Friday, March 23, 2018

DIY Resin Jewelled Mirror

Are you looking for a different way to use resin? 

Forget the usual practice of pouring resin into a silicone mould. Instead, try using a flat surface like a mirror to create a really unique home decor piece

This colourful and fun project starts with a simple Ikea mirror tile that has been given a makeover with clusters of brightly coloured resin circles in the corners. When the light hits the mirror, the resin bubbles glow like jewels.

Will Resin Stick to a Mirror?

That's a really good question!
 
Mirrors and glass are slick surfaces so there's a possibility that the resin could be peeled off once it's cured. But if the mirror is a decorative piece that won't be handled, this shouldn't be a problem.
 
Tip: If you want to make sure the resin sticks permanently, apply glass etching paste to the area you want to resin. It will give the mirror some tooth for the resin to adhere to. The bubbles of resin won't glow quite as much on the frosted surface but they'll still be bright pops of colour.


Resin jewelled mirror displayed with an assortment of Friendly Plastic mosaic pens


Supplies

Here's a shopping list of what you'll need to make this project:

Epoxy resin
Castin'Craft Transparent Dyes: Red, Green, Blue and Amber
Glass or Silk Paint outliner - like this (used to contain the resin)
Ikea Lots 30cm square mirror 4 pack
Graduated plastic measuring cups
Wooden Stir sticks
Gas BBQ torch
Nitrile Gloves

How to Paint Resin On a Mirror

Create the Bubble Outlines

Before you start, make sure your mirror surface is clean. Use methylated spirits or rubbing alcohol to clean off any finger marks, dust or streaks.

Draw a group of circles of varying sizes in the top corner of the mirror with the outliner. Make sure that each outline is perfectly closed and completely touching the mirror's surface all the way around to create a dam for the resin. Repeat in the opposite corner. Leave the outliner to completely dry before continuing.
Draw circles with the Gutta in the corner of the mirror.

Once you start working with the resin, put on the gloves. Mix a small batch of epoxy resin, following the instructions included in the resin kit carefully.
Mix a small batch of epoxy resin.

Divide the resin into four cups and colour each one a different colour with the transparent resin dyes.
Cups of resin coloured green, amber, blue and red

Carefully drip a different coloured resin into each circle.
Resin being dripped into gutta circles

Try not to have two circles of the same colour next to each other.
Filling the gutta circles with different coloured resins

Once all the circles are filled, pass the flame briefly across the resin to pop any bubbles. Make sure you keep the flame moving at all times.
Popping bubbles by passing a flame across the resin.

Leave the mirror to cure for 24 hours before moving it. Then place it on a stand or attach to the wall and admire it.

Like this project? Pin it for later!
Collage image of resin-jewelled mirror on stand with a collection of colourful pens

Happy Resining!





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