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If you've been thinking about trying Resincrete, you might be wondering what you actually need to get started, how easy it is to use and whether it's suitable for beginners.
Resincrete is a versatile casting material that can be used to create everything from decorative trinket dishes and ornaments to small home accessories. It's particularly appealing if you enjoy experimenting with colours, patterns and different finishes.
At Curious Cast Studio, I use Resincrete to create many of my handmade pieces, and I've learned quite a few things along the way. Some through experimenting, others through discovering what doesn't work quite as well as expected!
In this beginner's guide, I'll share the tools and materials I use, how I mix Resincrete and a few practical tips that might save you some frustration when you're starting out.
What Is Resincrete?
Resincrete is a water-based casting material that comes in powder form. You mix it with water, pour it into a suitable mould and leave it to set.
Once hardened, it produces a solid decorative piece that can be sanded, painted, sealed or decorated using techniques such as decoupage.
Unlike traditional epoxy resin, Resincrete doesn't require mixing two chemical resin components together. However, it behaves quite differently from resin, particularly when it comes to working time.
One of the biggest things I've learned is just how quickly Resincrete can start setting!
What Do You Need to Get Started with Resincrete?
You don't need an enormous collection of specialist equipment to start making Resincrete crafts.
Here are the basic materials and tools I use.
1. Resincrete Casting Powder
The first thing you'll need is Resincrete powder.
I've used different casting powders, including products purchased from Temu and JDiction.
From my own experience, I haven't noticed a significant difference in the quality of the finished pieces, although the prices can vary.
If you're just starting out, there's no need to assume the most expensive powder will automatically give you better results.
View JDiction ResinCrete Casting Powder on Amazon
2. Silicone Moulds
Silicone moulds are one of the easiest ways to create Resincrete shapes.
They're available in all sorts of designs, including trinket dishes, trays, ornaments and decorative figures.
I use quite a few inexpensive moulds, and some have worked surprisingly well.
The important thing is choosing a mould suitable for casting and flexible enough to release your finished piece without damaging it.
Here are a few mould designs worth considering:
- Simple Vase Moulds: For creating small decorative vases and home accessories.
- Coaster Set Moulds: Great for experimenting with colours and marbled designs.
- Bubble Trinket Dish Mould: For creating decorative dishes with an unusual bubble-style edge.
- Oval Silicone Mould Set (Pack of 2): A shape I use regularly at Curious Cast Studio. This two-mould set is a good-value option for beginners.
- Small Heart Trinket Dish Mould: Another mould style I use frequently for my handmade pieces.
You don't need to buy lots of moulds when you're starting out. One or two simple designs are plenty for practising your mixing and pouring techniques.
I'll explore the differences between inexpensive and more expensive silicone moulds in my separate guide to choosing moulds for Resincrete.
3. Digital Scales
I always use digital scales to measure both my Resincrete powder and water.
Accurate measurements are important for getting the right consistency, particularly when you're experimenting with different quantities.
You don't need expensive scales, either!
I've been using a relatively inexpensive set of glass digital scales for around two years, and they've never given me any problems.
The glass surface is particularly handy because it's easy to wipe clean after crafting.
View the Digital Glass Scales I Use on Amazon
4. Mixing Cups and Stirring Tools
You'll need a container to mix your Resincrete powder and water.
Personally, I tend to use disposable plastic mixing cups. They're inexpensive, convenient and save having to clean out mixing containers after every batch.
Reusable silicone mixing cups are another option if you'd prefer to reduce waste, although they still need cleaning after use.
Mixing cups:
For stirring, I've mainly used wooden lolly sticks. They're inexpensive and convenient, but I've occasionally had them snap while mixing thicker batches of Resincrete.
I'm planning to try silicone stirring tools instead. I haven't tested them yet, but I'm hoping they'll be stronger and reusable, reducing the number of disposable sticks I get through.
Stirring tools:
5. Pigments and Colouring
If you'd like to make coloured Resincrete pieces, you can experiment with suitable pigments and colouring products.
I use liquid colouring pigments to add colour to my Resincrete mixtures.
View the Liquid Colouring Pigment I Use on Amazon
I've also tried acrylic paint as a colouring additive, although I've found that it can make my Resincrete mixture set noticeably faster.
Pigments generally give me more time to mix and pour.
There are lots of ways to experiment with colours, including creating marbled effects by combining different coloured mixtures.
I'll explore these techniques in more detail in my guide to colouring Resincrete.
6. Sandpaper and Sealer
Once your Resincrete has hardened sufficiently, you may want to smooth rough edges or protect the finished surface.
I use foam-backed hand sandpaper, working from a coarser grit towards a finer one.
View the Sandpaper I Use on Amazon
For sealing, the product I choose depends on how I'm decorating the finished piece.
For plain Resincrete pieces, I often use JDiction gloss sealer.
View JDiction Gloss Sealer on Amazon
For decorated pieces featuring decoupage or DTF transfers, I frequently use JDiction UV resin to create a glossy protective finish.
View JDiction UV Resin on Amazon
UV resin needs to be cured using a suitable UV light, and it's important to follow the manufacturer's safety and curing instructions. The casting piece and any decorations should also be suitably dry before applying it.
We'll explore sanding, sealing and glossy finishes in more detail in a separate guide.
How to Mix Resincrete
The mixing stage is where things can become a little interesting!
The correct powder-to-water ratio depends on the casting powder you're using.
For example, JDiction ResinCrete specifies a ratio of approximately 10 parts powder to 3 parts water by weight.
