DIY Resin Doorknobs

4 Materials
$10
1 Day
Easy

A while back I made some steampunk door knobs/drawer pulls that have been super popular. I have had so many people ask me what else can be done with this idea. So I decided to do a test run adding a few different items to the resin to see how they would work out.

DIY Resin Door Knobs

These knobs can be made to suit your needs. Looking for cute knobs for your kids bedroom. Add some Lego blocks, arm men, mini toys etc. The possibilities are endless. Even what they can be used for is endless. Coat hooks, jewelry hooks, door knobs, drawer pulls etc.

Materials:



  • Ping pong balls
  • Epoxy resin
  • Cake moulds
  • Chop sticks
  • Filler (beads, pebbles, shells)
  • Mixing containers



I made these in a slightly different way from the last ones. I had a look around the house for something I could use as a mould. I only wanted small moulds so I did not use to much resin, because this was just a test run. I also found bit and bobs around the house to put in the resin.


Step 1: Cut ping pong balls

I found ping pong balls that I have plenty off, any mould will work. Silicone mould work best. I cut the top off the balls using a stanley knife.


Step 2: Place ping pong balls in mould and add filler

I used a cake moulds to support the balls so they would not fall over once filled. I added all my elements to the balls. I used pebble, shells, thumbtacks, beads, nuts & bolts and charms. I found with the rounder balls I should have added more elements to fill up the balls. Once the resin was poured they fell from the sides to the bottom.


Step 3: Make supports for bolts

Next I made some supports to hold the bolts in place while the resin dries. The bolts should be at least halfway into the resin to made the knobs stronger.


Step 4: Mix epoxy resin

Mix your resin and pour it into the moulds. All resins are different so mix to the manufacturers instructions.


Step 5: Pour epoxy resin into ping pong balls (optional: add pigment)

I tried to make a beach themed knob by adding so blue resin pigment as the sea.


Step 6: Heat epoxy resin to remove bubbles

Once the resin is poured you will find bubble will form across the resin surface. To pop the bubbles, I used a creme brule torch. Just one swipe across the surface and the bubbles are gone. Or you can use a straw and blow through the straw. Your breath pops the bubbles.


Step 7: Place bolts into ping pong balls

This was what my technical set up looked like. I just used items I had lying around in my workshop.


Step 8: Remove dry knobs from mould


Wait 24 hours or until dry. Cut the ball and peel away. The only down side to the ping pong balls was the surface was a bit dull. To get the shine back I add acrylic spray and boom the surface was shiny again. This does not happen with silicone moulds.

This was the beach themed knob. It would have turned out great if i had not added the sand first. It all settles at the bottom hiding the shells

Plastic Beads

Pebbles

Shells knobs. More detailed information on this project can be found on my website listed below. Time to make these is about 1 hour excluding drying time.

For another great idea, check out this Game of Thrones lamp made from an empty Jack Daniels bottle and a tealight candle holder.

Resources for this project:
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Unique Creations By Anita
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
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3 of 48 questions
  • Jane Smith Jane Smith on Sep 12, 2022

    I can see how you make drawer pulls using ping-pong balls, but what to you use for a doorknob? It would have to be considerably bigger, right?


  • Jane Smith Jane Smith on Sep 12, 2022

    I'd love to try this for my grandsons' room. It will take a LOT of drawer knobs, but they would love them. Not many things last long without getting damaged in their shared bedroom, but I think they would be very careful with these knobs. I'd also love to make a doorknob for them--and then, perhaps others for the parents--but can't figure out what to use for a mold large enough for a doorknob. Any ideas?

  • Crystal Crystal on Sep 15, 2022

    Hi, the ping pong balls I have, have a seam inside that is quite noticeable. It leaves an indent on knob. Anyone dealt with this?

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