Materials Guide
What Goes Into Every Trayz N Beyond Piece
Every piece that leaves this studio is built from a carefully selected set of materials chosen for quality, durability, and the specific aesthetic I am working toward. This guide breaks down each component of the material system I use and explains what it does, why it matters, and how it contributes to the finished piece.
Epoxy Resin
What it is: Epoxy resin is Part A of a two-part chemical system. It is a viscous liquid polymer that, on its own, will not cure or harden. It only becomes a solid when combined with a hardener in the correct ratio and mixed thoroughly.
Why quality matters: Not all epoxy resins are the same. Lower-quality resins may yellow quickly, cure with a soft or flexible finish, produce excessive fumes, or have a short working time that makes them difficult to use for detailed work. I use a professional-grade, UV-stabilized epoxy resin formulated for art and functional applications. It cures to a hard, glass-like finish, resists yellowing significantly longer than standard resins, and has a working time that allows for careful color work and technique.
What it contributes: The resin is the foundation of every piece. Its clarity, hardness, and UV resistance determine the long-term quality and appearance of the finished product.
Hardener
What it is: The hardener is Part B of the epoxy system. It is a chemical curing agent that, when combined with the resin in the correct ratio and mixed thoroughly, triggers the exothermic chemical reaction that causes the resin to cure from a liquid to a solid.
Why the ratio matters: The ratio of resin to hardener must be precise. Most systems use a 1:1 ratio by volume, meaning equal parts of each component. Deviating from the correct ratio, even slightly, can result in resin that does not cure fully, remains tacky, or develops soft spots. The ratio is not adjustable and cannot be modified to change the cure speed or hardness of the finished piece.
What it contributes: The hardener is what makes the resin functional. Without it, the resin remains liquid indefinitely. Together, resin and hardener form the structural foundation of every piece.
UV Stabilizers
What it is: UV stabilizers are chemical additives built into the resin formulation that absorb and dissipate ultraviolet radiation before it can break down the polymer chains in the cured resin.
Why it matters: All epoxy resin will yellow over time with UV exposure. This is a natural property of the polymer chemistry. UV stabilizers slow this process significantly, extending the life of the piece's clarity and color accuracy. Pieces kept out of direct sunlight will maintain their appearance for years. Pieces exposed to prolonged direct sunlight will yellow faster regardless of UV stabilizer content, though high-quality stabilized resin will still outperform unstabilized alternatives significantly.
What it contributes: UV stabilizers are what allow Trayz N Beyond pieces to maintain their high-gloss, color-accurate appearance over time rather than yellowing within months of purchase.
Mica Pigments
What it is: Cosmetic-grade mica powder is the primary colorant used in all Trayz N Beyond pieces. It is a finely milled mineral pigment that adds rich, metallic or pearlescent color to the resin.
Why cosmetic grade matters: Cosmetic-grade mica is held to higher purity and safety standards than industrial pigments. It is free from heavy metals and contaminants that could affect the cure or long-term stability of the resin. It also produces a finer, more consistent shimmer than lower-grade alternatives.
What it contributes: Mica is what gives each piece its signature depth and luminosity. The color shifts with the light, creating a piece that looks different from every angle and in every lighting condition.
Glitter
What it is: Polyester glitter is used as a secondary colorant and sparkle element in many pieces. Polyester glitter is chemically stable, will not bleed color into the resin, and holds its appearance permanently within the cured piece.
Why polyester matters: Craft glitter made from dyed mylar or paper can bleed color into resin, especially in lighter pours. Polyester glitter is the industry standard for resin art because it is chemically inert and produces no unwanted color migration.
What it contributes: Glitter adds individual points of light and sparkle that complement the all-over shimmer of the mica base, creating a layered visual effect that catches light from multiple angles.
Additional Colorants and Additives
Depending on the piece, additional colorants and additives may be incorporated including alcohol inks for fluid art effects, foil flakes for metallic accent details, and photoluminescent glow pigment for pieces that charge and glow in the dark. Each of these is selected for compatibility with the epoxy system and for the specific visual effect it contributes. Full guides for each additive are available in the Color Choices Guide.
High-Gloss Topcoat
What it is: A UV-resistant clear topcoat applied as the final finishing layer over the fully cured and polished resin surface.
Why it matters: The topcoat adds an additional layer of protection against scratches, UV exposure, and surface wear. It also enhances the depth and clarity of the gloss finish, giving the piece that signature wet-look shine that makes epoxy resin art so visually striking.
What it contributes: The topcoat is the final layer of quality assurance on every piece. It seals the surface, protects the color and finish, and ensures the piece maintains its appearance through regular use and handling.
How the Materials Work Together
Each material in a Trayz N Beyond piece serves a specific purpose and contributes to the overall quality of the finished product. The resin and hardener form the structural foundation. The UV stabilizers protect the clarity and color over time. The mica and glitter create the visual depth and luminosity. The additives add personality and uniqueness to each piece. The topcoat seals and protects everything underneath it.
The result is a piece that is not just beautiful on the day it arrives, but durable, functional, and designed to maintain its quality for years of everyday use.
Learn More
Explore the Color Choices Guide for deep dives into each pigment and additive, or visit the Studio Tools Overview to learn about the tools behind every pour. Have a question? Contact me directly or shop all products.