How to Choose Epoxy Resin Supplies for Your First Project

Starting your first resin project can feel exciting until you look at all the moulds, colours, tools, and materials available. It is easy to buy more than you actually need. The simplest approach is to decide what you want to make first, then choose supplies around that project.

Whether you are making coasters, jewellery, a decorative tray, or a small piece of resin art, the right materials can make the process much easier. As an artist, I have found that starting with a simple project and a small selection of supplies is far more useful than trying to collect everything at once.

Start by Choosing Your First Resin Project

Before buying epoxy resin supplies, think about your first project.

You could make:

• Resin coasters
• Trinket trays
• Jewellery
• Keychains
• Bookmarks
• Decorative pieces
• Small wall art
• Marbled or geode-style artwork

Each project has slightly different requirements. A coaster needs a suitable mould, while flat resin artwork may need a level surface instead. Starting with the project keeps your shopping list simple.

What Can You Make With Epoxy Resin?

One of the most enjoyable things about resin is how much you can create with it.

For coasters and trays, you can experiment with different colours, mica powders, and decorative effects.

For jewellery and keychains, smaller moulds are useful. A little colour or shimmer can completely change the finished piece.

For marbled and flow-style artwork, resin tinters can help create stronger flowing colour effects.

Geode-style pieces are another option. These often combine several colours, shimmer, and layered effects to create a stone-like appearance.

You do not need to start with the most complicated project. A simple coaster or small decorative piece can teach you a lot about how resin behaves.

The Basic Resin Supplies You'll Need

The exact setup depends on your project, but most beginners will need some combination of:

• Epoxy resin and hardener
• Measuring and mixing supplies
• A suitable mould or painting surface
• Colourants
• Gloves and workspace protection

Not everything is essential for every project. If you are making a coaster, for example, you will need a coaster mould. If you are creating resin artwork on a flat surface, you may not.

Always check the instructions supplied with your specific resin before mixing or using it.

Before You Start, Prepare Your Workspace

Resin projects are much easier when your workspace is ready beforehand.

Work in a suitable, well-ventilated area and protect your table from spills. Keep gloves and other recommended protective equipment available, and follow the safety instructions provided with your resin.

A level workspace is especially important. Even a small tilt can cause liquid resin to move toward one side of a mould or artwork.

I also recommend having everything within reach before mixing. Once resin is ready to use, you do not want to stop halfway through a project because you cannot find a tool.

Choosing Colours for Your Resin Project

Colour is where resin projects become particularly creative. Two useful options are mica powder and resin tinter.

Mica Powder for Shimmering Effects

Mica powder is a good choice when you want shimmer, metallic-looking effects, or a pearlescent appearance. It can work beautifully in coasters, trays, jewellery, ornaments, and geode-inspired pieces.

Bluebird Silglow Mica can be used when you want to experiment with these decorative colour effects.

Resin Tinter for Stronger Colour

Resin tinter is useful when you want stronger or more controlled colour. It can work particularly well for marbled designs, flowing colour effects, and abstract resin artwork.

The key is to add colour gradually. When I am experimenting with a new colour combination, I prefer starting with a small amount and building it up rather than trying to get the perfect shade immediately.

Do You Need to Make Your Own Resin Moulds?

For your first project, probably not.

Ready-made silicone moulds are usually the simpler starting point. They allow you to focus on mixing resin, adding colour, and learning how the material behaves.

Mould-making silicone becomes more useful when you want to create unusual or personalised shapes. With products such as Bluebird Platinum Silicone Liquid Rubber, artists can explore making their own moulds for custom coasters, ornaments, jewellery, and decorative shapes.

This is better treated as a later step rather than something every beginner needs on day one.

Match the Supplies to the Project You Want to Make

This is a useful way to avoid buying supplies simply because they look interesting. Start with what your project actually requires.

Which Resin Supplies Are Essential and Which Can Wait?

For most beginners, resin, hardener, measuring and mixing supplies, workspace protection, and a suitable mould or surface come first.

Mica powders, resin tinters, and ready-made moulds become useful when your project calls for them.

Mould-making silicone and specialised decorative materials can come later as you become more comfortable.

There is no advantage in buying twenty different colours before you have completed your first project. A few carefully chosen supplies give you more room to learn.

Common Buying Mistakes When Starting Resin Art

One of the easiest mistakes is buying supplies before deciding what you want to make.

Other common mistakes include:

• Buying too many colours at once
• Choosing products only because they look attractive
• Buying mould-making materials too early
• Purchasing large quantities before testing a product
• Not checking whether materials are compatible
• Ignoring the manufacturer's instructions

I would rather make three small projects with a few supplies and learn what I enjoy than buy a large collection and still feel unsure where to begin.

Build Your Resin Art Collection Around Your Projects

Your resin supplies do not need to be complete from the beginning. They can grow with your skills.

Your first project might only need resin, a mould, and one colour. Once you are comfortable, you can experiment with mica powder. Later, you might try resin tinter for marbled designs or explore creating custom moulds.

The best approach is to build your collection around the projects you genuinely want to make. As you explore different techniques and ideas, Bluebird Arts offers resin-related materials such as mica colours, resin tinters, and silicone mould-making supplies to help you develop your setup at your own pace.

FAQs

What supplies do I need to make resin art?

Beginners generally need epoxy resin and hardener, measuring and mixing supplies, a suitable mould or surface, colourants when needed, and appropriate workspace protection.

What can I make with epoxy resin?

You can make coasters, trays, jewellery, keychains, bookmarks, decorative pieces, wall art, and many other creative projects.

Is mica powder or resin tinter better for epoxy resin?

Neither is universally better. Mica powder is useful for shimmer and pearlescent effects, while resin tinter is often useful when you want stronger or flowing colour.

Do I need silicone mould-making supplies as a beginner?

No. Ready-made moulds are usually easier for a first project. Mould-making silicone becomes useful when you want to create custom shapes.

What is the easiest epoxy resin project to make at home?

Small projects such as coasters, simple trays, keychains, and decorative shapes are good starting points because they require fewer materials and let you learn the basics without managing a large project.