#1 Cosmic Dreams Resin Coasters - 100 Days, 100 Designs

Materials Used:

1. MDF Coasters

2. Haksons Gesso / Universal Primer

3. Black Acrylic Paint

4. Haksons Prime Art Resin (2:1)

5. Haksons Opaque Pigment - Black

6. Haksons Pearl Pigments (Mica) - White, Comet, Posh Red, Special Gold

7. Haksons Fluorescent Pigments - Dark Blue and Pink

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Preparation:

• Start by priming the MDF coasters with a mix of Haksons Gesso / Universal Primer and black acrylic paint. This helps create a smooth, dark surface for the resin to adhere to.

2. Mixing the Resin:

• Mix Haksons Prime Art Resin according to the 2:1 ratio specified. Ensure it’s thoroughly mixed to avoid any sticky spots.

• Divide the mixed resin into separate cups for different colors.

3. Adding Pigments:

• Add Haksons Opaque Pigment (Black) to one cup of resin to create a deep, solid base.

• In other cups, add Haksons Pearl Pigments (White, Comet, Posh Red, Special Gold) and Haksons Fluorescent Pigments (Blue & Pink) to create vibrant, cosmic colors.

4. Pouring the Resin:

• Start by pouring the black resin onto the coasters as a base layer.

• Add the colored resins in small amounts, swirling them together to create an abstract, galaxy-like effect.

• Use a toothpick or a heat gun to gently move the resin and blend the colors further, enhancing the cosmic look.

5. Clear Coat (Optional):

• Once the resin has cured, you can pour a clear coat of resin over the final outcome for a glossy, protective finish.

6. Curing:

• Let the coasters cure for at least 12 hours in a dust-free environment.

Mistakes We Made & Tips to Avoid Them:

1. Color Balance:

• Mistake: We felt like we added too much of each color. In a galaxy-themed piece, more black should have shown through.

• Tip: Use black as the dominant color and add other colors sparingly to achieve a true galaxy look.

2. Working too slowly:

• Mistake: This was poured in the summer, so the resin was setting faster than expected. The final twirls left marks, which we had to cover with another layer of clear resin.

• Tip: Work quickly in warmer temperatures and consider adding a clear coat to smooth out any imperfections.

3. Uneven Surface:

• Mistake: After pouring the first black layer, we realized the table wasn’t level, even though we had checked it before pouring. The resin was sliding towards one side.

• Tip: We used candy sticks under two of the four corners to level it out. Double-check the level of your surface before and during the pouring process.