Frequently Asked Questions about resin jewelry and resin crafts (2024)

Casting (using molds)

by Fran Valera

Casting is pouring resin into a some sort of cavity you intend to remove it from when cured. Resin molds can be made of different types of plastic, or from silicone. The finish you get is determined by the surface of the mold. You can use a variety of molds to create your shapes.

Here's a basic how-to video:

Doming (using surface tension)

by Fran Valera

There are two things needed for successful doming: 1) A resin with high surface tension, designed to work on photos, papers, and other flat materials, and 2) A doming tray, which elevates and supports your cut-out shapes, creating clear edges that tell the flowing resin where to stop.

Here is a Doming How-To Video:

If you're doming larger pieces (over 2"), especially with the Clear Photo Film, or long pieces, you should stabilize them by adding a stiff paper like cardstock to the back before adding resin. This will keep your pieces from curling up as they set. You can use a few small pieces of double-stick tape to attach them. Here's an example:

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Layering

by Fran Valera

Little Windows Brilliant Resin layers beautifully and seamlessly. You can pour thin or thick layers to add embellishment, and create dimension and 3D effects. Allow your resin to set up 3-6 hours between layers, depending on the weight of what you're adding to the next layer. Example: if adding heavy metal charms to the layer, let previous layer set up for about 6 hours so the charm doesn't push down into the layer below. If adding lightweight elements, 3 hours should be fine.

Here's a basic How-To Video for layering photos over a variety of materials:

And here's another video all about layering photos:

Embedding (putting stuff in resin)

by Fran Valera

You can put almost anything you want into Brilliant Resin! Paper, plastic, fabric, metal, clay, wood, natural elements, glitters and powders, and any combination of these elements work well.

Things that contain moisture should be avoided, for example, fresh flowers and leaves. The water will react with the resin, turning the leaves and petals brown. Dried flowers and leaves work beautifully.

Then there are some things that just don't look so great - iridescent feathers will lose their shine, locks of hair may clump together and look like a claw.

Here's a basic video on embedding a bunch of different elements in resin: