If you're looking for resin wood wall art ideas that blend rustic charm with a modern edge, this DIY project is your ticket. No fancy studio needed - just basic tools, a bit of patience, and that satisfying "aha" moment when the lights flicker on.
Ever stare at a blank wall and think, "Man, I could turn some scrap wood into something epic"?
That's the spark that kicked off my latest garage project: crafting resin wood wall art that glows with embedded LED lights and Mardi Gras beads.
I've poured (pun intended) hours into epoxy experiments, from river tables to bar tops, and this resin wood wall art setup stands out for its wow factor.
It's beginner-proof, customizable for any room, and packs a punch for under $50 in materials.
Whether you're jazzing up a man cave or gifting a coastal-inspired piece, we'll walk through every step. Grab your safety gear, and let's get that resin flowing—no sweat.
Tools & Material I Used
Epoxy Resin
Purple Glow Powder
Odie's Wood Butter
RO125 Sander
Soft Sanding Pad
Sandpaper
Vacuum for Dust
Wool Skin Pad
Bandsaw
Track Saw
MFT Table
Furniture Wax
Vaseline
Hot Glue Gun
Clamps
¼" clear tubing
Mardi Gras Beads
Heat Gun
Rubber Mallet
Soft Rags
Chisel Set
LED UV Light Strip
Rocker Switch w/ Wire Leads
9v Battery
9v battery connectors
Solder
For your convenience, I’ve compiled a complete list of epoxy resin tools and material I use most often.
Video Tutorial
Even if you don't need to make an epoxy wall art piece, the techniques covered in this DIY tutorial can be translated towards any resin and wood project.
There are several things which are difficult to fully explain with words and images, so be sure to check out the video tutorial below!
Step-by-Step: How to Create Stunning Resin Wood Wall Art
Alright, sleeves up—this is where the magic happens.
We'll build in phases to avoid overwhelm, sticking to the method that's worked for me every time.
Total build time: 3-4 days (mostly curing).
Step 1: Source and Resaw Your Reclaimed Wood
Start with a chunky reclaimed slab like 5-inch-thick cypress—uneven is fine, adds character to your resin wood wall art.
Too thick? Resaw it into three 1.25-inch pieces.
Quick Tip: If you don't have the tools to resaw or plane the wood, pay your local hardwood dealer to do this for you.
Use a flat 2x6 as a bandsaw resaw jig: Drill pilot holes, countersink, and screw it to the cypress for a reference surface.Mark 1.25" on the wood, set your bandsaw fence, and slowly cut while letting the blade do the work. Remove screws, run the flat side against the fence for the next cuts. Boom—three live-edge beauties ready for resin.
Step 2: Build Your Epoxy Resin Mold
To build your epoxy mold, Grab particle board (or melamine) and cover it with packing tape for a smooth release.
Wax it up with furniture wax or Vaseline—no sticking.
Secure the wood slab in place with scrap wood and clamps.
Seal gaps in the middle and ends with hot glue or caulk to contain the pour.
Step 3: Create the Hollow Tunnel for LEDs
Here's the trick to embed LED lights in resin without 'em falling out later: Lay your ¼" clear tubing along the "river" path where you want the glow.
This forms a tunnel—secure it lightly if needed. Place a rod in the tubing to hold the shape. We'll pull it out post-cure to slide in the LED strip.
Step 4: First Epoxy Resin Pour with Glow Powder
Mix epoxy resin - about 16 ounces at a 1:1 ratio, per instructions.
In a separate cup, add 1 oz purple glow powder and stir thoroughly—mix resin first, then powder for even blend.
Pour a thin base layer (about ⅛") to cover the bottom and check for leaks.
Torch off bubbles. Let cure overnight. This seals it up and minimizes waste if something drips.
Step 5: Second Epoxy Pour
Mix another 16 oz resin with 1 oz glow powder.
Pour over the first layer, spread if needed, torch bubbles.
Allow this to cure for 12 hours.
Step 6: Embed Objects in Resin (Mardi Gras Beads)
Spread green and gold Mardi Gras beads across the tacky surface.
Why did I choose Mardi Gras Beads? Although I live in Florida, I was born and raised in New Orleans. The Big Easy holds a special place in my heart.
Mix 14 oz clear resin, pour over the beads to embed 'em.
Heat gun bubbles away—moves resin without contamination if you're dust-free.
Allow this to cure overnight.
Step 7: Third Epoxy Resin Pour
Mix 22 oz resin, pour on top.
Use heat gun to remove bubbles.
Step 8: Final Epoxy Resin Pour
Repeat with another 22 oz pour.
Torch bubbles and allow to fully cure for 24-48 hours.
Step 9: Demold and Trim
Tap with a rubber mallet to pop off ends, lift the piece—it should release easy from the taped/waxed base.
Use track saw to square ends: Cut 1" off one side for reference, measure 33" marks, cut straight.
Remove the rod/tubing to reveal your LED tunnel.
Step 10: Sand the Epoxy Resin
Follow my go-to resin sanding technique to sand resin like a pro.
Progressive grits from 80-220, vacuum dust between.
If you sand too deep (like shaving beads), fix next.
Step 11: Fix Any Resin Mistakes
Sanded off bead tops? Mix 4 oz resin, split into cups, add metallic pigments to match colors. Carefully dab over shaved spots and allow resin to cure fully.
Step 12: Finish the Resin and Wood
Clean the surface. Apply Odie's Wood Butter—clumps on with a stick, rub in with rags. Let set 30 minutes, buff with wool pad on sander.
This brings out the grain and shine without issue.
Step 13: Install LED Strip Lights in Epoxy Resin
Thread string through the tunnel using the removed rod.
Tie to UV LED strip end, pull through—it'll fit snug.
Step 14: Install Battery Compartment
To conceal the battery, I used a chisel to knotch-out a space for the 9v battery.
Step 15: Solder LED Lights
Wire to rocker switch, 9V battery connector, and solder connections.
Step 16: Test Glow Powder and LED Lights
Turn off the lights in the room and turn on the LED UV lights.
Leave the room for about half hour.
Keep the lights off in the room and turn off the LED light strip.
The epoxy glow powder charges under UV light for that eerie purple shine.
Troubleshooting Common Resin Wood Wall Art Hiccups
Hit a snag? We've all been there. Here's a potential fix:
- Leaks in pour? Double-check seals; start thin to test.
- Bubbles persist? Torch longer, work in low-dust space.
- Glow too dim? Charge with natural light or stronger UVs; use brighter powder.
- Tunnel tight? Lube the strip lightly or size tubing right upfront.
- Sanded too far? Pigment-matched topcoat saves it every time.
These saved my project on that bead fix.
Share your war stories in the comments—what's your biggest resin fail?
Fresh Ideas to Customize Your Resin Wood Wall Art in 2025
Keep it evolving: Swap beads for seashells in a coastal twist, or go eco with bio-resins. Scale to triptychs for big walls. Pair with techniques from my epoxy resin ocean table guide or embedding LEDs tutorial.
Ready to Hang Your Masterpiece?
There you have it—a glowing slab of resin wood wall art that's equal parts art and therapy.
Drop a comment, share build pics, or tag on social. Hope this tutorial helped you.
