How to Create Wave Cells in Resin Art
September 15, 2024
Mastering Wave Cells in Epoxy Resin Art
One of the most frequent questions I receive from fellow resin artists is how I create resin cells in my artwork. While it might seem challenging at first, with a few key techniques, you can consistently create beautiful lacing cells and avoid wasting materials. Let’s dive into the essentials for perfecting this technique.
Debunking Common Myths
"You need a specific brand or type of resin to make cells."
While the choice of resin can influence results, you can achieve lacing cells with any epoxy resin, including casting resin. Personal preferences for certain brands may make the process easier, but it’s not essential for success.
"The brand of white colour matters."
Not necessarily. As long as the white resin is thick and compatible with epoxy, it will work effectively for creating lacing cells.
Four Key Elements for Creating Cells
-
Time
-
Heat
-
Heat Gun Technique
-
Troubleshooting
1. Time
Different resins have varying working times, so understanding how long to let your resin sit after mixing is crucial. Resin thickens as it sets, and achieving the right viscosity (thickness) is key. Too runny and it will move uncontrollably, resulting in a cloudy mess. Too thick and it can be difficult to manipulate.
For optimal results, I prefer a resin with a working time of 40 to 60 minutes. To expedite the process, warm the resin in lukewarm water before mixing. Let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes based on the temperature and the resin’s working time instructions. I gauge readiness by the warmth of the resin through the container. However, avoid overheating and letting it sit too long as it may lead to an exothermic reaction. If using a slow cure casting resin, extend the heating and waiting times. Aim for the right viscosity before separating a portion for white and mixing colors into the remaining clear epoxy.
A technique some use involves laying down a thin layer of clear resin before adding white. This can work well with solid colors but is less necessary for those working primarily with clear resin and alcohol ink.
2. Heat
A high-temperature heat gun is essential. I use an adjustable heat gun set to 3/4 heat. The resin should be at a thick, honey-like consistency. Too cold and it becomes hard to manipulate; too hot and it may run excessively. I’ve found that a blow torch doesn’t contribute significantly to the process after creating the waves. Heat plays a scientific role in cell formation, potentially involving the white resin sinking into the hot epoxy and causing separation.
3. Heat Gun Technique
Developing your heat gun technique is a matter of personal preference and depends on your resin brand. Here are some general dos and don’ts:
-
Don’t Overdo it: Excessive use of the heat gun can lead to overmixing and cloudiness. I prefer a single pass with the heat gun, though this may vary based on your technique and resin brand.
-
Technique: Sweep the heat gun in one direction at an angle, moving slowly to observe the separation as it happens.
4. Troubleshooting
If your cells aren’t forming as expected despite following the steps, here are a couple of solutions:
-
Isopropyl Alcohol: Keep a bottle of isopropyl alcohol handy. Test on a small piece first to ensure it works for your project. Spray lightly on the hot resin while your blowing back the white. I find you need to spray immediately as you go which will mean you will have both hands full, one using the heat gun the other spraying. Avoid over-spraying and spray only on the waves as it may cause dimples in your resin on the other areas of your art where you want a nice smooth finish.
-
Silicone Oil: Adding only a few drops of silicone oil ( 1-2 ) to the white resin can create different cell patterns. The oil tends to create larger cells and and different patterns which you may or may not prefer. Use sparingly to achieve the desired effect.
Feel free to reach out with questions, comments, or to share your experiences. You can see more of my work at https://kpwaveart.com/
Good luck with creating cells
Kym Polkinghorne - Artist
mixed
artistic expression