What resin supplies do I need as a beginner?

A minimal resin starter kit requires: epoxy resin (16–32oz kit), silicone molds for your chosen project, nitrile gloves, mixing cups, wooden stir sticks, and a heat gun or torch to remove bubbles. A digital scale is strongly recommended for accurate measuring by weight. Budget $50–75 for basics, $150–200 for a complete setup including safety gear.

What safety gear is required for resin crafting?

Three items are non-negotiable: nitrile gloves (uncured resin causes skin sensitization with repeated exposure), safety glasses (protects from splashes during mixing and pouring), and a dust mask or respirator when sanding cured resin. A respirator with organic vapor cartridges is recommended for anyone working in a small or poorly ventilated space or mixing large batches regularly.

Should I use deep pour or standard epoxy resin?

Use standard table top epoxy for: jewelry, coasters, tumblers, bookmarks, and any project under 1/2 inch total thickness. Use deep pour epoxy for: river tables, thick castings over 1 inch, and large volume pours over 500ml at once. Standard epoxy generates significant heat when curing in thick volumes — this exothermic heat cannot escape fast enough in deep pours and causes yellowing, cracking, or even smoking. Deep pour formulas cure slower (48–72 hours) to spread heat safely.

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Resin Supplies & Tools by Project Type

Q: Which resin brand is best for beginners?

For beginners, Let's Resin and Dr Crafty are the most forgiving options — both use a simple 1:1 mixing ratio, are widely available, and produce good clarity at a lower price point ($40–70 per gallon). ArtResin is the most popular step-up brand: also 1:1, low odor, and very clear results. Avoid deep pour epoxy for your first projects — it has a slower cure and different handling requirements.

Q: Do I need a digital scale for resin?

Yes — measuring resin by weight rather than volume is strongly recommended. Volume measurements using cups can be off by 10–15% due to air bubbles and resin viscosity, which leads to tacky or soft spots in cured resin. A basic digital scale accurate to 0.1g costs $12–20 and is one of the most impactful purchases you can make for consistent results.

Q: How much does it cost to make resin jewelry or coasters?

A pair of resin earrings costs $0.50–1.50 in materials. A single resin coaster costs $1–1.75 in materials. A standard bookmark costs $0.75–1.50. A keychain costs $0.50–1.00. Labor adds $1.50–4.00 per item depending on complexity. Use the Resin Cost Calculator on this site to get exact figures based on your specific resin price, mold costs, and hourly rate.

Q: How much does a resin starter kit cost?

A minimal resin starter kit costs $50–75 and includes resin, basic molds, gloves, mixing cups, and stir sticks — enough for 10–15 small projects. A complete setup with a digital scale, heat gun, pigments, and safety gear costs $150–200. Professional setups with a pressure pot run $400–600. Buying resin by the gallon instead of small kits reduces cost per project by 40–60%.

Complete resin supplies list for every project type and skill level.
Organised by project — jewelry, coasters, bookmarks, tumblers, and epoxy floors.
Includes starter kit costs ($50–200), brand comparison, and cost-per-project reference.
Use our free calculators to calculate exact amounts before you buy.

💡 New to resin? Start here

Minimal starter (5 items, ~$60): resin kit + molds + gloves + mixing cups + stir sticks
Complete setup (~$175): add digital scale, heat gun, pigments, and safety gear
Most important purchase: a digital scale — measuring by weight prevents the most common beginner mistakes
Jump to: Starter kits · By project type · Brand guide · Safety gear

Resin starter kits: what level are you?

The right starting point depends on your budget and what you want to make. All three levels below are complete — nothing critical is missing from any of them.

Level 1 — Try it out ($50–75)

Perfect for a first project or a gift. Enough material to make 10–15 small items like jewelry, keychains, or bookmarks.

Level 2 — Craft with confidence ($150–200)

The setup most active resin crafters use. Produces consistent, sellable results. Includes a digital scale — the single most impactful upgrade from Level 1.

