7 Different Ways to Finish the Edges of Resin Coated Artwork

Before you begin coating your artwork with epoxy resin, you need to decide how you are going to finish your epoxy resin edges. You will want to decide this ahead of time since it will change the steps you follow, the tools you need, and the amount of resin you pour.

It’s important to remember there are no wrong answers. Each technique will result in a different look. It’s just a matter of deciding which one works best for you!

💡 Read our Step by Step Guide: How to Coat Paintings With Epoxy Resin. Whether you’re new to epoxy resin, need a refresher, or have years of experience, you’ll find detailed instructions, including artist tips and safety advice.

There are many options for finishing the edges of resin-coated artwork that will leave you with a unique final product. In this post, we’ll dig into each of the ways you can finish the edges of epoxy resin artwork.

Create a Tape Dam
Dome Resin
Sand and Paint
Trim Edges
Pour Over Edges
Rub in Edges
Use a Frame

Materials Needed to Coat in Epoxy Resin

Painting or art piece
Art 'N Glow Epoxy Resin Kit
3 cups or bowls for mixing
Utensil for mixing
Gloves
Protective eyewear
A level
A torch (artist or kitchen)

1. Create a Tape Dam

Extra materials needed:

Tape

If you want a thick layer of resin on a project, create a barrier (dam) around the edges with strong, durable tape, such as duct table or painters tape. Press the tape around the entire project. The tape should stick up at least a half-inch.

🎨 Pro Tip: One continuous piece of tape may be difficult to achieve, but aim for as few seams as possible.

Don’t wait too long before removing the tape. If the resin completely hardens, it will be difficult to remove. For the least hassle, it is best to remove the tape no more than 24 hours after pouring. Check on your resin to see if you can pull the tape off sooner. You want the resin to be set, but still flexible so that the tape pulls off easily.

2. Dome Resin

Doming the edges of your project doesn’t require extra materials, but it does take some patience. To dome your epoxy resin, you will need to make sure the resin you are using is thick, as resins that have a higher surface tension, or higher viscosity values, are ideal for doming. A thin resin can easily drip over the sides of your artwork.

Before pouring your resin, ensure the surface is completely level. (Use a level to make sure.) Otherwise, your resin will slip over the side of your piece and end up on the floor. Pour your resin onto the center of your piece. Gently brush the resin to the edges of your artwork being very careful that it does not drip over the edge. It is best to push to one edge at a time. The resin will form a dome near all of the edges if you are precise as you spread it.

🎨 Pro Tip: Self-leveling resins are not ideal for doming, but it is still possible with viscous products. Art 'N Glow’s Clear Casting and Coating Epoxy Resin will dome due to its higher viscosity level of 2600 cps.

3. Sand and Paint

Extra materials needed:

Paint and paintbrush
Sandpaper (80-200 grit for shaping) OR power sander

Sanding resin art takes more effort, but it will yield a smooth, clean edge.

After letting the resin run down the sides of your artwork, and letting it cure for 24 hours at the bare minimum, use sandpaper (80-200 grit) or a power sander to smooth out the edges of your artwork. Once each side is smooth, you may paint them the color of your choosing.

🎨 Pro Tip: Painting the edges black will give your artwork a finished look.

4. Trim Edges

Extra materials needed:

Table saw
Sandpaper (80-200 grit for shaping) OR power sander
Paint (optional)
A platform to raise artwork OR Tape

If you're using wood instead of canvas for your artwork, trimming the edges with a table saw will give it a clean, professional look. A table saw will cut cleanly through the resin, your artwork, and the wooden support.

You have two different options to set up this type of edge. You can tape the edges so that the resin doesn’t pour over (see the description under #1 Create a Tape Dam). Alternatively, you can raise your artwork and not worry if some of the resin spills over. Try not to waste too much, but don’t worry about some spilling over since you will be cutting the edge off anyway.

After the resin is fully cured, 48-72 hours, secure it to a wooden support so that you can use a table saw to cut through your artwork and the wooden support. Repeat this for each side. Once you trim the edges, you can paint them any color or leave them exposed so that you see the finished edge of the wood.

⚠️ Caution: If you’re unfamiliar with using a table saw or power sander, speak to a friend who is, or a professional at your local hardware store.

5. Pour Over Edges

Extra materials needed:

A platform to raise artwork
Extra epoxy resin and hardener

Pouring over the edges can leave you with a clean, cohesive look if done correctly. Make sure your artwork is sitting on a raised platform above your table or work area. As you spread your resin, allow it to pour over the edges of your artwork, so that the sides of your piece are coated just like the surface.

Break the surface tension by going over the edges with resin using a brush or an epoxy spreading tool. This will prevent the epoxy from dripping over the edges in uneven lines. With this technique, every corner and edge of your art piece will have a glossy, polished finish.

🎨 Pro Tip: Before you begin, make sure you have plenty of epoxy resin mixed since you will need enough to pour over the edges of your work.

6. Rub in Edges

Extra materials needed:

A platform to raise artwork
Tape for the underside

Rubbing resin into the edges is a simple technique and a great solution if you accidentally let resin slip over the edge of your work. Make sure your artwork is sitting on a raised platform above your table or work area.

🎨 Pro Tip: Tape the underside of your project so that any resin dripping over the edge pools on the tape. This will save you time during your clean up since when you pull away the tape at the end you will take the excess resin with it.

Let a small amount of resin run over the edges of your artwork as you pour it. Once all of your resin is poured, use a gloved hand or epoxy spreading tool to smooth out the resin and rub it into the sides of your project. Continue smoothing every few minutes for a more polished look.

This technique is a bit messier than the others, and won’t leave your artwork looking as professional, but if you don’t mind something that’s a little rough around the edges, this is certainly the path of least resistance.

⚠️ Caution: Make sure you raise your artwork above the surface you are working on; if you do not, the resin will glue your artwork down.

7. Use a Frame

Extra materials needed:

A frame measured to fit the artwork

We saved the simplest technique for the last.

Just buy a frame! You don’t need to worry about trimming or finishing the edges of your artwork if they will be surrounded by a complementary frame. If you are unfamiliar with using resin or make a mistake along the way, a frame is a clean and effective solution. It’s also the classic way to finish a piece of art.

🎨 Pro Tip: Use a frame without glass if you want to see the shiny texture of the resin.

Additional Epoxy Resin Tips

Ensure your workspace is dust and dirt free.
Pour epoxy resin at 72°F-78°F (22°C-26°C).
Pop any persistent bubbles with an artist’s torch or heat gun.
Allow your project to harden for at least 72 hours before placing objects on it or hanging it on your wall.

Try Our Resin!

We recommend our Clear Casting and Coating Epoxy Resin. It’s great for use indoors and contains no VOCs. Our resin is self-leveling, self-degassing, low odor, resistant to yellowing from UV exposure, and is American made.