Day by day, handmade jewelry is gaining in popularity. And some of the most interesting and beautiful examples are jewelry made of epoxy resin. These are various pendants, earrings, bracelets and, of course, rings. Today, epoxy resin rings are quite popular. They have different shapes, colors, and can contain a variety of additives and fillers.
You can add wood shavings, rhinestones, and whatever your heart desires. The main thing is that the product always comes out unique, interesting and beautiful. By the way, the price of such jewelry is quite high, so most craftsmen learn all the basics themselves and create unique and one-of-a-kind things. Let’s try to understand how easy it is to make your own epoxy resin jewelry.
Types of epoxy resin rings
Resin jewelry is amazing in its variety. Given the fact that the methods of production are usually the same – with help of different additives, you can create really amazing and unique things. Resin rings amaze by how flat and smooth they can be – every detail is so subtle and airy. But at the same time, all these rings are so different and unique. They can be:
colorless;
of different colors and combinations of them;
with the addition of wood shavings, rhinestones, sequins;
with dried flowers, insects;
half made of wood;
ordinary rings;
with a “pearl” made of epoxy.
What do we need to make epoxy resin rings?
Of course, we will need specific equipment to make epoxy resin rings. The list of what is needed may vary – it all depends on the picture the author is trying to create. It all starts with preparing a comfortable place to work. To begin with, the table at which the work will take place should be made safe, to prevent damage caused by particles of resin, hardener or other components.
Important note! Everything should be done in a well-ventilated room, as it is important for human safety.
This is the list of materials that will be needed to make the ring.
Epoxy resin is the main material.
Hardener.
A container where all the materials will be mixed. If you want to make only one ring, a simple disposable cup will be enough.
A mold for epoxy resin. You can make a box of thick paper, or better cardboard, which should be wrapped in cling wrap. This is a budget option. If you have a special silicone mold, which you are not afraid to damage and don’t feel sorry to throw away – it is better to use it.
Coloring agent of your choice.
Sticks for mixing – it is better to use wooden ones.
Wood shavings, rhinestones, sequins, dried flowers, insects and anything else you can think of – everything will be used to add inside the resin – for filling.
Sanding paper of different grades – we will need it to make the edges of the ring even.
Electric drill with a drill bit and bit nozzles.
Pliers and needle-nose pliers.
Round file.
Linseed oil or polishing paste.
You can also use a lighter, mini grinder machines, and vacuum devices in the process.
It is important not to forget to protect yourself during work. After all the preparations, you should change your clothes. This can be a work uniform or clothes that you don’t feel sorry to throw away if you spoil them. In addition, you will need:
respirator – during work there will be quite a lot of dust and fumes from the resin;
safety goggles, which are necessary to protect the eyes from damage during the processing of the product;
tight gloves are needed to ensure safety during work with a dangerous polymer;
once everything is prepared, change the clothes and you can begin to create a unique and beautiful ring.
How to make a resin ring?
The first thing to do just before you start making jewelry is to decide on its design. Those of you who are making such jewelry for the first time should start with rings made with the help of small molds, as they are easier to grind. But if you want to make a signet ring or something beautiful, you need to prepare a wooden base beforehand.
Preparing the resin mixture
In the prepared container for mixing, carefully pour the epoxy resin and knead it well. By kneading, you are removing excess air. Then add wood shavings and glitter. Add coloring agent if you want to make a colored ring. After that, mix everything thoroughly until it becomes homogeneous.
When the mixture is ready add a polymer hardener to it. Usually, the proportion is 1: 10 (1 part hardener and 10 parts resin). More specific proportions are written on the package.
It is important to follow the instructions. Adding too much hardener or resin will alter the chemical reaction and the mixture will not cure the right way
Getting rid of bubbles
Most craftsmen choose colorless rings – so in this case it is important to get rid of air bubbles. To do this, it is best to use the following methods.
Water bath. The vessel with the resulting composition should be placed above water whose temperature is no higher than 60 C. At the same time mix the composition with a wooden stick so that the air bubbles completely disappear.
Lighter. When the top layer of resin is heated, air bubbles disappear. A construction or household hair dryer can also be used.
Vacuum device. After placing the container with the resin mixture into the vacuum device, air bubbles will disappear in 3-5 minutes. The result is complete removal of bubbles.
The best option, of course, is vacuum chambers, but this option is more suitable for mass production.
Pouring resin into the mold
The resulting composition without bubbles is then poured into the prepared mold. It is worth remembering that the homemade mold should be wrapped with scotch tape or cling wrap. It is important to remember that it is better not to smear the mold with cream or vaseline. It may react with resin. The mold should be placed on a flat and smooth surface. Fill it carefully, avoiding overflowing over the edges. The mixture will harden within at least 24 hours, but the best option is to leave it for 36 hours.
Processing
Next, we will cut a ring out of the hardened resin mixture. The following things will be needed.
A professional emery machine. Use it to grind and cut an inner hole in the workpiece.
An electric drill with a bit nozzle. If you don’t have it, then using an ordinary drill just make a hole. Then make a tube out of sandpaper or take a round file and grind the workpiece.
The main rule is to wear a respirator while processing and sanding the workpiece.
Sanding
The resulting workpiece should be sanded. It is necessary to take sanding paper of different grades. Always start with more coarse sanding paper. In the process of sanding, always check the inner hole. Once you are satisfied with the work, the next step is to correct the size of the hole and the symmetry of the product. For this purpose, sandpaper is needed.
When you are done processing the inner side of the ring, proceed to the outer side. It should be treated with sandpaper as well. The sandpaper should be waterproof because we will use soapy water. It makes it possible to control the sanding and the quality of the processing itself.
Epoxy resin ring polishing
The final step in creating an epoxy ring is polishing. You can use polishing paste, linseed oil, or even car polishes for this step. You will also need:
Fine grit sandpaper;
Dental drill with a soft nozzle;
Polishing wheel.
At the end of the treatment, the finished item should be rubbed to a shine – using wax, linseed oil, or a polishing agent. The process itself takes an average of 3-4 hours. But if you also take into account the 36 hours during which the mixture hardens, in total it will take up to 48 hours.
Let’s summarize. As it turned out, designing wonderful and beautiful decorations from epoxy resin is very easy, on top of that it is an interesting hobby. The most important thing is a good imagination, patience and working hands.
Beautiful examples of epoxy resin rings
There are many options for making epoxy resin rings. All of them will look great on your fingers, especially if they are made with love.
You can make a ring with a wooden base, which looks great even as a gift.
You can mix different colors.
You can also add sequins or other decorations.
You can make rings that glow in the dark.
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