How to Make a Rainbow Resin Bowl?

Are you looking for a fun and creative way to add colour to your home decor? Making a rainbow resin bowl is a simple and enjoyable DIY project that will not only brighten up your space but also showcase your artistic skills. In this blog, we will walk you through the detailed procedure of crafting your resin bowl. Consider taking a resin art workshop for even more in-depth learning and exploring these techniques. Let's get started!

Steps to Make a Rainbow Resin Bowl

Making a rainbow resin bowl is a fun and creative project, resulting in a beautiful, unique piece. Here's a basic guide to get you started:

1. Set Up Your Workspace

Choose a well-ventilated area to work in, preferably covered with newspaper or a disposable tablecloth to protect the surface from spills. Resin can get messy, so it's important to take precautions.

1. Gather Your Supplies

Make sure you have all the necessary materials before you begin. You'll need a resin casting kit, which typically includes resin, hardener, and measuring cups. You'll also need a silicone mould for your bowl in a shape you like. To achieve the rainbow effect, gather alcohol inks or mica powder in a variety of rainbow hues. Don't forget gloves, a respirator for safety (especially recommended while working with resin), mixing sticks, droppers (optional, but helpful for adding colours), and rubbing alcohol to clean up any spills or residue.

1. Protect Yourself

Before handling resin, put on gloves and, if recommended by the manufacturer's instructions, a respirator. Resin fumes can be irritating, so it's important to take steps to protect yourself.

1. Read the Instructions Carefully

Every resin brand is different and may have specific mixing ratios and curing times. It is important to meticulously read and adhere to the guidelines provided with your particular resin casting set. Failure to follow the proper ratios could result in the resin not curing properly.

1. Mix the Resin and Hardener

Following the instructions provided, measure out the exact amounts of resin and hardener required. Typically, you'll mix them in a designated cup using the mixing sticks supplied in your kit. Make sure to stir thoroughly for the specified time, ensuring that both components are well combined. Mixing incompletely can also affect the curing process.

1. Colour the Resin

Once you've mixed the resin and hardener according to the instructions, it's time to add colour. Pour the mixed resin into multiple smaller cups, depending on how many colours you want in your rainbow effect. Add some drops of alcohol ink or mica powder to every resin cup. Start with a small amount of colour and stir gently. You can always add more colour later if needed, but it's difficult to remove colour once it's mixed in.

1. Choose Your Pouring Technique

There are a couple of ways to achieve a rainbow effect when pouring the resin into your mould. Here are three options:

• Layering: This technique involves pouring one colour into the mould at a time and letting each layer cure slightly before adding the next. Be sure to consult the resin's instructions on recommended recoating times between layers.
• Swirling: If you prefer a more blended rainbow look, you can pour all the colours into the mould simultaneously. Then, using a toothpick or straw, gently swirl the colours together to create a marbleised rainbow effect.
• Striped Rainbow: For a striped rainbow effect, visually divide your mould into sections. Carefully pour each colour of resin into its designated area of the mould.

1. Pouring and Removing Air Bubbles

Once you've chosen your pouring technique, carefully pour the coloured resin into your silicone mould. Gently tilt the mould to distribute the resin evenly and ensure it reaches all corners. As you pour, use a lighter (flick the flame without holding it on the resin for too long) to remove any air bubbles that may rise to the surface. These air bubbles can create imperfections in your finished product.

1. Curing and Demoulding

Once you've poured the resin and removed any air bubbles, set the mould aside in a dust-free, level area to cure completely. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions on curing times. This usually requires around 12 to 24 hours. Once the curing period is finished, you can delicately detach your resin bowl from the mould. Begin by softly lifting the mould's edges. Once the mould is released from the sides, slowly peel it away from the resin bowl itself. You may notice some mould-release residue on the surface of your bowl. Rub alcohol gently to clean and polish the surface of your creation until it shines.

Why Choose Resin to Make a Rainbow Bowl?

There are several reasons why resin is a great choice for creating a rainbow bowl:

• Clarity and Translucency: Resin cures with excellent clarity, allowing the colours of your rainbow to shine through beautifully. You can achieve a translucent or opaque look depending on the type of resin and colouring techniques used. This characteristic makes the colours appear richer and more dimensional compared to other materials.
• Versatility for Colour Techniques: Resin allows for a variety of ways to achieve your rainbow effect. You can layer colours, swirl them for a more blended look, or even create a striped rainbow effect. Alcohol inks and mica powders offer a wide range of colours to match your vision perfectly.
• Customisation:  Beyond colour, resin allows you to get creative with other elements. You can embed glitter, dried flowers, or small objects inside the resin while it's curing to personalise your rainbow bowl further.
• Durability: Once cured properly, the resin is a relatively strong and durable material. This makes your rainbow bowl a functional piece of art that you can use and enjoy for years to come. It can hold lightweight items or be a beautiful decorative piece.
• Relatively Easy Process (For Artists): Compared to other materials like glass or ceramics, creating a resin bowl is a relatively achievable process, especially for those with some experience. While there are safety precautions to follow and curing times to respect, the overall process can be quite enjoyable and rewarding.

Conclusion