Tips for Resin Ocean Wave Making

Material Preparation

• Materials: Epoxy Resin, Ocean White Pigment Paste
• Tools: Mixing Cups, Stirring Sticks, Isopropyl alcohol, Heat Gun, Temperature Gun, Level, Plastic Bags
• Protective Equipment: Always wear nitrile waterproof gloves, a waterproof apron, and a vapor mask 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

Resin Temperature

Standard

Mix 1:1 epoxy resin and let it sit for 10-20 mins and reach 109~122℉ to become thicker.

Reasons

1. Low-temperature resin is too thin, causing the blown waves to easily deform and lose their shape.
2. When resin is thicker, it holds the waves better, preserving the texture.

Workspace Leveling

Standard

Calibrate at a level to ensure the working surface is perfectly horizontal.

Reason

Any tilt will cause the resin to flow downward, distorting and deforming the patterns.

Resin Thickness

Standard

Maintain the resin layer between 0.04 - 0.08 in (1~2 mm).

Reason

Thick resin will cause the wave patterns to sink, resulting in blurred and less refined details.

Heat Gun Blowing Angle

Standards

Hold the heat gun at a 45-degree angle to the surface of the resin, blowing from the root of the paste.

Reasons

Incorrect angles (e.g., blowing vertically at 90°) will lead to mess patterns and split in different directions, losing the fluid effect.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Resin Preparation

I. Mix the Resin Measure the regular epoxy resin at a 1:1 ratio and mix thoroughly. Let the resin mixture sit until it reaches109~122℉ to become thicker. (109°F for beginners, 122°F for experienced users.)

II. Prepare Ocean White Pigment Paste

1. Prepare approximately 20g of the warmed transparent resin and pour it into a small mixing cup.
2. Add about 6–8g of ocean white pigment (roughly two full squeezes of the bottle) and stir thoroughly until a uniform milky white consistency is achieved. Insufficient pigment will result in unclear patterns.

Workspace Preparation

III. Leveling the Workspace

Cover the table with a plastic film to protect it. Place your workpiece on top, then use a level to calibrate until the surface is perfectly horizontal.

IV. Apply the Base Resin

Evenly pour a layer of mixed resin onto the surface, maintaining a precise thickness of 0.04–0.08 in (1–2 mm). Use measuring tools or spacers to ensure accuracy.

V. Remove Bubbles

Use a lighter to quickly remove the bubbles to have a better ocean wave effect.

Create Wave Patterns

VI. Pour the Pigment

Pinch the cup into a pointed shape to make it easier to pour fine wave stripes. Pour the pigment on the resin surface and don't hold it too high (approximately 0.4 inches) to avoid stacking.

VII. Control the Blowing Angle

1. Attach a flat nozzle to the heat gun. Hold the heat gun at a 45-degree angle to the surface of the resin.

2. Aim the nozzle directly at the base of the pigment lines.

3. Set the heat gun to high airflow. Blow it in one go and to the distance you want. Achieve the ideal wave shape and length in one pass.

VIII. Create Multi-layer Waves

1. Pour 3 or 4 layers of pigment with a 1.2~1.6in gap between each one.

2. Blow the waves from bottom to top (avoid affecting lower layers by starting with upper ones). Hold the heat gun at a 45° angle and blow each line in one go.

Curing

IX. Curing

Cover the finished piece with a lid or box to prevent dust from settling on the surface and marring the patterns. Allow it to be cured for 12–24 hours until the surface is fully set. Your masterpiece is now complete!