Care guide

Every Sand & Spirit piece is individually handmade with care in my Berkshire workshop. Resin is durable and designed to be enjoyed, but a little care will help keep your piece looking beautiful for years to come.

General resin care

To protect your handmade resin piece:

• Do not put resin products in the dishwasher.
• Clean using a soft or microfibre cloth with warm water and, if necessary, a little mild soap. Dry thoroughly afterwards.
• Do not use abrasive cloths, scourers or brushes, which may scratch the resin surface.
• Keep away from harsh chemicals, solvents and chemical cleaning products.
• Keep resin away from direct heat sources, such as fireplaces, radiators and hot appliances, as excessive heat can damage or soften the resin.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Over time, UV exposure can cause resin to discolour or degrade.
• Do not place resin products in a microwave or oven.
• Avoid dropping resin pieces onto hard surfaces or placing sharp or heavy objects on them, as this may cause scratching, chipping or other damage.

Water resistance

My resin pieces are water resistant, but should not be considered waterproof.

They can be wiped clean with water, but should not be submerged or left soaking in water for prolonged periods.

If using a resin piece with a plant pot, please make sure the plant is in a fully sealed pot or container so that water cannot seep through and remain in contact with the resin.

Always wipe away spills and standing water as soon as possible.

Coasters and heat resistance

My resin coasters are heat resistant up to approximately 95°C once fully cured.

However, resin continues to cure and harden after your piece has been made and can take up to 30 days to reach its maximum heat resistance.

For this reason, I strongly recommend not placing hot mugs, cups, dishes or other hot items directly onto your coaster for the first 30 days after you receive it. Doing so before the resin has reached its full cure could leave an impression or mark on the surface.

After 30 days, your coasters can be used with normal hot drinks, provided the temperature does not exceed 95°C.

Heat resistant does not mean heatproof. Never place cookware directly from an oven, hob or other very high-temperature source onto your resin pieces.

Resin jewellery

To keep your Sand & Spirit jewellery looking its best:

• Avoid getting your jewellery wet and remove it before showering, bathing or swimming.
• Remove jewellery before sleeping.
• Remove jewellery when exercising or taking part in physical activity.
• Avoid direct contact with perfume, cosmetics, moisturisers, hairspray, sun cream and other beauty products.
• Ideally, apply perfumes and cosmetics first and allow them to dry before putting on your jewellery.
• Avoid harsh chemicals and household cleaning products.
• Do not leave jewellery in excessive heat or prolonged direct sunlight.
• When you’re not wearing it, store your jewellery in a jewellery box or another cool, dry place.
• Clean gently with a soft cloth. If necessary, use a small amount of mild soap and water, then dry thoroughly.

Memorial jewellery

My memorial jewellery contains something incredibly precious and should be treated with particular care.

All of the jewellery care instructions above apply to memorial pieces. I especially recommend avoiding prolonged contact with water, chemicals, cosmetics and excessive heat.

Do not use chemical jewellery-cleaning solutions directly on the resin.

Once ashes have been incorporated into the resin, they form a permanent part of your memorial piece and cannot be removed. Looking after the resin will therefore help protect your precious keepsake for years to come.

Sterling silver jewellery

Sterling silver naturally tarnishes over time. This is completely normal and isn’t a fault with your jewellery.

Use a soft silver polishing cloth to gently polish the silver components only, taking care around the resin.

Do not immerse resin jewellery in silver-cleaning dips or other chemical jewellery cleaners.

Stainless steel jewellery

Stainless steel is durable and low-maintenance, but I still recommend keeping it clean and dry and avoiding prolonged exposure to perfumes, cosmetics and chemicals.

Gently clean with a soft cloth when required.

Trinket dishes, trays and decorative pieces

My resin trinket dishes, trays and decorative pieces can be gently cleaned with a soft or microfibre cloth and warm water. Dry thoroughly afterwards.

Avoid prolonged exposure to water, excessive heat and direct sunlight.

Do not place extremely hot cookware or other high-temperature items directly onto them.

Unless an individual product is specifically described as suitable for food contact, do not use resin pieces for direct food contact, serving or food preparation.

Scratches and everyday wear

As with many glossy surfaces, resin can develop very fine surface scratches through everyday use.

Avoid dragging sharp, rough or heavy objects across your resin pieces, and always use a soft cloth rather than an abrasive cleaner when cleaning them.

Small signs of wear over time are a normal part of a handmade item being used and loved.

The beauty of handmade

Every Sand & Spirit piece is individually created by hand, so no two pieces will ever be exactly the same.

Slight variations in colour, pattern, finish, sand placement and wave detailing are part of the handmade process. Due to the nature of resin and its curing process, occasional tiny air bubbles or other minor imperfections may also be present despite every effort being made to minimise them.

These don’t affect the use of your piece and are part of what makes each Sand & Spirit creation unique.