Artist Resin - High-Gloss Epoxy for Art & Coatings

Artist Resin: Epoxy Resin for Art and High-Gloss Coatings

Artist Resin is Counter Culture DIY's classic clear 1:1 epoxy resin for art, craft projects, and thin high-gloss coatings. Its balanced, slower-flowing viscosity gives artists control on both flat and curved surfaces while the self-leveling formula cures to a smooth, glass-like finish.

Choose Artist Resin for everyday coating work when you want more placement time than a fast-curing formula. It is made for surface coatings and thin layers, not deep casting.

Best Uses for Artist Resin

• Canvas art, resin paintings, and mixed-media artwork
• Tumblers and other curved decorative surfaces
• Coasters, trays, photo panels, and sealed prints
• Geode art and decorative home projects
• Thin flood coats and clear finishing layers

Artist Resin Working Specs

• Mix ratio: 1:1 by volume, using equal parts Part A and Part B
• Working time: approximately 25-40 minutes under normal room conditions
• Viscosity: balanced body and control for flat and curved coating work
• Finish: clear, self-leveling, and high gloss
• Layer depth: keep poured or layered work at or below 1/4 inch (about 6 mm)

Artist Resin vs. Medium Viscosity and Fast Set

Choose standard Artist Resin when you want more body and control for general art and coating projects.

Choose Artist Resin Medium Viscosity when you want a slightly thinner flow that reaches fine details and crevices more easily for geodes, ocean pours, bookmarks, coasters, and thin detailed work.

Choose Original Fast Set Epoxy when speed is the priority and you want to recoat a tumbler or other thin coating in as little as 1.5-2 hours.

For molds, flower preservation, and pours deeper than 1/4 inch (about 6 mm), shop the casting resin collection instead.

How to Mix and Apply Artist Resin

1. Measure equal volumes of Part A and Part B.
2. Mix slowly and thoroughly for at least three minutes, scraping the sides and bottom of the cup.
3. Apply within the working time and allow the epoxy to self-level.
4. Keep the project level, clean, and protected while it cures. Follow the product label for handling and safety instructions.

New to epoxy? Review the epoxy resin mixing guide before starting. Use the resin coverage calculator to estimate the amount needed for a flat coating.

How to Coat Canvas Art with Epoxy Resin

1. Make sure the canvas is stretched tight.
2. Apply one very thin layer of Quick Coat as a precautionary seal coat, then let it dry according to the product directions.
3. Apply an extremely thin first layer of Artist Resin.
4. Wait about 24 hours for that layer to harden, then confirm the canvas is not going to sag under additional epoxy.
5. Apply the second layer as the flood coat.

Available Kit Sizes

• 8 fl oz kit (about 237 mL): 4 fl oz Part A + 4 fl oz Part B
• 32 fl oz kit (about 946 mL): 16 fl oz Part A + 16 fl oz Part B
• 1 gal kit (about 3.8 L): 1/2 gal Part A + 1/2 gal Part B
• 2 gal kit (about 7.6 L): 1 gal Part A + 1 gal Part B

Artist Resin FAQs

What is Artist Resin best for?
It is the all-around coating choice for canvas art, resin paintings, tumblers, coasters, trays, mixed media, and other projects that need a clear high-gloss surface.

Can I use Artist Resin for deep molds?
No. Keep layers at or below 1/4 inch (about 6 mm). Use a casting formula for deeper molds and encapsulation.

Which epoxy should a beginner use?
Artist Resin provides approximately 25-40 minutes of working time. Makers who prefer a little more flow may find Artist Resin Medium Viscosity easier for fine details.

Can I use Artist Resin on tumblers?
Yes. For step-by-step preparation and application help, read the beginner's guide to applying epoxy to a tumbler.

Browse all art and coating resins to compare formulas for your next project.

What is the difference between art resin and epoxy resin?

Art resin is a type of epoxy that is formulated for use by artists. It is usually clear, contains UV inhibitors, and is made to easily release bubbles. It can be used with colorants and additives to create beautiful patterns and designs.

What is art resin used for?

Art resin is usually used for projects like casting flower bouquets, filling molds, coating cups or pins, as well as making river tables.

What is the best art resin for beginners?

Our Artist Resin Medium Viscosity is a great place to start if you're new to the epoxy world. It can be used in molds, on tumblers, coating tables or countertops, as well as canvas artwork.

Does art resin scratch easily?

Some epoxy that lacks in quality may not cure properly, causing it to be susceptible to scratching.

Purchasing a quality art resin, such as our Artist Resin, can prevent scratches, yellowing, and improper curing.