Note: This guide is based on epoxy resin and materials that are available in Sri Lanka. Everything shared here comes from our own experience and feedback from customers.

One of the most common questions we get at Artland is:
"What should I buy to start resin art?"
“මට resin art කරන්න පටන් ගන්න මොනවද ගන්න ඕනේ?”
It’s a great question, but the answer depends on what you want to make first.

Many beginners get inspired by what they see online, like flower preservation, big trays, deep molds, or crystal geodes. These are beautiful, but they can be hard to do at the beginning. They need more materials, time, and experience.

Start Simple, Why?

Before jumping into big or expensive projects, we always recommend starting with a few basic tools. Here's why:

1. You’ll learn how to measure and mix resin properly (volume-based or weight-based)
2. You’ll understand how resin behaves and cures
3. You’ll avoid wasting expensive materials
4. You’ll find out if this hobby is right for you
5. And most importantly, you’ll learn to use resin safely with proper protection

Bare Minimum Starter Kit for Resin Art:

Here’s all you need to create your first small project: like a pendant, earring, or keytag:

1. Epoxy Resin (small kit): Choose an easy, beginner-friendly one with a volume-based ratio (like 1:1 or 2:1)
2. 2 Measuring Cups: For part A and B
3. Wooden Mixing Sticks
4. Small Silicone Mold: With built-in hole (great for key tags or pendants)
5. Mica colors or Pigments: Optional, but fun to try
6. Gloves & goggles: Protect your skin & eyes

Optional but Helpful:

• Plastic sheet or old mat: To protect your table
• Toothpicks: To pop bubbles or move small things
• Bubble remover spray: Helps with bubbles and cleaning your tools
• A box to cover your resin: Keeps dust away while it cures
• Small hand drill: If your mold doesn’t have holes

What You Need Depends on Your Project

Once you know what you want to make, you can buy materials to match that project.

1. Pendants or Earrings

• Small silicone jewelry mold
• Earring hooks, pendant bases
• Jump rings, bails, eye pins, and basic tools
• Glitter, dried flowers, foil flakes (optional)
• UV resin (optional, for a glossy top coat)

2. Alphabet Key Tags

• Alphabet mold
• Key rings or keychain hardware
• Pigments, glitter, small decorations (optional)
• Large jump rings
• Mini drill (if needed)

3. Coasters

• Coaster molds (round or square, about 8-14 cm)
• Heat-resistant epoxy resin (if using with hot drinks)
• Alcohol inks or pigments
• Gold flakes, crushed glass (optional)

4. Trays

• Larger tray mold (some have handles)
• More resin (depends on tray size)
• Any decorations you like: colors, dried flowers, glitter, etc.

Avoid These Projects as a Beginner

Some resin projects are best for later:

• Flower preservation (needs experience, special silica gel, and slow curing resin)
• Deep pour molds
• Multi-layer resin art
• Crystal geode effects

These need:

• Large amounts of resin (less working time, more chance of mistakes)
• Slow curing epoxy resin
• Good timing and layering skill
• Vacuum chamber or pressure pot (for best results)

They’re amazing, but not great for your first few tries.

Final Thoughts

Start small. A simple, low-cost setup is all you need to try your first resin project. Keytags, pendants, or earrings are perfect for learning. Once you’re more confident, you can slowly upgrade to bigger tools and advanced projects.

At Artland, we’re always happy to help you get started. Whether you want to craft for fun, gifts, or even to sell your creations come by or message us anytime.