Basic Epoxy Resin Starter Kit

Creating items from epoxy resin is a very engaging hobby. You can make jewelry, vases, lamps, figurines, clocks, and much more—whatever your imagination allows. As with any other hobby, you will need a basic set of materials and tools.

First and foremost, you will need resin. It is most commonly a two-component resin sold in sets. When buying resin, remember that there is decorative resin and jewelry-grade resin. Jewelry epoxy is more transparent but costs more. Decorative resin is less transparent but cheaper and sold in larger quantities. Prices vary depending on the manufacturer, so choose based on your budget.

In addition, you will need tools:

• kitchen scale and a silicone measuring cup; • silicone molds for casting; • silicone brushes.

All tools should be silicone, as epoxy resin does not stick to them. Here is a trick: finding molds and brushes specifically marketed for epoxy can be difficult and expensive. Buy nail art brushes, like the ones in the photo. You can also use silicone baking molds. Of course, not all designs are suitable, but you can find some. Additionally, many molds can be found on AliExpress. You will also need jewelry findings—earring hooks, clasps, bails, and metal bezels. They are inexpensive and sold in craft stores.

You will also need consumables: dried flowers, dyes and pigments, nail powders, glitters, and sprinkles. You can dry flowers yourself or buy them. As for glitters and powders, you can use the same ones used for nail design. Furthermore, UV resin, a UV lamp, a UV flashlight, a heat gun, and a rotary tool (Dremel) are very useful. However, these are expensive tools, and there is no point in buying them if you are just starting out. But for serious projects, they are very helpful.