How to Start Resin Art in Nigeria — Complete Beginner Guide
So you have seen those stunning resin trays, glowing coasters, and jewellery pieces all over Nigerian Instagram and TikTok — and you want to learn how to make them yourself. The good news is that resin art is one of the most accessible creative businesses you can start from home in Nigeria, with relatively low startup costs and strong market demand.
This guide covers everything a complete beginner needs to know — from what resin actually is, to the exact supplies you need, to how to pour your very first piece successfully.
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## What Is Resin Art?
Resin art is the process of using liquid epoxy resin — a two-part chemical made of a resin and a hardener — to create decorative objects, functional homeware, and jewellery. When you mix the two parts together in the correct ratio, a chemical reaction occurs and the liquid hardens into a clear, glass-like solid over 24–72 hours.
Artists in Nigeria use resin to create:
- Decorative serving trays and charcuterie boards
- Coasters and table accessories
- Earrings, rings, pendants, and bracelets
- Wall art and abstract paintings
- Clock faces and picture frames
- Personalised gifts and keepsakes
- Custom homeware for weddings and events
Resin art is not just a hobby — thousands of Nigerian artists have built profitable small businesses selling resin pieces on WhatsApp, Instagram, and at markets and events.
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## What You Need to Start Resin Art in Nigeria
Before you pour your first piece, you need to gather the right supplies. Here is a complete beginner shopping list.
### 1. Art-Grade Epoxy Resin and Hardener
This is the most important purchase you will make. There are two categories of epoxy resin sold in Nigeria — industrial-grade (designed for flooring and construction) and art-grade (designed for jewellery, trays, and decorative pieces).
Always buy art-grade resin for your art projects. Industrial resin yellows quickly, has a strong smell, and is not formulated for the clarity required in craft work.
Look for resin that is described as: crystal clear, low odour, UV-resistant, and with a 1:1 or 2:1 mixing ratio.
For a complete beginner, a 1kg kit (500g resin + 500g hardener) is a good starting point. It gives you enough material to practise several pours without a large upfront investment.
Where to buy: lammiluxecraft.shop — we stock only art-grade resin delivered nationwide in Nigeria.
### 2. Silicone Molds
Molds give your resin its shape. For beginners, silicone molds are by far the easiest to work with — they are flexible, resin does not stick to them, and they are reusable.
Start with simple shapes: coasters, small trays, or basic geometric forms. These are forgiving for beginners because they have flat surfaces and do not require precise pouring technique.
Avoid plastic molds unless they are specifically marked as resin-safe. Most household plastics will bond permanently to resin and ruin both the mold and your piece.
### 3. Measuring and Mixing Tools
Getting the ratio of resin to hardener right is one of the most critical steps in resin art. Too much or too little hardener will result in a piece that never fully cures — it will remain sticky or soft forever.
You need graduated measuring cups with ml or oz markings, wooden or silicone mixing sticks, and ideally a digital scale for accuracy (weighing is more precise than measuring by volume).
### 4. Personal Protective Equipment
Epoxy resin is a chemical. Even art-grade, low-odour resin should not come into contact with your skin repeatedly, and you should not breathe in vapours for extended periods.
Every beginner needs nitrile gloves (not latex), a disposable dust and fume mask, and eye protection if you are working in a small enclosed space. Work in a well-ventilated area — a room with an open window is sufficient for art-grade resin.
### 5. Pigments and Colourants
This is the fun part. You can colour your resin using resin pigment paste (thick, concentrated colour), alcohol ink (creates beautiful fluid patterns, very popular for abstract art), mica powder (gives a metallic shimmer), or resin-grade glitter.
Start with a pigment sample pack — it gives you a range of colours to experiment with before investing in full jars.
### 6. A Heat Gun or Torch
One of the most common beginner frustrations is surface bubbles. When you mix resin, tiny air bubbles form and rise to the surface. If left untreated, they cure into your finished piece and ruin the clarity.