Level 3 — Professional / Etsy seller ($400–600)

Built for volume production and premium results. Pressure pot eliminates micro-bubbles for crystal-clear casts that sell at higher price points.

💡 Know your costs before buying in bulk: Resin Cost Calculator shows exact material cost per project and suggests retail pricing.

How much do resin supplies cost per project?

Material cost varies significantly by project size. These figures assume gallon-kit pricing (~$0.04–0.05/ml resin), which is 40–60% cheaper than small bottles. Use the Mold Volume Calculator to get exact resin amounts, then the Resin Cost Calculator for pricing.

Project	Resin Cost	All Materials	Typical Retail
Earring pair	$0.30–0.60	$0.80–1.50	$12–20
Pendant necklace	$0.50–1.00	$1.50–3.00	$18–35
Keychain	$0.30–0.50	$0.50–1.00	$8–15
Bookmark	$0.90–1.20	$0.75–1.50	$8–15
Single coaster	$0.55–0.70	$1.00–1.75	$8–12
Coaster set (4)	$2.00–3.50	$4.00–7.00	$25–40
Tumbler (20oz)	$2.40–3.00	$8–12	$30–55
Phone case	$0.60–0.80	$3–6	$28–50

⚠️ "All materials" includes resin, colorants, mold cost per use, and packaging. Labor not included — add $1.50–4.00 per item at $12–15/hour. Calculate your exact profit margin →

Resin supplies by project type

The most efficient way to shop for resin supplies. Each project type has different requirements — buy what your specific project needs rather than a generic kit.

💍 Jewelry (earrings, pendants, rings)

Small volumes, high detail, fast cure times. Jewelry is the most beginner-friendly project type — mistakes cost under $2 per piece. Use the Resin Jewelry Calculator to get exact resin amounts for any mold size before buying supplies.

☕ Coasters

High-value, batch-friendly, and consistently one of the best-selling resin products. Standard 4-inch coaster uses ~56ml of resin. Coaster Calculator for exact amounts.

📖 Bookmarks

Thin pours (3mm), fast cure, low material cost, excellent profit margin. Standard bookmark uses ~23ml. Bookmark Calculator for exact amounts.

🥤 Tumblers

High retail value ($30–55), requires a turner for even coating. Single 20oz coat uses ~60ml of resin. Tumbler Calculator for exact amounts.

🪵 River tables and large pours

High material cost, high retail value ($400–2,000+), requires specific deep pour epoxy. Never use standard craft epoxy for pours over 1 inch — it will overheat. Large Pour Calculator for gallons needed.

🏠 Epoxy floor coatings

Garage floors, basements, and commercial spaces. Completely different product category from craft resin — requires floor-specific epoxy and application tools. Epoxy Floor Calculator for gallons and cost estimate.

🧪 Epoxy resin: all types

The full range from starter kits to professional formulas. Use our Resin Ratio Calculator to get exact Part A and Part B measurements for any brand.

Starter and craft resins (1:1 ratio)

Professional and branded formulas

Deep pour and large volume

💡 Mixing ratios vary by brand. See the full brand ratio guide on the homepage or use the Resin Ratio Calculator for exact Part A and Part B weights. Buying by the gallon? Use the Resin Shelf Life Calculator to track expiration dates and confirm you'll use the volume before it expires.

Which resin brand should you choose?

The right brand depends on your budget, project type, and experience level. All brands below are widely available and produce good results when mixed correctly.

Brand	Ratio	Best For	Price Range
Let's Resin	1:1	Beginners, jewelry, small projects	$40–70/gal
Dr Crafty	1:1	Beginners, craft and art projects	$40–65/gal
ArtResin	1:1	Art, jewelry, food-safe projects	$100–140/gal
Famowood Glaze Coat	1:1	Table top coatings, large flat surfaces	$80–100/gal
Stone Coat	1:1	Countertops, bar tops, large surfaces	$90–120/gal
TotalBoat ThickSet	2:1	Deep pours, river tables, outdoor	$100–130/gal

⚠️ Always verify the ratio on your specific product label — some brands use different ratios for their casting vs table top formulas. Use the Resin Ratio Calculator to get exact Part A and Part B amounts for any ratio.

