Resin Art Alternatives that are Budget and Environment Friendly

Resin art is trending nowadays, and people everywhere are infatuated with this 21st-century viral craft. From coasters, keychains, to wall clocks and pendants, this trending art is everywhere. With a glass-like finish or a water-like effect, the craft’s wider appeal needs no explanation.

Edible resin art is also quite popular, as cakes are decorated and designed to mimic the glass-like effect. However, beyond this emerging trend and aesthetics, the traditional resin is harmful to the environment. So, are there any safe alternatives to go with? The answer is “Yes.”

This blog will walk you through the trending art and its natural alternatives, why it's harmful for the environment and what you should look for while making the switch.

What is Resin Art?

Resin, a sticky substance, is used to create art widely known for its glossy finish and crystal-clear depth. Have you ever noticed the bark of a tree ooze a thick, yellowish sticky substance when injured? It's resin.

These can also be sourced from animals like the insect lacca, but traditionally, none of these natural or animal-derived resins are used to create resin art. The one that is widely used to create craft is the epoxy or polymer one, both expensive and toxic.

You need PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), enough ventilation and extra care to create craft with the epoxy one. However, once dried or cured, these are no longer a threat, and neither heat, UV rays, nor chemicals can wear them out.

Why Resin Art is Trendy?

Accessories are always in fashion as people enjoy buying the latest ones, add resin to these, and you are into this modern-day trend. Epoxy resin art is long-lasting, water-resistant, and these qualities are being put to use to preserve photo memories that last a lifetime. These also function as an adhesive, and with this, you can create river tables that are both raw and classy.

Dried flowers, when mixed with epoxy, create stunning results, perfect for photo frames, jewelry and gifts. Its water-like layered effect is used to give a three-dimensional feel to lifelike aquariums. Not just a modern trend, the demand for epoxy is expected to increase from USD 14.77 billion (2025) to $20.31 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 6.6% from 2026-2030.

Is Resin Art Eco-Friendly?

Unlike biodegradable alternatives, epoxy ones are petrochemicals that are toxic until completely cured and ready for use. Burning large-scale epoxy is similar to burning fossil fuels, which results in greenhouse gas emissions that pose a major threat to the environment and human life.

Epoxy art is non-biodegradable, and if you plan to dispose of epoxy-made creations, they will inevitably end up in the landfills. So, both in the cured and uncured state, it is not good for the environment. While creating epoxy resin art, you are exposing yourself to toxic fumes, also known as VOCs.

Additionally, incinerating them further releases harmful chemicals and disposing them in landfills impacts the air and water quality negatively. When epoxy drains into the water or is released into the air, it is polluting the very source of human life.

To stop harming the environment or the flora and fauna, people prefer switching to safe alternatives that are comparatively less harmful and the best replacement against traditional polymer. Recognizing the growing demand for alternatives, manufacturers are coming up with new ideas that are ecologically safe, allowing people to create art without limitations.

Wondering about the price of an epoxy? You need to spend around US$15-30 per kg for the traditional one, while plant-based resins cost a minimal $5 per kg, making it considerably easier for you to choose this budget-friendly and eco-friendly resin for art.

Low-Cost Alternatives to Epoxy Resin Art that are Environment-Friendly

As per a study estimate by LCA, 6.64 kg CO2 eq/kg is released from resin production, especially from commercial epoxy resins, which leads to global warming. So, it's ideal for humans to curb or stop the use of these chemicals and switch to alternatives like:

Bio-based resins

Bio-based resins come from a natural source and are safe for the environment. Go for this option if you are looking forward to minimizing your carbon footprint and switching to renewable sources like biodegradable and safe alternatives.

The solvents used in bio-based products are plant-based, made from starch or oils, way better than petroleum-derived ones that are not environmentally sustainable. In contemporary times, brands are manufacturing bio-based epoxy that is in popular demand by the eco-conscious population.

Water-based resin

Water-based epoxies have water as a carrier medium or solvent, and since they have lower or no VOCs, they are relatively safe for use. Versatile and fire-resistant, these stand out as excellent eco-friendly choices for art, unlike toxic ones.

Also known as water-borne resins, regulatory demands in critical markets often target negligible to zero VOCs to ensure ecological sustainability. Parents who want their children to try this popular trend or learn a new skill can go for waterborne ones.

Environment-friendly UV-Curable Resin

UV resins take much less time for curing, making them ideal for creating crafts instantly. Expose the conventional one to UV light from a lamp or sunlight, and you can watch it harden quickly, perfect for quick projects.

Low in VOCs, these resin alternatives are beginner-friendly. Although not quite as flexible as epoxy, these are the best choices for eco-conscious creators who prefer solvent-free options.

Other Alternatives to Resin Art that are Eco-Friendly

If you completely want to opt out of epoxy resin art and are looking to create your craft that is safe by all means, you can consider going for the following options:

-        Clay

-        Sandstone

-        Ceramic

-        Wood

-        Plaster

-        Metal

Important Tips for Switching to Resin Alternatives

Affordability

Look for safe alternatives to epoxy that are both eco-friendly and affordable.

Weather-Resistant

Epoxy is weather-resistant, so make sure the alternative fulfils this criterion.

Biodegradable

Go for alternatives that are recyclable, compostable and chemically inert.

Reduces carbon footprint

Choose bio-based binders rather than petroleum-based ones.

Low Toxicity

Go for the product with low VOCs that requires minimal PPE.

User-friendly Curing

Avoid high heat or complicated catalysts to speed up the curing process.

Bottom Line

Epoxy resin art is a visual treat and perfect for creating crafts that last a lifetime. However, it's not ecologically safe, which is making people go for green alternatives that promise low to zero negative consequences.

Bio-based, water-based and UV curable resins are some options that a creator can choose to create the trending art. Creators willing to make craft that promises absolute safety are free to consider other options.

Lastly, the essential tips for switching to safe alternatives offer a checklist of criteria to consider before you buy your resin art alternatives, aka eco-resins.