Saturday, February 2, 2008

Tips For Working With Resin


Tips For Working With Resin
I really love making little artistic things.
Resin can be tricky, but it is so rewarding when your project turns out good. I think the number one tip I could give is to make sure all of your porous materials are WELL sealed and DRY. I usually let things dry for several days. I have not had anything that did not react well in the resin as long as it was well sealed with water based glue. I have used molds made from 2 part silicone mold maker, silicone ice cube trays, and ready made molds just for resin.
Mixing the resin to exact amounts crucial as well. If it is not mixed properly the resin may not set up hard, or remain sticky. Working in a warm environment is important. If a spill occurs rubbing alcohol will clean it up while the resin is still wet. I keep a paper towel and alcohol close by while I'm working. When I pour the resin I put small items inside a shallow box lid so that I can move them to a dust free area to cure. The resin is very sticky in its wet state and will attract dust.
A heat gun passed over the work slowly and carefully will help rid the resin of any trapped air bubbles. Much care must be used or the resin can blow out and make quite a mess.


Please leave any other questions in the comment section and I will do my best to answer them!