DIY Resin Lens Display

In this post, I'll share my experience from my first attempt at making a multilayered resin lens display. I'll be sharing a step-by-step guide, as well as some useful tips and tricks I learnt along the way.

Preparation

Selecting the Case:

The first step was finding a display case that could fit each element from the lens.

The case I found needed to be adapted so that the smaller end could open, as the resin had to be poured while the case was upright. After removing the end piece, I glued the original lid in place.

Item List:

• Clear Resin: Link

• Mixing bowl

• Large bowl for heating the resin

• Funnel to avoid large drops when pouring

The resin kits should include most of the tools you'll need, such as mixing sticks, brand-specific instructions, and gloves.

Marking the Case + Resin Prep:

Once the case was ready, I marked the points where each lens element would sit, spreading them out so all the pieces would be visible.

Before starting with the resin, I filled the case with water up to the first marked line. This helped me work out how much resin I’d need for each layer, as well as the correct 2:1 ratio.

Note: If you’re familiar with resin mixing, you can skip ahead to the next section.

Mixing Resin

First Attempt:

My initial resin pour was a learning experience—an example of what not to do. I poured too quickly, which caused way too many bubbles.

I researched the three most popular methods for bubble removal:

• Letting the resin sit and pop bubbles naturally

• Warming the resin in hot water

• Applying a hairdryer

I tried all three but had limited success. The bubbles didn’t pop easily, and I ended up restarting the process.

Better Technique:

This time, I preheated the resin by placing the bottles in a bowl of hot water for a few minutes, and I poured it much more slowly. This resulted in significantly fewer bubbles.

Then, I stirred the resin thoroughly for at least three minutes. It should turn cloudy, then become clear again. Once all the streaks disappear, you'll know it's ready.

After mixing, I warmed the resin to help bubbles escape and improve clarity.

Next, I carefully poured the resin up to the first marked line on the case, taking care to avoid making bubbles. To prevent large drops, I cut a plastic folder and used it as a makeshift funnel.

The final step for the first layer was to leave it to sit for a full day to cure and dry properly before adding the next layer the following morning.

Creating the Layers

I repeated the process for each layer, being careful to avoid trapping bubbles under each element of the lens.

The second piece sank because the previous layer wasn't fully solid before I placed it in the display. To prevent this, ensure each layer is fully cured and solid before proceeding.

From then on, it was simply a matter of repeating the process until the case was full.

Final Product

The project was a good trial run, but the 2nd layer sinking did take away from the final result.

If I was to do this again, I would invest in a resin mixer, an anti-bubble machine, and a case that opens from one end to streamline the process.

Tips & Lessons Learned:

• Preheat your resin and pour slowly to reduce bubbles.

• Use proper measurements for resin and hardener.

• Be patient – allow the full 24 hours curing time between layers.

• Consider investing in tools like a mixer and bubble removal devices for better results.

Feel free to check out the full video walkthrough at the top of the page.

Thanks for reading!