What Is Resin and How Does It Work?
What exactly is resin, and why do we use it so much in creative projects?
How does epoxy resin transform from a liquid into a hard, glass-like surface?
Resin, like epoxy or polyurethane, comes in two separate parts: the resin itself and a hardener. When these two are mixed together, a chemical reaction takes place. Over time, the mixture turns from a sticky liquid into a hard, solid plastic. This transformation is known as curing. The result is a smooth, often glossy surface that's durable and visually striking. Resin is a go-to material in a variety of fields—from jewellery-making and crafts to home décor, furniture design, and even industrial applications.
At Penta, we work with several types of resin, including epoxy, polyurethane, and Jesmonite. Each has its own unique properties. Epoxy is popular for clear finishes and casting, polyurethane offers a fast set time and high strength, and Jesmonite is great for creating stone-like textures. We help you choose the right type for your project, whether you want a transparent, coloured, or textured finish. By understanding your design goals and function needs, we can match you with the material that delivers the look and performance you're after.
What Can You Put in Resin?
What items can you safely embed in resin for long-lasting, eye-catching results?
Are there materials that work better with clear epoxy or certain types of resin pours?
Here are some of the best things to embed in resin, based on our experience. These materials not only work well but also let you get creative with your designs:
1. Dried Flowers and Leaves
2. Wood Pieces
3. Insects
4. Figurines and Keepsakes
5. Paper and Photos
6. Glitter, Confetti, and Beads
7. Ashes
1. Dried Flowers and Leaves
Dried flowers can look truly beautiful when suspended in clear resin. We often use silica gel to dry the flowers while preserving their colour and shape. If you're aiming for a flatter look, pressing the flowers between books works well too. Before placing them in the resin, it's essential to seal them to prevent any moisture from interfering with the curing process.
2. Wood Pieces
Wood adds a warm, natural element to resin pieces. To get it right, start by sanding the wood until it's smooth and clean. We also make sure it’s fully dry, as trapped moisture can cause issues. Avoid using metal polish, as it can leave stains that spoil the final look. Properly prepped, wood and resin make a stunning combination.
3. Insects
Insects, when properly preserved, can look amazing in resin—like something straight out of a science display. They need to be fully dried and sometimes chemically treated so they don’t decay or change colour after casting. We’ve worked on several insect-based projects, and each one has required a careful, patient approach.
4. Figurines and Keepsakes
You can embed all sorts of small items, from toys and charms to sentimental keepsakes. Resin is a permanent setting, though—once your item is inside, it’s in there for good. So, for anything you’d hate to lose, we recommend using a duplicate or replica. That way, you get the look without the risk.
5. Paper and Photos
Yes, you can embed paper and photos in resin—but only if you prep them first. Unsealed paper will soak up the resin and get damaged. We use PVA glue or clear varnish to create a barrier that protects the image. Also, always keep a digital copy in case something goes wrong during casting.
6. Glitter, Confetti, and Beads
These are great fun to use and work especially well in layered pours. Glitter can be added between layers or mixed into the resin directly. Because they’re so light, working in stages helps stop these elements from floating or clumping. We use this trick all the time in our workshop to get even distribution.
7. Ashes
Adding ashes to a resin piece can be a deeply meaningful way to remember someone special. We treat these projects with extra care to make sure everything stays exactly where it should during the pour. Resin provides a way to turn memories into something you can display and cherish.
What Can You Not Put in Resin?
What shouldn’t you put in resin if you want to avoid bubbles, cloudiness, or a tacky finish?
Why do some materials react badly during the curing process?
Some things don’t mix well with resin and can ruin your final piece. Here are the main ones to stay clear of:
1. Fresh Flowers and Food
2. Water
3. Things You Can’t Replace
4. Unsealed or Reactive Materials
1. Fresh Flowers and Food
These contain water, which resin really doesn't like. Moisture can cause the resin to go cloudy, smell bad, or even fail to set properly. Always dry and seal organic materials before using them.
2. Water
Water is one of resin’s biggest enemies. Just a little bit can throw off your whole project. If moisture sneaks into your mix, especially with fast-curing resin, it can cause bubbles, a foggy finish, or a cure that never quite hardens. We’ve seen this happen more than once, and trust us—it’s frustrating.
Instead, use colourants made for resin, like epoxy-safe pigments. Stay away from acrylic paint or food colouring—these can stop your resin from setting properly and leave you with a soft or rubbery result.
Need to thin your resin to help it flow better? You can use small amounts of solvents like alcohol or acetone. Just be careful. Always test a small batch first, and don’t overdo it—a little goes a long way.
3. Things You Can’t Replace
Even experienced resin artists make mistakes. If the object you're using is priceless or one-of-a-kind, it’s best not to risk it. If something goes wrong, there's no way to get it back out of the resin.
4. Unsealed or Reactive Materials
Certain materials, like some inks or paints, can react with resin or bleed during curing. This can mess up your design. Always test these materials ahead of time or seal them thoroughly before you pour.
Some paints or inks can smear or react with resin. Always test them or seal them first.
How Can Penta Patterns Support Your Resin Projects?
We’ve been doing resin casting for over 30 years. You bring your idea, and we help you make it real. We can scan your object, work from a digital file, or build something from scratch.
We make a master shape, build a mould, and go through the process with you. You’re even welcome to join us in the workshop. Want to mix your own colour? No problem.
Some of the things we do include:
- Using natural and recycled materials
- Adding effects with gold leaf or shimmer powders
- Offering polished, painted, and textured finishes
- Making resin pieces for art, furniture, and more
Whether you want to save a keepsake or create a big showpiece, we’ve got the skills and tools to help.
What Are the Safety Precautions for Working with Resin?
- Always wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area. Resin can give off fumes, especially during curing, so it’s important to protect your skin and lungs.
- Mix your resin slowly and steadily. Rushing this step introduces air bubbles that can ruin your finish and weaken the structure.
- Stick to the recommended mixing ratios of resin and hardener. Even a small mistake can lead to sticky or soft results that never fully cure.
- Let your resin cure fully before moving or handling it. Depending on the type and temperature, this can take anywhere from several hours to a full day.
- Start small. Practising with less valuable or sample items helps you get a feel for the timing and process before working on something more important.
- Keep your workspace organised and free from dust. Even small particles can stick to your resin surface and spoil the finish.
- Use a level surface for curing. Uneven tables or shelves can cause your resin to pool or tilt, leaving you with lopsided pieces.
- Have your tools ready before you start. Being prepared helps you stay calm and work quickly when needed—especially during the short window before resin starts to set.
Thinking About Starting a Resin Project?
Got an idea you want to try? Talk to us. We’ll explain what you can use, how to prepare it, and what finish you can get. With our support, you can make something special that lasts for years.
At Penta Patterns, we help you turn your resin idea into something real and eye-catching.
TALK TO THE EXPERTS
Established in 1985, we have built a strong reputation for manufacturing excellent products within tight timescales and to extremely high tolerances. In order to achieve this, we use state of the art equipment and traditional, time honoured processes and skills.
Call us on:
01455 890 571
Email us at:
sales@pentapatterns.co.uk