Resin Crafts Guru

Resin Keychains Tutorial: Quick and Easy Beginner Project

February 13, 2026 · 8 min read

This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through our links. This helps us keep creating free content. See our full disclosure for details.

Resin Keychains Tutorial: Quick and Easy Beginner Project

Resin keychains are fast, cheap, and perfect for practicing technique. You’ll make 6-8 keychains in one session with about 20 minutes of active work. They cure in 24 hours and make great gifts.

This tutorial shows you exactly how to make resin keychains from start to finish. You’ll learn supplies, technique, design ideas, and how to attach keychain hardware.

Why Keychains Are Great for Beginners

Tiny scale means low stakes. Each keychain uses 0.25-0.5 oz of resin. That’s less than $1 in materials per piece. Mistakes cost almost nothing.

Fast to make. Mix once, pour 6-8 keychains. You’re done in 20 minutes.

Easy to gift. Everyone uses keys. Keychains make thoughtful personalized gifts.

Build confidence. Success with small projects gives you skills for larger ones.

Learn the basics. Measuring, mixing, bubble removal, and demolding all apply to every resin project.

Supplies You Need

Resin Kit

Use clear epoxy resin with a 1:1 ratio by weight.

Recommended:

You’ll need 3-4 oz total for 6-8 keychains.

Keychain Molds

Silicone keychain molds{rel=“nofollow sponsored”} come in sets with multiple shapes:

  • Circles and ovals
  • Hearts and stars
  • Geometric shapes
  • Custom designs

Look for molds with built-in holes for keyrings. This saves you from drilling.

Price: $8-12 for a set with 6-10 cavities.

Keychain Hardware

Keyring findings set{rel=“nofollow sponsored”} includes:

  • Split rings (attach to keys)
  • Jump rings (connect resin to split ring)
  • Lobster clasps (optional)

Price: $8-10 for 100 pieces.

Colorants (Optional)

Start simple with one or two options:

  • Glitter (easiest and most popular)
  • Mica powder (metallic shimmer)
  • Alcohol inks (translucent color)
  • Dried flowers (botanical style)
  • Photos (transfer to cardstock first)

You can make clear keychains with no colorant at all.

Standard Resin Supplies

  • Digital scale{rel=“nofollow sponsored”} (essential for measuring)
  • Mixing cups and stir sticks
  • Heat gun or torch (bubble removal)
  • Nitrile gloves
  • Level tool
  • Isopropyl alcohol (cleanup)

Total first-time cost: $35-50 including resin and molds. See our Resin Supplies Checklist for the full list.

Step-by-Step: Making Resin Keychains

Step 1: Set Up Workspace

Find a level surface. Check with a level tool. Unlevel keychains cure lopsided.

Cover your work area with a silicone mat or plastic sheeting.

Check room temperature. You need 70-80°F for proper curing.

Put on nitrile gloves before touching resin bottles.

Step 2: Prepare Molds

Wipe keychain molds with isopropyl alcohol. Let dry completely.

Any moisture creates cloudiness in finished keychains.

Place molds on level surface. Make sure they won’t tip.

Don’t use mold release spray. Silicone molds don’t need it.

Step 3: Calculate Resin Amount

Small keychains (1-inch circles) need about 0.25 oz each.

Medium keychains (1.5-inch shapes) need about 0.5 oz each.

For 8 medium keychains: Mix 4 oz total (2 oz resin + 2 oz hardener for 1:1 ratio)

Mix a little extra. Better to have leftovers than run short.

Step 4: Measure and Mix Resin

Place mixing cup on scale. Tare to zero.

Add resin to reach target weight (example: 60 grams).

Tare to zero again.

Add hardener to match (60 grams for 1:1 ratio).

Total: 120 grams of mixed resin (enough for 8 medium keychains).

Mix slowly for 3 full minutes. Use figure-8 pattern. Scrape sides and bottom constantly.

Set a timer. Don’t rush this step.

Detailed measuring guide: Resin Mixing Ratios Explained

Step 5: Add Color (If Desired)

For glitter keychains (most popular): Add fine glitter to mixed resin. Start with 1-2% by weight (1-2 grams for 120 grams resin). Mix well.

For solid color: Add mica powder or pigment. Start with 1% by weight. Mix thoroughly.

For swirls: Divide resin into 2-3 cups. Color each differently. Pour all colors into mold at once.

For clear: Skip coloring. Clear resin shows off embedded items beautifully.

Step 6: Pour Into Molds

Pour slowly from 2-3 inches above each cavity.

Fill to about 1/4 inch depth. Most keychain molds have a fill line.

Don’t overfill. Resin self-levels and domes slightly.

For swirled designs: Pour different colors simultaneously from opposite sides.

Step 7: Add Embellishments (Optional)

If adding dried flowers, photos, or charms:

Method 1 (immediate): Drop items into wet resin right after pouring. They’ll sink partway.

Method 2 (layered): Pour thin base layer. Let cure 4-6 hours until tacky. Place items on sticky surface. Pour second layer to seal. Cure another 24 hours.

For beginners, use Method 1. It’s simpler.

Step 8: Remove Bubbles

Critical for keychains. Bubbles show clearly in small pieces.

Wait 2-3 minutes after pouring for bubbles to rise.

