We’ve completed a large resin panel as a backdrop for one of our recent projects. We added these resin panels in a beautiful emerald patter as niches on the two sides of a traditional fireplace and included shelving units in the foreground. While you have to wait a bit for the final reveal of the project, let’s discuss a design hack today: creating a stunning resin panel using plywood, wallpaper, and resin!
The panel was huge—52 inches wide and 8 feet tall. When working with such large proportions, I’ve learned to be smart and utilize a hack to achieve consistency. We created the desired base using plywood, applied wallpaper onto it, and poured resin over it. Et voila! The result was a stunning backdrop, achieved at a fraction of the cost!
To see the final reveal, check my website.
Materials required
- Plywood
- Wallpaper
- Tape
- Scissors
- Resin
- Resin mixer drill bit
Instructions
- Begin with a plywood panel. Depending on the area you need to cover, you may need to join two panels, as we did, and reinforce them with supports at the back
Applying wallpaper
Peel and stick wallpaper:
- Peel off a few inches of the backing at the top of the wallpaper strip. Leave 2 inches extra on top and start aligning.
- Gradually peel off the backing while smoothing the wallpaper with your hands or a wallpaper smoothing tool.
- Work from the top down, ensuring there are no air bubbles as you go. Gently lift the wallpaper and smooth out any bubbles.
- Match the pattern and edges of each strip with the previous one.
Traditional wallpaper:
- Mix the wallpaper paste thoroughly.
- Measure and cut the first strip of wallpaper, leaving a few inches extra at the top and bottom for trimming.
- Apply adhesive to the panel using a brush or roller, ensuring even coverage
- Work from the top down, ensuring there are no air bubbles as you go. Gently lift the wallpaper and smooth out any bubbles.
- Match the pattern and edges of each strip with the previous one. Slightly overlap seems for a seamless look.
Resin pour
- Mix equal parts of resin and hardener thoroughly.
- While working with resin, mix slowly and steadily, avoiding excessive agitation to achieve a smooth finish.
- Scrape the sides and bottom of the container frequently and set the drill mixer to the lowest speed setting.
- Maintaining a temperature around the seventies will make the resin easier to work with.
- Once poured, work quickly to eliminate bubbles before the resin sets.
- It takes 24 hrs for resin to harden. If there are any bumps or dips, do a second coat pour to fix it.
Installing the panel
- When installing the panel, find the studs and mark them.
- When drilling, be careful to not crack the resin panel.
- Screw the panel carefully to the wall and touch up the screw with a bit of paint.
