My First Epoxy Resin Piece: Lessons From a Long-Awaited Pour

Epoxy Resin on Wood

I’ve had all the tools to try epoxy resin since mid-2020 — yes, for over four years! But I hesitated. I didn’t believe I could actually pull it off, let alone get it halfway right.

Fast forward to 2023, and something changed. I started seeing creative ideas that sparked something in me — especially things I wanted to make for my children to bring more fun into our home. That’s when I finally gave myself permission to just try. I did my first pour — and it felt amazing.


What I Used

  • Resin Brand: I used Dr. Crafty Crystal Clear Epoxy Resin. It was super beginner-friendly with its 1:1 mixing ratio, and the kit came with all the essentials to get started — mixing cups, stir sticks, gloves, and more.

  • Color: I chose a mica pigment powder because I wanted something soft but still eye-catching. It gave the piece the perfect balance of color and shimmer — not too loud, just right.

  • Surface: For practice, I used a leftover piece of plyboard from a previous project. It was the perfect testing ground for all the tips I’d absorbed from blogs, videos, and tutorials over the years.


Lessons I Learned

  1. A Level Surface Is Everything
    If your surface isn’t level, your resin won’t distribute evenly — and that will affect your final look. This is one of the most important things to prep beforehand.

  2. Measure Your Pour Properly
    For Dr. Crafty resin, I learned it’s crucial to calculate how much product is needed based on the square footage of the surface. Measuring right means no overflow, and no under-pour either — just a clean, even finish.

  3. Don’t Be Shy With Color
    One thing I’ll never forget? Don’t be stingy with pigment! Mica powders need a bold hand to give you that rich, vibrant look. As artists like to say, “Don’t be mean with the sheen.”


Final Thoughts

My first epoxy pour wasn’t perfect — but it was perfectly mine. It felt incredible to finally move past hesitation and into action. This project taught me more than just the mechanics of resin art — it reminded me to bet on myself.

If you’re a beginner, take it from me: just start. Your first pour might surprise you in the best way.