Ocean Wave Resin Art Panel

Layered teal, blue, and white resin poured and heat-gun driven into dramatic wave crests — one of the most visually striking resin techniques you can learn.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 

   1

   Step 1

   Set your tray mold on a perfectly level surface in a warm room. Gather and set out four separate mixing cups before you begin — you will need clear resin, deep teal, mid-blue, and white. Have all colours of alcohol ink, the gold leaf, heat gun, and cocktail sticks within reach. Mix a full batch of resin — about 400 ml total — at a 1:1 ratio, stirring thoroughly for three minutes. Divide the mixed resin equally between the four cups, then add alcohol ink to three of them: deep teal in the first, mid-blue in the second, and enough white ink to make the third fully opaque.

2. 

   2

   Step 2

   Pour the coloured layers in parallel horizontal bands across the mold, working from back to front: deep teal at the back third of the mold, mid-blue in the centre third, and the lightest blue in the front third. Pour the clear resin over the lightest area at the very front to represent the shallow, transparent waterline. Pour slowly and carefully to keep the bands relatively distinct — they will blend somewhat at the edges, which creates a natural water effect.

3. 

   3

   Step 3

   While the resin is still fully fluid, use the heat gun to push the resin from the back of the mold toward the front in short, sharp bursts — hold the gun about 10 cm above the surface and move it in a sweeping forward motion. This drives the fluid resin forward and upward at the front, creating the characteristic wave crest shape. This technique takes some practice — work quickly before the resin starts to thicken. The wave crest should begin to build at the front edge of the coloured layers.

4. 

   4

   Step 4

   Pour small amounts of the white resin onto the wave crest areas to suggest seafoam. Use a cocktail stick to very gently blend the white into the crest edge without fully mixing it away. Sprinkle a trace of gold leaf flakes along the top of the wave crests — the gold suggests sunlight catching the breaking foam.

5. 

   5

   Step 5

   Once you are happy with the wave composition, cover the mold to keep dust off and leave to cure for a full 48 hours completely undisturbed. Even gentle vibrations during the curing window can cause the wave form to collapse back to a flat surface, so choose a location where the mold will not be disturbed.