6 Beautiful Resin and Wood Projects You Can Easily Make

Resin and wood projects have become incredibly popular as more people look for unique ways to decorate their homes. This crafting trend allows individuals to make stunning and original pieces that add a personal touch to any room. By combining resin and wood, crafters can enhance the natural beauty of wood with the shine, colour, and depth that resin offers.

But what exactly are resin and wood projects? Simply put, these projects involve using epoxy resin (a type of liquid plastic) to create stunning effects on wooden surfaces. Whether it's a coffee table, cutting board, or picture frame, resin can turn ordinary wooden items into extraordinary works of art.

If you're new to resin and wood crafts, consider joining a resin art workshop to gain hands-on experience and learn valuable techniques from experts in the field. This will give you the skills to confidently start your resin and wood projects.

So whether you want to add your style to your living space or explore your artistic abilities, resin and wood projects are a great way to do it. In this blog, we'll explore ten stunning projects that highlight the beauty and ease of this craft. So, let's get started!

1. Coffee Table with Resin Inlays

Coffee tables with resin inlays are a stunning addition to any living space. Combining wood and resin creates a unique and eye-catching design that can be customised to match any style or decor. A coffee table with resin inlays involves embedding resin into grooves or cavities on the table's surface, creating a beautiful and durable design element. The resin can be tinted with different colours, allowing you to achieve the desired aesthetic and complement the wood's natural grain.

Step-by-step instructions for creating resin inlays on a wooden coffee table

• Prepare the wooden surface: Sand the coffee table to ensure it is smooth and free of imperfections.
• Create grooves or cavities: Use a router or chisel to carefully create grooves or cavities on the table's surface where you want to place the resin.
• Tape off edges: Apply masking tape around each groove's edges to prevent any resin overflow during the pouring process.
• Mix and colour the resin: Follow the instructions provided to mix your epoxy resin properly. Add pigments or dyes to achieve your desired colour.
• Pour the resin: Carefully pour the coloured resin into each groove or cavity, ensuring it fills the entire space. Use a blowtorch or heat gun to remove any air bubbles that may have formed.
• Let it cure: Let the resin cure according to the manufacturer's instructions. This usually takes 24–48 hours.
• Sand and finish: Once the resin has fully cured, carefully remove the masking tape and sand down the coffee table's surface to achieve a smooth finish. Then, a protective coating, such as varnish or polyurethane, is applied to seal and protect the wood.

2. Cutting Board with Resin Coating

Cutting boards with resin coating are functional and stunning additions to any kitchen. The resin coating protects the wooden cutting surface and adds a unique touch of style and personalisation. A cutting board with resin coating involves applying a layer of epoxy resin to a wooden cutting board, creating a glossy and durable finish that enhances the natural beauty of the wood.

Step-by-step instructions for applying resin coating to protect and enhance the cutting surface

• Prepare the cutting board by sanding it to remove rough edges or imperfections.
• Mix the epoxy resin according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Pour the resin mixture onto the cutting board, spreading it evenly with a spreader or brush.
• Use a heat gun or butane torch to eliminate air bubbles from the resin.
• Allow the resin to cure according to the recommended time frame.
• Sand the cured resin to achieve a smooth and level finish.

3. Resin Coasters with Geometric Designs

Creating resin coasters with geometric designs is a fun and creative project that adds a touch of elegance to your living space. They are a beautiful way to protect your surfaces while adding a unique and personalised touch to your home decor. Combining resin and geometric patterns creates eye-catching coasters that are both functional and stylish.

Step-by-step instructions

Follow these steps to create your resin coasters with geometric designs:

• Prepare your workspace by covering it with a plastic sheet or parchment paper.
• Mix the epoxy resin according to the manufacturer's instructions, adding pigment powders or liquid dyes to create the desired colours.
• Pour the resin into the silicone coaster moulds, filling them halfway.
• Allow the resin to set slightly until it reaches a syrup-like consistency.
• Create geometric designs by pouring different coloured resin in layers or using painter's tape to section off areas for various colours.
• Once the design is complete, allow the resin to cure fully according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Remove the coasters from the moulds and sand any rough edges if needed.

