How to Achieve Crystal Clear Resin: A Complete Guide!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect, Flawless Resin Clarity!

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.

1. Use High-Quality Resin - Apex Resin (code LOU for 15% off). 

2. Measure Accurately

3. Mix Thoroughly

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

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.

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!