13/08/2026
I often get asked if I use resin to finish my decoupaged oyster shells.
It’s true, the shine and smoothness achievable with resin can look fantastic, but due to it’s environmental issues during use and disposal, I choose not to, so if you buy one of my finished shells, or one of my decoupage kits, this will help you understand what you’re getting and why. So if the environment is an important consideration to you, it’s a better choice than a resin finish.
And it is a personal choice, there are some amazing things being done with resin, it’s just not for me. I’ll explain more about it and what I use instead…
Traditional synthetic resins (like epoxy, polyester, and UV resin) are made from petroleum, do not break down naturally, release toxic fumes and greenhouse gases during production, and sadly cannot be easily recycled once cured.
As everything I love to do is centred around my appreciation of the ocean, it concerns me that cured resin is a type of plastic, it lasts forever in landfills and breaks down into microplastics.
Liquid resin or its chemical waste can poison local water and harm water life if poured down drains, so correct disposal is essential.
There are natural resins, such as tree saps (like amber or natural rosins) and are therefore plant-based and safe for nature, I’ve never used them but I understand they don’t work for heavy crafts or 3D printing.
There are also bio-resins made using plant oils (like soy or corn) instead of 100% petroleum. They smell less and release fewer VOCs, but they are still plastics.
So, is there an Eco-friendly alternative I hear you say? And the answer is yes.
I need to use a protective finish, there is no getting away from that, but there are several ways I’ve found to minimize my environmental footprint and make sure I provide the best option to you in my kits too.
Water-based formulas or non-toxic varnishes, emit significantly lower levels of VOCs and are much safer for the environment. Plus, instead of using an aerosol, I’ve opted for a liquid brush-on water-based, non-toxic varnish. This eliminates the risk of airborne overspray and allows you to control the exact amount of product used. The metallic gold paint included is also water-based and non-toxic for the same kind if reasons.
I haven’t found a 100% environmentally friendly solution but it’s certainly the best option to still give you the best results, and I hope from this explanation you’ll know that I have, and continue to try, hard, to offer you the most environmentally conscious options in both what I do myself and what I offer for you in the kits to have a go too.
https://coastaldecorcornwall.etsy.com/listing/4390356239
