Resin is an incredibly versatile craft material that you can use to make everything from home decor to jewelry. If you’re interested in building a business around this material, you first need to find reliable sources for resin art supplies. Here’s a guide.
The Epoxy Resin Industry in 2022
Epoxy resin is a versatile material that is becoming an increasingly large part of the handmade crafts industry. Consumers are constantly looking for unique gifts, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind items. Epoxy resin can be a powerful option for creating these unique items while also offering durability and scalability.
Top Places to Buy Resin Art Supplies for Your Business
Before you can start your new epoxy resin business, you’ll need a variety of supplies, including resin molds, epoxy, heat guns, and safety gear. Here are some reliable sources for these materials.
1. Amazon
Amazon carries a wide range of products you can use to build your resin crafts store. Their selection includes epoxy resin, resin mold shapes, plastic cups, and sealants. They also offer affordable prices and fast shipping on many items.
2. Etsy
Etsy is home to a vast array of unique craft supplies. You can find custom resin mold products, colorants and glitters, and various materials to finish your products like paint and fabric.
3. Let’s Resin
Let’s Resin is an online store that’s completely dedicated to resin mold crafts. You can find various forms of resin, molds, and additives, along with guides and educational resources for makers.
4. IntoResin
IntoResin is another online store that’s specific to resin crafting. You can find various resins, molds, kits, and more. And there’s even a free guide for beginners as well as helpful blog posts on the site.
5. ArtResin
ArtResin is a shop that specializes in clear resin for artists. You can use it to cover paintings and other artwork to create a unique finish. However, they also offer molds and other supplies for 3D works.
6. Resin Obsession
Resin Obsession features a large collection of resin, epoxy, molds, and colors. They focus on premium quality products to help artists stand out in the marketplace. The site also features project ideas, tips, and inspiration from other creators.
7. Craft Warehouse
Craft Warehouse is a chain of craft stores based in the Pacific Northwest. They have several in-person locations but also sell various products online. The inventory isn’t limited to resin materials, but that is one popular category with a wide array of options.
8. Michael’s
Michael’s is a nationwide chain of craft stores that offers resin materials and so much more. This is ideal for those who prefer shopping for craft supplies in person. And they offer coupons and online shopping options as well.
9. Walmart
If you’re looking to pick up some resin materials in a place where you already shop, check out the selection at Walmart. The big box store chain offers various molds and additives perfect for beginners who want to perfect their craft. It’s not the most extensive collection, but you can find a decent selection in stores and online.
10. eBay
EBay is a marketplace site that offers an ever-changing selection of resin and craft supplies. There are tons of deals to be found, especially by crafters with overflow supplies. But since products come from independent sellers, there’s not a reliable inventory of specific items.
Essential Resin Craft Supplies
Before you can create your new store full of resin products, you need the right resin art supplies. Here are some materials you’ll need to stock on a regular basis.
Epoxy Resin
Epoxy resin is a two-component system consisting of a resin and a hardener. When mixed together, they undergo a chemical reaction that results in a hard, clear, and glossy finish. It’s highly versatile, used for everything from casting small objects to coating surfaces. This material offers excellent strength and clarity, ideal for embedding objects and creating deep layers.
Polyester Resin
Polyester resin is a synthetic resin known for its quick curing time and hardness. It’s often used in making fiberglass, but is also popular in crafts for embedding and molding. Polyester tends to be more affordable than epoxy, but can have a stronger odor and is less clear.
UV Resin
UV resin cures quickly under UV light, making it ideal for small projects, jewelry, and quick repairs. It’s generally sold in smaller quantities since it doesn’t require mixing. It has an extremely fast curing time (minutes under UV light), but is only suitable for thin layers.
Casting Resin
Casting resin is designed specifically for casting applications such as molds and deep pours. It has a lower viscosity compared to coating epoxy, allowing it to flow into intricate molds easily. It is ideal for larger projects due to its ability to reduce air bubbles and handle deep pours.
Doming Resin
Doming resin is a type of epoxy resin formulated to have a high surface tension, allowing it to create a domed effect on surfaces. It’s often used in jewelry making to create a lens effect on pendants and earrings. The high surface tension allows for a beautiful, smooth finish that adds dimension to the crafts.
Alumilite Resin
Alumilite is a brand known for its high-quality casting resins, popular in making pen blanks, figurines, and other small to medium-sized castings. They often offer fast curing times and high detail replication. This material is known for exceptional clarity and strength, and is suitable for both beginners and experienced crafters.
Mica Powders
Mica powders are fine pigments often used in resin art to add shimmer and pearlescent effects. They can be mixed into resin or applied to the mold surface for different effects. This material provides a sparkling, metallic effect that can’t be achieved with regular pigments.
Alcohol Ink
Alcohol ink is a specific type of colorant that works well with epoxy resin. You can add it to the mixture to give it a unique hue.
Glitter
For those who want to give resin products a unique texture or shine, you can also purchase glitter to add to your molds.
Mold Release
Mold release is a spray that is used to make it easier to remove hardened resin from the silicone molds used to shape them.
Sealant
Once you finish your projects, you can also use sealant to protect your resin crafts or add different finishes to the surface.
| Material/Supply | Description | Primary Uses | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epoxy Resin | A two-component system of resin and hardener. | Casting small objects, coating surfaces. | Hard, clear, glossy finish; strong and versatile. |
| Polyester Resin | A synthetic resin known for its quick curing time and hardness. | Making fiberglass, embedding, molding. | Affordable; quick curing; less clear. |
| UV Resin | Cures quickly under UV light, sold in smaller quantities. | Small projects, jewelry, quick repairs. | Extremely fast curing; suitable for thin layers. |
| Casting Resin | Designed for casting applications, with lower viscosity than coating epoxy. | Molds, deep pours. | Reduces air bubbles; handles deep pours. |
| Doming Resin | A type of epoxy resin with high surface tension for a domed effect. | Jewelry making for a lens effect on pendants, earrings. | Creates a smooth, dimensional finish. |
| Alumilite Resin | A high-quality casting resin known for clarity and strength. | Pen blanks, figurines, small to medium castings. | Fast curing; high detail replication. |
| Mica Powders | Fine pigments used for adding shimmer and effects. | Adding color and effects to resin. | Sparkling, metallic effect. |
| Alcohol Ink | A type of colorant that mixes well with epoxy resin. | Coloring resin with unique hues. | Creates vibrant, translucent colors. |
| Glitter | Adds texture or shine to resin products. | Enhancing aesthetics of resin crafts. | Provides sparkle and visual interest. |
| Mold Release | A spray used to facilitate the removal of hardened resin from molds. | Assisting in demolding of resin crafts. | Eases removal of resin from molds. |
| Sealant | Used to protect resin crafts or add different finishes. | Finishing touches on resin projects. | Protects and enhances final product. |
Resin-making Equipment and Tools for Business
You’ll also likely need several different types of tools that will serve you as you create your unique resin crafts. From your ideal mold to safety gear, here are some popular options.
Silicone Molds
You can find silicone molds in a huge array of sizes and shapes to complete various projects. Silicone is an ideal material since it’s strong yet flexible.
Heat Gun
A heat gun is a small, handheld tool that you can use to set resin and remove bubbles from the material as it hardens.
Gloves
Protective gloves can keep your hands safe while you work with resin art supplies.
Safety Glasses
You may also use safety glasses to protect your eyes while you work with these tools and chemicals.
Cups
You’ll need a large selection of cups to mix your resin, colors, and other additives before pouring them into your molds.
Stir Sticks
Then use stir sticks to create the finish and texture that you want for each pour.
Silicone Mats or Wax Paper
These provide a non-stick surface to work on. Resin does not stick to silicone or wax paper, making cleanup easier and protecting your workspace. These materials should be placed under your work area to catch drips and spills, making cleanup straightforward.
Precision Tools (Tweezers, Toothpicks)
These are small tools used for detailed work, like placing items into resin or removing unwanted particles. Tweezers are used for placing and positioning small objects, while toothpicks can remove bubbles or adjust inclusions.
Digital Scale
Precision is key in resin mixing. A digital scale ensures that the resin and hardener are mixed in the correct ratio, which is crucial for proper curing. It is used to measure the exact amount of resin and hardener before mixing.
Pipettes or Droppers
These are used for adding small, precise amounts of colorants or additives to the resin. Pipettes and droppers help in achieving precise color or additive distribution, especially in small or detailed areas.
UV Lamp (for UV Resin)
A UV lamp is necessary for curing UV resin, which hardens only under ultraviolet light.
Drills
For those creating resin jewelry or similar items, drills can be used to make holes or complete other finishing touches once the resin has hardened.