Use heat gun or torch:

  • Hold 6-8 inches above surface
  • Move in slow passes
  • Don’t hold in one spot (creates dimples)
  • Pass over each keychain 2-3 times
  • Watch bubbles pop

Takes 30-60 seconds for a full mold.

Check again at 5 minutes. Heat gun again if new bubbles appear.

Complete guide: How to Get Bubbles Out of Resin

Step 9: Cover and Cure

Cover molds with cardboard box or plastic container (not airtight).

This protects from dust, pet hair, and bugs.

Don’t move, touch, or check. Leave undisturbed for 24 hours at 70-80°F.

Step 10: Demold Keychains

After 24 hours, gently flex the silicone mold.

Keychains should pop right out. If stuck or soft, wait another 12 hours.

Still sticky after 48 hours? See How to Fix Sticky Resin.

Step 11: Attach Hardware

If mold has built-in hole:

  • Open jump ring with pliers
  • Thread through keychain hole
  • Close jump ring
  • Attach split ring for keys

If you need to drill hole:

  • Mark hole position at top
  • Use 1/16 inch drill bit
  • Drill slowly with light pressure
  • Thread jump ring through

Final assembly: Jump ring → keychain → split ring → attach to keys

Done. You have finished resin keychains.

Five Beginner-Friendly Designs

1. Rainbow Glitter

Mix fine rainbow glitter into clear resin. Pour into round or heart molds. Simple and eye-catching.

2. Pressed Flower

Clear resin with small pressed flower (pansy, daisy, or violet) centered in circle mold. Classic and elegant.

3. Photo Keychain

Print small photo on cardstock. Seal with Mod Podge. Let dry completely. Embed in clear resin. Personal and meaningful.

4. Ombre Glitter Gradient

Clear resin in oval mold. Sprinkle gold glitter on one end. It sinks creating natural gradient from heavy to light.

5. Marble Swirl

Divide resin into white and black. Add marble-effect mica to white. Pour both into square mold simultaneously. Natural veining forms.

Common Keychain Mistakes

Mistake 1: Too Much Glitter

Heavy glitter makes keychains opaque and thick.

Fix: Use fine glitter only. Start with 1% by weight. Add more gradually if needed.

Mistake 2: Drilling Too Fast

Fast drilling cracks thin keychains.

Fix: Use sharp bit. Drill slowly. Support back of keychain.

Mistake 3: Overfilling Molds

Creates thick edges that look unprofessional.

Fix: Fill to recommended depth. Let resin self-level.

Mistake 4: Not Checking Level

Unlevel molds create lopsided keychains with one thick edge.

Fix: Use level tool every time. Shim table if needed.

Mistake 5: Using Photos Without Sealing

Unsealed photos get cloudy when resin contacts ink.

Fix: Seal photos with Mod Podge or clear spray. Let dry 24 hours before embedding.

Troubleshooting Resin Keychains

Cloudy appearance: Moisture in mold or high humidity. Wipe molds dry. Work in under 60% humidity.

Sticky after 24 hours: Wrong ratio or incomplete mixing. See sticky resin guide.

Bubbles throughout: Skipped heat gun. Always use heat gun 2-3 minutes after pouring.

Flowers turned brown: Flowers weren’t fully dried. Use completely dry pressed flowers only.

Warped or bent: Demolded too soon. Wait full 24 hours minimum.

Won’t come out of mold: Wait another 12 hours. Don’t force it.

Complete troubleshooting: Resin Troubleshooting Guide

Making Keychains as Gifts

Resin keychains make perfect personalized gifts.

Personalization ideas:

  • Recipient’s favorite colors
  • Birth month flowers
  • School or team colors
  • Photos of pets or loved ones
  • Initials in gold leaf
  • Favorite quotes (printed small)

Packaging:

  • Small cellophane bags with ribbon
  • Kraft paper gift boxes
  • Include care card
  • Mention they’re handmade

Cost per keychain: $0.50-1 in materials. Time: 2-3 minutes each.

Selling Resin Keychains

Keychains sell well at craft fairs and online.

Pricing:

  • Materials: $0.50-1 per keychain
  • Time: 20 minutes for batch of 8
  • Sell for: $6-12 each depending on design

Best sellers:

  • Glitter designs (popular with all ages)
  • Photo keychains (personalized gifts)
  • Dried flower keychains (botanical trend)
  • Custom team/school colors
  • Monogram and initial keychains

Where to sell:

  • Etsy
  • Local craft fairs
  • School fundraisers
  • Consignment at gift shops
  • Instagram/Facebook

Next Keychain Projects

Once you’ve mastered basic keychains:

Charm keychains: Embed small metal charms or beads.

Layered designs: Multiple thin pours create depth and dimension.

Shaped keychains: Use specialty molds (animals, letters, custom shapes).

Glowing keychains: Add glow-in-the-dark powder.

Resin and wood: Combine wood slices with resin for rustic look.

Next Steps: Expand Your Skills

You’ve learned resin keychains. Here’s what to try next:

Similar beginner projects:

Level up your technique:

Build your foundation:

Resin keychains prove you can make professional gifts on a beginner budget. The key is simplicity: measure accurately, mix thoroughly, remove bubbles completely. That’s it.

Make your first batch today. By tomorrow, you’ll have finished keychains ready to use or gift.