How to Get Crushed Paper Effect in Resin Art?

Aug 15, 2024

Khushvinder Dagar

Resin art has become incredibly popular in recent years because it can produce stunning, one-of-a-kind artwork. One technique that stands out is the crushed paper effect, which adds texture to resin artwork by using crushed paper.

The crushed paper effect gives your resin creations depth and makes them visually appealing. It adds an artistic touch, with light and shadows creating a mesmerising effect. Whether you are new to resin art or have experience, learning how to do the crushed paper effect can take your artwork to another level.

If you want to learn how to achieve this beautiful effect, consider joining a resin art workshop, allowing you to try out different techniques and gain valuable knowledge about creating the crushed paper effect. In this blog, we'll explore the step-by-step process of making this effect, examining various techniques and final touches that will enhance your resin art even more.

Getting Started with the Crushed Paper Effect

To start creating the beautiful crushed paper effect in resin art, it's important to know how to mix and tint HydroCast correctly. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you:

Gather Your Materials: Make sure you have your HydroCast kit ready, including the base and liquid parts. For a personal touch, choose the HydroCast shade you want.
Mixing Process: Measure the HydroCast base and liquid in a ratio of 2.5:1. Pour the liquid into the base and mix them well.
Tinting for Customisation: After mixing the base and liquid parts, gradually add your chosen HydroCast shade while stirring continuously until you get the desired colour.
Thorough Blending: Blend the tint evenly throughout the mixture to avoid uneven colour. Take your time with this step for a smooth blend. To ensure better control over colour distribution, follow some tips on preventing colour blending in resin.

Creating Texture with a Silicone Mould

To enhance the texture of the crushed paper effect in resin art, you can explore an alternative method using a round silicone mould. This technique adds depth and dimension to your resin piece, giving it a more realistic crushed paper appearance. Here's how you can achieve this effect:

Prepare the HydroCast mix: Follow the instructions in the HydroCast kit to mix the base and liquid in the recommended ratio. Add the desired HydroCast shades to tint the mixture according to your preference.
Pour the HydroCast into the silicone mould: Carefully pour the mixed HydroCast into the round silicone mould, filling it up to a desired thickness. Leave some space for incorporating the crushed paper texture later.
Create texture with crushed paper: Take a polythene sheet, crush it into small pieces, and place it on top of the poured HydroCast mix. Gently press down on the crushed paper to embed it into the resin.
Remove air bubbles: Use a heat gun or torch to remove any air bubbles that may have formed during the pouring and embedding process. Move the heat source in a sweeping motion over the surface of the resin, being careful not to overheat or scorch it.
Allow curing time: Let the resin cure according to the instructions provided with your HydroCast kit. Depending on the specific product, this usually takes several hours or overnight.

You can create a more intricate and visually appealing texture by incorporating a round silicone mould into your crushed paper effect technique. This method allows you to experiment with different mould shapes and sizes, giving you endless possibilities for unique resin art pieces.

Incorporating Real Crushed Paper

In this technique variation, we will use actual crushed paper instead of a polythene sheet to achieve the crushed paper effect in resin art. This method adds an element of authenticity and uniqueness to your resin art pieces. Here's how to incorporate real crushed paper into your resin art:

Select high-quality paper: Choose a type of paper to incorporate into your resin art. It could be handmade paper, coloured paper, or even recycled paper for an eco-friendly touch.
Crush the paper: Gently crumple the paper to create texture and depth. You can experiment with different levels of crumpling to achieve varying effects.
Arrange the crushed paper: Carefully place the crushed paper onto the resin mix in the silicone mould. Based on your artistic vision, you can create patterns or abstract arrangements.
Ensure even coverage: Spread the crushed paper evenly across the resin mix to distribute the texture uniformly.
Press gently: Use a gentle pressing motion to embed the crushed paper into the resin mix, ensuring it becomes an integral part of the final piece.

By incorporating real crushed paper, you can elevate your resin art to new levels of creativity and originality. This technique opens up endless possibilities for crafting unique and visually captivating resin art pieces.

Finishing Touches and Beyond

To ensure the best results, allowing the HydroCast mix with the crushed paper texture to cure properly before moving on is crucial. Here's how you can do it:

After pouring the mixture into the silicone mould, cover it with a lid or place it in a dust-free area.
Let it cure for the recommended time mentioned in the product instructions. This usually takes around [insert time frame].
Avoid touching or disturbing the mould during this curing process to prevent any imperfections from forming.

Releasing from the Mould and Fine-tuning the Effect

Once the resin has fully cured, it's time to remove the piece from the mould and make any final adjustments to enhance the crushed paper effect. Here are the steps:

Carefully peel back the edges of the silicone mould to loosen it from the resin.
Gently push on the bottom of the mould to release the resin piece.
If there are any rough edges or uneven areas, use fine-grit sandpaper or a craft knife to smooth them out.
Take this opportunity to check if you're satisfied with how well the crushed paper effect has translated onto the resin surface.
If desired, you can further enhance the texture by lightly pressing crumpled paper onto certain areas while the resin is still slightly soft.

Refining the Texture through Sanding and Polishing

To achieve a professional-looking finish on your resin piece without compromising its unique crushed paper texture, follow these steps for sanding and polishing:

Start with low-grit sandpaper (200-400 grit) and gently sand the entire resin surface.
This initial sanding helps remove major imperfections, such as visible air bubbles or rough spots.
Gradually work up to higher grit sandpapers (800-1200 grit) for a smoother finish.
Be mindful not to sand too aggressively or for too long in one area, as this can erase the details of the crushed paper.
After sanding, wipe away dust with a clean cloth or compressed air.
Apply a small amount of resin polish or compound onto a soft cloth and buff the surface in circular motions.
Continue polishing until you achieve the desired level of shine.
Finally, clean the resin piece with mild soap and water, then dry it thoroughly before displaying or using it.

Conclusion

With these techniques, you can transform ordinary crushed paper and resin into stunning, textured art pieces. Combining the unique texture created by the crushed paper with the glossy finish achieved through sanding and polishing will make your creations stand out. If you want to learn more about various resin arts and crafts, Contact Us on Arts Shala today to learn from experts and share your unique results with the resin art community. So go ahead, gather your materials, and let your creativity flow as you make your crushed paper resin art!