How to Make Resin Art on a Canvas (For Beginners)

In this instructable, I show you how I made resin canvas art that hangs on a wall. You will learn special resin art techniques such as resin cells and resin lacing.

Even if you don't need a resin art piece, the techniques covered in this build can be directly translated toward other resin projects.

There are several things which are difficult to fully explain with words and images, so be sure to check out the video tutorial above.  

Epoxy Resin

Acrylic Paint or Mica Powder

Large Mixing Cups

Small Mixing Cups

Mixing Sticks

Silicone Oil

Heat Gun

Nitrile Gloves

Blank Canvas

Before starting an epoxy art project, find a clean and dust free area to place the canvas. More importantly, make sure to use a sheet of plastic under the canvas to catch the epoxy run off. Ideally, the canvas should be off the ground a few inches.

I used the underside of one of my work benches as my work area. I placed the canvas on top of a few scrap 2x4s to suspend them in the air.

I added the white acrylic paint in a plastic cup to color the epoxy resin. Pigment powder or opaque dye work well. White was my base color, so I used a large measuring cup because I needed roughly 8 ounces.

Next, I mixed the other paint colors in a small plastic cup. Keep in mind, I didn't really know what colors I would use - I just chose them by feel/instinct.

The beauty about resin art is that you can't mess it up. Just get the creative juices flowing and have fun.

First, I mixed the 24 ounces epoxy resin by stirring gently with a mixing stick. The epoxy resin will get thick and cloudy when stirring. Then, it will start to get easier to stir and become clear again after a few minutes of mixing. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's mixing instructions.

I poured roughly 4 ounces in each small cup with acrylic paint. I poured 8 ounces into the large mixing cup with my white base color.

Then, I mixed the paint with the epoxy resin.

I poured the white epoxy resin on top of the canvas to start the resin art project.

Next, I rubbed the white resin to ensure it completely covered the canvas. 

The base color is necessary for the 'lacing effect', which is a popular resin art technique. The 'lacing effect' is achieved when a different color is poured on top of the white resin and heat is applied with a heat gun. More on this in a later step.

There is no right or wrong way to pour the colors on the resin canvas art.  I did not have a plan I just sort of went with it.

First, I poured the sand color and then the gray and aqua colors. Next, I added the blue near the top of the canvas.

I used a heat gun to merge the different colors by moving the resin with heat. This creates unique resin art effects because the colors blend together.

Additionally, the white (base) color becomes more visible.

I used silicone oil to make resin cells. You can also use isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle and spray directly on the resin.

I mixed the next 2 layers with silicone oil.

First, I mixed 1 drops of silicone oil per 4 ounces of resin. This is not an exact measurement - this amount just seemed right to me. I didn't want to add to much and prevent the resin from curing properly.

I mixed the silicone oil with the resin and paint in the mixing cup.

I allowed the base layers to sit for 10 minutes before I applied the resin with silicone oil.

Next, I poured the aqua blue to the top of the canvas just above the blue layer.

Then, I used my heat gun to work the resin into the other colors. The resin art really started to make cool patterns and blend well together.

I applied the dark grey resin with silicone oil across the top to add a darker color into the middle.

First, I moved the resin around by lifting the canvas and tilting the canvas in different angles.

Then, I moved the resin with the heat gun until the pattern looked good.

I did this until I was happy with the patterns.

The silicone oil helped create awesome effects as you can see in the pictures.

Ultimately, I hope this project inspires you to be creative with resin art. This type of wall art brings a cool vibe to any space.

I hope this instructable provided you with value. Please feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions - I'm happy to help.

Be sure to checkout my YouTube channel and my website for more DIY tutorials.