Resin keychains are a popular and trendy accessory that can be customized and designed to your liking. These keychains are made using a clear and durable resin material that can be mixed with different colours, glitters, and other embellishments to create unique and personalized keychains.
Having a unique acrylic keychain can be important as it can help you easily identify your keys and can even serve as a fashion statement.
Making your own custom resin keychains can be a fun and creative activity that allows you to express your personality and creativity. It can also be a great way to save money, as customized keychains can be quite expensive when purchased from a store. In this article, we’ll go over the steps and materials needed to make your very own resin keychains.
Materials Needed
To make custom resin keychains, you will need the following materials:
· Epoxy Resin
This is the primary material used to make resin keychains. It is a two-part resin system that requires mixing the resin and hardener to activate the curing process. The resin is clear and can be mixed with different colours, glitters, and other embellishments to create unique designs.
· Hardener
The hardener is a crucial component of the resin system that, when combined with the resin, initiates the curing process.
· Silicone Mold
You will need a mould to pour your resin mixture into. Silicone moulds are the most popular choice for resin keychains as they are flexible, durable, and come in various shapes and sizes.
· Stirring Sticks
To mix the resin and hardener, you will need stirring sticks. Wooden craft sticks or plastic spoons can be used for this purpose.
· Gloves
Epoxy resin can be harmful to the skin, so it’s essential to wear gloves while working with it.
· Heat Gun or Butane Torch
A heat gun or butane torch can be used to remove any bubbles that form in the resin.
· Optional
Pigments, glitters, and other embellishments can be added to the resin to create unique designs.
Tips on where to purchase materials:
You can purchase epoxy resin, hardener, silicone moulds, stirring sticks, gloves, and other necessary materials online from craft stores or e-commerce websites like Amazon. You can also find these materials at local craft stores or hardware stores. When purchasing materials, be sure to read the product descriptions carefully and choose high-quality materials for the best results.
Preparing the Workspace
Before starting your resin keychain project, it’s important to take some precautions to ensure your safety:
- Epoxy resin can be harmful to the skin, so it’s essential to wear gloves while working with it. Nitrile gloves are a good choice as they are resistant to chemicals.
- Epoxy resin can emit strong fumes that can be harmful when inhaled. Make sure to work in a well-ventilated area or use a respirator mask if you’re sensitive to the fumes.
- Cover your work area with a plastic sheet or a drop cloth to prevent any accidental spills from damaging your furniture or flooring. You can get custom keychains at Vograce.
Setting up the workspace:
- Keep all your materials close at hand, including your resin, hardener, silicone mould, stirring sticks, gloves, and a heat gun or butane torch.
- Have a timer or clock nearby to keep track of curing time.
- Tips on working in a well-ventilated area:
- Work outside if possible.
- Wear a respirator mask if you’re sensitive to the fumes.
By taking these precautions and setting up your workspace correctly, you can ensure a safe and successful resin keychain project.
Making the Resin Keychain
Step-by-step instructions on making resin keychains:
· Prepare the resin
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mix the epoxy resin and hardener in a mixing cup. Be sure to measure the resin and hardener precisely to ensure proper curing.
· Add colour and other embellishments.
You can add colour to the resin by mixing in pigments, dyes, or other colorants. You can also add glitter, sequins, or other embellishments to the mixture.
· Pour the resin into the mould
Slowly pour the resin mixture into the silicone mould, filling it to the desired level. Be careful not to overfill the mold.
· Remove air bubbles
Use a heat gun or butane torch to remove any air bubbles that may have formed in the resin. Hold the heat gun or torch about 4-6 inches away from the surface of the resin and move it in a circular motion.
· Add a keychain attachment.
Once the resin has cured, you can add a keychain attachment by inserting a jump ring or screw eye into the resin.
· Demold the keychain
Carefully remove the resin keychain from the silicone mould. Use a craft knife or scissors to trim any excess resin that may have spilled over the mold.
Tips on adding colors, glitter, and other embellishments:
- Use high-quality colourants and glitters that are specifically designed for use with resin.
- Use small amounts of colour and glitter at a time, and stir thoroughly before adding more.
- Experiment with different colours and embellishments to create unique designs.
- Suggestions on customizing the keychain to your liking:
- Use different shapes and sizes of silicone molds to create a variety of keychains.
- Add personalized touches, such as letters, numbers, or symbols, to the resin mixture.
- Mix and match different colours and embellishments to create a customized look.
- Use small objects, such as dried flowers or charms, to add interest and texture to the keychain.
Curing and Finishing
After pouring the resin into the silicone mould, it needs to cure or harden over time. The curing time can vary based on the manufacturer’s instructions, the amount of resin used, and the temperature and humidity of your workspace. Typically, epoxy resin takes around 24-48 hours to cure fully.
Tips on ensuring the resin sets correctly:
- Mix the resin and hardener thoroughly to ensure even curing.
- Keep the resin in a temperature-controlled environment, preferably between 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Avoid touching the resin while it’s curing, as this can cause fingerprints and distortions in the final product.
- Place a cover over the curing resin to protect it from dust and debris.