A heat gun or small butane torch held briefly over the surface of freshly poured resin pops the bubbles instantly. This single tool makes a huge difference to the quality of your finished pieces.
### 7. A Level, Flat Work Surface
Resin is self-levelling — it flows to find the lowest point. If your work surface is not perfectly level, your resin will pool on one side of the mold and cure unevenly. Use a spirit level or a level app on your phone to check your surface before every pour.
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## Your First Pour: Step-by-Step
**Step 1 — Prepare your workspace.** Cover your table with a silicone mat or disposable plastic sheet. Put on your gloves and mask. Make sure your molds are clean and dry, and your surface is level.
**Step 2 — Measure your resin.** Read your product mixing ratio carefully. Most casting resins use a 1:1 ratio by volume or a 2:1 ratio. Use separate cups to measure each part before combining.
**Step 3 — Mix slowly and thoroughly.** Pour both parts into a single mixing cup and stir slowly for 3–5 minutes, scraping the sides and bottom. Rushing this step is the number one cause of sticky uncured resin. Slow and thorough mixing is essential.
**Step 4 — Add colour.** Add a small amount of pigment to your mixed resin and stir in. Less is more — you can always add more colour but you cannot remove it.
**Step 5 — Pour into your mold.** Pour slowly and steadily, close to the mold surface to reduce bubble formation.
**Step 6 — Pop bubbles.** Pass your heat gun briefly over the surface, keeping it moving. Bubbles disappear within seconds.
**Step 7 — Cover and wait.** Cover your poured mold with a box or dome to keep dust off while it cures. Do not move it. Most casting resins reach a demoldable cure in 24–48 hours and full hardness in 72 hours.
**Step 8 — Demold.** Once fully cured, gently flex your silicone mold to release the piece. If the piece is still soft or tacky, it needs more time — or the resin was not mixed correctly.
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## Common Beginner Mistakes
**Sticky or soft resin that never hardens.** Almost always caused by incorrect mixing ratio or insufficient mixing time. Measure carefully and mix for the full recommended time.
**Yellowing resin.** Usually caused by using industrial-grade resin or poor UV resistance. Use art-grade, UV-resistant resin and store finished pieces away from direct sunlight.
**Lots of bubbles.** Caused by mixing too quickly, pouring from too high, or working in a cold environment. Mix slowly, and always use a heat gun after pouring.
**Resin stuck in the mold.** Usually caused by using a non-silicone mold. Always use food-grade silicone molds or molds specifically sold as resin-safe.
**Uneven surface or sloping piece.** Your work surface was not level. Always check before pouring.
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## How Much Does It Cost to Start Resin Art in Nigeria?
| Item | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Art-grade epoxy resin kit (1kg) | N10,000 – N14,000 |
| Silicone molds (2–3 shapes) | N8,000 – N15,000 |
| Measuring cups and stir sticks | N3,000 – N5,000 |
| Gloves and mask | N3,000 – N5,000 |
| Pigment sample pack | N5,000 – N8,500 |
| Heat gun | N10,000 – N14,000 |
| Total | N39,000 – N61,500 |
A starter kit from Lammiluxe Art & Craft bundles most of these items together at a discounted price, starting from N25,000.
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## Can You Make Money from Resin Art in Nigeria?
Absolutely — and many Nigerians are doing it. A set of four coasters that costs N4,000–N6,000 in materials typically sells for N15,000–N25,000. A decorative serving tray that costs N8,000–N12,000 in materials sells for N35,000–N80,000.
The key is starting with quality art-grade materials so your pieces look professional, pricing correctly (never based on materials alone — always include your time), and building your audience on Instagram and TikTok consistently.
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## Ready to Start?
Everything you need is available at **Lammiluxe Art & Craft**. We stock art-grade epoxy resin, silicone molds, pigments, tools, and beginner starter kits — all with nationwide delivery across Nigeria.
Shop now: lammiluxecraft.shop | WhatsApp us for orders and questions.
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*Lammiluxe Art & Craft — Premium Resin Art Supplies for Nigerian Artists*
