Setting Up a Small Resin Production Workflow for UK Makers

Scale Smart: Established a small resin production workflow to support UK Makers.

At the beginning of using epoxy resin, it is not very difficult to make several coasters or keychains. However, as your hobby begins to sell, be it through Etsy or Instagram or craft fairs, there must be an upgrade in your procedure. To become a small scale production, not simply larger batches are needed. You require quality that is consistent, safe packaging, and a stable workflow that can save time and minimise wastage.

This is how to construct a resin production system to make smart and efficient that assists you to expand your artistic enterprise in a safe and effective way right here in the UK.

Why Scaling Matters

Initially, it is alright to mix small batches manually. However, as you begin to meet regular orders or you are interested in selling on a wholesale basis, inconsistency becomes costly. Lack of evenness during the curing process, bubbles or color irregularity may translate to time and profit loss.

A professional workflow is a guarantee that:

• Consistency: Batch appearance and curing are identical.
• Effectiveness: You use fewer resins, fewer pigments and less time.
• Professionalism: You are set to deliver to the customer expectations and expand at will.

Materials Planning & Batching.

The production of resin is planned. Decide the number of items that you can produce at a time, depending on the amount of resin and their moulds or project size.

Quick batching tips:

• In the case of a medium to large run, use a Res-iT Epoxy Resin 4 L Pro Kit or 2 L Pro Kit. The 4 L kit is recommended to be used in deep-pour tables or a series of artworks.
• Label each batch (e.g., Batch #3 - 15 Nov 2025) in order to trace quality and materials.
• Predictable results are achieved by placing store hardener and resin in an adiabatic space between 20-25 °C.
• Store pigments in little airtight containers; you will save time as you will revisit pigment-color recipes.

Pro tip: To monitor the usage of resin, batch numbers, and costs per project, make a simple spreadsheet table. It will assist you to price the products correctly in future.

Mixing Standardisation and Workflow Standardisation.

One of the largest scaling errors is non-uniform mixing. Undoing guess-work when you standardise your workflow.

Establ your SOP (Standard Operating Procedure):

• Measure accurately, do not use eyeballing.
• Combine with at least 3-5 minutes of scraping.
• Before pouring your mixture rest it a minute in order to allow bubbles to come up.
• Label and date every batch cup to be aware of pot life and progress in curing.

The predictable approach will allow reducing the number of failed pieces and save resin in the long term.

Checklist Quality Control (QC) Checklist

You can design a basic QC routine before scaling to detect the issues at an early stage.

Your QC checklist:

• Visual inspection: No milky streaks, bubbles and uneven color.
• Tack test: after cure time, the surface must be dry and firm.
• Cure consistency: Entries of curing conditions (temp, humidity).
• Note book: Make note - Uppercase 5 slightly mushy at 18°C to be referred to later.

With time, these notes assist you in improving in your process and minimise returns.

UK Buyer Packaging and Shipping.

Resin art When shipping resin art, presentation and safety is important. Your hard work can be destroyed by a sloppy package.

UK packaging essentials:

• Wrap every piece in a bubble wrap or an environmentally friendly material.
• Put the products in hard boxes with weak tags.
• In the case of coasters, trays or jewellery, attach branded cards with instructions on how to keep them safe.
• Select courier of delicate or crafted items: Evri, Royal Mail Tracked 24, or DPD Local.
• Do not ship uncured resin or containers that are open; never ignore local regulations on hazardous materials.

Professional packaging is also a good impression and will lead to repurchase.

Legal & Compliance Basics (UK)

However, even a small maker, selling in the UK, must have a number of responsibilities:

• Label products appropriately - comment on materials, allergens (with wood + resin products), and care.
• Care should be taken not to make false claims that your resin or topcoat is food-safe unless it is certified.
• The first one is basic insurance (public and product liability). It is cheap and necessary to sell outdoors or online.
• Maintain proper records to HMRC in case you are making steady income.

This may sound as administration, but this becomes credible and trustful to your buyers.

Scaling Operations Management and Time Management.

With an increase in orders, one can easily burn out. Design systems which ensure sustainability in production.

Tips for scaling smart:

• Pour similar items in batches, e.g. 10 coasters during 1 session.
• Prepare custom color sets with Res-iT Mica Pigment Kits.
• Clear vs coloured resin tools are to be dedicated to prevent contamination.
• A small resin heater or dehumidifier is worth investing in to ensure the same curing conditions.
• Automate your process; Time your mixing, curing, and demoulding.
• You may even have an assistant that is trained to prepare materials or do some finishing work when you have an SOP.

Product Differentiation: Add-On Sales and Premiums.

Scaling is not only about the volume, but also about value. Provide some higher-end or customised products to increase your average sales price.

Ideas include:

• Finishes on metal with the Res-iT Mica Powder Kit.
• Resin art engraved bases made of wood.
• Premixed pigment ratios of custom color collections.
• Packaging of gifts using branded labels.

These minor improvements bring in profit with little additional time.

Sustainability & Waste Minimization.

Waste increases with increase in production. You can stay eco-friendly by:

• Putting unused resin to mini-projects or tester samples.
• Using previously washed mixing cups and silicone moulds.
• Donating or selling imperfect items or seconds other than discarding them.
• Gently disposed of resin cured waste in regular garbage and recycled containers.

It is environmentally friendly and brand image.

Conclusion: Nurture with Courage.

One of the reasons as to why turning resin art into a small business is not a one time lucky thing but a system. Once you have the skill to batch, quality control and package, you will have less time to correct accidents and more time to produce and sell.

Pro Kits and Mica Pigments by Epoxy Res-iT are built to allow makers willing to take that next step, are reliable, easy to scale and clear. Using the appropriate workflow, it is possible to transition to small-scale production with confidence and achieve the look and performance of a professional studio.