Resin Crafts Guru

How to Make Resin Trays: Beautiful and Functional Tutorial

February 13, 2026 · 9 min read

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How to Make Resin Trays: Beautiful and Functional Tutorial

Resin trays combine beauty and function. A well-made tray serves drinks, displays decor, or organizes jewelry. Unlike coasters or jewelry, trays require more resin, careful leveling, and patience. But the results are stunning.

This tutorial walks you through making a resin serving tray from start to finish. You’ll learn how to calculate resin amounts for large pours, master leveling, and create professional designs.

Why Trays Are an Intermediate Project

Trays aren’t for absolute beginners. Make coasters or bookmarks first to learn the basics.

Trays require:

  • More resin (16-24 oz per tray = $15-25 in materials)
  • Precise leveling (larger surface shows imperfections more)
  • Longer cure time (thicker pours take 48-72 hours)
  • Design planning (bigger canvas needs intentional design)

But trays teach valuable skills:

  • Large-scale pouring technique
  • Design composition
  • Working with significant resin amounts
  • Creating functional art pieces

If you’ve successfully made 5+ coasters, you’re ready for trays.

Supplies You Need

Resin Kit

Use clear epoxy resin with a 1:1 ratio. You’ll need more than for small projects.

Recommended:

For one 10x6 inch tray: You’ll need 16-20 oz of mixed resin.

Don’t buy small 16 oz kits. You’ll barely have enough for one tray.

Tray Molds

Silicone tray molds{rel=“nofollow sponsored”} come in several styles:

  • Rectangular with handles (10x6 inches most common)
  • Round serving trays (12 inches diameter)
  • Square trays (8x8 inches)
  • Hexagonal decorative trays

Look for thick-walled molds (3-4mm) that won’t collapse under resin weight.

Price: $15-25 for quality tray mold.

See options: Best Resin Molds

Colorants and Design Materials

Trays benefit from intentional design. Consider:

  • Alcohol inks (marble, geode, ocean effects)
  • Mica powder (metallic shimmer, gold veining)
  • Resin pigments (solid colors for backgrounds)
  • Gold leaf (luxury accent)
  • Crushed glass (geode designs)

Start with 2-3 colors maximum. Complex designs are hard to control in large pours.

Standard Resin Supplies

  • Digital scale{rel=“nofollow sponsored”} (critical for large amounts)
  • Large mixing cups (16-32 oz capacity)
  • Stir sticks
  • Heat gun (essential for large surface area)
  • Nitrile gloves
  • Level tool (absolutely critical)
  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Silicone work mat

Full checklist: Resin Supplies Guide

Total cost for first tray: $80-120 including resin and mold.

Step-by-Step: Making Resin Trays

Step 1: Set Up Workspace

Leveling is critical. A 10-inch tray shows even tiny slopes. Resin pools to one side creating thick and thin areas.

Check level in multiple directions (front-to-back, side-to-side, diagonal).

Shim your work surface until perfectly level. Use coins, cardboard, or shims.

Cover surface with large silicone mat or plastic sheeting.

Check room temperature: 72-80°F is ideal. Cold rooms slow curing dramatically.

Put on gloves.

Step 2: Prepare Tray Mold

Wipe mold thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol. Let dry completely.

Any dust or moisture shows in large clear areas.

Place mold on level surface. Check level again with mold in position.

Don’t use mold release spray. Creates haze.

Step 3: Calculate Resin Amount

This is crucial. Running out mid-pour ruins the project.

Formula for rectangular tray: Length (inches) × Width (inches) × Depth (inches) × 1.1 = grams needed

Example for 10x6 inch tray at 0.5 inch deep: 10 × 6 × 0.5 = 30 cubic inches 30 × 16.4 (conversion factor) = 492 grams total

Round up and add 10% safety margin: 540 grams total mixed resin

For 1:1 ratio: 270 grams resin + 270 grams hardener

Most tray molds specify depth. Follow their recommendation (usually 0.5-0.75 inches).

Detailed measuring: Resin Mixing Ratios

Step 4: Measure and Mix Resin

Work in batches if needed. Mixing 500+ grams at once generates heat. If your cup holds less, mix in two batches.

Place large mixing cup on scale. Tare to zero.

Add resin to reach half your total (example: 270 grams).

Tare to zero.

Add hardener to match (270 grams).

Total: 540 grams mixed resin.

Mix slowly for 3-4 full minutes. Large batches need extra mixing time.

Scrape sides, bottom, and corners constantly. Unmixed pockets ruin large pours.

Set timer. Don’t rush.

Step 5: Plan Your Design

Before pouring, visualize your design. Large trays need planning.

Popular tray designs:

Ocean wave: Blues and whites with alcohol inks Marble: White base with black/gold veining Geode: Crushed glass with metallic pigments Gold leaf: Clear resin with gold leaf accents Solid color: Single color with shimmer

Divide resin if needed: For multi-color designs, pour mixed resin into separate cups and color each.

Step 6: Pour Base Layer

Pour slowly and steadily from center outward.

Let resin flow naturally to edges. Don’t tilt mold.

Fill to recommended depth (usually marked on mold).

For designs with layers: Pour thinner base layer first (1/4 inch). Let cure until tacky (4-6 hours). Add design elements. Pour second layer to seal.

For single pour: Add design elements (alcohol inks, mica) immediately after pouring while resin is liquid.

Step 7: Create Design

For marble effect: Drop black and gold alcohol ink onto wet resin. Use straw to blow gently, creating veins. Work fast before resin starts setting.

For ocean effect: Swirl white and various blues together. Add tiny amount of alcohol to create cells. Tilt slightly if needed.

