Resin Tray Molds — A Complete Guide for Artists
Resin tray molds are widely used by resin artists to create decorative and functional pieces such as serving trays, decorative trays, jewellery dishes, and display pieces. These molds allow artists to produce durable resin trays with clean edges and consistent dimensions.
Trays are among the most popular resin products sold by artists because they combine decorative design with practical everyday use. Resin trays can incorporate pigments, metallic powders, crushed glass, or botanical materials to create unique artistic pieces.
For a full overview of mold systems used in resin art see Resin Art Molds — Complete Guide for Resin Artists.
What Are Resin Tray Molds?
Resin tray molds are molds designed to produce shallow rectangular, oval, or irregular resin trays. These molds allow epoxy resin to cure in a controlled shape while maintaining smooth edges and a uniform thickness.
Most resin tray molds include raised edges that form the sides of the tray during the casting process. Some designs also allow handles or decorative hardware to be attached after curing.
Artists producing smaller resin pieces may also work with molds designed for jewellery casting.
Popular Types of Resin Tray Molds
Resin tray molds are available in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the style of artwork being produced.
Rectangular Tray Molds
Rectangular molds are commonly used to create serving trays and decorative display trays. These molds provide straight edges and a clean modern appearance.
Oval Tray Molds
Oval molds produce softer shapes that work well for decorative trays used in home décor.
Geode Tray Molds
Some tray molds are designed with irregular organic edges that mimic mineral formations.
Artists interested in this style should see Geode Resin Art Molds — How to Create Geode Resin Designs.
Materials Used for Resin Tray Molds
Most tray molds used in resin art are made from flexible silicone. Silicone molds allow cured resin trays to be removed easily without damaging the mold or the finished piece.
Silicone molds also reproduce fine surface details, allowing artists to create smooth glossy tray surfaces.
Artists comparing mold materials should see Silicone Resin Molds vs HDPE Mold Systems.
Resin Types Used for Tray Casting
Epoxy casting resin is the most commonly used resin for tray molds. It cures slowly and produces a clear glossy surface that highlights pigments and decorative inclusions.
Artists often create layered resin designs inside tray molds using pigments, metallic powders, and decorative materials.
Understanding mold selection and resin compatibility is explained in How to Choose the Right Resin Mold for Your Art Project.
Decorative Techniques for Resin Trays
Resin trays allow artists to experiment with a wide range of decorative techniques.
Common techniques include:
- layered pigment designs
- ocean wave resin effects
- metallic powder patterns
- crushed glass or stone inclusions
Artists working with botanical inclusions may also see Flower Preservation Resin Molds — A Complete Guide.
Producing Resin Trays for Sale
Many artists sell resin trays through online craft marketplaces and artisan shops. Trays are popular products because they combine decorative design with practical functionality.
Artists producing trays often create multiple items at the same time using several molds.
Many tray artists also produce complementary products such as coasters and jewellery pieces.
Artists producing coaster sets should see Resin Coaster Molds — Shapes, Sizes and Techniques.
Artists working with smaller decorative pieces may also review Best Resin Molds — Complete Guide for Resin Artists.
Demolding Resin Trays
Because trays are larger than most jewelry or coaster molds, they should be removed carefully from the mold.
Flexible silicone molds allow the sides of the mold to be gently bent outward so that the resin tray can be released without damaging the edges.
Artists experiencing demolding problems should see Resin Stuck in Mold — How to Demold Epoxy Resin Safely.
Professional Mold Systems for Large Resin Projects
Some resin artists expand from decorative trays into larger resin projects such as river tables or architectural resin panels.
These projects require more rigid mold systems that remain stable during curing.
Explore Professional Epoxy Resin Table Molds for Large Resin Projects.
Related Guides for Resin Artists
For more information on resin molds and casting techniques see the following guides:
Resin Art Molds — Complete Guide for Resin Artists
DIY Resin Molds — How to Make Resin Molds at Home
FAQ — Resin Tray Molds
What molds are used for resin trays?
Most resin trays are made using flexible silicone molds designed for shallow epoxy pours.
How thick should a resin tray be?
Most trays are between 10mm and 20mm thick depending on the design and intended use.
Can resin tray molds be reused?
Yes. High-quality silicone molds can typically be reused many times when properly cleaned and stored.