UV Bubble Trick

Posted by Alumilite on Dec 18th 2024

UV Bubble Trick

 

Create a unique, textured look for your UV resin projects with this simple guide. Learn how to craft eye-catching designs, add a touch of shimmer, and enhance your work with the brilliance of mica powder—perfect for taking your resin art to the next level!

Here’s a tutorial—courtesy of Jessica Abella—to help you achieve this textured effect!


🫧 DIY: Creating a Textured Effect with Bubbles on a UV Resin Project





🪄 Instructions:


Step 1: Layering the initial resin layer
 

Start by ensuring your surface is clean and level. Apply a thin, even layer of UV resin to the area where you want the texture. This base layer acts as the foundation for the entire project, so it’s important to spread it evenly to avoid any imperfections.

Use a resin spatula, silicone tool or popsicle stick to smooth it out. Once you're satisfied, cure the resin fully under UV light before moving on to the next step, creating a stable surface for the textured effects to come.

Step 2: creating & adding bubbles
 

The magic of texture happens with bubbles! Here's how to prepare them:

  • Fill a bowl or cup with water and add a few drops of soap.
  • Agitate the water to create bubbles. You can do this by using your faucet to run water directly into the bowl or whisking the water by hand or even using a straw.
  • Once you have a good amount of bubbles, use a spoon or flat surface to skim off the top layer of bubbles.
  • Collect enough bubbles to evenly cover your uncured resin layer. You can adjust the soap and water mixture as needed for your desired bubble consistency.

After gathering your bubbles, gently lay them on top of the uncured resin. The number and size of the bubbles will determine the texture, so feel free to play with different bubble sizes by adjusting the soap concentration.

Pro Tip: Be careful to avoid scooping up any water along with the bubbles, as this can affect the texture and curing process. Try to collect only the bubbles for the best results.

Step 3: curing the resin & bubbles
 

Now it’s time to bring the texture to life. Carefully place your resin project under a UV light, ensuring the bubbles remain undisturbed on the surface of the uncured resin. As the UV light heats the resin, the bubbles will begin to pop, leaving behind subtle textured impressions that add depth to the piece.

The UV light not only helps to cure the resin fully but also helps evaporates any remaining moisture from the bubbles. Make sure the resin is completely cured before moving on, as this step is crucial for locking in the textured design without any disruptions.

 

Step 4: cleaning the surface

Once the resin has fully cured and the bubbles have popped, you’ll be left with a beautifully textured surface. To finish this step, gently clean the surface with a soft cloth, wiping away any leftover soap or water residue. Be careful as you clean to avoid disturbing or damaging the new texture.

This will ensure your project remains crisp and smooth, showcasing the unique bubble impressions you’ve created.

 

Step 5: building up the texture (optional)

If you're aiming for a more dramatic texture, simply repeat the process. Apply another thin layer of UV resin over the surface and add a fresh layer of bubbles. Cure the resin under the UV light again, allowing the bubbles to pop and create additional textured impressions. After curing, clean the surface as before.

You can repeat this layering and curing process as many times as you'd like to build up the texture and achieve the depth you desire, giving your project more dimension and visual interest.

 

Step 6: Adding MICA POWDER FOR SHIMMER

For an extra touch of elegance, use mica powder to enhance the texture created by the bubbles. After the final layer of textured resin is cured, apply a new layer of UV resin over the areas where the bubbles have left impressions. Before curing, lightly sprinkle mica powder over these textured spots.

The mica powder will settle into the grooves of the bubble texture, adding shimmer and highlighting the unique patterns. With various colors of mica powder available, you can choose the perfect hue to complement and highlight the bubble effect.


 

Step 7: final cure

To secure the mica powder, apply a thin layer of UV resin over the textured areas where you sprinkled the mica. This resin layer will lock the mica into the bubble impressions and highlight the texture. You can also play around by adding a glossy finish to some sections with a smooth layer of UV resin, which will create a nice contrast with the textured areas and add more depth to your project.

Once the resin is applied, cure the project under UV light, solidifying both the texture and the shimmer for a stunning, multidimensional final look!


 

Step 8: enjoy your final piece

Once everything is cured and set, take a moment to admire your unique, textured creation! This bubble technique can be used on a variety of surfaces, allowing you to add texture and shimmer to multiple projects. Whether it's jewelry, home decor, or art, this method opens up endless creative possibilities!


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Alumilite U.V. Resin lamp
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