Resin Casting
overview
Resin casting is a simple way to cast colorful shapes of different designs that harden into durable objects for crafts, jewelry or decor.
Epoxy resin is a two-part mixture that creates a strong, rigid material through a chemical reaction. Important! You must mix the resin and the hardener in exactly equal portions.
It’s a chemical reaction! The resin’s epoxide groups react with the hardener’s amine groups to form long molecular chains called polymers. The process is called cross-linking.
The epoxy goes through a gel state then solidifies into a solid plastic-like substance. This process is called curing.
30 minutes
maker checklist
- epoxy resin set
- resin colorants
- silicone molds
- small plastic cups (lots!)
- small stir sticks (lots!)
- paper towels
- disposable gloves
- plastic table cover
instructions
1
protect your work surface with a plastic cover, and protect your hands with disposable gloves.
2
measure equal parts of the resin and hardener into separate cups.
3
combine the two equal parts in a fresh cup and stir slowly, consistently and thoroughly.
4
add a few drops of colorant once the liquids are well combined. stir the colorant fully through the liquid so it is even in color.
5
pour slowly and carefully into silicone molds. little shapes fill quickly!
tip!
squeeze your plastic cup a bit to form a pouring spout or use a pipette.
6
set to harden for at least 8 hours or over night. make sure they sit undisturbed. the hardening time, or *curing* time depends on the temperature and humidity in the room.
7
pop the shapes out of the molds and use them in your projects!
8
add your translucent DIY objects to art and crafts!