For gold leaf: Wait 30-60 minutes for resin to start thickening. Place gold leaf pieces on surface. They’ll sink slightly into sticky resin.

For geode: Pour colored resin around edges. Place crushed glass in center. Add metallic powder for shimmer.

Step 8: Remove Bubbles

Critical for trays. Large surfaces show every bubble.

Wait 3-5 minutes after pouring for bubbles to rise.

Use heat gun:

  • Hold 8-10 inches above surface
  • Move in slow, systematic passes
  • Cover entire tray methodically
  • Don’t hold in one spot
  • Pass over entire surface 3-4 times

Takes 2-3 minutes for full tray.

Check again at 10 minutes. Large pours release more bubbles over time.

Complete guide: How to Remove Bubbles

Step 9: Cover and Cure

Cover tray with large cardboard box or clear plastic bin (not airtight).

Protect from dust, pet hair, and bugs for 48-72 hours.

Don’t move tray during cure. Even gentle movement creates ripples in thick pours.

Check level one final time before walking away.

Leave completely undisturbed for minimum 48 hours at 72-80°F.

Thick pours (0.5 inch+) may need 72 hours before demolding.

Step 10: Demold Tray

After 48-72 hours, check edges. If still soft, wait another 24 hours.

Gently flex silicone mold starting from edges.

Tray should release cleanly. If resistant, wait longer.

Don’t force it. Forcing damages both tray and mold.

Step 11: Finishing Touches (Optional)

Add felt or cork backing: Protects furniture from scratches.

Polish edges if needed: Wet sand any rough spots with 400-600-800 grit progression.

Seal wood handles: If your tray has wood accents, seal them with polyurethane.

Design Ideas for Resin Trays

Classic White Marble

White resin base with black and gold alcohol ink veining. Timeless and elegant. Works in any decor style.

Ocean Beach

Layered blues (navy, teal, light blue) with white foam accents. Add tiny shells or sand before second pour for texture.

Rose Gold Geode

Clear base with rose gold mica around edges. Crushed glass or crystals in center. Modern and luxurious.

Black and Gold

Black resin base with gold leaf flakes throughout. Sophisticated and dramatic.

Pastel Marble

Soft pinks, blues, and whites swirled together. Perfect for feminine or nursery decor.

Wood and Resin

Combine wood slice or pieces with clear resin. Natural rustic look.

Common Tray-Making Mistakes

Mistake 1: Not Checking Level

Unlevel trays pool to one side. Ruins the whole project.

Fix: Use level tool. Shim surface. Check multiple directions. Verify before pouring.

Mistake 2: Insufficient Resin

Running out mid-pour creates seam lines and uneven surface.

Fix: Calculate accurately. Add 10% safety margin. Mix more than you think you need.

Mistake 3: Moving Tray During Cure

Creates permanent ripples and waves.

Fix: Pour exactly where it will cure. Don’t move for 48-72 hours.

Mistake 4: Demolding Too Soon

Thick pours need longer to cure fully. Demolding early bends or damages tray.

Fix: Wait full 48 hours minimum. Test edges before demolding. When in doubt, wait another 24 hours.

Mistake 5: Overcomplicating Design

Too many colors or elements creates muddy, chaotic look.

Fix: Choose 2-3 colors maximum. Simple designs look more professional.

Mistake 6: Not Removing All Bubbles

Large surfaces magnify bubble problems.

Fix: Heat gun thoroughly. Check multiple times during first hour. Be patient and methodical.

Troubleshooting Resin Trays

Surface has dimples or waves: Heat gun held too close or in one spot. Tray moved during cure. Can’t fix after curing.

One side thicker than other: Surface not level. Prevention is key. Can’t fix after curing.

Sticky after 48 hours: Wrong ratio, insufficient mixing, or too cold. See sticky resin guide.

Cloudy areas: Moisture contamination. Work in low humidity (under 60%). Dry mold completely.

Design looks muddy: Too many colors mixed together. Colors bled too much. Keep designs simpler next time.

Cracks or splits: Temperature fluctuation during cure or too much heat from exothermic reaction. Cure in stable temperature.

Complete troubleshooting: Resin Troubleshooting Guide

Making Trays to Sell

Resin trays sell well at higher price points than small items.

Pricing:

  • Materials: $20-30 per tray
  • Time: 30-45 minutes active work
  • Sell for: $60-120 depending on size and design

Best sellers:

  • Geode style (currently trending)
  • Gold and white marble (classic appeal)
  • Ocean/beach themes (seasonal bestseller)
  • Custom colors (match customer decor)

Where to sell:

  • Etsy (largest market)
  • Local craft fairs (higher margins)
  • Home decor boutiques (consignment)
  • Instagram (custom orders)

Tips for production:

  • Stick to 2-3 signature designs
  • Batch materials and colors
  • Create cohesive product line
  • Professional photos essential for high price point
  • Include care instructions

Advanced Tray Techniques

Once you’ve mastered basic trays:

Embedding objects: Photos, dried flowers, shells, coins sealed between layers.

Multiple pours: Layered depth effects with 24-hour gaps between pours.

Mixed media: Combine wood, metal, or stone with resin.

Functional additions: Wine glass holders, handles, or feet cast into design.

Large format: Scale up to 16-18 inch statement pieces.

Next Steps: Expand Your Skills

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

Similar projects:

  • Resin Coasters - practice designs on smaller scale first
  • Serving boards - combine wood and resin
  • Jewelry organizers - trays with compartments

Level up your technique:

Build your foundation:

Upgrade equipment:

Resin trays prove you can create functional art that commands premium prices. The keys are planning your design, measuring accurately, and maintaining patience through the longer cure time.

Make your first tray this weekend. By next week, you’ll have a stunning functional piece for your home or to sell.