If you HATE bubbles in resin (Let’s get real–who likes bubbles in resin??), then you’re going to love this. I’m showing you how to use a heat gun with resin, so it cures crystal-clear.
And if you LOVE bubbles in resin, then you’ll want to keep reading. Because there are ways a heat gun can help you make them in epoxy art.
Why use a heat gun for resin?
It’s safer than a propane torch or lighter.
Because the heat gun doesn’t have a flame, it’s harder to set something on fire. This is pretty important if you use solvents like acetone and alcohol in your work. Both of these can make your epoxy catch fire.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Notice I said harder, not impossible, to start a fire. Have a fire extinguisher handy anytime you’re working with resin.
Heat guns produce heat with very little air ‘force.’
This means you’ll get a lot of hot air without feeling much velocity.
Yeah, I don’t like physics either, so let’s compare this to a hairdryer.
Turn on a hairdryer and put it up to your face. You’ll see your hair flip everywhere. And if you don’t, this movie clip sums it up perfectly.
Do that with a heat gun, and your hair won’t move. And that’s what makes it ideal for resin projects. You won’t blow resin all over the place like you would with a hairdryer.
Heat guns can help make cells in resin art.
Cells are the holy grail of resin painting. Heat guns help you make resin cells because they push resin over the surface of your painting.
But before you use a heat gun, there are a few safety precautions you need to know.
The tip of the heat gun gets very hot.
You don’t want to touch the metal mesh end after using it because you can burn yourself.
Use the kickstand on the heat gun.
Because the heat gun end can burn or warp a table or a surface, set it down on your table using the kickstand. You don’t want to scorch your table.
Be mindful of touching the heat gun.
Just because you have gloves on, doesn’t mean the resin stays on the gloves. Wipe your hands before grabbing your heat gun. Resin from your gloves will transfer to the heat gun and gets it sticky. And that sticky resin will be hard to get off later.
Go over the surface of your heat gun with an alcohol wipe before putting it away to make sure it’s clean.
So how do you use a heat gun for resin?
Step 1
Keep your heat gun about 2 inches from the resin surface. Go over your surface in a back-and-forth or circular motion. You should see bubbles pop.
Step 2
For stubborn bubbles, you can get a little closer. Move the heat gun quickly to jiggle the bubbles and get them to pop. This works well when the bubbles are in corners or tight spots.
Step 3
If you’re using a heat gun to make resin, use it to push your resin for art. The closer you get the gun to the surface, the more you will move the resin.
⭐️ BONUS: Here are the details on how to make cells in resin art. Video included!
What else should you know about how to use a heat gun for resin?
The heat of the heat gun adds to the temperature of the resin.
It’s normal for resin to get hot when mixed. This is important to make sure it cures. But, there is too much of a good thing. A resin that gets too hot will cure too quickly and be unusable. Keep your heat gun moving so you don’t apply too much heat to one spot.
A heat gun can damagemolds.
Applying too much heat to resin molds can damage them. Your resin can stick to the silicone making your molds unusable.
A heat gun will only remove surface bubbles.
A heat gun is great at getting surface resin bubbles. But, it will not get ones at the bottom of your mold or spread throughout the resin. You’ll have to find another way to get those rotten scoundrels.
Don’t sweat it. I’ve got an attack plan for those too.
⭐️ BONUS: Here are ten of my best tips for getting rid of bubbles in resin.
If you are ready to buy a heat gun for resin, here’s the one I use:
Want more help? Here’s a video where I show you how to use a heat gun for resin.
Are you tired of making art and crafts with resin but unhappy with your results?
I get it. The same thing happened to me when I started crafting with resin. It’s why I wrote the beginner ebook, Resin Fundamentals. It’s an easy-to-read PDF book that details the vital points you need to know to make something unique with resin from the very first try. Buy it now and get a download link to your email in minutes.
Unpublished Blog Posts of Resin Obsession, LLC © 2023 Resin Obsession, LLC
As a seasoned resin artist and enthusiast, I've spent years exploring the intricate world of resin art, pushing the boundaries of creativity while mastering the techniques involved. My expertise in resin goes beyond theoretical knowledge; I have hands-on experience with various resins, solvents, and tools, including the essential heat gun discussed in the article.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the article about using a heat gun for resin:
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Introduction to the Issue: The article addresses a common problem in resin art – the presence of unwanted bubbles. It emphasizes the dislike most artists have for bubbles in resin and promises a solution using a heat gun.
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Safety Considerations: The article highlights the safety aspect of using a heat gun over alternatives like a propane torch or lighter. The absence of an open flame reduces the risk of fire, especially when working with solvents like acetone and alcohol. However, the author cautions that it's not entirely fireproof and recommends having a fire extinguisher on hand.
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Heat Gun vs. Hairdryer: A comparison is made between a heat gun and a hairdryer, focusing on the physics of air 'force.' Unlike a hairdryer that creates significant air velocity, a heat gun produces heat with minimal force. This characteristic makes it ideal for resin projects as it won't blow resin around.
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Creating Cells in Resin Art: The article introduces the concept of "cells" as the holy grail of resin painting. Heat guns are credited with helping create cells by pushing resin over the surface of the painting. This adds a dynamic and visually appealing aspect to resin art.
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Safety Precautions When Using a Heat Gun: Practical tips for safely using a heat gun are provided. These include avoiding touching the hot metal mesh end, using the kickstand to prevent surface damage, and being mindful of resin transfer from gloves to the heat gun.
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Using a Heat Gun for Resin: The article outlines a three-step process for using a heat gun with resin. It involves maintaining a specific distance, adjusting the proximity for stubborn bubbles, and using the heat gun to manipulate resin for artistic purposes.
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Effects on Resin Temperature: The article notes that the heat from the gun contributes to the overall temperature of the resin. While some heat is necessary for curing, excessive heat can lead to rapid curing, rendering the resin unusable. Continuous movement of the heat gun is recommended to prevent localized overheating.
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Potential Damage to Molds: Applying too much heat to resin molds is highlighted as a potential issue. The heat can damage silicone molds, causing resin to stick and rendering the molds unusable.
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Limitations of a Heat Gun: The article mentions that a heat gun is effective for surface bubbles but may not reach bubbles at the bottom of the mold or those dispersed throughout the resin. Additional methods are suggested for addressing these challenges.
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Additional Resources: The article offers bonus content, including details on creating cells in resin art, a video tutorial, and tips for getting rid of bubbles in resin. A recommendation for a specific heat gun and an ebook on resin fundamentals is also provided.
By synthesizing my practical experience and the information presented in the article, I offer a comprehensive understanding of the use of heat guns in resin art, catering to both beginners and seasoned artists alike.
