Epoxy resin crafting has become a huge trend over the last few years, and one of the simplest and most fun projects to begin with is creating DIY epoxy resin keychains. A beginner or advanced crafter can easily create resin keychains that provide limitless possibilities. This tutorial will take you through the process from start to finish, the necessary materials, and tips and tricks to create gorgeous keychains you can keep for yourself, gift to friends, or even resell.

Why Use Epoxy Resin for Keychains?

Epoxy resin is a flexible and strong material that hardens into a glossy, glass-like finish. It is ideal for making keychains because:

• It is simple to work with and can be customized with different colors, glitter, and embedded objects.
• It is long-lasting and resistant, so it is well-suited for daily use.
• It provides unlimited creativity, ranging from transparent and colorful designs to detailed embedded features.
• It is a fantastic personal gift solution or small business product.

Materials You'll Need

Have all of the following materials on hand before you get started:

• Epoxy resin and hardener (Make sure it's a good-quality, non-toxic brand designed for crafts)
• Silicone keychain molds (Comes in all shapes such as hearts, letters, animals, etc.)
• Mixing cups and stirring sticks
• Gloves and a mask (For safety when working with resin)
• Pigments or resin dyes (To customize the color)
• Glitter, dried flowers, or other small decorative objects
• Jump rings and keychain rings
• UV lamp (Optional, to fast-cure specific resins)
• Tweezers or toothpicks (To place embellishments in the resin)
• Nail file or sandpaper (To buff out rough edges following curing)
• Drill (Optional, to pre-drill holes if the mold doesn't already have them)

Step-by-Step Tutorial for Creating Epoxy Resin Keychains

Step 1: Get Ready for Work

Working in resin can get messy, so work in good ventilation with a covered surface. Wear gloves and a mask for protection from the fumes and skin contact.

Step 2: Mix the Resin

Refer to instructions on your resin kit for the ratio of resin to hardener. Combine the two parts well together in a throwaway cup using a stirring stick. Stir at a slow speed to prevent air bubbles.

Step 3: Add Color and Decorations

After mixing the resin, portion it out into individual cups if you desire multiple colors. Add resin dyes or pigments and mix until the color is well distributed. You can also add glitter, dried flowers, or other embellishments at this point.

Step 4: Pour into the Mold

Carefully pour the resin mixture into the silicone molds. If you’re adding small decorations, use a toothpick or tweezers to position them properly. If bubbles form, use a heat gun, lighter, or toothpick to pop them.

Step 5: Let the Resin Cure

Leave the resin to cure as per the manufacturer’s instructions, usually between 12-48 hours. If using UV resin, cure under a UV lamp for a few minutes.

Step 6: Take Out of Mold and Final Touches

After the resin is fully cured, carefully take the keychain out of the mold. Sand the edges if necessary to remove any rough spots.

Step 7: Add the Keychain Hardware

If your mold has a hole, just place a jump ring and add the keychain ring. If not, drill a tiny hole to add the hardware.

Creative Ideas for Resin Keychains

• Personalized Initial Keychains: Utilize letter molds and include initials, names, or favorite colors.
• Glitter Keychains: Combine various glitter colors for a sparkling finish.
• Floral Keychains: Insert small dried flowers for a sophisticated, nature-themed look.
• Galaxy Keychains: Utilize dark resin colors with shimmery pigments for a space-like effect.
• Themed Keychains: Include small charms or stickers that represent hobbies or interests.
• Glow-in-the-Dark Keychains: Employ glow pigments for an entertaining effect that glows in the dark.

Tips for Success

• Measure Accurately: Incorrect resin-to-hardener ratios can result in sticky or soft resin.
• Stir Slowly: This helps minimize bubbles, ensuring a clear and smooth finish.
• Use a Heat Gun: Quickly removes bubbles without disturbing your design.
• Work in Layers: If embedding objects, pour in layers to keep decorations from sinking.
• Be Patient: Rushing the curing process can lead to imperfections.

Conclusion

DIY epoxy resin keychains are a creative and simple craft project that lets you be as creative as you like. Whether you're making them for yourself, as presents, or for a business, the keychains are a fulfilling project that can be made in countless ways. With a bit of practice and experimenting, you'll be producing lovely resin keychains in no time!