How to Commission Liquid Light: Your Resin Pro Checklist (What to Ask, What to Expect)

You’ve fallen for the liquid light look — jewel-bright countertops, pressed-flower doors, and river tables that shimmer like heirloom jewelry. Before you call a contractor, have the right questions and materials ready. This checklist helps you hire a resin pro who delivers a lasting, non-yellowing, museum-grade finish.

1. Look for real work (portfolio)

• Ask for at least 5 recent, installed photos (not just studio mockups).

• Request at least one project similar in scale and type to yours (kitchen vs small accent). Red flag: portfolio full of glossy studio shots only — may not show real-world wear.

2. Materials & specs (must ask)

• What epoxy brand and product line will you use? (Request datasheets.)

• Is it UV-stable / UV-inhibitor included? (Prevents yellowing.)

• Is the finish rated food-safe when fully cured? (Important for countertops.)

• What pigments and topcoats will be used? (Some pigments need sealers.) Tip: Ask for manufacturer tech sheets and cure times in writing.

3. Prep, substrate & warranty

• How will you prep the substrate? (Porosity, leveling, seam repair)

• Will the pour be done on-site or in-shop (then installed)? (On-site pour reduces seams.)

• What warranty do you offer and what does it cover (yellowing, delamination, stains)? Red flag: No written warranty or vague “we guarantee our work.”

4. Timeline & disruption

• What’s the full timeline (including curing time)? Expect multiple days—sometimes weeks for full cure.

• Will there be odors or ventilation needs? (Ask about negative-air or temporary relocation.)

• Clean-up plan and site protection? (You want minimal dust and mess.)

5. Cost & payment structure

• Ask for a line-item quote: prep, materials, pigments, labor, finish, cleanup, and travel.

• Payment schedule: deposit, mid-project, final on completion & inspection. Tip: Get final payment only after a 7–14 day inspection window to check for curing issues.

6. Installation specifics

• For countertops: how are seams handled, edges finished, and sinks/drains cut?

• For doors/panels: how is weight handled? Do hinges need reinforcement?

• For backlit panels: who supplies/mounts the LED system and electrical work?

7. Care & handover

• Get written care instructions: cleaners to avoid, heat tolerance limits, and polishing guidance.

• Ask for recommended repair contacts if chips or scratches appear.

8. Sample & mockup

• Request a 6–12" test panel with your pigment mix and finish — view in your home light before final work. Why: Color/pigment can shift between shop and your room lighting.

9. Legal & insurance

• Confirm contractor liability insurance and workers’ comp. If installing on site, ensure their policy covers your home.

Quick sample email to a pro (copy/paste)

Hi [Name], I’m interested in a [kitchen island / pressed-flower door / river table] project (~[sq ft or dimensions]) and would like a line-item estimate and answers to the following: brand of epoxy, UV stability, food-safe rating, warranty details, on-site vs shop pour, and timeline including cure time. Could you also share 3 installed project photos and a test sample option? Thanks .

Final Thoughts

A good resin pro will be transparent with materials and timelines, offer a visible portfolio of installed work, and provide a test sample so you can approve the “liquid light” effect in your own home light. Use this checklist when you call contractors — and save it for your installer meeting. Cheers!