Resin figurines are typically made by creating (or sourcing) a master model, building a mold around it, and then casting liquid resin into that mold to cure into a solid piece. After curing, the figurine is cleaned up, refined, and finished with paint and protective coatings for a polished, collectible look.
The process starts with a master sculpt. This can be hand-sculpted in clay/wax, carved, or 3D modeled and printed. The master defines every detail the final piece will capture—facial expression, folds in clothing, texture on props, and tiny accessories that make a figurine feel “alive.” Artists often refine the master multiple times to ensure clean silhouettes and crisp surface detail.
Once the master is finalized, a mold is created—most commonly from silicone because it’s flexible and captures fine detail well. Depending on the figurine’s shape, the mold may be a simple one-piece cavity or a multi-part mold with keys and seams designed to release undercuts. Mold design matters: it controls where seams land, how air escapes, and how consistently the figurine casts.
Two-part resin is measured and mixed, then poured (or injected) into the mold. Makers may use pressure pots or vacuum chambers to reduce bubbles, especially for small, detailed pieces. Pigments can be mixed into the resin for colored casts, or the figurine can be cast in a neutral tone to be painted later.
Resin cures through a chemical reaction and hardens over time. After demolding, the piece is trimmed and sanded to remove flash, seam lines, and sprue marks. If the figurine is made in parts, components are assembled and any gaps are filled and smoothed before finishing.
Many resin figurines are primed, hand-painted, and then sealed with a clear coat to protect the finish. Matte, satin, or gloss sealers can change the final look, and careful shading can bring out sculpted details.
For more context on styling and choosing modern resin pieces, visit this guide to modern resin literary figurines and bookish decor.
Resin is usually cast in molds and can capture sharp detail with a more “handcrafted” feel, while many plastic figurines are injection-molded for high-volume production. Resin can also be more brittle than some plastics, so it benefits from careful handling.
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