2 Part Resin & Casting Powder Tray and Coaster
The combination of casting powder and epoxy resin offers endless possibilities for creating handmade pieces that are both artistic and practical. From coasters to decorative trays, mastering a few essential techniques will take your craft to the next level, helping you achieve beautiful, durable, and professional results.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps: separating different materials, mixing resin colors, and applying a waterproof finish. With these methods, you’ll feel confident crafting unique pieces that are as delicate as they are long-lasting.
Tools and Materials Preparation
- Materials：Casting powder kit, water, air dry clay, regular epoxy resin, alcohol ink, dried flowers, waterproof acrylic varnish.
- Tools：Electronic scale, carving knife.
- Protective Equipment: Always wear nitrile waterproof gloves, a waterproof apron for safe handling.
Environment Setup
- Ideal Conditions: Maintain a temperature between 73–78°F with humidity no higher than 50–60% RH.
- Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area, ideally near a window or use an air purifier for better airflow.
Precautions
Step-by-step Instructions
Preparing the Casting Powder Part
Air-dry clay Separation
Carving Separation
Type1：Air-dry Clay Separation
1. Partition
Shape air-dry clay inside a mold and let it cure for 48 hours.
2. Mixing
Weigh casting powder and water at a 3:1 ratio using an electronic scale. Mix until completely smooth, with no lumps.
3. Pour into the mold
Fill the mold with the mixture and gently tap or shake it to release air bubbles.
4. Curing
Allow the mixture to set for 2 hours, then remove the clay partition.
Second type: Carving Separation
1. Pour into the mold
Fill the mold with the casting powder mixture, shaking lightly to remove air bubbles.
2. Carve
After about 20 minutes (while still soft), use a carving knife to shape or separate sections. Remove the excess material, then place the remaining portion back into the mold to continue curing.
Epoxy Resin & Decoration
1. Mix resin
Prepare 4 oz of epoxy resin at a 1:1 ratio. Stir slowly for 3–5 minutes until fully transparent. Add 2 drops of blue colorant, mixing thoroughly. (Tip: build the color gradually in small amounts.)
2. Pour
Fill the mold halfway with the resin mixture.
3. Decorate
Place dried flowers in the resin and press them gently with tweezers to release any trapped air. Let cure for 12–24 hours.
4. Add a base layer
Once cured, pour casting powder mixture over the resin layer to create a stable base and prevent separation between materials. Let it set for 2 hours.
Demolding and Waterproofing
5. Waterproof
Once the piece has cured, carefully remove it from the mold. Apply an even coat of waterproof acrylic varnish. Shake the can well before use, and apply 2 coats total, waiting 2 hours between applications.
6. Final touch
After 48 hours, when the varnish has fully cured, apply gold stickers (or other decorative accents) for the finishing touch.
Your handmade coaster, featuring delicate dried flowers and a natural crackled effect is ready to shine. Perfect for your morning coffee or afternoon tea, it also makes a heartfelt gift for friends and loved ones.
