How to Prep Paper for Resin: A Comprehensive Guide

The paper adds a special and personal touch to resin art. From photographs and dried flowers to vintage book pages and handwritten notes, incorporating paper elements allows for creative storytelling and beautiful artistic expression. However, paper is a porous material, and using it directly in the resin can lead to undesirable outcomes like warping, discolouration, and bubbling. Proper paper preparation is crucial to achieving a flawless and long-lasting piece.

This guide delves into various techniques for preparing paper for resin, addresses common concerns, and offers tips to ensure that paper inclusions remain vibrant and captivating within resin creations. Enrol in a resin art workshop to learn more about such paper-prepping techniques.

Why Prep Paper for Resin?

Paper is naturally absorbent. When exposed to resin, it can soak up the liquid, causing the paper to wrinkle, distort, or disintegrate. This absorption also traps air within the paper fibres, leading to unsightly bubbles in your finished resin piece. Furthermore, the chemical composition of some papers can react with the resin, causing discolouration or bleeding of ink or dyes.

Properly preparing paper by creating a barrier prevents these issues. A sealed paper element maintains shape and vibrancy while ensuring a smooth, bubble-free resin surface.

Choosing the Right Paper

The type of paper you pick plays a significant role in prepping. Here's what to consider:

• Thinner papers like tissue paper, magazine clippings, or photocopies are more prone to warping and tearing. For better stability, opt for thicker options like cardstock, scrapbook paper, or watercolour paper.
• Textured papers can add a unique visual element to your resin piece. However, deep textures trap air bubbles more easily. Consider experimenting on a small test piece first.
• Ink and dyes: If using paper with printed elements, ensure the ink or dye is water-fast. Non-fast inks may bleed when exposed to resin.

Additional Tips:

• Age and condition: Use paper that is clean, dry, and free from tears or folds.
• Pre-cut your paper to the desired size before prepping it to avoid damaging it.

Paper Prepping Techniques

There are several effective methods for preparing paper for resin. The best approach may vary depending on the type of paper you're using and your desired outcome.

1. Using Clear Glue

This is a popular and versatile method suitable for most paper types.

• Materials: Clear drying glue (like Mod Podge), paintbrush, disposable gloves (optional).
• Instructions:
1. Apply a thin, even coat of clear drying glue to the entire surface of the paper, including the edges.
2. Allow the first coat to dry completely within 1-2 hours.
3. Apply a second coat for added reinforcement, especially for thicker paper or if you plan on heavily manipulating the paper after sealing.
4. Let the glue dry before using the paper in your resin project. Drying time can differ based on humidity and the amount of glue applied.

Tips:

• Use a soft brush to avoid damaging delicate paper.
• For extra protection, apply glue to the back of the paper.
• Consider using a matte finish Mod Podge for a subtler effect if the glue leaves a visible sheen.

2. Laminating Pouches

This method is ideal for maintaining a glossy finish for photographs and other paper elements.

• Materials: Self-laminating pouches (appropriate size for your paper) and a laminating machine (optional; some pouches are heat-activated).
• Instructions:
1. Carefully insert your paper into the laminating pouch, ensuring it is centred and free of air bubbles.
2. Follow the instructions for your laminating machine or pouch (if heat-activated, use a heat press or iron).
3. Once laminated, trim off any excess plastic film.

Tips:

• Laminating pouches add thickness to your paper, so consider this when determining the final dimensions of your resin piece.
• Ensure the laminating pouch is completely sealed to prevent resin from seeping through.

3. Resin Spray Sealer

This quick and convenient method works well for some paper types but requires testing beforehand.

• Materials: Resin spray sealer (formulated explicitly for resin art).
• Instructions:
1. In a well-ventilated area, apply light, even coats of the resin spray sealer, to both sides of the paper.
2. Allow each coat to dry fully before spreading the next. Several light coats are better than one thick coat.

Tips:

• Test the spray on scrap paper first to ensure it doesn't cause warping or discolouration.
• Not all resin spray sealers are created equal. Choose one specifically designed for use with resin.

4. Varnish or Gesso

Varnish and gesso offer protection while potentially altering the paper's appearance.

• Varnish: This creates a protective coating while maintaining the paper's natural texture and finish. However, some varnishes may be yellow over time. Choose an archival-quality varnish for better longevity.
• Gesso: This provides a more opaque, primed surface and can be ideal for creating a background for text or other paper elements. However, gesso can significantly alter the paper's texture and absorbency.

Materials: Varnish or Gesso (acrylic or archival quality preferred), paintbrush, disposable gloves (optional).

Instructions:

1. Using a soft brush, apply a thin, even coat of varnish or gesso to both sides of the paper.
2. Allow the first coat to dry completely. Depending on the product, drying times can range from 30 minutes to several hours.
3. Apply additional coats if needed for increased protection.

Tips:

• Test the varnish or gesso on a scrap piece of paper first to ensure it doesn't cause warping or undesired effects.
• Consider using a matte finish varnish or gesso to preserve the paper's natural texture.

5. Heat Activation (for specific papers)

This method works well for certain types of paper, such as vellum or tracing paper, but it requires caution and experimentation.

Materials: Heat gun (optional; some papers may use an iron), flat, heat-resistant surface.

Instructions:

1. Place the paper on a flat, heat-resistant surface.
2. With caution: Apply low heat from a heat gun, holding it safely from the paper. Alternatively, some vellum papers can be activated with a low iron setting.
3. As it activates, the paper will start to shrink and become slightly translucent. Stop applying heat once you achieve the desired effect.

Tips:

• This method requires practice and close monitoring. Overheating can damage the paper.
• Test this method on a waste piece of paper first to determine the appropriate heat settings and avoid ruining your artwork.

Conclusion

Prepping paper for resin is crucial in creating stunning and long-lasting artwork. By understanding the different methods and choosing the right approach for your paper and desired outcome, you can ensure your paper elements become vibrant and captivating additions to your resin creations. Remember, experiment on scrap paper first and don't hesitate to get creative!