Resin vs Varnish | Best coating for dot art and rocks | Getting that shine on rocks!

Resin or Varnish? It always seems to depend on who you ask. In this video I'm going to let you decide which is best. I think there's a time and a place for both... I decided to test out the varnish to see if I could get that brilliant shine on my rocks like I do with Art Resin! I used Liquitex Gloss Varnish and Art Resin and let them go head to head to see the victor! You decide! I hope you enjoy this quick video with long lasting results. See my Resin Wow Video for a deeper look into how I apply the Resin and get shiny rocks! Let me know what you think! I'm not an expert... these are merely the results I've personally gotten.
Don't forget you can slow down the video to watch those mandalas too. They turned out pretty cute. Maybe they can be BFF rocks? We shall see. I was just trying all the colors out and trying to make them the same. That's hard to do with Mandalas! LOL, enjoy :)
If you like videos like these consider subscribing. I put out a new video every Sunday and recently I started a new series on Kindness rocks that I put out every other Wednesday. I hope you enjoy!
🔎 Supplies used:
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⚠ DISCLAIMER:
I may earn commissions for purchases made through the links below. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Art Resin on Amazon 👉🏻 amzn.to/3JLs3Rh
Liquitex Varnish on Amazon 👉🏻 amzn.to/402YjEB
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Look for more supplies on my website www.jadelrocks.com
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Hope to see you guys all real soon... comment below on which you prefer! Rock on!

[@Highmtn52]

I thought this was great!! Thank you! I always sign/seal the BACK of my rocks first just to get that step out of the way! I may start using resin during the nicer months (so I can do it on my porch) and continue with brush varnish during the winter months when I'm doing this IN my bathroom with the ceiling fan on. I have asthma so I try to be careful with fumes.

[@JaDeLRocks]

Awesome idea! I also use both. I'm really glad you like the video. May you have nothing but the shiniest of rocks :)

[@dcinkc58]

This video just popped up in my sidebar to watch. I must have missed it earlier! I just bought some Liquitex high gloss varnish to try out, especially as touch up for resin accidents that come from newly coated rocks touching each other in the drying process causing viewable splotches, I filed off the resin splotches, touched up with black paint and then varnished over the spots. Worked great! Next, I will varnish the bottom of a rock and then resin only the top and sides to see how that looks.

[@JaDeLRocks]

Awesome! I sure hope that works for you. Just try it on a least than favorite rock first. When I first made the switch from varnish to resin I had this idea... I thought I'd just resin over the varnish and spruce up the varnished rocks to make them as shiny as the resin ones. I might be remembering wrong but it seems like I had a hard time get the the resin to stick to the varnish. It separated over the varnish like water on an oiled surface. So I have no idea what will happen around the sides where the varnish meets resin. I was a resin newb back then so hopefully I'm wrong. It's worth a shot for sure... I was using regular varnish then not high gloss so it could all be different. That high gloss varnish is the bomb though, Diane... Here's a video where I used it! I got some serious shine out it! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmLTqX98hdifpbc

[@justine9980]

Thanks for sharing, I should use my resin more often.

[@JaDeLRocks]

I was just thinking yesterday about how I was so worried about the cost of resin. In the past 15 months I’ve only ordered it twice and I still have about half of my last order left. I’ve made 100s of rocks. The process has even become 2nd nature. It’s weird how things just get easier over time. What do you use?

[@darlenemikkola135]

This is an excellent video. I just found you on KZbin and I'm so impressed on the work you put into your video. I definitely subscribed and can't wait to have time to watch more of your videos. I love the look of resin and that it goes a long way, but that is also a downfall for me because I don't get to paint as often as I want to, so it takes me quite a while to get enough painted to make it worth doing a batch of resin. The varnish isn't as "WOW" to me as the resin, but it's readily available without having to get a bunch painted first. Thanks for all the time and effort you took to share this video!!

[@JaDeLRocks]

I’m sooooo happy you’re here!!!! I have learned a tiny trick with resin. You can absolutely mix up as little as you want. As long as the parts are even. I’ve found that 1 teaspoon of each mixed together will coat at least 2-3 rocks depending on size. Now if I want to just coat one rock I do that and the leftovers I put on unpainted rocks or black rocks so that I can do my doodles... I’m obsessed with that at the moment, lol. Oh I hope ya stick around. I do a video each Sunday and show it all for better or worse 😂😂😂. I also do a kindness rock every other Wednesday. Good luck ♥️♥️♥️

[@darlenemikkola135]

@@JaDeLRocks that is a great tip!! Thank you!! I will definitely be sticking around😊!

[@JaDeLRocks]

Awesome 🤗

[@tracyshudo9972]

Yes Resin looks better but if you have mobility issues like me the varnish looks easier. We are not seeing the time it takes to mix resin and need to use up all when mixed. But bless you for all you teach us.

