How to Make Epoxy Resin Ocean Art With Waves

In this instructable, I show you everything you need to know about how to make ocean resin art on wood using various woodworking and epoxy resin art techniques.

There are several things which are difficult to fully explain with words and images, so be sure to check out the video tutorial.

Supplies

These are the materials and tools I used for this project.

Finish Applicator Pad

Polishing Abrasive Pad

Leveler

French Cleat Wall Hanger

Drill

Drill Mixing Bit

Step 1: Make an Epoxy Mold

I used 2 pieces of reclaimed cypress wood for this project. However, any type of wood will work. I recommend using wood 3/4” to 1” thick.

The dimensions of this large resin wood art are 60″ x 36″ x 1.25″ (L x W x Thickness). I added 2″ to the length and width to determine the size needed for the bottom piece of the resin mold. Essentially, the additional 2″ allows enough room to attach the sides and ends to enclose the tub.

I cut a piece of 3/4″ MDF (plywood works as well) to 62″ x 38″. Then, I covered the bottom piece of 3/4″ MDF with tuck tape.

Next, I cut the sides and ends. The sides were 62″ x 1.5″ and the ends were 36.5″ x 1.5″. The sides and ends need to be slightly taller than the wood.

I secured the sides and ends with screws from the bottom. I covered the sides with sheathing tape to seal the epoxy mold.

I applied a line of silicone down the length of each piece of wood and positioned them in the mold. The silicone keeps the wood secured in place and prevents epoxy from leaking to the other side.

Step 2: Mix Epoxy Resin

Most deep pour epoxy requires a 2:1 mixing ratio.

In other words, 2 parts epoxy (Part A) to 1 part hardener (Part B).

I like to use 3 mixing containers b/c it helps prevent silly mistakes.

So, I use the first container for part A and the second container for part B. Next, I pour the first and second containers into the third container. I use a drill with a mixing bit to thoroughly mix deep pour epoxy.

Normally, the epoxy turns cloudy when mixing and turns to clear once mixed.

Since I plan to mix 2 colors, I poured a small amount of the epoxy resin in a small container.

Step 3: Add Color (Pigment or Dye)

This step involves a bit of artistic feel. There is no right or wrong way to blend colors - as long as you don’t add too much color at once.

First, I added translucent blue dye to the large container. I mixed the material and added more dye until I achieved the shade of blue I wanted.

Then, I added green pigment powder to the second container. I decided the green needed a blue tint, so I added a small amount of blue pigment powder.

Step 4: 1st Epoxy Pour

My son and I poured both containers in the resin mold at the same time.

Also, this pour filled .75″ of the total 1.25″. I should mention the greenish/blue epoxy represents the ocean water near the beach. The blue water represents deep ocean water.

The blue epoxy will take up a larger part of the ocean themed wall art than the green.

Since this wood contained many imperfections. I filled wood voids with epoxy to strengthen the wood and add character to the piece.

Finally, I used my heat gun to blend the blue and green epoxy.

Step 5: 2nd Epoxy Pour

After the first pour partially dried for roughly 48 hours, I started the second pour for this ocean resin wood art.

I used better boat table top epoxy for this pour and the subsequent final resin pour. Table top epoxy worked well for these pours as it only required shallow pours of 1/4″. Also, table top epoxy cures quickly.

I poured clear epoxy over the green on the beach side of the ocean resin wood art. Next, I poured blue resin on the other side of the ocean art.

I made the blue a bit darker than the first pour.As a side note, wood and resin art is forgiving.

In turn, feel free to make adjustments and follow your artistic instincts. Then, I used my heat gun to move the resin and remove air bubbles.

Step 6: Make Resin Waves

Immediately after the second epoxy pour, I mixed a small amount of epoxy with white dye to make resin ocean waves.

Next, I spread the epoxy with white dye using a mixing stick near the beach side and on top of the wood voids I filled with epoxy.

Also, I spread the white epoxy in the middle and the ocean side of the resin seascape. Then, I used my heat gun to create resin ocean waves. I simply moved the resin with the heat gun until it spread out.

As a quick tip, don’t move the white resin waves too much as it will blend with the blue.

Step 7: Resin Cells and Lacing Effects

To create resin cells and the resin lacing effect, apply heat with a heat gun or torch. I find a torch works better to create resin cells while the heat gun works best to create the resin lacing effect. Most importantly, leave the resin alone afterwards to allow it to do its magic.

For a more dramatic effect, I added a very small amount of isopropyl alcohol to the white epoxy. By adding alcohol to the white epoxy, I created a more dramatic wave effect with more resin cells and lacing.

Step 8: Final Pour

I proceeded with the final epoxy pour following the same procedure as the second pour.

As you can see, I decided to use a lot of blue dye to get a dark blue color. I poured the translucent blue resin on the deep side of the resin wood ocean art.

Then, I loosened the resin with a heat gun to allow it to spread across the surface easier. Once the blue resin covered roughly 75% of the surface, I mixed and poured a small amount of greenish blue resin near the beach side.

Step 9: 3D Ocean Waves

You may be wondering why I created resin waves in the second layer and covered them with the third layer.

Well, I use multiple epoxy resin layers to create a 3D effect. I followed the same procedure to create resin ocean waves as in the previous step with an additional ingredient.

I used my heat gun to move the white resin on the wood to simulate crashing waves on the shore. By using various resin art techniques when working with resin, I create unique resin effects.

Step 10: Sanding

I use a tried and true technique to sand resin and wood surfaces. First, I use a Festool RO125 with a vacuum and set the sander to rotary mode. I use the following grits: 120, 150, 180, 220, 320, 400.

I keep the sandpaper clean by blowing off the resin build up. Ultimately, this is the key to sanding resin like a pro. For additional tips, visit this detailed resin and wood sanding tutorial.

Step 11: Cut to Size

I cut roughly 1/2″ off each end with my track saw. You don’t need to trim the ends if you don’t feel it is necessary.

Remember, this is a piece of wall art which means anything goes. It doesn’t need to be perfect.

Step 12: Apply Finish

I like to finish resin and wood surfaces with Odies Oil. Odie’s oil is a hardwax oil and works very well on both epoxy resin and wood surfaces.

First, I applied Odies Oil by hand with an applicator pad.

Next, I used a terry towel to wipe off the excess. Then, I used my rotary sander with a polishing abrasive pad to work the remaining oil into the surface and remove the final excess.

Finally, I let it sit for 48 hours.

Step 13: Hang on Wall With French Cleat

As a final step, I centered and attached a french cleat wall hanger to the top of the ocean resin wood art. I attached a wood spacer at the bottom the same thickness as the french cleat.

This will allow the ocean resin wood art to sit flush on the wall.