Resin Art for Beginners in Sri Lanka: What You Need and How to Start

Resin art has taken off across Sri Lanka, from glossy coasters and keychains to flower-filled trays and jewellery that people sell online. The good news: you don’t need a studio or expensive tools to start. With a small kit and a free afternoon, you can make your first piece at home. This guide explains the two main types of resin, what to buy, and how to complete a simple first project.

Epoxy resin or UV resin: which should you start with?

Epoxy resin comes in two parts, a resin and a hardener, that you mix together. Many beginner brands, such as FUJIN crystal clear epoxy, mix 1:1 by volume, which makes measuring easy. Epoxy is the best choice for coasters, trays, clocks and anything larger than a few centimetres. It takes hours to set, so you have time to add colour and flowers, and a day or more to cure fully. Always follow the curing time on the label.

UV resin is a single liquid that hardens in minutes under a UV lamp or strong sunlight. It’s ideal for small, thin pieces such as pendants, earrings and quick repairs, but it isn’t suitable for deep or large pours.

Our advice: start with a small epoxy kit and one mould. It’s more forgiving, and you’ll learn the basics of mixing, pouring and removing bubbles.

Your beginner resin shopping list

Everything below is available on Haanz, online or in our Boralesgamuwa and Horana shops.

1. Epoxy resin. A FUJIN 1:1 Crystal Clear Epoxy Resin 100ml+100ml set is enough for several coasters or small pieces. For tiny jewellery, try UV Resin 50g.
2. A silicone mould. Choose a simple shape first, such as a Circle Preservation Mould or the 9 Hearts Silicone Mould. Browse all silicone moulds.
3. Mixing tools. An Epoxy Resin Tool Set covers stirring and measuring; the Silicone Tool Set 32Pcs adds reusable silicone tools.
4. Colour. Mica Powder gives a pearly shimmer, and Alcohol Ink creates bright, flowing patterns.
5. Inclusions. Pressed Dry Flowers and Silver Foil Paper make even a first piece look special.
6. Safety basics. Disposable nitrile gloves, a face mask, and plastic sheet or baking paper to protect your table.

Want it all in one go? Message us on WhatsApp and our team will put together a resin art starter kit to suit your budget.

Your first project: a pressed-flower coaster, step by step

1. Prepare your space. Work on a flat, level table away from dust, pets and direct sun. Cover it with plastic or baking paper and put on gloves and a mask.
2. Measure. Pour equal amounts of resin and hardener into a clean cup. For one small coaster, start with about 30ml of each, and always follow the ratio on your bottle.
3. Mix slowly. Stir for 3 to 5 minutes, scraping the sides and bottom of the cup. Mix gently: fast stirring traps air bubbles. Unmixed resin stays sticky forever, so don’t rush this step.
4. Add colour (optional). Stir in a pinch of mica powder or a drop or two of alcohol ink. A little goes a long way.
5. Pour a first layer. Fill the mould about halfway. Pop any bubbles that rise by breathing gently over the surface or with a toothpick.
6. Add flowers. Place pressed flowers face down with tweezers, then pour the rest of the resin slowly over them.
7. Cover and wait. Cover the mould with a box to keep dust off and leave it on a level surface. Don’t touch it until the curing time on the label has passed.
8. Demould and finish. Flex the silicone and push the coaster out from the back. Sand any sharp edges lightly if needed.

Most first pieces have a bubble or two. That’s normal, and each pour teaches you something new.

Tips for working with resin in Sri Lanka’s climate

• Heat speeds things up. In warm weather, epoxy thickens and sets faster, so mix smaller batches and pour soon after mixing. Early morning or an air-conditioned room is easiest.
• Humidity can cloud resin. Avoid pouring on very humid or rainy days if you can, and keep cured pieces covered while they set.
• Keep it level and clean. A slightly tilted table gives uneven coasters, and dust settles on wet resin within minutes.
• Store resin well. Close bottles tightly and keep them in a cool, dark place.

Stay safe

Work in a well-ventilated room, wear gloves so resin doesn’t touch your skin, and keep resin away from children and pets. Read the safety information on your product before you start.

Ready to start?

Shop all resin art supplies on Haanz, with islandwide delivery across Sri Lanka. Prefer to see the products first? Visit our Boralesgamuwa or Horana shop, open every day from 9 AM to 6 PM, or message us on WhatsApp at 0711 515 515 and our team will help you choose. Imagine, Create, Inspire.