Practical guide: how to care for hand-painted resin earrings
Hand-painted resin is one of our favorite techniques at Aktual Joyería Artesanal : it allows for vivid colors, unique finishes, and pieces that retain the imprint of the workshop. But like all delicate, handcrafted work, resin requires care to preserve its color and shine. Here's a complete and simple guide to ensure your resin earrings last for years, just like the first day.
Why does resin need special care?
Epoxy resin and other art resins are durable, but they have specific sensitivities:
They can be scratched by abrasive materials.
They react to intense heat and direct sunlight (they may turn yellow over time if exposed to a lot of light).
Some solvents (acetone, strong alcohol) damage or dull paint and protective varnish.
Therefore, simple, regular care is enough to keep them looking beautiful: little effort, great results.
Daily care (small habits that make a difference)
Avoid direct contact with perfumes, creams, and sprays : apply them before putting on your jewelry and wait for them to dry.
Do not sleep or shower in them : water (especially hot water) and constant friction will shorten the life of the finish.
Always dry them if they get wet : use a soft microfiber cloth to absorb moisture.
Store them separately : in cloth bags or in individual compartments to avoid rubbing against other pieces.
Light cleaning (every 2–4 weeks depending on use) — step by safe step
Materials: microfiber cloth, warm water, neutral soap (hand or soft dish soap), cotton swab.
Prepare warm water with a drop of neutral soap.
Soak the microfiber cloth and wring it out (it should be damp, not soaked).
Gently wipe the cloth over the painted surface of the resin, without rubbing hard.
For small areas or details, use a moistened swab and wipe gently.
Rinse the cloth and wipe again to remove any soap residue.
Dry with another soft cloth and let it air in a warm, dry place.
Result: natural shine and no risk to the paint or protective varnish.
What if there are stubborn stains? (makeup, grease, ink)
Makeup/oils: First, try mild soap and a washcloth. If that doesn't come off, moisten a cotton swab with a very mild mixture of water and a few drops of soap and test on a small area.
Heavy ink or stains: We recommend going to a bodyshop. Some solvents attack the resin or varnish and can leave permanent marks. At Aktual, we offer cleaning and repair services for these situations.
DO NOT use acetone, 100% isopropyl alcohol, or nail polish remover directly on the resin; they may dull it or remove the paint.
Protecting the finish: what works and what doesn't
Avoid prolonged sun exposure : UV radiation can yellow or fade pigments over time.
If you want to enhance the shine , there are specific protective varnishes for resin (UV varnish for resin). Always test on a small piece or ask us to do it in the workshop to ensure compatibility.
Small layers of microcrystalline wax (Renaissance wax) applied by professionals are an option for light protection, but we do not recommend them without prior advice.
How to store and transport your resin earrings
Individual cotton or felt bags .
Boxes with compartments or jewelry rolls for travel.
Add a desiccant (silica gel) if you live in a very humid area.
Avoid leaving them in the car or near windows where heat and direct light can affect the resin.
Professional repairs and maintenance
If the piece has deep scratches, peeling, or loss of varnish, it's best to take it to a repair shop. At Aktual, we offer:
Professional polishing and refinishing.
Selective repainting and application of protective varnish.
And yes , we offer a free lifetime cleaning and repair guarantee on our jewelry; bring your piece to us and we'll leave it looking like new.
FAQ (quick questions your customers are looking for)
Can I get my resin earrings wet?
Avoid it. Occasional, quick contact is fine if you dry them promptly. Don't wear them in the shower or at the beach.
Can small scratches in resin be repaired?
Yes, they can often be polished and refinished; go to a specialist workshop.
Does resin change color over time?
With prolonged exposure to sunlight or harsh chemicals, some pigments can change. Properly stored and cared for, they retain their color for many years.
Can I use a commercial jewelry cleaner?
We do not recommend cleaners with chemical or abrasive agents. Use gentle cleaning with neutral soap and a cloth.
If you're inspired by hand-painted resin, discover our Resin Painted Collection — unique pieces handmade in our Madrid workshop and available with international shipping .
👉 See the resin-painted collection at Aktual
Remember: a well-cared-for piece not only shines brighter, but also preserves the history of your moments. At Aktual, we're happy to create and nurture those stories with you.