Introduction To Resin & Resin Moulds
Resin 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.
Resin is technically short for epoxy resin which is a two-component system consisting of resin and hardener. By mixing the two components, a chemical reaction takes place so that the liquid resin gradually hardens to a solid plastic.
Once the two components (or parts) combine the end result is a super durable high-gloss, clear surface. It has been used for many many years for things such as floors, tables, industrial purposes, boat building… and art.
It has been a huge trend recently and becoming more widely available… allowing us to use it for things such as jewelry, home decor, pictures, or even sculptures!
Basically, it’s pretty awesome.
The synthetic resin for such processes is a monomer for making a plastic thermosetting polymer. During the setting process, the liquid monomer polymerizes into the polymer, thereby hardening into a solid.
Silicone molds can be used for resin crafts, making establishments, soaps, chocolate, and cake decoration. Molds can be used for casting with UV Resin, Epoxy Resin, and Concrete.
Resin molds have many designs and shapes such as trays, jewelry gem making, pearls, miniatures of bottles, collectible toys and figures, candies, and many more.
Once you’ve made your first resin project it’s so tempting to think “but what else can I make?” This is why building your mold collection is the perfect way to make fun projects in your spare time!
One thing to keep in mind is if a mold is made of silicone you can use it for resin! This means baking molds are fare game… just be aware that most resin molds are glossy (which leaves your piece with a glossy shine to the front!) whereas baking molds often leave your piece matte. Which is fine… just pour a top coat and that will add a little gloss and shine to your piece!
Once you get started working with resin you’ll find that there are endless possibilities… you’ll want multiple molds, plenty of fun things to put inside your projects, pigments, and inks to add color!
How do I Color Resin?
When it comes to resin there are two options: clear or not clear! But that brings up the question of how to color resin in a way that works.
I’m sure there are plenty of options but I’ve found alcohol ink or acrylic paint to be the two easiest solutions! Alcohol ink is definitely a more transparent kind of color but acrylic craft paint doesn’t bond perfectly to every kind of resin so you’ll have to experiment to see what works.
Of course, another option I’m dying to play with is resin pigment… these powders give you a truly opaque look.
In the next blog, we will discuss the mixing of resins and how to use them.
