Resin Crafts Guru

First Resin Project Checklist: Supplies You Actually Need

February 13, 2026 · 10 min read

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First Resin Project Checklist: Supplies You Actually Need

Starting resin work means buying supplies. But craft stores sell hundreds of products and beginner kits range from $30 to $200. What do you actually need?

This checklist separates essential supplies from nice-to-have extras and items you can skip entirely. You’ll know exactly what to buy for your first project without wasting money on things you won’t use.

The Truth About Starter Kits

Most resin starter kits include items you don’t need and skip items you do need.

Common kit problems:

  • Include molds you’ll never use
  • Skip the digital scale (critical for success)
  • Provide cheap mixing cups that crack
  • Add decorative items instead of safety gear

Better approach: Buy essentials individually. You’ll spend $40-60 but get exactly what you need.

Exception: If a kit includes resin, hardener, gloves, mixing cups, stir sticks, AND a digital scale, it might be worth it. Check the scale quality first.

Essential Supplies (Buy These First)

These supplies are required for every resin project. Don’t skip any of these.

1. Epoxy Resin Kit

What to buy: Clear epoxy resin with 1:1 ratio by weight

Recommended:

Size for first purchase: 16-32 oz total (makes 8-16 coasters or 20-40 jewelry pieces)

Why 1:1 ratio: Easiest to measure. Harder to mess up than 2:1 or 3:1 ratios.

Avoid UV resin for first project. It cures under UV light and gives you no time to fix mistakes. Start with epoxy.

2. Digital Scale

What to buy: Digital kitchen scale that measures to 0.1 grams

Recommended: Digital Kitchen Scale{rel=“nofollow sponsored”} ($12-20)

Minimum specs:

  • Measures to 0.1 gram precision
  • Capacity of at least 500 grams
  • Tare function (resets to zero)
  • Uses grams and ounces

This is NOT optional. Eyeballing resin ratios causes sticky, uncured messes. A scale eliminates 80% of beginner failures.

Read why: Resin Mixing Ratios Explained

3. Nitrile Gloves

What to buy: Disposable nitrile gloves (not latex or vinyl)

Recommended: Nitrile Gloves 100-count{rel=“nofollow sponsored”} ($12-15)

Why nitrile: Resists chemical penetration. Latex allows resin to seep through after 15-30 minutes.

How many: Buy a box of 100. You’ll use 1-2 pairs per session.

This is NOT optional. Skin contact with uncured resin causes irritation and can lead to permanent allergy sensitization.

Safety details: Resin Safety Guide

4. Mixing Cups

What to buy: Graduated silicone or plastic mixing cups

Recommended: Silicone Mixing Cups Set{rel=“nofollow sponsored”} ($8-12 for 4)

Minimum: 2-4 cups in various sizes (4 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz)

Silicone vs plastic:

  • Silicone: Reusable, cured resin peels out easily, more expensive
  • Plastic: Disposable, cheaper, fine for beginners

Alternative: Use small plastic cups from dollar store. They work fine for small batches.

5. Stir Sticks

What to buy: Wooden craft sticks or plastic stir sticks

Recommended: Wooden craft sticks 100-pack ($3-5 at craft stores)

Why wood: Disposable and cheap. You’ll use 1-2 per session.

Alternative: Popsicle sticks work perfectly.

Don’t reuse stir sticks. Contamination from previous batches causes problems.

6. Heat Gun or Torch

What to buy: Dual-temperature heat gun OR butane kitchen torch

Recommended:

  • Wagner HT400 Heat Gun{rel=“nofollow sponsored”} ($25-30) - Better for beginners
  • Kitchen torch ($12-18) - Faster but requires more skill

Why you need this: Removes bubbles from resin surface. This is the difference between professional-looking results and amateur pieces full of bubbles.

Heat gun vs torch: Heat guns give more control. Torches work faster but risk scorching if you’re not careful.

Detailed comparison: Best Heat Gun for Resin

7. Molds for Your First Project

What to buy: Depends on your first project

For coasters: Coaster mold set{rel=“nofollow sponsored”} ($10-15 for 4 cavities)

For jewelry: Jewelry mold variety pack{rel=“nofollow sponsored”} ($12-18 with multiple shapes)

For bookmarks: Bookmark mold set{rel=“nofollow sponsored”} ($8-12 for 4-6 cavities)

Don’t buy random mold assortments. Pick molds for a specific project you’ll actually make.

