Resin art has one of the most exciting cost-to-return ratios of any craft. Your starter setup costs $60–120, a set of 4 coasters costs around $8–15 in materials, and those same coasters sell for $35–60 per set on Etsy or at markets.
This guide breaks down every cost honestly — resin, hardener, moulds, pigments, tools, and safety gear — so you know exactly what you're spending before your first pour.
Quick summary: Total first-project investment is $75–135 (equipment + materials). From project two onwards, a set of 4 coasters costs $8–15 to make and sells for $35–60. Few crafts offer margins like this.
One-Time Equipment Costs
These are tools you buy once. Most last indefinitely with proper care.
| Equipment | Est. Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Safety goggles | $5–10 | Resin splashes are a real risk. Non-negotiable. |
| Nitrile gloves (box of 100) | $8–12 | Uncured resin is a sensitiser — always glove up. |
| Digital scale (0.1g) | $12–20 | Resin ratios must be exact by weight, not volume. |
| Silicone mixing cups (pack) | $8–12 | Cured resin peels right off silicone — reusable. |
| Silicone stir sticks or craft sticks | $3–6 | Wooden sticks work fine and are cheap to replace. |
| Heat gun or butane torch | $15–25 | Pops surface bubbles. A heat gun is safer for beginners. |
| Plastic drop sheet or craft mat | $5–10 | Resin drips destroy surfaces. Cover everything. |
| Respirator mask (resin-rated) | $15–25 | Not optional for regular use. Standard dust masks don't filter resin fumes. |
| Total equipment | $71–120 | You may own a scale and safety goggles already |
Safety matters most in resin: Uncured epoxy resin is a sensitiser — repeated skin contact without gloves can cause a permanent allergy. Once sensitised, you can never work with resin again. Gloves and ventilation are not optional.
Resin Costs — Your Biggest Ongoing Expense
Epoxy resin comes in two parts — Part A (resin) and Part B (hardener) — mixed in a specific ratio, typically 1:1 or 2:1 by volume or weight depending on the brand.
| Resin Kit | Volume | Cost | Cost per 100ml mixed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner kit (Art Resin, Incredible Solutions) | 237ml (8oz) | $20–28 | $8.50–11.80 |
| Mid-size kit | 500ml | $28–40 | $5.60–8.00 |
| Value kit | 1 litre | $35–55 | $3.50–5.50 |
| Bulk (2 litre+) | 2 litre | $50–75 | $2.50–3.75 |
For a set of 4 standard coasters (10cm round, ~30ml each), you need approximately 120–150ml of mixed resin. At mid-size kit pricing, that's $6.72–12.00 in resin alone per set.
Mould Costs
Silicone moulds are your most important purchase after resin itself. Quality matters — cheap moulds warp, stick, or leave surface defects.
| Mould Type | Cost | Uses Per Mould | Cost Per Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round coaster set (4 moulds) | $12–20 | 50–100+ pours | $0.12–0.40 |
| Square coaster set (4 moulds) | $10–18 | 50–100+ pours | $0.10–0.36 |
| Rectangle tray mould | $15–28 | 30–60 pours | $0.25–0.93 |
| Jewellery / pendant moulds | $8–15 | 100+ pours | $0.08–0.15 |
| Geode / irregular art mould | $18–35 | 20–50 pours | $0.36–1.75 |
Moulds amortise quickly. After 20–30 pours, the mould cost per piece is negligible.
Pigment and Colorant Costs
| Colorant Type | Cost | Amount Per Project | Cost Per Project |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mica powder (per colour) | $5–10 per 50g | 1–3g | $0.10–0.60 |
| Alcohol ink (per bottle) | $5–8 per 14ml | 2–5 drops | $0.07–0.30 |
| Resin pigment paste | $6–12 per 20g | 0.5–1g | $0.15–0.60 |
| Glow powder | $8–15 per 50g | 2–5g | $0.32–1.50 |
| Gold/silver leaf | $5–12 per pack | small amount | $0.20–0.80 |
Calculate your exact resin project cost
Enter your resin price, pigments, moulds and time to get your true cost per piece and suggested selling prices for Etsy, markets and boutiques.
Use the Free Resin Cost Calculator →Per-Project Cost Breakdown
Here's a realistic breakdown for the most popular beginner resin projects:
| Project | Resin | Pigments | Mould (amortised) | Total Materials | Sell For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Set of 4 coasters | $7–12 | $0.50–1.50 | $0.40–1.00 | $8–14.50 | $35–55 |
| Small tray (20x30cm) | $12–20 | $1.00–2.50 | $0.50–1.00 | $13.50–23.50 | $45–80 |
| Pendant jewellery (×5) | $3–6 | $0.30–0.80 | $0.08–0.15 | $3.38–6.95 | $25–50 (set) |
| Keychains (×10) | $5–9 | $0.50–1.00 | $0.10–0.20 | $5.60–10.20 | $30–50 (set) |
| A4 wall art piece | $18–30 | $2.00–5.00 | $0.30–0.80 | $20.30–35.80 | $80–160 |
The Most Important Variable: Resin Quality
Don't buy cheap resin to start
Budget resin from unknown brands often yellows quickly, has poor clarity, produces more bubbles, or doesn't cure properly. Your first results will disappoint you, and you won't know if it's technique or materials. Start with a known brand — ArtResin, Incredible Solutions, or Pro Marine Supplies — and learn on quality materials.
