Craftyminx: February 2009

I have had a few questions about resin, particularly use in molds. Since last year's Valentine's post wasn't really about the resin molds I didn't do a full tutorial. My bad, people. I really didn't think they would be that popular at the time. And I must admit that was my first time to try the molds. I was just lucky that they turned out. Believe me, when I'm crafting, things often don't work out. I will often call a project a success if I haven't ruined a piece of furniture in the process.

I was reluctant to make a tutorial about the molds because I wasn't an expert on it, but over the year I have tried numerous molds, types of resin, and spent hours upon hours researching. So let's call this a research guide, so I can use my librarian skills ;). I would make a tutorial for you, but my craft desk still looks exactly like this...

This will be a post full of information and maybe a few pictures if I can scrounge up some good ones on-line. Stick with me, I may even share some of my secrets.

If you feel like reading a whole lot you can go to this 122 page threadon Craftster. It is super informative.

First and foremost, you need to respect the resin. Really... respect it for what it is, a fairly volatile substance that will probably give us all cancer one day. I somewhat kid, but really for your sake and mine, follow all the safety directions on the resin you use. You will thank me later in life when you still have brain function at the age of 70. Work outside. Wear Gloves. Wear a respirator. Don't ever sand resin without using water. These are the big ones. Safety first!

You also need to be ready for disappointment. It won't always work out. There are so many things that can go wrong with resin. Weather can be a big influence on the curing process. Sticky spots, bubbles, and resin fusing to the molds you use are all problems that can happen and have happened to me. I'll go over all of these.

Ok let's get started. There are a lot of types of resin, and they all have different uses and characteristics. The main two used in crafting are epoxy and polyester resins.

I used a 2-part epoxy resin for last year's post. That is the resin you mix in the 1:1 ratio. It doesn't smell as bad and is really good for coating surfaces of things, like the picture frames. It wasn't the best choice for the molds that I made and I later learned this through lots of trial and error. When using the 2-part epoxy, exact measuring is key. And stir the hell out of it before you even think of pouring it. This will keep there from being sticky spots later. Some examples are Pour-on and Ultra-Glo. Hereare some more you can buy as well. I have to admit that I like ultra-glo best, but that's just my preference. If you want to buy from craft stores, I'm pretty sure you'll be limited to Pour-on.

Polyester Resins are better for casting and using molds. This type of resin requires the resin and a catalyst. You usually add the catalyst by drops depending on how many ounces of resin you are using and how thick you want your pour to be. They are a lot more toxic and require more trial and error to get the perfect end result. Everyone is different with this stuff. And I guarantee if I did a tutorial on how to use it here in Oklahoma someone in Arizona wouldn't need to use the same amount of catalyst and the curing time would be different as well. I still use layers when using this resin with molds. It just cures better.

Craftin'Cast resin is a polyester Resin. You can get this at most craft stores. I buy it from Michael's. For some reason it is always hard to find the catalyst. I always buy two things of catalyst to my one package of resin. You can also buy it on-line here. As an aside, I'm sending you to Craft world (previously Alpine Crafts) because I have ordered from them and have found them to be reputable. You never know with on-line stores.

Here is a really good postby Diane B. on craftster that explains a whole lot more about the differences she explains even more in later posts. Just keep reading.

Ok now that I've explained resins, I'll share some tips for using molds.

I would only use molds that are meant for resin if you want to be safe. Craft world has tons. Molds meant for candy and soap just aren't well suited for resin. Candy molds are usually really thin and can melt from the resin. I have, however, used some that have worked. It is just up to you to decide if you want to waste a few bucks on an experiment. If you do this, for heaven's sake please use a tray covered in wax paper underneath in case it does melt. Remember my furniture statement above?
Speaking of furniture - Cover your table with contact paper, if it isn't wood. I always have the top of my desk covered with white contact paper. It really really helps with spills the occasional messy painting party, and anything else I do to my poor table.
Use a mold release spray. I have to admit I usually don't, but I have had the disaster where my resin totally fused to the mold I was using. It happens. Don't give up. Just buy the spray. I bought mine at Michael's. It was right by the resin.
Mix up small batches of resin at a time!!! I can't tell you how many times I've mixed up an once or two of resin and wasted it because I only needed half an ounce. You can always mix up more.
Pour in layers! Wait until there is a soft cure between pours. This really will save you a lot of grief with the curing process. Also, GIVE IT TIME! A full cure can take 72 hours or more. This isn't a quick and dirty process. It takes way more time than I ever like to spend on something. Patience is not a virtue I have been blessed with.
Make your finished piece look more professional by sanding it. Use varying grits of fine sandpaper sand the piece under water until the edges are super smooth.
Have I mentioned to stir the hell out of it?? Really, stir it again. You'll thank me, I swear.
Get rid of bubbles by using a heat gun. If you don't want the embedded pieces moving as much, you can use a straw to blow your own hot air on the item, just don't tell anyone I told you to do that, because it's "not safe." I have also heated up my just stirred resin to remove the bubbles from all the stirring, which has helped too.
If you are embedding paper, coat both sides of it with something like mod-podge, or my new favorite, Ultra Seal and let it dry. It will usually keep the image from becoming see-through. I think this would be the same if you wanted to use fabric or threads too, but I haven't really tried it.

Ok I think that is all I have right now, if I think of more this list may grow.

Resources

These are tools I have found to be quite handy.

Videos

Jennifer Perkins - bracelet tutorial on Threadbanger

Casting Resin Rings- CRAFT Video Podcast

Resin Jewelry Tutorial with John W. Golden Parts 1-3

Tap Plastics - Cast embedments in Clear Resin

Resinobsession.com videos

Books

The Art of Resin Jewelry By: Sherri Haab -- LOVE LOVE LOVE this informative book!

Resin Jewelery By: Kathie Murphy