Ocean Resin Coasters: Getting That Perfect Wave Effect
The ocean-wave look comes down to one thing: layering. Pour the blues first, then drag white pigment through them with a heat gun. It's a two-minute technique that looks like hours of work.
What You'll Need
- Epoxy resin and hardener (measured by weight)
- Round silicone coaster moulds
- Jewellery-grade pigments: deep blue, turquoise, pearl white
- Two mixing cups and stir sticks
- A heat gun or embossing tool
- Nitrile gloves, a respirator, and a well-ventilated room
Step 1: Measure Accurately
Resin is unforgiving about ratios. Weigh part A and part B separately on a digital scale — never eyeball it. Mix slowly for three full minutes, scraping the sides and bottom of the cup, or you'll get sticky spots that never cure.
Step 2: Pour the Base
- Split your mixed resin into three cups.
- Tint one deep blue, one turquoise, one pearl white.
- Pour the deep blue into the mould first, filling a third of the depth.
- Add turquoise in an irregular band on top.
Step 3: Create the Wave
Pour a thin line of white along the top edge of the coaster. Then, holding your heat gun about 20 cm away on low, sweep it gently across the white. The pigment will feather into the blues on its own. Stop before it muddies.
Step 4: Cure and Finish
Pop any bubbles with the heat gun, cover the moulds with a dust box, and leave for 24 hours. Demould after 48 hours, then sand the edges with 400 → 800 → 2000 grit and polish with a resin polish.
