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resin tips
resin recommendations
alumilite amazing clear cast
pros: no yellowing issues, food safe (still would not recommend using for food), no bubbles, less fumes
cons: most expensive, have had more exothermic reactions w this one than any other
alumilite amazing clear cast
pros: no yellowing issues, food safe (still would not recommend using for food), no bubbles, less fumes
cons: most expensive, have had more exothermic reactions w this one than any other
envirotex lite
pros: less fumes/smell, cures quickly, not many exothermic reactions, less bubbles imo
cons: a bit more expensive
pros: less fumes/smell, cures quickly, not many exothermic reactions, less bubbles imo
cons: a bit more expensive
link: Environmental Technology 2128 128-Ounce Kit Lite Pour-On, High Gloss Finish, Gallon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LNW022/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_0.jOEbQ10ZNFY
pro marine
pros: less expensive, very clear, less bubbles, no yellowing
cons: too thick for my liking
pros: less expensive, very clear, less bubbles, no yellowing
cons: too thick for my liking
link: Crystal Clear Bar Table Top Epoxy Resin Coating for Wood Tabletop - 1 Gallon Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LYK2NAG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_CckOEb4W4H3ZG
there are obviously many other brands such as art resin, art n glow, and so many more but these are just a few i recommend
the most important thing is proper PPE and ventilation. you will need to wear chemical resistant gloves, eye/lung protection (respirator mask), and if you’re working inside make sure you have proper ventilation! open a window/door, get a fume extractor, etc
when wearing your respirator you’ll need to buy 3m cartridges & replace them once a month. i don’t have any on the mask i’m wearing since i needed to replace them, but i do on this older cheaper one
the one i’m wearing is sold out right now (a lot of them are due to covid-19), but this is also a good option
Respirator, Full Face, Clear Lens, Reusable, Large, 6900 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006NY08M2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_hvkOEbZJ937M5
Respirator, Full Face, Clear Lens, Reusable, Large, 6900 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006NY08M2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_hvkOEbZJ937M5
you’ll also need to make sure you’re replacing your cartridges once a month
link: 3M 60923 Organic Vapor/Acid Gas Cartridge/Filter 60923, PK/YW https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075SM1QTB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_DwkOEb5KFXCK6
link: 3M 60923 Organic Vapor/Acid Gas Cartridge/Filter 60923, PK/YW https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075SM1QTB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_DwkOEb5KFXCK6
although it can be easy to skip this step, i’ve heard many horror stories from other resin artists who haven’t worn protective equipment. i used to wear gloves that weren’t chemical resistant and the epoxy would eat through it & i was left with burning itchy hands for weeks
most resins are two parts meaning that you’ll need to mix equal parts and mix them together for at least 3 minutes until they’re clear. for this i recommend a silicone or wooden stirring stick, and reusable silicone cups
link: 8PCS Silicone Measuring Cups for Resin 100ml 10ml - Nonstick Silicone Mixing Cups/DIY Glue Tools Epoxy Resin Cups https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RWLKXZW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_NAkOEbJB3FVRN
link: LET'S RESIN Silicone Stir Sticks with 2PCS Silicone Brushes for Mixing Resin, Epoxy, Liquid, Paint, Making Glitter Tumblers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TD25JYL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_eBkOEb824WHWD
once you feel that your resin has been properly mixed, it’s time to pour (it should be slightly warm and clear, i mix on average for 5 mins)
when using molds, pour a thin layer of resin as your base. this will prevent holes and bubbles. once you’ve poured your base, you’ll need some sort of heat such as a grill lighter or torch to get the bubbles out. swiftly wave your torch over the resin to get the resin out
be careful as some molds may catch on fire when doing this. you also don’t want to burn the resin, so make sure you’re just hovering over it
once the first layer is done, add what you want to the mold such as color, glitter, flowers, stickers. i recommend mixing your color (mica powder/alcohol ink) into the resin & stirring before pouring. it’s also important to layer your resin, don’t pour colors on top of flowers
the ashtrays & things you see me make aren’t done in one pour. they are usually about 4-5 different layers. you’ll want your resin to cure for at least 4-6 hours before pouring a second layer
the temperature for your resin to cure is around 70-75 degrees. if it’s too cold, your resin may not cure properly. to fix this you can use a personal heater (just make sure it doesn’t get too hot)
if what you’re making comes out dull or matte, adding another layer of resin can make it glossy. just get a paint brush, mix a very small batch of resin, and paint a thin layer on
i get almost all of my molds from etsy. most of the sellers i buy from also have their own sites listed on their etsy that you can buy from & usually get a better price. i buy from a variety of different sellers, just search up silicone molds
i also recommend not using plastic molds bc sometimes the resin can bond to it; silicone molds are more expensive but last you much longer & save a lot of time & frustration. it sucks getting a cute plastic mold you can only use once bc you had to cut & pry your piece out