That means:
- 100g Resincrete powder
- 30g water
This gives you 130g of mixed material.
I've experimented with adding extra water to make the mixture easier to pour and give myself a little more working time.
However, I've also found that increasing the water content can slow down the setting process.
It's important to follow the instructions for your particular casting powder, especially when you're starting out. Too much water may affect the strength and quality of your finished piece.
How Long Does Resincrete Take to Mix?
One of the things I like about Resincrete is how easily it mixes.
I generally find that mixing takes just one or two minutes, depending on how much I'm making.
Another advantage is that Resincrete produces very few air bubbles compared with traditional resin.
If you've ever worked with epoxy resin, you'll know that bubbles can sometimes be an absolute nightmare!
With Resincrete, I've found that the few bubbles that appear tend to disappear quickly.
However, there is one thing to watch out for.
After approximately five minutes, I notice the mixture starting to thicken.
That doesn't give you much time to experiment once you've started mixing.
My Biggest Tip: Prepare Everything Before Mixing
Because Resincrete sets so quickly, I always recommend getting everything ready before adding water to your powder.
Make sure your moulds are clean, dry and ready to use.
Have your pigments, mixing tools and scales nearby, too.
I also like to keep a few smaller silicone moulds available.
If I've made slightly too much mixture, I can pour the leftovers into another mould rather than wasting them.
It's a simple habit, but one that can save both materials and frustration.
Why I Prefer Making Smaller Batches
One thing I've discovered is that making a large batch of Resincrete isn't always as convenient as it sounds.
Because it sets so quickly, you're working against the clock from the moment the powder and water are combined.
Mixing a large amount thoroughly takes time, and by the time you're ready to pour, the mixture may already be thickening.
For beginners, I'd recommend starting with smaller batches until you're comfortable with how quickly your particular Resincrete behaves.
How Long Does Resincrete Take to Set?
One of my favourite things about Resincrete is how quickly you can create something.
I generally leave my pieces in their silicone moulds for approximately 30 minutes before demoulding.
By that point, I've found they're usually firm enough to remove carefully.
Of course, setting times vary depending on the brand, mixing ratio and any additional ingredients.
I've found that adding extra water can slow the setting process, while adding acrylic paint to the mixture can make it harden more quickly.
It's also worth remembering that being firm enough to demould doesn't necessarily mean a piece has completely dried or reached its maximum strength.
Always follow the manufacturer's guidance.
Can You Decorate Resincrete Straight After Demoulding?
In my experience, yes!
If I have time, I'll sometimes start decorating my Resincrete pieces as soon as I've removed them from their moulds.
Other times, I might leave them overnight or until I have another opportunity to work on them.
I've had good results applying decoupage shortly after demoulding, without experiencing any problems.
Painting, however, is something I'm still experimenting with.
Resincrete has a very smooth surface, and I've sometimes struggled to get good, even paint coverage.
I'm not yet sure whether this is down to the particular paints I've tried or the surface itself.
It's something I'm continuing to explore, and I'll share what works best as I experiment with different techniques and products.
Although I've had success decorating freshly demoulded pieces, some paints, adhesives and sealers may require a fully dried surface. Always check the instructions for the products you're using.
If you'd like to try decorating your own pieces, I've put together a step-by-step guide on how to decoupage Resincrete trinket dishes.
Can You Sand and Seal Resincrete?
Yes! One of the things I enjoy about working with Resincrete is how many different finishes you can create.
Once the piece has hardened sufficiently, you can carefully sand any rough edges or uneven areas.
I prefer using foam-backed sandpaper by hand, starting with a coarser grit and gradually working towards a finer finish.
It's important to avoid breathing in sanding dust, use suitable respiratory protection where necessary and follow the manufacturer's safety instructions.
After sanding and removing the dust, you can seal your piece using a product suitable for your chosen finish.
I use different sealers depending on whether I'm leaving the Resincrete plain or decorating it with transfers or decoupage.
We'll explore sanding, sealing and glossy finishes in more detail in a separate guide.
Is Resincrete Good for Beginners?
I think Resincrete can be a lovely material for beginners, particularly if you enjoy making decorative pieces for your home.
You don't need complicated equipment, and there are plenty of inexpensive moulds available to experiment with.
However, there is a learning curve.
The biggest challenge I've encountered is the short working time. It can be frustrating when your mixture starts thickening before you've finished pouring.
My advice would be to start small, prepare everything beforehand and don't worry if your first few pieces aren't perfect.
Experimenting is part of the fun, and sometimes the mistakes teach you more than the successful pieces.
Ready to Try Resincrete?
If you're thinking about trying Resincrete for the first time, a starter kit can be a convenient way to begin without having to shop around for everything separately.
I've personally used this Resincrete starter kit and had good results with it, so it's one I'm happy to recommend to beginners.
View the Resincrete Starter Kit on Amazon
If you've already got your moulds and equipment, you can purchase the casting powder separately.
You don't need to spend a fortune when you're starting out. Begin with the basics, get comfortable with the material and add more equipment as you discover which techniques you enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Resincrete is a wonderfully versatile material, and it's become an important part of what I create at Curious Cast Studio.
From simple cast ornaments to colourful trinket dishes decorated with transfers and decoupage, there are so many possibilities once you become familiar with the basics.
You don't need complicated equipment to get started, and you certainly don't need to buy everything at once.
And if there's one piece of advice I'd give anyone trying Resincrete for the first time, it's this:
Have everything ready before you mix. Resincrete doesn't like to wait!
Happy crafting!
Curious Cast Studio
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