How to Make a Custom Keyring with Your First Resin Kit

Making your own keyring at home can be fun and relaxing and it’s even better when you use Bio Casting Epoxy Resin – Fast Set from AMC Supplies. This plant-based resin is perfect for small craft projects like keyrings, jewellery, and other decorations. It’s solvent-free, water clear, UV stable and cures quickly, so you don’t have to wait too long to enjoy your creation!

This guide provides step-by-step instructions so you’ll have an idea of what you’re doing, even if it’s your first time working with resin, you’ll feel confident making a keyring you’ll be proud of.

What You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather these items:

• Bio Casting Epoxy Resin – Fast Set (with hardener)
• A silicone mould (any small shape you like)
• Pigments (optional – you can use colours or mica powders for shimmer)
• Measuring cups or a small beaker
• Mixing sticks
• Gloves (latex or nitrile – to keep your hands clean)
• Rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth (for cleaning the mould)
• Keyring parts (a jump ring and keyring loop)
• Flat-nose pliers
• A mini drill or eye screw (for making a hole)

Step 1: Set Up Your Workspace

Before starting, it is necessary to find a clean, well-ventilated space to work. Resin is sticky and messy, so protect your work surface by covering it with painter’s plastic or put down some old newspaper.

Make sure your mould is clean and dry. If there is any dust or dirt in the mould, then it may show up in your finished keyring. You can clean your mould using rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth.

Put on your gloves to protect your hands, and lay out everything that you will need to make your keyring, so that it is easy to reach. 

Step 2: Mix the Resin

Now it’s time to mix your Bio Casting Epoxy Resin – Fast Set. This resin needs to be mixed in the right amount to work properly.

Here’s how:

• Mix 50 parts hardener to 100 parts resin by volume, or 43 parts hardener to 100 parts resin by weight.
• Use scales to measure them or use measuring cups.
• Mix both parts in a mixing cup and stir it slowly, 3 to 5 minutes.

Make sure you mix well, no streaks should be visible.

Tip: Stir slowly to avoid bubbles. If you do get bubbles, many will disappear on their own.

Step 3: Add Colour (Optional)

If you want your keyring to have colour or sparkle, now is the time to add pigment.

You can choose:

• Opaque pigments – Solid, bright colours.
• Translucent pigment –  Adds colour but lets light through.
• Mica powder – Gives a shiny, metallic appearance. 

Start with a small amount and mix it in; you can always add more if the colour is too subtle.

Step 4: Pour the Resin into the Mould

Once your resin is ready and you’ve added colour, you’re ready to pour.

• Carefully add the resin to your mould. Make sure that it does not overflow, so do not fill it too quickly.
• Feel free to put in some small details in it as well, such as glitter or dried flowers, if you wish to.

Some people pour in half the resin first, add their items, then pour in the other half. After you’ve poured the resin, gently tap the mould on the table to help any bubbles rise to the top and pop.

Step 5: Let the Resin Cure

Now comes the hardest part – waiting!

• It takes a minimum of 24 hours, sometimes up to 72 hours depending on room temperature and humidity for your resin piece to cure/harden.
• Try not to move or touch the mould while it’s curing.

Tip: The ideal temperature for curing falls between 21°C–27°C. Too cold or too much heat can affect the final result. 

Step 6: Remove from Mould

Once the resin has cured completely, it’s time to remove your keyring from the mould. 

• Begin by carefully bending the mould so as to make the resin piece pop out of the mould. If it doesn’t come out easily, you can wait a little longer. 
• Your piece should be hard and smooth! 

Step 7: Drill a Hole

You will need to drill a small hole where the jump ring will attach in order to turn your resin piece into a keyring. There are two ways to create the hole. You can use a small drill and make a hole, carefully, near the top and you can also use an eye screw and manually twist the screw into the resin. Take your time and make sure the hole is centered.

Step 8: Attach the Keyring Ring

Now that you’ve made the hole, it’s time to connect the keyring parts.

1. Open a jump ring with your flat-nose pliers.
2. Slide it through the hole in the resin piece.
3. Insert the key ring and then tighten the jump ring.

And there you have it… Your own resin keyring.

Step 9: Cleaning and Polishing (Optional)

If you notice any rough spots you can gently smooth them with fine sandpaper. If your piece appears a little dull, wipe it down with a little resin polish or baby oil with a soft cloth to restore the shine.

Step 10: The Best Part! 

You made your first custom resin keyring. You can now use your keyring, give it to a friend, or make more in different colours and shapes.

Extra Tips for Beginners

• Do not be in a hurry: You will end up making mistakes.
• Adhere to the safety guidelines: You must wear gloves and you should work in a well-ventilated area.
• Practice makes perfect: If your first piece isn’t perfect, that’s ok! You will improve every time you make something.

Ready for More?

As soon as you know the trick with the keyrings, you can create earrings, pendants, magnets, or even mini decorations using your Bio Casting Epoxy Resin – Fast Set. There are no limits, you just need a bit of creativity and practice. And your resin art adventure has only just begun and it all starts with one custom keyring.

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