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How to Achieve Crystal Clear Resin: A Complete Guide!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect, Flawless Resin Clarity!

Resin Art
With the lovely Lou from @createandbloomcrafts x
www.createandbloomcrafts.com
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Resin art is all about the magic of transformation, turning liquids into solid, glossy masterpieces. Whether you’re crafting jewellery, home decor, or intricate resin art pieces, achieving that perfect crystal-clear finish is essential.

'Guys, You can have the best resin out there - but if you don't follow the guidelines, you may jeopardise the cure and the clarity of your final piece'
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Cloudy or imperfect resin can be frustrating, but with the right techniques and a little know-how, you can create stunning, transparent, and flawless pieces everytime
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Resin Art
In this guide, I'll walk you through the best tips for achieving crystal-clear resin, from preparation to pouring and curing.
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1. Use High-Quality Resin - Apex Resin (code LOU for 15% off). 

The first step to achieving clear resin is using a high-quality product. Not all resins are created equal, and low-quality resin can often lead to cloudy or foggy results. Look for resin that is specifically labelled as crystal-clear or high-gloss.
Some trusted brands like Apex Resin offer superior clarity UV resistance, and excellent transparency, which ensures your creations remain clear and vibrant over time.
Resin Art
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2. Measure Accurately

Resin is a two-part mixture of resin and hardener, and the ratio must be precise. Too much hardener or resin can cause the mixture to cure improperly, resulting in cloudy or sticky resin.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully, and use a scale or measuring cups to ensure the exact ratio. Accuracy here will go a long way in achieving that perfect clarity.
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Resin Art

3. Mix Thoroughly

After you’ve measured your resin and hardener, mix them together thoroughly for at least 3-5 minutes, scraping the sides and bottom of your mixing container as you go. The resin and hardener need to fully combine to activate the curing process.
Be careful not to mix too quickly or too vigorously, as this can introduce air bubbles into the mixture. Slow and steady is key.
Whisking too vigorously can introduce air bubbles like this. If you notice bubbles, try popping them with a flame - read below for more information
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Apex Resin

4. Eliminate Air Bubbles

Air bubbles are one of the biggest enemies for achieving clear resin. Even a tiny amount of trapped air can cloud the surface of your piece. To prevent this try the following tips

Slow Mixing: As mentioned earlier, slow and gentle mixing will help avoid bubbles; remember, you're not making a cake. 
Use a Heat Gun or Torch: After pouring your resin, gently pass a heat gun or torch over the surface - be careful not to burn or over heat your mould this will cause them to adhere to your resin once cured or warp; making them no longer ideal for resin crafting. 
The heat helps the bubbles rise and pop. Make sure to keep the flame or heat source moving and avoid holding it too close, which could scorch the resin. Using Apex Deep Cast is a dream, the bubbles will pop on their own before your very eyes, making it an exceptional choice of resin for crystal clear resin pouring
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Apex Resin
Let your Resin Rest: I know I mention this a lot in workshops, but if possible, let your mixed casting resin sit in the cup for about 20 minutes before pouring. This allows the bubbles to naturally rise to the surface and burst. However, if you're using Art resins, you won’t have 20 minutes to spare, so try just a couple of minutes instead - this is still helpful. Any remaining bubbles can be gently popped with the heat of a flame or heat gun
Look closely, after a couple of minutes rest, you can see the bubbles on the surface - now is the time to pop them. Be careful with a flame (and paper pots for obvious reasons)!
Apex Resin
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5. Work in a Dust-Free Environment

Even tiny dust particles can ruin the clarity of your resin, so it’s crucial to work in a clean, dust-free space. (I’m actually laughing as I type this – who really has a dust-free space in the resin and craft world, especially when working with glitter, mica powders, and other mediums?).  Make sure your workspace is free from any debris, and consider covering your project while it cures to prevent dust from settling on it. You can even use a dust cover like a large plastic bin or box to keep your work protected while the resin hardens. You'd be surprised what can land o your resin when it's curing. Even moisture will play havoc with clarity; I talk more about Amine Blush here 

6. Control the Temperature and Humidity
Temperature and humidity play a significant role in how resin cures. Resin cures best at room temperature, usually between 21°C to 25°C (70°F to 77°F). Extreme heat or cold can interfere with the chemical process, leading to hazy or cloudy resin. If the temperature is too low, the resin may take longer to cure, and if it’s too high, it may cure too quickly, leading to bubbles and imperfections.

Humidity also matters as mentioned above and here. Too much moisture in the air can cause resin to form a cloudy layer on the surface. To avoid this, make sure your workspace is dry and well-ventilated. If you’re working in a particularly humid environment, consider using a dehumidifier.

7. Avoid Overheating the Resin
While it’s essential to use heat to pop air bubbles, overheating the resin can cause it to lose its clarity. If the resin gets too hot, it can become discolored, or even worse, it can start to release a smoke or cloudiness as it cures. Be mindful of the temperature and only use heat tools gently and sparingly.

8. Pour in Thin Layers
When creating resin art, it’s best to pour your resin in thin layers, especially if you’re embedding objects or colours. Pouring thick layers at once can result in uneven curing and trapped bubbles. Thin layers allow the resin to cure more evenly and reduce the chances of haziness or cloudiness. Aim for layers that are no more than 1/4 inch thick for best results.

9. Let the Resin Fully Cure
Resin needs adequate time to fully cure. Rushing the process or disturbing the resin too early can leave it cloudy, hazy or sticky. I've said it time and time again, if you are speed curing your resin you are risking the quality of your creation.


Diagram: Speed cured resin, can you see the resin has been burnt at time of curing? It looks like it has a tinge of Yellow. The resin was heated to 40degrees Celsius (far too hot) so the UV stabilisers have been compromised. And, if you look really closely, go on ...zoom in, you'll see the bubbles couldn't pop quick enough, and they have therefore remained on the surface of the resin. 


Resins have been designed to cure as per the guidelines, (APEX FAQs can be found here).  Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for curing time, typically around 24-48 hours for full hardness. It’s also essential to allow the resin to cure in a dust-free environment to prevent contamination.

10. Sand and Polish for a Flawless Finish
If you find that your piece has some imperfections after curing, don’t worry! You can sand and polish your resin to restore its clear, glossy finish. 

-Sanding: Start with a fine-grit sandpaper (around 400 grit) and work your way up to finer grits (up to 1000 or even 2000 grit). Sanding removes any rough patches, bubbles, or imperfections. For bigger projects you will most certainly require a hand tool for this - more about sanding can be found here!
Polishing: After sanding, use a resin polish or a soft cloth to buff your piece to a high shine. This will restore that crystal-clear, glass-like appearance.

Bonus Tip: Add UV Resin for Extra Clarity - this is the best UV resin - code LOU for 15% off - THIS 
If you want to achieve an extra layer of clarity and protection, you can apply a thin coat of UV resin over your cured piece. UV resin cures quickly under UV light, creating a glossy, durable finish that enhances the clarity and depth of your resin art. I tend to only recommend this on very small pieces such as beads and jewellery. 

Conclusion
Achieving crystal-clear resin is a combination of the right products, careful technique, and patience. By using high-quality resin, measuring and mixing carefully, controlling your environment, and taking the time to properly cure your piece, you’ll create stunning, clear, and flawless resin art every time.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to craft pieces that sparkle and shine, showcasing the true beauty of your designs.

Apex Resin


Happy crafting and remember you can book one-to-one tutorials here, and don’t forget to experiment – the possibilities with Apex resins are endless!

Laura Just4youonlineUK

Nov 15, 2024

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