Research – Casting with Resin

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].