📐 Silicone molds

Good silicone molds last 50–100+ uses. Cost per use drops to $0.10–0.30 at that rate — worth investing in quality rather than replacing cheap molds repeatedly. Use the Mold Volume Calculator to find exact resin amounts for any mold shape.

Jewelry and small items

Home décor

Functional and batch production

🎨 Pigments and colorants

Add 2–12% colorant by weight of total resin. Use the Color Mixing Calculator for exact amounts. Never use acrylic paint — the water content prevents proper curing.

Essential colorants

Special effects

🛠️ Tools and equipment

Quality tools produce measurably better results and reduce waste. The digital scale alone prevents more failed batches than any other single purchase.

Must-have tools (buy first)

Intermediate tools

Professional equipment

🦺 Safety gear

Epoxy resin contains chemicals that cause skin sensitization with repeated bare-skin exposure — meaning each exposure increases your reaction risk, and sensitization is permanent. Three items are non-negotiable regardless of project size or frequency.

⚠️ Essential — never skip these three

Nitrile gloves · Safety glasses · Dust mask or respirator when sanding

Required protection

Highly recommended

✨ Finishing and polishing

Professional finishing transforms raw casts into polished products. The difference between a $8 and a $25 piece is often finishing quality, not casting quality.

Sanding and polishing

Surface treatments

🌸 Embedding materials

Add depth and visual interest by embedding objects between resin layers. Use the Multi-Layer Pour Calculator to plan exact layer depths for embeddings.

💍 Jewelry findings and hardware

Hardware that turns resin pieces into finished products. Calculate all hardware costs in your pricing with the Resin Cost Calculator.

🗃️ Storage and organisation

Proper storage extends shelf life and keeps batch production efficient. Resin stores best at 60–75°F, sealed, away from light. Use the Shelf Life Calculator to track expiration dates.

Where to buy resin supplies

Different retailers suit different purchasing situations. Online is better for bulk and specialty items; in-store is better for urgent needs or when you want to see the product before buying.

Retailer	Best For	Typical Advantage
Amazon	Everything — widest selection	Best bulk pricing, fast delivery, Prime eligible
Walmart	Basic starter kits, gloves, mixing cups	Same-day pickup option, no shipping minimum
Michaels	Molds, pigments, embellishments	In-store selection, frequent 40–50% off coupons
JOANN	Molds, craft supplies, fabric	Good mold selection, weekly sales
Etsy	Specialty molds, custom shapes	Unique mold designs not available elsewhere

📚 Learning resources

Technique guides and courses that accelerate results and prevent expensive mistakes.

How to buy resin supplies without wasting money

The most common beginner mistake is buying too much of the wrong things before knowing what you actually need. A $200 pigment collection is worthless if you only make coasters. Buy by project type first — get the specific molds, the right resin formula, and the colorants that suit your chosen project. Expand your supply range only once you know what you're regularly making.

The second most common mistake is buying resin in small quantities. A 16oz kit costs $25–35 and produces roughly 10–15 small items. A gallon kit costs $80–120 and produces 60–80 items — a cost reduction of 40–60% per ml. If you know you'll be making resin projects regularly, the gallon purchase pays for itself within 2–3 projects worth of savings. Use the Waste Calculator to confirm you'll use the volume before it expires (typically 12 months once opened).

Finally, always calculate before buying. Ordering 2 gallons when you need 1.3 gallons wastes $40–60. Ordering 1 gallon when you need 1.6 gallons means a second order, possible batch code mismatch, and a stalled project. Our calculators are built exactly for this — enter your dimensions, get your number, add 15% buffer, and order confidently.