Sanding Tools
These are used for finishing and refining the resin pieces. Sanding tools (like sandpaper or a sanding block) smooth out edges and surfaces.
| Tool/Equipment | Description | Primary Uses | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone Molds | Molds made from silicone available in various sizes and shapes. | Shaping resin into desired forms. | Strong, flexible, and reusable. |
| Heat Gun | A handheld tool that emits hot air. | Setting resin and removing bubbles. | Helps achieve a smooth, bubble-free finish. |
| Gloves | Protective gloves for hand safety. | Safeguarding hands when handling resin. | Essential for personal safety and hygiene. |
| Safety Glasses | Protective eyewear. | Protecting eyes from splashes or fumes. | Prevents resin or additives from harming eyes. |
| Cups | Containers for mixing resin. | Mixing resin, colors, and additives. | Necessary for accurate mixing and measurements. |
| Stir Sticks | Tools for mixing resin. | Creating textures and mixing resin thoroughly. | Ensures even and thorough mixing. |
| Silicone Mats/Wax Paper | Non-stick surfaces for workspace protection. | Catching drips and spills during work. | Easy cleanup and workspace protection. |
| Precision Tools (Tweezers, Toothpicks) | Small tools for detailed work in resin crafting. | Placing and adjusting small items in resin. | Enhances precision and detail in projects. |
| Digital Scale | Tool for measuring resin components. | Ensuring accurate resin-to-hardener ratio. | Critical for proper resin curing and consistency. |
| Pipettes/Droppers | Tools for adding colorants and additives. | Precisely dispensing small amounts of additives. | Allows for precise color and effect control. |
| UV Lamp (for UV Resin) | A lamp emitting ultraviolet light for curing UV resin. | Curing UV resin quickly. | Necessary for projects using UV resin. |
| Drills | Tools for making holes or adjustments in hardened resin. | Creating holes in resin jewelry or similar items. | Essential for finishing touches on certain projects. |
| Sanding Tools | Tools like sandpaper or sanding blocks for finishing resin pieces. | Smoothing edges and surfaces of resin crafts. | Ensures a polished, professional finish. |
Where Is the Best Place to Get Wholesale Resin Supplies?
If you’re looking for resin art supplies for your next project, Amazon and Etsy have an extensive selection of resin, molds, and other materials. Check the entire list above for more options.
Is Resin Art Profitable?
Yes, resin art can be sold at a profit. You can create a shop that uses various resins and containers. To make your business profitable, you’ll need to factor in the cost of materials, your website, marketing, and operating expenses when pricing your projects.
What Resin Items Sell Best?
Resin’s versatility allows for the creation of a wide range of popular and sellable products, especially when handcrafted for uniqueness and appeal. Here’s an expanded list of resin products that often sell well:
- Resin Jewelry:
- Includes earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings.
- Often incorporates embedded items like flowers, glitter, or even small photographs for personalization.
- Customization options make these pieces highly desirable as unique gifts or fashion statements.
- Resin Coasters:
- Functional and decorative, perfect for home or office use.
- Can be made in various shapes, sizes, and colors, often featuring embedded objects or artistic designs.
- Popular as both individual items and in sets, often sought for housewarming gifts.
- Artistic Resin Wall Art:
- Large or small-scale artworks that showcase the fluid, colorful nature of resin.
- Can include abstract designs, landscapes, or resin poured over canvas to create unique textures and patterns.
- Appeals to art lovers and those looking for distinctive home decor.
- Resin-Embedded Objects:
- Items like paperweights, bookends, or decorative pieces with items like flowers, shells, or memorabilia encased in resin.
- Popular for commemorating special occasions or as conversation pieces.
- Resin Tabletops and Counters:
- Large-scale projects where resin is poured over surfaces like tables or counters, often with artistic designs or objects embedded.
- Appeals to those looking for custom, high-end furniture or unique home renovations.
- Custom Resin Keychains and Charms:
- Small and versatile, these can be customized in countless ways with colors, names, or small items embedded.
- Popular as affordable, personalized gifts or promotional items.
- Resin Accessories:
- Includes items like hair clips, belt buckles, and bag charms.
- Trendy and customizable, appealing particularly to a younger audience.
- Resin Flower Preservation:
- Encapsulating flowers from weddings, funerals, or other significant events as keepsakes.
- Popular for its sentimental value and unique way to preserve memories.
- Resin Lamps and Light Fixtures:
- Unique lighting solutions where resin is used to create lamp bases or shades with various designs and translucencies.
- Appeals to those looking for one-of-a-kind home decor and lighting.
- Personalized Resin Signs and Plaques:
- Custom signs for homes, offices, or as gifts, often featuring names, logos, or personalized messages.
- Popular for their customizability and aesthetic appeal in home decor or as business signage.
Each of these resin products offers a unique blend of functionality and artistic value, making them highly sought after in various markets. Their appeal lies in the ability to customize and create something truly unique, whether it’s for personal use or as a business opportunity.
Read More:
- Where to Sell Wholesale Craft Supplies
- 50 Handmade Business Ideas You Can Start from Home
- 21 Resin Crafts to Sell
Qualify for discounts, special offers and more with a Business Prime account from Amazon. You can create a FREE account to get started today.
Image: Envato Elements
This article, “10 Places to Get Resin Supplies for Your Business” was first published on Small Business Trends