What can you use as a resin mould?
Are you wondering what you can use as a resin mould? Maybe looking to create something unique and off the shelf?
You can use many different things as resin molds, depending on the type of resin, your project, and whether you’re using UV or epoxy resin.
✅ Common Materials You Can Use as Resin Molds
| Mold Type | Description | Works With | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone molds | Most popular. Flexible and non-stick. | UV & Epoxy | Best for reuse. Great detail. |
| Plastic containers | Hard plastic trays, boxes, or blister packs. | Epoxy (not UV) | Needs release agent. Must be flexible to demold. |
| 3D printed molds | Made from resin or filament. | Epoxy mostly | Needs to be sealed and smooth. |
| Household items | Bottle caps, ice trays, food molds. | Epoxy | Must check material compatibility. |
| Metal molds | Like baking molds. | Epoxy | Needs mold release. Not flexible—hard to demold. |
| DIY molds (hot glue, tape walls, etc.) | Create custom shapes | Epoxy | Seal all seams to prevent leaks. |
| Clay molds | Pressed-in shapes. | Epoxy | Seal the clay or use release spray. |
| Acrylic sheet boxes | Built from laser-cut sheets | Epoxy | Needs sealing at joints. Ideal for deep pours. |
❌ What NOT to Use for Molds
| Material | Why Not |
|---|---|
| Paper or cardboard | Absorbs resin and leaks |
| Bare wood | Absorbs resin unless sealed |
| Porous ceramics | Resin sticks or soaks in |
| Soft plastic (like food wrap) | Warps and sticks badly |
| Glass (unless using as a base) | Resin sticks permanently without release agent |
🧪 Tip by Resin Type:
- UV Resin: Use transparent silicone molds so UV light can pass through.
- Epoxy Resin: Any sealed, non-porous mold works—opaque is fine.
See our blog on ‘how to make your own resin moulds‘.
