Resin Mixing Cups and Sticks Guide
Why Mixing Tools Matter in Resin Art
Epoxy resin is a two-part system. Part A is the resin and Part B is the hardener. These two components must be combined in a precise ratio and mixed thoroughly before the chemical reaction that causes curing can begin properly. The tools you use to measure and mix directly affect the quality of your finished piece. Using the wrong cups, measuring inaccurately, or mixing improperly are the most common causes of resin that does not cure, stays tacky, or develops cloudiness.
Mixing Cups
Graduated Plastic Cups
Graduated mixing cups have measurement markings printed on the side that allow you to measure Part A and Part B by volume without a scale. They are the most common mixing vessel for resin art and work well for most pours. Look for cups with clear, accurate markings and a wide enough base to allow thorough mixing without spilling.
Plastic mixing cups are typically single-use since cured resin cannot be removed from most plastics. However, silicone cups are reusable because cured resin peels cleanly off silicone once fully hardened.
Silicone Mixing Cups
Silicone cups are flexible, reusable, and easy to clean. Once your resin cures inside a silicone cup, you can simply flex the cup and the cured resin pops out cleanly. This makes them a more sustainable and cost-effective option for artists who pour frequently. They are also heat-resistant, which is useful since resin generates heat as it cures.
Measuring by Weight vs Volume
Most epoxy resins are measured by volume, meaning equal parts or a specific ratio by liquid measurement. Some resins are measured by weight using a digital scale. Always check your specific resin brand's instructions before measuring. Using the wrong method can throw off your ratio and result in an improper cure. A digital scale accurate to 0.1 grams is the most precise measuring method and is recommended for small or detailed pours.
Mixing Sticks
Wooden Craft Sticks
Wooden craft sticks, also called popsicle sticks or tongue depressors, are the most common mixing tool for resin. They are inexpensive, widely available, and disposable. They work well for most pours but can introduce small wood fibers into the resin if they splinter, so inspect them before use and discard any that show signs of splintering.
Silicone Stir Sticks
Silicone stir sticks are reusable and easy to clean. Cured resin peels off silicone cleanly, making them a durable long-term tool. They are also flexible, which allows you to scrape the sides and bottom of your mixing cup more effectively than a rigid stick.
Metal Palette Knives
Metal palette knives are excellent for mixing resin because they are rigid, easy to clean, and allow you to scrape every surface of the mixing cup thoroughly. They are especially useful for mixing thick or heavily pigmented resin where a thorough scrape of the cup walls is important.
Mixing Technique
Proper mixing technique is just as important as the tools you use. Stir slowly and deliberately rather than fast and aggressively. Fast mixing introduces air bubbles that can be difficult to remove later. Scrape the sides and bottom of the cup regularly throughout the mixing process to ensure no unmixed resin or hardener remains.
Mix for the full time recommended by your resin brand, typically 3 to 5 minutes for most epoxy systems. Undermixing is one of the most common causes of soft spots, tacky areas, and incomplete cures in finished pieces.
After mixing, let the resin sit for 1 to 2 minutes before pouring. This allows some of the air bubbles introduced during mixing to rise and pop on their own before the resin goes into the mold.
Cleaning and Disposal
Never pour uncured liquid resin down the drain. Allow any leftover resin in your mixing cup to cure fully before disposing of it in the trash. Cured resin is inert and safe for landfill disposal. Clean reusable tools with isopropyl alcohol before the resin cures for easiest cleanup.
Learn More
Mixing cups and sticks are just one part of a well-equipped resin studio. Explore the Studio Tools Overview for guides on all the tools I use. Have a question? Contact me directly or shop all products.