Handmade

Resin art: coasters, trays and keepsakes

Pour coasters, trays, keyrings, name signs and keepsakes in epoxy resin, and sell them as gifts and custom orders.

Some evidenceLast checked 24 Oct 2026

To startR500 to R4 000
First randabout 4 weeks
WhereOnline or in person
Effort Fairly easy

See how this fits you, freeAbout 6 minutes, no sign-up.

Is this for you?

Best for

Careful, creative makers with a ventilated space who follow safety instructions.

In South Africa: Strong everywhere; suppliers deliver.

What you need

A phone is enough to start
Works on everyday data
No camera needed
No cold selling
At least 4 hours a week · age 18+
Sewing, crafts or handmade (competent or better)

The money

What it can earn

Pocket money
A top-up
A second income
Can become a full income

Part time, most people earn a modest top-up from this. Treat bigger numbers you see online with care.

What people charge

R80 to R300 per item

Published SA prices: coasters R80 each (Ashleigh's Customs). Larger trays cost more. Sales volumes are not published.

Costs to plan for

Start-up: R500 to R4 000
Every month: Resin, moulds, pigments, gloves, packaging.
Payment fees: Cash, EFT, Yoco at markets, marketplace fees online.
Margin: Good on small items; resin is costly.

How it is paid: Price per item; personalisation adds value. Our viability score for it: 48 out of 100 (how we score).

How to start

1
Test it cheaply Before you spend
- Pour one set of four coasters and cost it
- Offer a custom name set to five people
- Success signal: 10 paid orders
2
First week Days 1 to 7
- Buy a starter kit, gloves and a respirator
- Set up a ventilated, level work space
- Pour, cure and photograph your first set
3
First month Days 8 to 30
- Offer custom name gifts on WhatsApp status
- Price each product with your worksheet
4
By three months Days 31 to 90
- Approach wedding planners and companies
- Add one larger product such as a tray

Curing takes a day or two per batch. First income usually takes 7 to 90 days. A day-by-day version for your situation is in the full plan.

Step-by-step guide

Resin art: coasters, trays and keepsakes: your step-by-step start

18 short lessons with scripts, templates and rand prices to copy. R149 once-off, and the first lesson is free.

See what is inside

Customers and demand

Who pays

Gift buyers, brides, corporate gifts.

Personal, colourful gifts.

Is there demand?

SA resin makers publish prices: coasters at R80 each (Ashleigh's Customs), and a coaster starter kit costs R170 (Liquid Fantasy).

Instagram and WhatsAppMarketsWedding favoursBob Shop and AYA Africa

Getting customers

Custom gifts with names, posted on social media.

Word of mouth and referralsDirect messagesListing on online marketplaces (Takealot, Bob Shop, Etsy, Teacha!)Responding to enquiries

Risks and rules

Watch out for

Resin fumes and skin contact: gloves, ventilation and a respirator
Bubbles and soft cures waste material: measure exactly
Copying other makers' designs

Competition: Moderate to high.

Room to grow: Grows with custom and corporate orders.

Legal and tax in South Africa

Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start resin art: coasters, trays and keepsakes in South Africa?

Our research puts start-up costs at about R500 to R4 000. Recurring costs: Resin, moulds, pigments, gloves, packaging.

How long until the first income?

Typically about 30 days, and between 7 and 90 days. Curing takes a day or two per batch.

Can I do it with only a phone?

Yes, a smartphone is enough to start, although a laptop helps as you grow.

What about tax and legal rules?

Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

Sources (3)

Ashleigh's Customs: epoxy resin coasters (second-hand, checked 24 Oct 2026)
Liquid Fantasy: coaster starter kit (second-hand, checked 24 Oct 2026)
SARS: how do I register for tax (first-hand, checked 26 Oct 2026)

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