8. Level Tool

What to buy: Small bubble level or use level app on phone

Cost: $3-5 for basic level, or free with phone app

Why you need it: Unlevel surfaces cause resin to pool to one side. Your pieces cure with thick and thin spots.

Use it: Check your work surface before every pour.

9. Isopropyl Alcohol (70% or higher)

What to buy: 70% or 91% isopropyl alcohol from drugstore

Cost: $3-5 for 16 oz

Uses:

  • Clean molds before pouring
  • Wipe up resin drips
  • Clean tools between batches
  • Remove resin from gloved hands

Don’t use it on bare skin to remove resin. Soap and water only.

10. Work Surface Protection

What to buy: Silicone mat OR plastic sheeting

Recommended: Silicone craft mat{rel=“nofollow sponsored”} ($8-15)

Alternative: Plastic drop cloth or garbage bags taped down

Why: Resin drips are permanent on wood, laminate, and most surfaces. Protect your table.

Essential supplies total cost: $100-140 for everything above.

Nice-to-Have Supplies (Buy Later)

These supplies improve your results or add options but aren’t required for your first project.

Colorants

Mica powder: Metallic shimmer ($10-15 for starter set) Alcohol inks: Translucent swirls ($12-18 for 6-pack) Resin pigments: Opaque colors ($12-18 for set)

When to buy: After you’ve made 2-3 successful clear resin projects. Master the basics before adding color complexity.

Respirator with Organic Vapor Cartridges

Cost: $25-40

When you need it: Poor ventilation, sensitivity to fumes, pregnancy, long sessions

Most crafters don’t need this if they work in well-ventilated areas. Open windows and a fan suffice for most projects.

Details: Resin Safety Guide

Pressure Pot

Cost: $100-400

What it does: Eliminates 100% of bubbles by compressing them to invisible size

When to buy: When you’re selling resin products professionally or need zero visible bubbles

Beginners skip this. A heat gun removes 95% of bubbles for $25-30. Learn technique first.

Full guide: Best Pressure Pot for Resin

Additional Molds

Cost: $8-20 per mold set

When to buy: After you’ve successfully completed 3-5 projects with your first mold

Variety comes later. Master one project type before buying more molds.

Sandpaper and Polishing Compound

Cost: $8-15

What it fixes: Surface imperfections, dimples, rough edges

When you need it: After you make mistakes. Not for your first perfect pour.

Grits to get: 220, 400, 600, 1000, 2000 progression

Jewelry Findings and Hardware

Cost: $10-20 for starter set

Includes: Jump rings, earring hooks, necklace chains, clasps

When to buy: Only if you’re making jewelry. Skip if doing coasters or other projects.

Drill and Bits

Cost: $15-30 for small craft drill

When you need it: Jewelry or projects requiring holes that molds don’t provide

Many molds include holes. Check before buying a drill.

Bezels and Frames

Cost: $12-25 for variety pack

What they are: Metal frames you pour resin into for jewelry

When to use: After you’re comfortable with basic molds

Measuring Cups (Volume)

Cost: $5-10

Why you might skip them: If your resin specifies mixing by weight (most do), measuring cups add confusion. Use your scale instead.

When useful: If your specific resin brand requires volume measurements.

Skip These Items

Save your money. These items are marketed to beginners but aren’t necessary.

Mold Release Spray

Why skip: Silicone molds don’t need release spray. Spray can create a hazy film on finished pieces.

Exception: Using non-silicone molds (rare for beginners).

UV Light for Curing Epoxy

Why skip: Epoxy resin cures with time and warmth, not UV light. UV lights are only for UV resin (different product).

Confusion: Some sellers bundle UV lights with epoxy resin. They’re incompatible.

Resin Dye Sets with 20+ Colors

Why skip: You’ll use 2-3 colors maximum as a beginner. Buy individual colors you’ll actually use.

Better approach: Start with one mica powder color and one alcohol ink. Add more after you know what you like.

Expensive “Pro” Resin Kits

Why skip: $100+ kits aimed at beginners include mostly packaging and marketing. The resin inside is often the same as $30 kits.

Exception: ArtResin premium pricing includes genuinely better UV resistance and lower odor. Worth it for some crafters.

Vacuum Chamber

Why skip: Expensive ($150-400) and removes bubbles from mixed resin before pouring. Heat gun after pouring is easier and cheaper.

