Reading up on what to consider when using resin.
- Releasing agent required where mould has potential to stick to resin.
- Sample using Latex mould, however silicone rubber moulds will be stronger for repeat moulding.
- Matt silicone moulds will give a matt finish – gloss silicone moulds a glossy finish
- Casting moulds are better quality and more durable than baking moulds.
- Read the instructions to know for sure what quantity of resin to mix to what quantity of hardener and how long it takes to cure
- Be super accurate with measuring
- Mix thoroughly – looking for a uniform colour
- Choose the right resin
- Get good at the basics first
Epoxy resin is:
- best for beginners as it is the easiest to work with.
- Has the longest shelf life
- Most forgiving environmentally
- Longest pot time
- Sometimes cures with a yellow tine – check before you buy – the more colour free the more expensive.
- Available as a doming resin which is thicker with extra surface tension, however more difficult to remove bubbles from.
- Considered a soft resin meaning the casting can be dented.
- Not suitable for polishing with a polishing wheel – it will not withstand the heat.
Clear Casting/ polyester/polyurethane resin
- Generally cheaper than epoxy resin
- Cures very hard with the hardness and clearness of glass
- Can be polished with a buffing wheel and compound
- Does not require recoating or a gloss spray to be shiny
- General moisture insensitive – not affected by humidity.
- Requires lots of ventilation.
- Short pot time – generally 8 minutes – less than epoxy resin
- Careful calculation of resin to hardener required (so many drops per 100ml)
- Thin layers require more hardener to generate more heat to cure
- For multiple layers, each layer adds to the heat effect meaning each layer requires less hardener than the one before.
- Be aware of the end result at the beginning – measure the right amount of resin and hardener for your actual requirements.
- Shelf Life is no more than six months which epoxy will last much longer.
- Exposed Surface remains sticky after the resin has cured. This can be sanded off or sealed with resin sealer.
- Likely to break if dropped.
Bibliography
Resinobsession.com. (2019). [online] Available at: https://www.resinobsession.com/resin-frequently-asked-questions/what-kind-of-resin-should-i-use/ [Accessed 3 Apr. 2019].
Resinobsession.com. (2019). [online] Available at: https://www.resinobsession.com/resin-resin-resin/mistakes-beginners-make-resin/ [Accessed 20 Apr. 2019].
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