Resin Casting

Prepared by: Dela Cruz, FernandoMiciano, Jan CiprianneRafinian, Louie KeeRobles, Henry

Roma, Reuben ElijahSoliguen, ZharleneTingson, Roland

ResinResin, in the most specific meaning of the term,

is a hydrocarbon secretion of many plants, particularly coniferous trees. It is distinct from other liquid compounds found inside plants or

exuded by plants, such as sap, latex, or mucilage. More broadly, the term "resin" is also used for many thick liquids, some of them artificial polymer bases (synthetic resins), that during normal use, harden into transparent or

opaque solids.

Resin CastingResin casting is a method of plastic casting where a mold is filled with a liquid synthetic resin, which then hardens. It is primarily used for small-scale

production like industrial prototypes and dentistry. It can be done by amateur hobbyists with little initial

investment, and is used in the production of collectible toys, models and figures, as well as small-

scale jewelry production.

Process

• MEASURE RESINDetermine the number of layers to be poured and the amount ofresin required for your first layer. If the mold you are using doesnot state the number of ounces it contains, fill the mold withwater and then pour into a measuring cup to determine the totalamount of resin that will be needed.

• ADD CATALYSTThe size of the mold, the depth of the pour and your roomtemperature will determine the amount of catalyst used.• MIX THOROUGHLYUsing a stir stick or tongue depressor, mix resin and catalystthoroughly and vigorously for at least one minute. Scrape thesides and bottom of cup with your stir stick to insure propermixing of resin and catalyst.

• POUR INTO MOLDMake sure mold is clean, dry and level before pouring. Do not pick up or move the mold once you have poured the first layer.

• ALLOW TO GELResin will gel [to consistency of set Jell-O TM) in about 15 to25 minutes. Test the surface with a stir stick. There must besufficient firmness to support the weight of your embedment’s. Ifsurface has not reached a firm gel, wait a few more minutes andtest again with your stir stick.

• PLACE YOUR EMBEDMENTSREMEMBER… you are layering in reverse. The first layer youpour becomes the front of your cast piece. Put embedment’s in place face down on top of the gelled layer.• POUR ADDITIONAL LAYERSAdditional layers of embedment’s will give the appearance ofgreater depth and a dimensional 'floating' look.

• FINISH BACK OF CASTINGIt is normal for the final surface layer to have a slightly texturedorange peel' appearance.To protect table tops and provide a more finished look, youmay want to cut a piece of felt or sheet cork and glue it to thebase of your cast piece. Epoxy glue or bond cement works well.To remove minor blemishes such as fingerprints, spray withseveral coats of Resin Craft Surface Coat spray, which is a clearacrylic sealer.

Defects• Bubble Defects

TIPS TO PREVENT TRAPPING AIR BUBBLES

• When embedding items that may entrap air bubbles on their 'face', pour half of your next batch of catalyzed resin into the mold before placing the embedment’s. Then, lower embedment’s slowly into the resin to expel air bubbles.

• For a dimensional object such as a dried flower, dip it into your next batch of catalyzed resin before placing face down onto the gelled surface.

• Gently press embedment’s with your stir stick to free trappedbubbles.