How to Make an Epoxy Resin Notebook
In this article, we will be exploring the process of creating a beautiful spiral-bound hardcover gilded notebook using epoxy resin. If you've never worked with epoxy resin before, don't worry! It's not as complicated as it may seem. However, there are a few tips and tricks that I want to share with you before we dive into the process.
Safety First
Before we begin, it's important to prioritize safety. While the resin I use is labeled as non-toxic and, ostensibly, does not require a respirator to use safely, I always wear one just in case. Additionally, I make sure to work in a well-ventilated area by opening my windows. If you’re lucky enough to have access to an outdoor space — a garden, a garage, or private terrace — take advantage of that fresh, fresh air and optimally ventilated environment.
Prepare Your Workspace
To ensure success — with this project, and any resin project, for that matter — it's essential to work on a level and even surface. Avoid bumpy or slanted tables, as they can affect the curing (i.e. hardening) process of the resin. If you choose to work on the floor, protect it with a resin-proof material, such as my go-to hack: disposable cutting boards. A word to the wise: Resin is impossibly sticky, and a bitch to clean if spilled. Prepare your workspace more than seems necessary to be safe. Remove all pets and children from your work area, and stash your project somewhere unreachable for unknowing little beings as it cures, i.e. hardens. Uni, my mischievous cat, once dipped her paw into uncured resin. She was okay — but it taught me to shut the door, without exception, when resin projects are in process.
Gather Your Materials
You will need:
Epoxy resin: This comes in two parts — part A (resin) and part B (hardener).
This kit contains both parts, in addition to one pair of gloves, a few popsicle sticks, and two disposable beakers for measuring your resin.
Plastic or silicone measuring cups.
The kit I’ve linked above does contain a few disposable beakers, so no need to buy extra if you only intend to make a few resin projects.
Disposable gloves: Protect your hands from the resin, as it can cause skin irritation — not to mention, it’s sticky AF!
The resin kit I’ve linked above does come with one pair of gloves. That said, the gloves are rather flimsy; plus, you absolutely need more gloves on…~hand~… if you intend to create more than one resin project — which, methinks, shall be the case. Consider this pink disposable gloves set I’ve been eyeing.
Disposable cutting board or other resin-proof surface, such as a silicone craft mat.
Silicone notebook cover mold: I'm using the largest (A5 size) notebook mold from this three-piece set.
In addition to three notebook mold sizes, the set includes a few metal binding rings — which are necessary for this project. That said, if you plan to make more than one or two notebooks, snag a pack of binding rings so you have extras on hand.
You may want to purchase two mold sets for expediency’s sake; we’ll need two covers, of course, but the set comes with only one mold for each notebook cover size.
Gold foil (optional): If you plan to add sparkle, as I’ve done in my video.
Alternatively, alcohol ink is an excellent means of incorporating color into resin projects. Simply add a few drops of your preferred color into your resin mixture prior to pouring.
Sanding blocks (optional): To smooth any rough edges.
Notebook paper: In the appropriate size for the notebook cover you’re creating.
Choose plain, unlined white paper, or colorful, lined paper, depending on your preference.
Respirator or N95 mask: To ensure resin particles stay far away from your lungs during the sanding process.
Mixing the Resin
Now that we have all our materials ready, let's start mixing the resin. It's important to maintain a one-to-one ratio of part A and part B for the resin to cure properly. Here's how you do it:
Fill a beaker or measuring cup with part A resin up to the 80 milliliter mark.
Pour the part A resin into a separate vessel, such as a solo cup.
Repeat the process with part B hardener, filling it up to the 80 milliliter mark.
Pour the part B hardener directly onto the part A resin. 5 . Use a popsicle stick or a battery-powered resin mixer to thoroughly mix the resin and hardener for about four minutes. This will ensure that the two parts are well combined.
Adding Gold Foil (Optional)
If you want to add a touch of elegance to your notebook, now is the perfect time to incorporate gold foil. Simply push the gold foil sheets into the resin mixture using your fingers. There's no right or wrong way to do this, so have fun with it!
Pouring the Resin
Now comes the fun part - pouring the resin into the silicone mold. Take your time and pour the resin slowly and carefully to avoid any mess or wastage. Make sure the resin reaches all four corners of the mold. You can use a popsicle stick to smooth out the surface if needed.
Allowing the Resin to Cure
After pouring the resin, it's important to let it cure for at least 24 to 48 hours. This will ensure that the resin hardens and becomes firm and glossy. Once the curing process is complete, remove any excess resin from the mold and sand down any rough edges using an 80 grit sanding block. Follow up with a 120 grit sanding block to achieve a polished and professional look.
Assembling the Notebook
Now that we have our resin covers ready, it's time to add the paper to our notebook. If your silicone mold has pre-punched holes, this will make the process easier. Here's what you need to do:
Take one of the resin notebook cover sides and slip it behind your paper stack.
Align the holes on the cover with the holes on the paper.
Thread a metal binding through the aligned holes, leaving the binding open for now.
Take the second resin cover and place it on top of the paper and metal binding.
Press down firmly to secure everything in place. You should feel a satisfying click when everything is properly clasped.
Finishing Touches
Almost done! Take a look at your notebook and you'll notice three more loose holes. Grab another metal binding clip and thread it through these holes, just like you did with the first three. Clasp them into place to ensure everything is secure.
And there you have it - a beautiful, functional resin notebook! I hope your notebook turned out exactly as you wanted it to. If you have any questions or need further clarification on any step of the process, please let me know in the comments below. I would love to hear from you and help you out.
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