The Journal

How I Make Resin Clocks (Step-By-Step Beach Clock Build)

By Solomon Ficklin June 15, 2025 3 min read

Round wall clock with a resin art beach scene featuring turquoise waves, white foam, sandy shore, and seashells, hanging on a neutral living room wall with natural light and ocean view.

Introduction: The Resin Clock That Made Me Rethink Small Resin Projects

I’ve done plenty of big tables, but there’s something weirdly satisfying about making smaller resin projects like clocks. Less stress. Faster cure times. And in this case — a beach-themed resin clock that basically brings the ocean right onto my wall. If you’re a resin artist looking to break into functional wall art (or even thinking about selling your resin art), let me walk you through exactly how I build my ocean resin clocks.

Supplies I Use for My Resin Wall Clocks

Here’s what you’ll need for a resin art clock build:

Resin Clock Mold (12" round silicone mold)
Deep Pour Epoxy Resin (UV-stable)
Ocean Pigments (white pigment paste, ocean blue mica, turquoise pigment)
Heat Gun or Torch (for bubbles)
Mixing Cups & Sticks
Nitrile Gloves & Respirator
Clock Mechanism Kit (hands, motor, and hardware)
Drill & Clock Center Hole Bit
Sanding Pads (400-3000 grit)
Polishing Compound or Final Topcoat
Optional: Seashells, Sand, or Mini Starfish

If you're looking for inspiration, this Ocean Resin Wall Clock I built follows this exact process.

A round resin art piece resembling a beach scene with blue ocean waves and sandy shore, set on a wooden slab.

Step 1: Making the Mold and Prepping My Workspace

Clean the silicone mold thoroughly (any dust = trapped bubbles later). Level your table — seriously, this matters more than you think. Pre-measure your resin and hardener based on your mold size. Preheat the room (~75°F) to help resin flow better.

Step 2: Mixing Resin and Adding Color Layers

This is where it starts looking like an actual ocean clock:

Mix your resin and hardener thoroughly for 3-5 minutes.
Divide into smaller cups to tint:
- White pigment paste for waves
- Ocean blue mica
- Turquoise pigment for the water body
Pour your base layer first (turquoise). Gradually pour blue in swirling motions.
Use a small stick or spatula to blend soft wave transitions.
For the waves: Add the white pigment near the “shoreline.” Use a heat gun to push and create natural lacing and foamy wave effect.
Optional: drop in mini shells or starfish near the shoreline.

Pro Tip: Always pour in layers to avoid overheating and exotherm. You can also check out my resin type guide if you're still choosing the right pour epoxy for your project.

Round resin art piece with ocean waves pouring onto a sandy shore decorated with small shells, starfish, and blue beads, created in layers to mimic a beach scene.

Step 3: Removing From the Mold

Let cure fully (24-48 hours depending on resin). Gently flex the silicone mold to release your new resin clock face. Don’t rush removal — premature flexing can distort the edges.

Step 4: Sanding & Topcoat

Lightly sand any sharp edges or imperfections (start with 400 grit). Progressively wet sand up to 3000 grit for a mirror-like finish. Apply a thin final flood coat or polishing compound for maximum shine. Allow final coat to cure 24 hours before installing hardware.

A round wooden clock face being decorated with resin to resemble ocean waves washing over a sandy shore with small shells and pebbles, while a hand uses a heat gun to create wave effects in the blue resin.

Step 5: Drilling and Clock Mechanism Install

Mark the exact center of your clock face. Use a drill bit sized for your clock shaft (usually ⅜"). Insert the clock mechanism, secure the washer and nut. Attach hour, minute, and second hands according to the kit’s instructions. Install a AA battery.

Step 6: Hanging Your Resin Clock

Use a wall anchor or heavy-duty clock hanger since resin clocks can be heavier than standard plastic ones. Make sure it’s balanced — off-center hanging will be obvious. I personally prefer heavy-duty drywall anchors for safety.

Round resin clock designed to resemble a beach scene with turquoise waves and white foam meeting a sandy shore decorated with small seashells and a central starfish. White hour and minute hands and a red second hand are mounted at the center.

FAQ Section (Google PAA & PASF)

What do you need to make a resin clock?

You’ll need epoxy resin, pigments, a clock mold, clock hardware, a drill, sanding pads, mixing cups, safety gear, and optional decorations like shells or sand.

How to make a clock step by step?

Prep your mold → Mix resin → Add color layers → Pour → Cure → Sand → Drill → Install clock hardware → Hang.

How to hang a resin clock on a wall?

Use heavy-duty wall anchors or hooks rated for the weight. Always measure to ensure level placement.

How to make a 24-hour clock?

Use a 24-hour clock mechanism (readily available online). The build process remains the same—just swap in the proper mechanism.

Can beginners make resin clocks?

Absolutely. In fact, resin clocks are one of my favorite beginner resin projects.

Related Resin Builds You Might Like:

My Final Thoughts: Why I Keep Coming Back to Resin Clocks

Compared to full tables, clocks let you experiment fast. Every pour feels like a mini canvas where you can test ocean techniques, colors, and composition — and the payoff is instant. You finish a full resin clock project in days, not weeks. And if you ever get really good at it? You can even sell your resin art here and turn your clocks into a business.

Written by Solomon — Founder of The Resin Society. Started with a tiny resin table in my apartment, now building custom pieces worldwide.

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