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DIY Epoxy Resin Shelf

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Instructions

Prepare the Deep Pour Epoxy

  • For the first pour (1 shelf piece and one side piece), mix 3 total ounces of epoxy (2 oz of Side A and 1 oz of Side B.) Stir for 3 minutes, checking that the mixture is clear and no longer cloudy. Then stir 2 additional minutes.
    mix alumilite epoxy
  • Distribute the epoxy into small mixing cups and add colorants. Start with 2-3 drops of alcohol ink, and a very small scoop of mica powder or glitter. Between the 3 different shelves I poured, I used mica powder, glitter, and alcohol ink.
    alcohol ink in resin
  • Alternate colors in the shelf mold, and make sure to fill to the top - there are tabs that will stick into the side pieces later.
    resin shelf mold
  • For the side pieces, I left the resin clear and colorless and just added some of the large Chameleon glitter in Blue/Green.
    chunky glitter in resin
  • After 2-3 days, check the pieces to see if they're ready to demold. If the resin is still bendable, it's not ready. If it has just a little bit of flex, you can remove it from the mold and let it continue to cure until it's completely hardened.
  • After demolding, start the second pour. It will be a 2nd side piece and a 2nd shelf. I made the two sides match, but each shelf is a different combination of colorants. Repeat the curing and demolding, and then make the last shelf.
  • Once all of the shelf components have fully cured, use an Industrial Strength Adhesive to keep all the shelves in place. You just need a bit on each end of a shelf, then the little ledge goes into the slot of the side piece. For best results, work with the whole shelf stand on its side, so you're basically working with a "bottom" and a "top."
    assemble resin shelf
  • Once all the pieces are glued into place, clamp them down with some kind of clip or clamp. These bag clips worked great for me. This will keep everything in place while the glue hardens.
    clamp resin shelves onto the shelf stand
  • After a few hours, remove the clips and load up the shelves with nail polish, or your new collection of Color Creator powders and inks!
    alcohol ink display shelf

Notes

For longer silicone molds with deeper pours, the silicone might not be sturdy enough to support the weight of the epoxy. To fix this, place some straight edges along the mold to hold it in place as it cures.