[@JaDeLRocks]

Here's my video on Resin... kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3KWpWiDgLuUaKM I find that Resin is actually easier because you can do the whole rock at one time. With varnish I have to do several coats on each side without causing runs. The resin can be mixed in tiny batches... even just a teaspoon of each in the mix. Any time I have extra I always have a few bumpy rocks on standby. LOL, I resin them for smooth painting later. I very rarely have extra though. I think you start to learn how much does what. Resin takes me about 6 minutes in total... then I walk away for 24 hours. Varnish takes constant care to get the shine. Now... If you just want to seal the rock and protect it. A couple of coats of varnish will do the job easy peasy. So, I guess it's all about what your goal is. For me? I'm looking for that shine. LOL, I'm so immature... I just like shiny things. haahhahaha! I started with varnish and made gorgeous rocks. I never thought twice about it until I tried resin. I was hooked. I'm so glad you're commenting on these videos. If you need anything at all let me know. I've tried a lot of them out there. I do think that Liquitex High Gloss Varnish is the best one I've tried. Art Resin is the best Resin I've tried.

[@dleigh4534]

Not only do i like the music but your editing skills are amazing and fun 😊

[@JaDeLRocks]

Awww, Thank you ♥️ I get negative comments about the music. Nice to get a good one. Thank you ♥️ I really appreciate it 🤗

[@dleigh4534]

@@JaDeLRocks 🤣🤣 I was moving to the beat the whole video 🤣🤣 But I get the negative comments. I have seen lots of videos that gave me headaches the music was so annoying. You can't please them all 🤷‍♀️

[@JaDeLRocks]

Lol, I know you’re right ♥😂@@dleigh4534

[@kimfarrish4240]

Hi JaDel! I'm exploring usuing resin on my works. For the last 2 years I've used a water based varnish. The 1st year I used a Hobby Lobby brand & last year I used Deco art varnish.I Made sure that the rocks cured for a few ndays & after coating the let them cure for a couple more before putting them outside. I now Have a whole lot of rocks with peeling varnish. Oh did I mention Liquitex also? I was wondering after watching your video on reisining how many rocks can you get resined after mixing up your batches? I'm going to be resining 4" to 6" stones for my yard/ Getting into resining will also have its start up costs

[@JaDeLRocks]

Hey Kim!! I love Resin!!! However, I cannot recommend it for outdoor use like that. I tested it out in October of 2020 and it seemed to do awesome throughout the winter with ice and snow. I live in the south so our lows were only about 5 degrees F. I was more and more impressed. But then…. The hot and humid summers that us Southerners are known for hit! The rock that I tested lasted a good while but by the end of summer you could see that full sun is no place for my art, lol! The resin didn’t peel like we know varnish does. What it did was crack…. You had to really look to see it but it looked like a dried up pond or something. I think I posted a pic of all this on my Facebook. I’ll check. If it’s not there I’ll post it. I will say that I have several rocks out in the very same yard that did not turn out like that. The key is keeping them out of FULL SUN. So far it is still the best protective coating I’ve found but if your rocks are in full sun I’d say be ready to resin yearly. The rest of my rocks are going on year 2 and just fine. They are dirty but seem fine. As far as how much per batch? As long as you mix equal parts of the resin and hardener you can make as many or as few rocks as you want. If I use a teaspoon to measure I can do about 2-3 rocks. Resin sounds expensive but I will tell you…. I started using Art Resin in 2020…. I coat nearly every rock with it. I am just now needing a 3rd set. It has lasted far longer than I ever expected. In other words… a little goes a very long way. Let me know if I can help out any more. I’m crossing my fingers, toes, and eyes for ya :)

[@cheryllynnalston-morton9512]

Resin...hands down @@@

[@JaDeLRocks]

I totally agree 👍🏻

[@CC-wn1tc]

Wonderful! I also like a glossy finish, but pause when it comes to resin for the same reasons others have. I also wonder how water based acrylic varnish will hold up to wet weather when decorated rocks are in gardens. I am now trying a glossy spar finish. It is quite water proof and comes in a spray can. Will let you know the results. But, I won't know the overwinter effects till the spring! Always a fan of yours!

[@JaDeLRocks]

That’s awesome!! I’ve been testing the resin out doors. I’m absolutely going to toss a varnish one out there too. Let me know how yours goes and I will too. I love shiny rocks so however ya get there is fine by me ♥️ I love resin but... there’s absolutely a time to use varnish.

[@CC-wn1tc]

@@JaDeLRocks Hello JaDel! I did an experiment with acrylic varnish vs glossy Spar spray to see which would stand up to weather exposure. I am not keen on resin b/c it tends to be toxic. But resin does give the absolutely the most beautiful finish. I prep my rocks with drywall spackle, then acrylic paint, both very susceptible to water damage. Then I finished them with acrylic spray varnish. To see about weather issues, a painted rock was soaked in water for three hours. All the varnish, paint and spackle came off. I took another painted rock, finished it with Spar spray and soaked it for 3 hours. No problem. Then the same rock was frozen for 3 days, again, no problem. The Spar fully protected the paint and spackle.. Some of your subscribers who hide kindness rocks year round, might find this useful. I would also like to hear how others protect their beauties. Thanks so much, we all enjoy your work and effort!

