Encapsulating Items in Epoxy

Encapsulating Items in Epoxy is one of my favorite projects to make. Spring is coming and we are here for all of the bunnies, eggs, grass, and pastel colors! Have you ever tried encapsulating items in Epoxy? If you’re new to trying this technique, here’s how to make some cutie Easter Coasters by encapsulating some foam eggs and plastic bunnies.

Materials Needed for Encapsulating Items in Resin:

• Amazing Clear Cast Plus
• Mold of your choice (I got mine from Amazon)
• Mold release and conditioner (optional)
• Objects to encapsulate (Eggs & Bunnies)
• Glitter or colorant
• Mixing cups and stirring sticks
• Disposable gloves
• Protective eyewear
• A well-ventilated workspace
• Toothpicks or tweezers

Instructions to Encapsulate Objects in Epoxy Resin:

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Set up your workspace in a well-ventilated area. Cover your work surface with wax paper or plastic sheets to catch spills. Wear disposable gloves and protective eyewear to avoid direct contact with resin and its fumes. If you’re using plastic or poly molds, lightly spray them with mold release. This will make demolding much easier and prolong the life of your molds.

Step 2: Prepare Your Items

Ensure that the items you wish to encapsulate are dry. If you’re using flowers or other organic materials, consider drying or pressing them first to preserve their color and prevent decomposition. If encapsulating paper or photos, seal them with a clear acrylic spray to prevent the resin from soaking into the paper and causing discoloration. In this case I’m using some foam eggs and small bunnies from Amazon.

Step 4: Mix the Epoxy Resin

Start with mixing half of the total amount to start with the first layer. I used Amazing Clear Cast Plus Epoxy and started with mixing a small amount for the base of the coasters. Amazing Clear Cast Plus is a 1:1 ratio. Start with pouring the resin and hardener into a mixing cup and stir slowly but thoroughly for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until there are no visible swirls, to ensure a proper mix while minimizing air bubbles.

Step 5: Pour the First Layer

Pour a thin layer of the mixed resin into your mold. This base layer will actually be the top of your coaster. When you are encapsulating anything in epoxy it’s important to take weight into consideration. The eggs are foam, so they will want to float and move to the center of your coaster. It’s important to pour a very small amount in the coaster where you are adding the eggs so they don’t start to float in the epoxy. The other three coasters where I added bunnies, I poured a little more epoxy to that base because the bunnies were heavier and I knew they wouldn’t float. After I did the first pour, I then waited ten minutes and hit the epoxy with a heat gun. You can also use a culinary torch or spray isopropyl alcohol to dissipate the bubbles.

Step 6: Position Your Items to Encapsulate

Once the first layer is a little tacky, I used tweezers to place the eggs and bunnies in the coaster. If you’re encapsulating something that might float, wait until the resin is slightly more cured to ensure the item stays in place. I also had to babysit these coasters for the next hour because they still wanted to roll to the center of the coaster. So, I checked every ten minutes until tacky and moved the eggs back into place.

Step 7: Pour the Second Layer over Embedments

Once surface is slightly tacky, mix the other half batch of resin, add your glitter or colorant and gently pour it over your item, ensuring it’s completely covered. For the eggs, I added some cut up dried plastic grass and added it to the coaster before pouring the second layer. Once you pour all six coasters, again, remove any air bubbles with a heat gun, culinary torch, or isopropyl alcohol.

Step 8: Cure the Resin

Allow the resin to cure completely. This can take anywhere from 24 to 72 hours, depending on the resin formula and the ambient temperature and humidity of your workspace.

Step 8: Demold

Once the resin is fully cured and hard, gently flex the silicone mold to release your encapsulated item. If you’re using a rigid mold, you may need to gently tap it to help release the resin.

Step 9: Finishing Touches

Inspect the resin piece for any sharp edges or excess resin. Use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth any imperfections. If desired, apply a clear sealant spray to give your piece a glossy finish and extra protection.

Tips for Success:

• Experiment with different colors and types of resin for unique effects.
• Be patient; rushing the curing process can result in imperfections.
• Work in layers for deep molds or to create a 3D effect with multiple items.

Encapsulating items in epoxy resin is a rewarding craft that allows for endless creativity. These coasters are my favorite thing to make for every holiday!

Ready for more project ideas?

Then you’ll want to grab the ebook Ten Epoxy Crafts. You’ll love the inspiration for projects that are unique enough to keep, gift, or even sell. Buy the PDF book now and receive an email download link in minutes.