Learn more about how Resin Calculators works and our approach to product recommendations. If you're making coasters, tumblers, or serving trays, our Food Safe Epoxy Guide covers which brands are FDA-compliant and what you can safely claim on your Etsy listings.

Resin supplies FAQs

What supplies do I need to start resin crafting?

Five items cover a first project: an epoxy resin kit, silicone molds for your chosen project type, nitrile gloves, disposable mixing cups, and wooden stir sticks. A digital scale is strongly recommended — it's the single most impactful addition to a starter kit because it prevents the most common cause of failed batches (ratio errors from volume measuring). Budget $50–75 for basics or $150–200 for a complete setup including a heat gun, pigments, and safety gear.

Which resin brand is best for beginners?

Let's Resin and Dr Crafty are the most forgiving options — both use a simple 1:1 mixing ratio, are widely available, and produce good clarity at $40–70/gallon. ArtResin is the most popular step-up: also 1:1, low odor, and very clear results. Avoid deep pour epoxy for first projects — it has a slower cure and different handling requirements.

Do I need a digital scale for resin?

Yes. Measuring resin by weight rather than volume is strongly recommended because volume measurements using cups can be off by 10–15% due to air bubbles and viscosity variation. That 10–15% error causes tacky, soft, or completely uncured resin — a ruined batch. A basic digital scale accurate to 0.1g costs $12–20 and is one of the most impactful purchases you can make. Use the Resin Ratio Calculator to convert your target volume into exact grams for any brand's ratio.

What is the difference between mica powder and pigment powder?

Mica powder creates shimmery, metallic, pearlescent effects and remains semi-transparent at most usage levels (6–10% by weight). Pigment powder creates solid, opaque, matte colours with no shimmer, requiring 8–10% for full coverage. Use mica for jewelry and decorative pieces where sparkle is desired. Use pigment for solid colour coverage where you want to hide embeddings. See the Color Mixing Calculator for exact amounts for any batch size.

Should I use deep pour or standard epoxy?

Use standard table top epoxy for anything under 1/2 inch total thickness: jewelry, coasters, tumblers, bookmarks, and phone cases. Use deep pour epoxy for river tables, thick castings over 1 inch, and large pours over 500ml in a single pour. Standard epoxy generates significant internal heat in thick volumes — this exothermic heat cannot escape fast enough and causes yellowing, cracking, or even smoking. Deep pour formulas cure over 48–72 hours to dissipate heat safely. For volume guidance, use the Large Pour Calculator.

What safety gear is required?

Three items are non-negotiable: nitrile gloves (uncured resin causes skin sensitization with repeated bare-skin exposure), safety glasses (protects from splashes), and a dust mask when sanding cured resin. A respirator with organic vapor cartridges is recommended for anyone working in a small or poorly ventilated space. Resin sensitization is cumulative and permanent — once sensitized, even small exposures cause reactions. Gloves every time, without exception.

How much does it cost to make resin jewelry or coasters?

A pair of earrings costs $0.80–1.50 in materials. A single coaster costs $1–1.75. A bookmark costs $0.75–1.50. These figures assume gallon-kit pricing (~$0.04–0.05/ml), which is 40–60% cheaper than small bottles. Add labor at $1.50–4.00 per item at $12–15/hour. Use the Resin Cost Calculator for exact figures based on your specific product prices and suggested retail pricing with 3× markup.

How much does a resin starter kit cost?

A minimal starter kit costs $50–75 and covers a first project: resin, basic molds, gloves, mixing cups, and stir sticks. A complete setup with a digital scale, heat gun, pigments, and safety gear runs $150–200. Professional setups with a pressure pot run $400–600. Once you know what you are regularly making, buying resin by the gallon reduces your cost per project by 40–60%. See the starter kit guide above for a full breakdown at each level.