Who needs it: Production businesses doing hundreds of pieces weekly.

Resin Pouring Mat with Measurements

Why skip: Marketing gimmick. A $2 silicone mat works identically to a $25 “resin pouring mat.”

Heat-Resistant Gloves

Why skip: Resin doesn’t get hot during mixing or pouring. Regular nitrile gloves work perfectly.

Exception: Using a heat gun for extended periods. Even then, you hold the gun, not hot resin.

Supplies Organized by Project Type

For Coasters (First Project Recommendation)

Essential:

  • Epoxy resin 16 oz
  • Digital scale
  • Nitrile gloves
  • Mixing cups
  • Stir sticks
  • Heat gun
  • Coaster molds
  • Level
  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Silicone mat

Nice to have:

  • Mica powder or colorants
  • Cork backing sheets

Total: $90-120

Tutorial: DIY Resin Coasters

For Jewelry

Essential:

  • Epoxy resin 16 oz
  • Digital scale
  • Nitrile gloves
  • Mixing cups
  • Stir sticks
  • Heat gun (mini size works well)
  • Jewelry molds
  • Level
  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Silicone mat

Nice to have:

  • Jewelry findings
  • Small drill and bits
  • Mica powder or glitter

Total: $90-130

Tutorial: Resin Jewelry for Beginners

For Bookmarks

Essential:

  • Epoxy resin 8-16 oz
  • Digital scale
  • Nitrile gloves
  • Mixing cups
  • Stir sticks
  • Heat gun
  • Bookmark molds
  • Level
  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Silicone mat

Nice to have:

  • Tassels or ribbon
  • Dried flowers
  • Glitter

Total: $85-110

Tutorial: Resin Bookmarks Tutorial

Where to Buy Resin Supplies

Amazon: Widest selection, fast shipping, easy returns. Best for most items.

Craft stores (Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Joann): Convenient, but often overpriced. Watch for 40-50% off coupons.

Specialty resin suppliers: Better quality but higher prices. Unnecessary for beginners.

Dollar stores: Great for mixing cups, stir sticks, gloves, and work surface protection.

Hardware stores: Heat guns, isopropyl alcohol, some safety gear.

Your First Shopping List

Copy this exact list for your first resin project:

Essential ($100-130):

  • Epoxy resin 16-32 oz (1:1 ratio)
  • Digital scale (0.1 gram precision)
  • Nitrile gloves (100-count box)
  • Silicone mixing cups (set of 4)
  • Wooden stir sticks (50-100 pack)
  • Heat gun (dual temperature)
  • Molds for chosen project
  • Small level tool
  • Isopropyl alcohol 16 oz
  • Silicone work mat

Optional for first project (+$15-30):

  • One mica powder color
  • One alcohol ink color
  • Glitter

Skip for now:

  • Pressure pot
  • Respirator (unless poor ventilation)
  • Vacuum chamber
  • Drill
  • Additional molds
  • Mold release spray

Common Supply Questions

How long do supplies last?

  • Resin: 12-24 months after opening (check expiration)
  • Gloves: Indefinite if stored dry
  • Molds: Years with proper care
  • Heat gun: 3-5 years of regular use

Can I use cheaper alternatives?

  • Yes for mixing cups, stir sticks, work surface protection
  • No for scale (accuracy critical), resin (quality matters), gloves (safety issue)

Do I need separate supplies for different resin types? No. The same supplies work for all epoxy resin brands. Only UV resin requires different equipment.

What if I mess up and waste resin? Plan for it. Buy 25% more resin than your project calculations suggest. Mistakes happen while learning.

Can I share supplies with other crafts?

  • Scale: Yes, just clean it
  • Heat gun: Yes (also works for embossing, paint removal)
  • Gloves: Keep resin gloves separate from food handling
  • Molds: Resin-only to avoid contamination

Next Steps: Start Your First Project

You have your checklist. Here’s what to do:

Step 1: Choose your first project (coasters recommended for beginners)

Step 2: Buy essential supplies from the list above

Step 3: Set up your workspace with good ventilation

Step 4: Follow a step-by-step tutorial for your chosen project

Recommended first projects:

Before you start:

More beginner resources:

The right supplies make resin work easier. But supplies alone don’t create great projects. Technique matters more than expensive tools. Start with this essential checklist, master the basics, then expand your collection as you discover what you actually use.

Buy your essentials today. Tomorrow you can start your first resin project.