learn the science behind what you’re doing, not just the steps. That understanding prevents expensive material waste and failed projects early on.
Shop The Complete Modern Epoxy Resin Handbook on Amazon →
Resin Art and Jewelry by Elizabeth Armstrong
If you’re planning to make jewelry, home décor, or mixed-media pieces, this book walks you through specific techniques and design approaches. It includes real examples of what works and what doesn’t, saving you trial-and-error time.
Shop Resin Art and Jewelry on Amazon →
The Craft Business Handbook by Jennifer Gordon
Running a resin art business means pricing, packaging, shipping, marketing, and managing inventory. This handbook covers the business side—what many artists skip but need to succeed profitably. It’s worth the investment to avoid pricing too low or underestimating costs.
Shop The Craft Business Handbook on Amazon →
Small Business Accounting Simplified by Daniel J. Williams
You’ll need to track materials, labor, and overhead to know if your business is actually profitable. This book breaks down accounting in plain language so you can set up systems from day one instead of scrambling later.
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Equipment You Need
Your startup equipment list depends on what you’re making—coasters cost less to produce than tabletops, and jewelry requires different tools than home décor. Below are the essentials organized by category, with the understanding that you’ll expand as you specialize.
Resin and Hardener
- Two-part epoxy resin: The main material for most projects. Quality matters here—cheap resin yellows faster and cures unevenly.
- UV resin (optional): Faster curing, no mixing required, but more expensive per ounce and best for small items like jewelry.
- Hardener: Comes with your resin system; don’t substitute or mix brands.
Shop two-part epoxy resin on Amazon →
Mixing and Measuring
- Digital scale: Essential for accurate resin-to-hardener ratios. Cheap scales ($15–25) work fine for home use.
- Mixing containers: Use disposable cups or containers you don’t mind throwing away. Resin hardens permanently on them.
- Mixing sticks: Wooden sticks, craft sticks, or silicone stirrers. Cheap and replaceable.
- Measuring syringes: Helpful for small batches or precise pigment amounts.
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Pouring and Casting Molds
- Silicone molds: Reusable, flexible, and come in hundreds of shapes. Start with 5–10 basic shapes and add as you specialize.
- Resin molds: Harder plastic molds for geometric shapes. More durable but less flexible than silicone.
- DIY molds: You can create custom molds using silicone putty or build wooden frames for tabletops.
- Release agent: Helps finished pieces release from molds cleanly. Spray or brush-on options both work.
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Additives and Colorants
- Mica powder and pigments: Add color and shimmer to your resin. Alcohol-based inks and acrylic paints work too.
- Glitter, dried flowers, and inclusions: Embedded elements that add visual interest and justify higher prices.
- Resin dye: Concentrated color for deep, saturated finishes.
- Polishing compounds: For finishing and buffing hardened pieces.
Shop mica powder and pigments on Amazon →
Curing and Work Space
- Work table: Any flat, level surface. Resin stays wet for hours, so you need space to let pieces cure undisturbed.
- Drying rack or shelf: Keeps finished pieces organized and out of the way while curing (typically 24–72 hours).
- Heat gun or torch: Removes surface bubbles after pouring. Optional but highly useful.
- UV lamp (for UV resin only): Cures UV resin in minutes instead of hours. Only necessary if you choose UV over epoxy.
Safety Equipment
- Nitrile gloves: Protects your hands from resin. Buy in bulk; you’ll go through them quickly.
- Respirator or dust mask: Resin fumes can irritate lungs. An N95 is basic; a P100 cartridge respirator is better for longer sessions.
- Safety glasses: Splashes happen. Cheap eye protection is essential.
- Apron: Resin is hard to wash out. Dedicate an apron or old clothes to your work.
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Finishing Tools
- Sanding supplies: Start with 120–400 grit sandpaper for smoothing edges and prepping surfaces.
- Drill and bits: For creating hanging holes, jewelry findings, or adding hardware to larger pieces.
- Files and edge tools: Smooth rough edges and refine details by hand.
- Polishing cloth: Brings out shine in finished pieces.
Shop sandpaper assortment on Amazon →
What to Buy First vs Later
Your startup budget is limited, so prioritize strategically. Buy equipment that directly affects quality and yield; skip expensive add-ons until you’re generating profit.
- Buy first: A quality two-part epoxy resin, digital scale, basic silicone molds, mixing supplies, and safety gear. Total: roughly $150–250 for starter quantities.
- Add within 3 months: A heat gun, more mold variety, colorants and pigments, finishing supplies like sandpaper and files.
- Invest later: UV lamp, expensive power tools, commercial-grade drying ovens, or high-end mold collections once you’re selling and know your niche.
New vs Used Equipment
Resin art doesn’t require expensive industrial equipment, so you have flexibility in where you source tools.
Buy new resin and hardener—never used. You can’t verify age, storage conditions, or whether it’s been contaminated. Old resin won’t cure properly, and that’s a project-killing problem. Everything else—molds, scales, mixing containers, finishing tools—can be new or used. Check secondhand marketplaces for basic tools, craft supplies, or workspace items. A used work table or shelving unit costs 30–50% less than new and works just as well. However, avoid used safety gear like respirators or goggles unless you’re certain of their condition. New safety equipment is cheap insurance against respiratory irritation or eye damage.
Where to Buy
- Amazon: Convenient for most supplies and tools. Good for comparing options and reading reviews.
- Craft stores (Michaels, Joann, Hobby Lobby): Stock molds, colorants, and finishing supplies. Use coupons for discounts.
- Specialty resin suppliers: Websites like TotalBoat, Epoxycraft, or Craft Resin offer premium epoxy systems and technical support.
- Local hardware stores: Sandpaper, safety gear, drill bits, and mixing containers are often cheaper locally than online.
- Secondhand marketplaces (Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp): Source used molds, work tables, and tools at lower prices.
- Bulk suppliers: Once you’re selling regularly, buy resin and supplies in larger quantities directly from distributors for 15–25% savings.