[@JaDeLRocks]

I’m so glad you found one that works for you. I may grab some and work on a long term video with that as my third option. My only problem is that it’s a spray. I’m limited on where I can spray lol. Thank you ♥️

[@CC-wn1tc]

@@JaDeLRocks I see that spar varnish is offered in a can that can be applied with a brush or maybe by hand, as you do your resin. Maybe helpful to you?

[@JaDeLRocks]

Very helpful, Thank you ♥️

[@cristinapradas]

❤ me encanta.😻👏👏👏

[@JaDeLRocks]

I’m so glad 🙂 Thank you ♥️

[@cristinapradas]

@@JaDeLRocks , l really appreciate your Teaching , you are a great artist 😘😘🙏👏👏👏❤️

[@JaDeLRocks]

Awwwww 🩷🩷🩷 Thank you ♥️

[@MHarenArt]

That was an EXCELLENT demonstration!! I've been resisting using resin as I don't want to bother with it. I am beginning to rethink that. Although it looks like one can get pretty good results with four coats of varnish. Do you ever just pour the resin on so that its thicker, or maybe you can do that on rocks because it just runs off.

[@JaDeLRocks]

Resin is expensive and I rub it on with gloves.. the varnish however is cheaper but I just can’t imagine the clean up on a varnish pour. But I do slop it on there pretty thick 😂😂😂

[@BessBurton]

What are the things you put the stones on to dry?

[@JaDeLRocks]

They are recycled lids. Just plastic lids.

[@sandrarovira-dg2842]

R love

[@JaDeLRocks]

Thank you ♥️

[@Kai-el7rw]

Do you edit your own videos! You are a multi talented individual! Have you ever tried UV Resin, and if so, what are your thoughts? I know it’s more expensive, but I can’t see myself doing ma data or rock paining for anything more than a hobby, so would probably be fine with a bit of extra cost. I have a perfect stone for a lady bug…I am going to use a bit of your method. I’m going to name her Rockie!

[@JaDeLRocks]

Thank you ♥️ Hi Kai 🤗 I do edit my own videos. I’ve just learned along the way. I’ve never tried the UV resin before but I’d like to. One of the Channel members Dale uses it and I can’t ignore how great it looks. I owe to the craft to at least try. I’d love to see Rocky when you’re done ♥️♥️ Good luck.. 🤞🏻

[@klairbaranek]

Resin wins hands down.

[@JaDeLRocks]

I agree. When I put out my Resin Wow video there was a decent size community that hates resin because they feel it’s unsafe. So I tried to find a way to get shine without resin. I will continue to use Resin on my rocks because I like the wet look and 4 coats of varnish is too much work for this gal! I hope everyone makes shiny rocks 🤗

[@nancybryant294]

Too much work putting 4 coats of varnish. That is a lot of product being used. It takes very little resin to get that high shine. I haven't figured out why folks think resin isn't safe versus varnish. Varnish also has fumes. I only use resin. One coat and you are done. Nice video.

[@JaDeLRocks]

@@nancybryant294 I agree. There are those that swear Resin is awful and I respect that. We all react to things differently but I’m with you... 4 coats was a lot... that’s why I threw in the giggle at the end to suggest you needed 4 more coats on the back. Nonetheless, if resin isn’t your jam... you can still get your shine on 💪🏼

[@Lori-sb3zb]

@@nancybryant294 I use resin, but I have taken the SDS to environmental engineers for what is considered super safe resin. They recommended not using it in your home and a full face respirator. It is industrial chemicals. So I only resin when it is warm enough to do in my garage and I use gloves and a respirator. Each part individually is pretty benign but the reaction when they are mixed that gives off fumes, even if you cannot smell it. Even my rocks that are resined do not fair well in the elements. The wind and the rain and the sun give them sort of a sand blasted look, slightly frosted.

[@debstone4062]

Yes I like the resin best but a little resin hesitant boogidy boogidy

[@JaDeLRocks]

Lol… I totally get it. “They” say this one is safe yet I still wear a mask, glasses, gloves. Better safe than sorry I say. You should do whatever makes you comfortable…. Did you see the high gloss varnish? It’s soooo shiny. Smiley Face Kindness Rock Painting | High Gloss Varnish Liquitex | Resin Alternative kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6Suq3SwjLN4rpo You Rock Kindness Rock | Using High Gloss Liquitex Varnish for the first time on my Rock Painting kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmLTqX98hdifpbc

[@debstone4062]

I went and did it. I have all the gear re gased the culinary torch and a table spoon of resin and hardener covered 20 rocks. I'll send a photo of what the results looks like 💕🇦🇺💕 You've been an inspiration

[@JaDeLRocks]

@@debstone4062 OMG! You go girl! Oh I can't wait to see. I'm so proud of you!!! Go Deb Go!!!

[@BajaJill]

Great demo and information but video could be shortened and still be clear. Thanks for trying!

[@JaDeLRocks]

Thank you. Thank goodness for fast forward eh? I’ve been known to speed through slow videos myself. I just had so much fun making this one. Rock on ♥️