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Using epoxy to make unconventional art is a satisfying means of creative expression that has become notably more prominent in recent years.
Originally, epoxy was primarily used for industrial purposes, including to bolster various materials, repair or seal structures, and even in the fabrication of aircraft components. Its incredible durability and resilience made it perfect for these applications.
However, that never meant it couldn't be used in artistic ways—nor are these purposes mutually exclusive.
In the last fifteen years, epoxy's reputation has steadily risen as an artistic ingredient with the goal of self-expression. Many users create their own beautiful works by incorporating epoxy's unique features, such as its ability to transition from a fluent liquid to a robust, transparent solid.
Because anything encased within epoxy gets permanently preserved and sealed in that position, one can use it to construct their own beautiful, long-lasting art that won't wear away over time.
Think outside the box with epoxy art.
Perhaps the most obvious artistic use for epoxy is in typical interior decor. Things like epoxy countertops or table tops are the most frequent project types, as you get to prepare your substrate surface to look aesthetically pleasing to your tastes, before ultimately sealing it with a coat of clear epoxy that both safeguards and enhances these aesthetic choices.
On top of that, you end up with a functional table that can be used for many years if treated well. It's the best of both worlds.
But that doesn't mean there aren't numerous other ways to apply epoxy in your art.
For example, many users will create their own resin jewelry, use epoxy to embellish their paintings, make epoxy coasters, or craft small baskets and trays.
There are so many possibilities within the resin art category.
Epoxy doesn't have to stay clear and transparent.
While epoxy is naturally transparent and glasslike, it doesn't have to remain that way. Epoxy can be given deep and vivid color using epoxy colorants.
These colorants are designed for epoxy resin, which is uniquely receptive to them during the mixing phase.
Generally, there are two types: Epoxy powder pigments and liquid resin dyes.
Epoxy pigments are made from ground mica that has been reduced to powder.
Mica is a category of minerals that often have a reflective sheen, along with various other natural and synthetic materials that determine the color of the powder.
When mixed into epoxy resin, these powder pigments give it a shimmering, pearlescent, glittery, or even metallic texture; some even make the resin glow in the dark.
Powder pigments tend to be quite potent, too, so a little goes a long way.
We often recommend starting with a small amount, then adding more as desired until a satisfying result is achieved. The more you add, the deeper and more opaque the epoxy tint becomes.
Resin dyes, in contrast, are liquid colorants that give epoxy a singular, uniform tone.
These dyes don't have the shimmering effect of the powders and are perfect for projects where the user wants to present a subtle image.
Much like the powder pigments, most resin dyes are highly potent, so add a small amount at a time until it looks the way you want it to.
Epoxy colorants come in a vast array of different tones, shades, and textures. More often than not, what you can make is only limited by your artistic vision and goals.
Let's take a look at a few user-submitted photos below.
Additional Resources
Below we've listed some additional resources you may find interesting:
- The extensive surface compatibility of UltraClear Epoxy - Epoxy resin can bond with many types of materials. Learn more in this guide.
- How to wash away resin and epoxy on your hands and skin - Discover how to clean epoxy resin off your skin—it's quite simple!
- How to sand resin art: A step-by-step guide - Thinking about making your own resin art? This guide to sanding may come in handy.
If you're planning an epoxy project, and haven't yet purchased resin for it, we'd love for you to consider UltraClear Epoxy.
Our resins are premium-grade, long-lasting (a minimum of 7 years with proper care), safe to use, and 100% made in the USA—never imported.
We hold all of our resin products to high standards for quality and safety.
You can find our UltraClear Epoxy resins on the following pages:
- UltraClear Table Top Epoxy - Our strongest resin finish. This is great for most epoxy projects, including many types of resin art.
- UltraClear Deep Pour Epoxy - Our deep pour casting resin. This is ideal for making epoxy veins (such as in river tables), filling silicone casting molds, and generally making thick layers—up to two inches per layer!
Have questions? Want advice? Contact us!
If you have any questions about epoxy art, or if you'd like some advice on a project you're planning, reach out to us at UltraClear Epoxy. Our epoxy experts are ready to assist!
You can contact us via phone or email here.
During business hours, you can also text chat online directly with one of our resin specialists by clicking the Help button at the bottom right of your screen.
And if you're interested in browsing our epoxy colorants collection, check out our epoxy pigment section and our resin dyes section.