UV resin vs epoxy resin
UV resin cures in minutes under a UV lamp (or sunlight) and is ideal for small jewellery and shallow pours. Epoxy resin cures over 24–72 hours and works for all project sizes. UV resin is more expensive per ml but much faster for small pieces. Most beginners start with epoxy for versatility.
Bubble tip: Warm your resin bottles in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes before mixing. Warmer resin is thinner and releases bubbles far more easily. This alone eliminates most beginner bubble problems.
Ongoing Costs After Your First Project
- Resin: Your biggest recurring cost. Buy in larger kits once you're making regularly — the per-ml cost drops significantly at 1L+.
- Gloves: A box of 100 nitrile gloves ($8–12) lasts 50+ sessions. Low ongoing cost.
- Alcohol wipes: For cleaning moulds between pours. A pack of 100 costs $3–5.
- Sandpaper (wet/dry): For finishing edges. A pack of assorted grits ($5–8) lasts many projects.
- Packaging: Bubble wrap, tissue paper, and boxes for selling. Budget $0.50–1.50 per piece.
Hidden Costs Beginners Miss
Workspace protection
Resin is permanent on most surfaces. A silicone mat ($10–15) or a cheap plastic drop sheet is essential — and much cheaper than replacing a table. Cover your floor too if you're pouring large pieces.
Sanding and finishing tools
Coasters and trays often need sanding on the bottom after demoulding to remove drips or rough edges. Wet/dry sandpaper in 400/800/1200/2000 grit lets you achieve a polished finish. A full set costs $5–10 and is often overlooked in beginner supply lists.
Failed pours
Sticky resin (wrong mixing ratio), fish eyes (contamination), or massive bubbles (wrong technique) will happen in your first few projects. Budget for 2–3 learning pours. The materials cost is low — typically $10–20 — and the lessons are invaluable.
Is Resin Art Worth the Investment?
For personal use: yes — handmade resin coasters, trays and jewellery make exceptional gifts and home décor at a fraction of boutique retail prices.
For selling, the numbers are compelling:
- Equipment: ~$90 one-time
- Materials for 4 coasters: ~$10
- Sell a set of 4 at $45: $45
- Profit from first selling batch (after recouping equipment): ~$-55 (still recovering equipment)
- Profit from batch two onwards: ~$32–37 per coaster set
- After 3 selling batches: fully profitable at ~$25–35 per set
A resin maker producing 8–10 coaster sets per month and selling at $45 each earns $360–450 in revenue — with materials costs of around $80–100. That's $260–370 profit per month from projects that take 30–45 minutes each to pour.
Know your profit before you list
Use our free resin cost calculator to enter your resin price, pigments and time — and see exactly what to charge on Etsy, at markets, or in boutiques.
Try the Resin Cost Calculator →Ready to make your first pour?
Our Resin Art Beginner's Guide covers resin types, safety setup, coaster projects, colour techniques, troubleshooting, and how to sell — everything in one guide.
Get the Complete Bundle — $37 →Frequently Asked Questions
How much resin do I need for coasters?
A standard 10cm round coaster mould holds approximately 25–35ml of mixed resin. For a set of 4 coasters you need 100–140ml of mixed resin. If you're adding layers or doing a deep pour, multiply accordingly. Always mix 10–15% more than you think you need — running out mid-pour ruins the piece.
Why is my resin still tacky after curing?
Tacky resin is almost always caused by an incorrect mixing ratio — either too much hardener or too much resin, or insufficient mixing time. Mix thoroughly for a full 3–4 minutes, scraping the sides and bottom of the cup, before pouring. Temperature matters too — resin cures poorly below 21°C (70°F).
Can I use resin outdoors?
You can demould and finish resin pieces outdoors, but do your mixing and pouring indoors in a controlled environment. Wind introduces dust, UV from sunlight can cause premature or uneven curing, and temperature fluctuations affect the mix. A well-ventilated indoor space is ideal.
What's the best resin brand for beginners?
ArtResin and Incredible Solutions are consistently recommended for beginners — both are low-odour, have clear instructions, and produce reliable results. Pro Marine Supplies is a good value option for larger pours. Avoid ultra-cheap brands on Amazon with no brand recognition — the savings aren't worth the inconsistent results when you're learning.
How do I price my resin coasters?
A common starting point is 3× your all-in cost (materials + time + packaging). For a set of coasters costing $12 all-in, that suggests $36 retail. In practice, sets of 4 handmade resin coasters sell for $35–60 on Etsy depending on design complexity and quality. Use our free resin cost calculator to find your exact break-even and profit at different price points.