Caring for Resin
Resin is tough, glossy and easy to live with. It asks for very little, just not heat, and not the dishwasher. Here’s everything you need to know, and a few things you might wonder about.
Everyday cleaning
Wipe it with a soft damp cloth and a drop of washing-up liquid, dry it, and put it back. That’s it.
No scourers, no bleach, no nail varnish remover or other solvents, no dishwasher, and no leaving it to soak. Anything that would scratch or strip a car’s paintwork will do the same to resin.
Heat
A mug of tea on a coaster is fine. That’s what coasters are for. You might occasionally see a faint ring under a very hot mug but it fades as the mug cools.
A cup straight from the microwave or the kettle with no saucer is hotter than a normal mug. Give it a minute, or use a saucer.
Trays are for carrying and serving, not for hot dishes. Nothing from the oven, the hob or the grill. A hot pan will leave a permanent mark, so keep a trivet handy.
Keep it off radiators, out of hot cars and away from direct sunlight. Sustained heat softens resin, and sunlight slowly yellows it over years. A shelf or desk out of the sun keeps it looking as it did on day one.
Food
Our pieces are made for display and for carrying and holding things, not for food to sit on. Keep food in your crockery and let the resin do the decorating.
Never cut on resin. A knife leaves scratches, and scratches hold crumbs and bacteria.
Candles
Use battery tea lights in anything made to hold one. Resin is a plastic and a real flame close to it can soften it or worse. Keep every piece well away from open flames.
Small pieces, small people, pets
Keyrings, bookmarks, charms and small dishes are not toys. Keep them away from babies, small children and pets who chew things.
Marks and shine
Light scratches and a dulled surface can usually be brought back. Rub a little car polish or a clear furniture wax in with a soft cloth, then buff it off. If something’s chipped or cracked, get in touch, some repairs are possible.
A new-resin smell
A brand-new piece can smell faintly for a week or so. It fades. If a piece keeps smelling strongly, tell us.
Every piece is different
Small bubbles, marks and shifts in colour and pattern are part of a piece made by hand. Two coasters from the same set will be sisters, not twins.
Something wrong
If a piece arrives damaged or isn’t what you expected, see delivery and returns or email returns@caitlinslittlestudio.co.uk.