Epoxy resin beginner: everything you need to know to make jewelry

Epoxy resin appeals to DIY beginners and experienced designers alike. Why? Because it can be used to make a wide variety of jewelry: transparent pendants, colored pieces, marbled effects, inclusions... but the first casts can be intimidating. Proportions, air bubbles, setting time, finishing: you quickly get the impression that there are "too many rules".

Here's a rundown of the basics you need to know to get started with epoxy resin.

Epoxy resin: what you need to understand before you start

Epoxy resin is a two-part system (resin + hardener) that polymerizes after mixing. Success depends above all on 4 points:

• The right dosage (according to the manufacturer's instructions): some resins are dosed by weight, others by volume. Don't "guess": follow the instructions for the resin you're using.
• Sufficient mixing: too little mixing = areas that remain sticky or soft. Mix methodically, scraping down the sides and bottom of the container.
• A stable environment: temperature, dust, humidity and vibration influence the result (bubbles, surface, hardening).
• The right project for your level: start with simple shapes and reasonable thicknesses, then work up to large parts, complex inclusions or multi-layer effects.

To understand when to choose epoxy or UV resin, read our dedicated article!

Basic materials for getting started with epoxy resin

To get you started with epoxy resin jewelry, here's what you'll need to get started:

• Epoxy resin + hardener (suitable for jewelry)
• Precision balance (if dosing by weight) or measuring cups (if dosing by volume)
• Mixing cups + spatulas (or sticks)
• Silicone molds (simple shapes at first)
• Nitrile gloves, work surface protection, paper towels
• Isopropyl alcohol and/or adhesive tape to limit dust/lint (depending on workshop habits)

To help you choose the right molds (shape, depth, flexibility), please refer to our technical data sheet.

Safety and good workshop practice

Even for a small pendant, epoxy must be handled with care:

• Ventilation: work in a well-ventilated area.
• Protection: gloves (and ideally goggles for splash hazards).
• Skin / surface: avoid direct contact, protect your work surface.
• Dust: cover your parts during setting (box, cloche, upside-down tray) to avoid stuck dust.

A simple method for making your first resin pieces

Step 1: Prepare mold and area
Clean the mold if necessary, and lay it flat. Prepare everything before mixing: once you've started mixing resin, you'll have no time to waste.

Step 2: Measure precisely
Follow the ratio indicated by the manufacturer (weight or volume). Accuracy is the No. 1 cause of sticky parts.

Step 3: Mix methodically
Mix slowly but thoroughly, scraping down the sides and bottom. Aim for homogeneity, without incorporating too much air.

Step 4: Let stand (a useful option)
Depending on the resin and your gesture, a short pause may help some bubbles to rise before pouring.

Step 5: Pour, controlling bubbles
Pour gently into the mold. For air bubbles: it's better to prevent (slow mixing, gentle pouring) rather than "over-correct".

Step 6: Protect during setting
Cover against dust. Avoid moving the mold.

Step 7: Demolding and finishing
Unmold when the piece is fully set (according to the time indicated).

For a beautiful finish, you can then sand your pieces.

Coloring, inclusions, etc. personalize your resin parts

When your first "transparent" pieces come out clean, you can gradually enrich them:

• Add color: pigments, inks, glitter... (compatibility varies from product to product).
• Test inclusions: sequins, sparkles, micro-beads, decorative elements.
• Resin dried flowers (a little more technical).

Progress Tip: change one parameter at a time (new color OR new inclusion OR new shape). This is the easiest way to understand what has had an impact on the result.