4. Personalised Resin-Swirled Serving Tray

The personalised resin-swirled serving tray is a functional and eye-catching project that combines the natural beauty of wood with the captivating allure of resin. You can create a stunning, unique decorative and practical piece by incorporating resin swirls onto a wooden serving tray.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Adding Resin Swirls to a Wooden Serving Tray

• Prepare the wooden serving tray by ensuring it is clean, smooth, and dust-free.
• Mix the epoxy resin according to the manufacturer's instructions, adding resin pigments or dyes to achieve your desired colours.
• Pour the resin onto the centre of the serving tray in a swirling pattern, allowing it to flow and spread across the surface naturally.
• Using a heat gun or butane torch removes air bubbles from the resin and creates captivating swirl patterns.
• Allow the resin to cure completely based on the recommended time provided by the manufacturer.
• Once cured, your personalised resin-swirled serving tray is ready to showcase its unique beauty and functionality.

5. Floating Shelf with an Epoxy River Accent

A floating shelf with an epoxy river accent is a stunning addition to any space. It combines the functionality of a shelf with the artistic beauty of resin. The epoxy river design creates the appearance of a flowing river running through the shelf, adding a dynamic and eye-catching element to your decor.

Step-by-step instructions for creating the resin accent on the shelf:

• Prepare your wooden shelf board by sanding it to create a smooth surface and applying a sealant or finish to protect the wood.
• Measure and mark where your epoxy river flows on the shelf.
• Use painter's tape to create a dam along the marked area, ensuring it is secure and watertight.
• Mix the epoxy resin according to the manufacturer's instructions, adding any desired pigments or dyes for colour.
• Pour the mixed resin into the taped-off section, allowing it to flow and fill the space you've designated as your epoxy river.
• Use a heat gun or torch to remove any air bubbles that may have formed in the resin.
• Allow the resin to cure according to the recommended time on the product label.
• Once cured, remove the painter's tape carefully.
• Sand any rough edges or imperfections on the resin surface, and if desired, apply another coat of sealant or finish.

6. Resin-Infused Wood Art Canvas

Resin-infused wood art canvases are a stunning way to combine the natural beauty of wood with the vibrant allure of resin. This project allows you to create wall art that is not only visually appealing but also unique and personalised.

Step-by-step instructions for combining resin and wood:

• Start by sanding the wood canvas to ensure a smooth surface. You can also apply a coat of wood stain or paint if desired. Let it dry completely.
• Follow the instructions on your resin packaging to mix the resin properly. Use separate mixing cups for the resin and hardener, then combine them according to the recommended ratio. Stir gently to avoid creating bubbles.
• Carefully pour the mixed resin onto your prepared wood canvas. Spread it evenly using a stir stick or a gloved hand, covering all areas.
• This is where you can get creative! Use different techniques, such as swirling, layering colours, adding pigments, or embedding objects like dried flowers or shells into the resin. Experiment with different effects until you achieve the desired look.
• To eliminate any air bubbles that may have formed during the pouring process, gently pass a heat gun or torch over the surface of the resin. The heat will help release trapped air and create a smooth finish.
• Allow the resin to cure according to the manufacturer's instructions. This usually takes around 24–48 hours, but it's best to check the specific curing time for your chosen resin.
• Once the resin has fully cured, you can add the final touches to your wood art canvas. This may include sanding the edges for a smooth finish or applying a protective sealant to enhance durability and shine.

Conclusion

Resin and wood projects are an excellent way to express creativity and make stunning decorative items. The combination of resin's shine, colour, and depth with the natural warmth of wood creates inspiring results.

Whether you're new to crafting or have been doing it for years, there are resin and wood project ideas that will suit your skill level. You can try making a coffee table with resin designs or a customised serving tray with swirling resin patterns – the options are limitless.