Creating intricate lacing effects and organic cells in resin art can transform your pieces into mesmerising works of art. By combining high-quality materials like Just4YouOnlineuk Resin and Create and Bloom Crafts Puffball White pigment with thoughtful techniques, you can achieve stunning results. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, from material selection to the finer details of using heat tools.
What Is Resin Lacing?
Resin lacing refers to the delicate, web-like patterns that form when pigments interact with one another and with the resin itself. These effects mimic natural textures such as ocean foam, lace, or even cellular structures. Lacing is achieved through a careful balance of resin consistency, pigment weight, and heat manipulation.
Why is resin Lacing different to Resin Cells?
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Resin Lacing: Lacing forms delicate, web-like patterns resembling lace or ocean foam. It typically results from the interaction of resin, pigments, and heat, where a lighter pigment, like white, spreads over a contrasting background in thin, intricate lines. The effect relies on controlling the resin’s consistency, pigment opacity, and heat application.
Resin Cells: The Picture below demonstrates a 'Dirty Pour' achieved on one of the Create and Bloom workshops Cells appear as rounded, organic shapes with defined edges, often resembling bubbles or cellular structures. These are usually achieved by introducing additives like silicone oil or alcohol, which cause pigments to repel and form distinct patterns. Heat manipulation also plays a role in creating cells by encouraging the separation of resin layers.
Materials You’ll Need to achieve your own resin lacing!
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Resin: Just4YouOnlineuk High Gloss Resin or One Coat Art resin ideal for achieving clarity and durability.
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Pigments: Create and Bloom Crafts Pigments such as Puffball White for crisp, opaque lacing.
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Mixing Tools: Silicone cups, stir sticks, and gloves.
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Canvas or Resin Base: Choose a surface that suits your project.
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Heat Gun: A mid-power heat gun (not too powerful to avoid blowing resin excessively).
6. Additives: Optional silicone oil for enhancing cells
7. Protective Gear: Apron, gloves, and a well-ventilated workspace. Read more about that here!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Workspace
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Ensure your work area is clean, level, and free from moisture and dust, read my previous blog here regarding why dust and moisture will affect your resin curing.
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Cover your surface with a plastic sheet or silicone mat for easy cleanup.
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Set up your canvas or resin base securely to prevent shifting.
2. Measure and Mix Your Resin
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Use a 1:1 ratio of Just4YouOnline One Coat or High Gloss Resin and hardener. Mix thoroughly for 3-5 minutes until fully blended. Here is a video as to why it is important to not overfill your pot when mixing,
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Divide the resin into separate cups for adding pigments.
3. Add Your Pigments
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Add Create and Bloom Crafts Puffball White pigment to one cup. Use a small amount and mix until smooth. Avoid overloading with pigment, as excessive weight can cause the white to sink, losing the lacing effect.
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Leave some resin clear or mix with other complementary colours for your background.
4. Pour Your Base Layer
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Pour the clear or coloured resin onto your canvas or base. Spread it evenly using a spatula or gloved hand.
5. Create the Lacing Layer
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Drizzle the white resin (with Puffball White pigment) over the base layer. Use thin, flowing lines for a natural look.
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Avoid over-saturating the surface with white resin; less is often more when aiming for lacing effects.
6. Use the Heat Gun Wisely
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Turn on your heat gun at a low to medium setting. A too-powerful heat gun can blow resin excessively, causing the design to distort and reducing the chance of lacing.
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Move the heat gun in small, circular motions over the surface. This helps spread the white resin gently and encourages the formation of lacing and cells.
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Hold the heat gun 6-8 inches away from the surface to prevent overheating or pushing resin too aggressively.
7. Watch the Consistency
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Resin that’s too runny can lose the lacing effect because the white pigment may spread too thinly or sink into the base layer.
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Work within the resin’s optimal working time (usually 30-45 minutes depending on the resin from Just4YouOnline resin) to maintain the correct consistency.
8. Experiment with Additives (Optional)
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To enhance cell formation, you can add a tiny drop of silicone oil to the white resin before drizzling it. Use sparingly to avoid an oily finish.
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Alternatively, use a spritz of isopropyl alcohol on the surface to create additional texture.
9. Let It Cure
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Allow the resin to cure in a dust-free environment. Cover the piece with a clean box or container to prevent debris from settling.
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Curing times vary, but most art resins require 24-48 hours for a complete cure.
Master the Art of Perfect Lacing and Cells with Expert Tips.
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Choose High-Quality Resin: Resins like Just4YouOnline UK High Gloss Resin are less prone to yellowing and offer the right viscosity for lacing effects.
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Use Lightweight Pigments: Heavy pigments can sink into the resin, disrupting the lacing effect. Puffball White is ideal due to its balance of opacity and lightness.
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Avoid Overheating: Overheating can thin out the resin, causing it to flow uncontrollably and lose the lacing pattern.
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Control Pouring Speed: Pour the white resin slowly and deliberately for better control over patterns.
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Practice Patience: Resin art requires practice. Experiment with different techniques and amounts of pigment to refine your skills.