I like to share, contradictory to what my astrological sign states or anyone’s spoon that might find its way in my ice cream sundae, I really do enjoy exchanging information, ideas and experiences with anyone seeking my expertise.
Although it may seem foolhardy to provide detailed instruction how to create the candy coating deliciousness that is epoxy resin finish – I am feeling charitable and also slightly distracted by the Jets/Steelers game, so this is a freebie that requires minimal mental participation on my behalf.
If you need some inspiration or additional visual encouragement, please hop, skip and jump over the apartmentjeanie Etsy shop.
Creating epoxy resin frames
Materials needed:
- Frame
- Paint
- Glitter (if you want to add some additional sparkle)
- Mod podge or watered down white glue
- Clear spray paint
- Primer
- Epoxy resin mix
- 2 Clean measuring/mixing containers
- Few small sponge brushes
- Paint stirrer
- Chopsticks, Popsicle sticks or bamboo skewer
- Small torch blower
- Latex gloves
- 4 unopened soda cans
- Sand paper
How to:
1. Clean then prime the picture frame. Cover all non-wood pieces (hooks, wire etc) w/ blue tape.
2. Paint (spray paint is my preferred method) the frame until the front, sides and interior window are thoroughly covered. The back should have a light spray, but doesn’t require the same opaque coverage.
If you are applying glitter continue w/ stop #3, if not skip to step #5
3. Once paint has thoroughly dried, cover frame w/ glue adhesive then add glitter. Work in small sections. Wait for glue to dry before shaking off excessive glitter. Apply glitter liberally, but neatly. I find that the Martha Stewart ultra fine glitter works the best.
4. Once the excess glitter has been removed and any holes have been covered, spray the entire frame w/ the clear spray paint. This will keep the glitter secure when adding the epoxy resin. Let sit for 1 day.
5. Set the frame for the epoxy resin application in a well ventilated, but free of dust and airborne debris. Cover the table w/ Kraft paper then w/ a layer of wax or parchment paper above. Do not place frame too close to the edge of the workspace. (Tie back loose hair, wear latex gloves and wear clothing that can be ruined.) Place the 4 soda cans underneath each corner of the frame – make sure the weight is balanced.
6. Follow the instructions on the epoxy resin package EXACTLY.
7. Pour the thoroughly mixed epoxy resin slowly and evenly over the top of the frame. The solution will pour down the sides of the frame and in the window opening. Do not leave any epoxy in the mixing container – if it sits for more than a few minutes, it will get very hot and cloudy and unusable. Using the foam brush, move the epoxy to cover the entire surface. There may be holes so continue to go over the whole frame w/ the brush; more than 1 brush may be required. Work quickly b/c the solution will start to get gummy. Once the exterior of the frame is completely covered, take the chopstick and start scraping along the bottom edge of the frame to remove the dripping epoxy. Continue to do this for several minutes. The more vigilant, the less to sand later.
8. Air bubbles start forming on the surface. (If this is a glitter finish this next step isn’t as critical, but I do recommend that you remove the air bubbles if you want a professional looking product.) Using a handheld blow torch (the style used in kitchens for crème brulee works perfectly fine) slowly and CAREFULLY pass over the frame to remove the air bubbles. Continue to do this until all visible bubbles have been popped.
9. Go over the bottom again w/ a fresh stick to scrape drips.
10. If possible cover the entire frame w/ an airtight container.
11. After 1 hour try to scrape any more drips if formed.
12. Leave untouched for 72 hours, seriously.
13. Once the curing process is complete, wearing latex gloves, sand all bumps, drips or streaks of epoxy resin off the back and window opening.
14. Admire the gorgeous piece of wall candy you just created. Your home will thank you.
If you send me photos of your epoxy resin achievements, I would love to post them.
Get crafty.
xxoo.
What an amazing job you did with those frames! I have a question & you seem like the person that might finally have an answer for me. lol
I saw a photographer’s pieces at an art gallery out in Cali & I love what they did with it so much I’m trying to recreate that look with my photos. They blew up their prints & glued it to some kind of hard board & then covered it with a highly glossy epoxy type substance that was level and had no brush strokes at all. They looked aboslutely amazing! I’m so sick of picture frames so I want to try this but I can’t seem to figure out how to do it.
I’ve tried mod podge on poster board and that didn’t work; you could see the brush strokes & the board started to eventually curl.
If there is anything you can suggest it would be truly appreciated! Thank you for your time. =)
hey deirdre,
thank you so much for reading and then asking me for assistance! you did find the right person to answer your question. although i totally love ornate picture frames, this concept you presented sounds interesting especially if you did it to a collection of images. you definitely need to use a source stronger than poster board, perhaps foam core or gator board would work, but if you are looking longevity, i suggest wood – you could even wrap the image around the edges. you need to use epoxy resin for this project in order to seal it and create the effect you described. the image needs to be cured to protect it from the epoxy seeping underneath and keeping it opaque, a coat of mod podge or clear spray paint will seal the image. i am not sure how you intend to enlarge your images – a printer or professional photo developing, if you are self printing, you really need to coat thoroughly. follow the epoxy resin application instructions from this post and make sure the board is raised so you can clear the dippings off the bottom edges which saves a ton of time from sanding later.
thanks again for reading & if you are on fb, please check out the https://www.facebook.com/apartmentjeanie
please let me know if you should have more questions.
good luck & would love to see the finished project!
xxoo.
Thank you for this very informative blog entry – I am going to try my hand with a resin project this weekend and all of your tips are really helpful!
Susan – it’s pretty easy, just don’t rush through it. Can’t wait to see your finished work of art!