The random RESIN question thread!

[manderz]

does anyone know what the best kind of mold would be to make resin oendants, etc? i cannot find any ice cube trays small enought for what i want and no candy molds or anything. Im thinking if making my own molds out of plaster or paris or clay. has anyone tried this?

[katybeck]

You can make your own molds out of latex or silicone.  Basically you create one master pendant that you like (out of clay, wax, etc), and then pour the mold-making material over it and let it set.  Then you can pour/press whatever resin casting material you want in and make tons of them! 

This tutorial is not really jewelry-related, but it gives a really nice step-by-step guide to creating your own molds without having to buy too much stuff:

http://www.hirstarts.com/moldmake/moldmaking.html

[manderz]

katy, thanks for the help, im deffinetly gonna try to find the right stuff and give it a try! Hope to have some finfished projects posted soon!

[dropoffradar]

I know I could just search this, and I have. But its so much easier to be answered directly...

Im interested in making resin jewelry. Ive never worked with it before, and I only have a slight idea of how it would work. What do I need to buy? What have you found to be helpful? How do you get a hole in it, or, do you put in a metal ring in before it sets? This is all so new to me, and I cant wait to learn, please share 

[Vanessa Cyanide]

You can get the resin and the catalyst at most any craft store.  For molds, most things plastic work fine, but you may want to look into mold release.  The holes can be drilled easily with a dremmel tool or any other dril (small bit). I am in no way a pro at this, mostly trial and error stuff works best...it stinks and is hard to get off anything you dont want it on.

[glitterkick]

Some things I have found helpful when working with resin:

Small, disposable plastic cups to mix the resin in
Measuring spoons so you get the same amount of resin in each mold
Chopsticks are great for mixing the resin and catalyst
Tweezers for picking up stuff to put in molds
A wet rag or paper towel for cleaning up any spills on your surface quickly
A well-ventilated room, a fan also helps

Good luck!

[dropoffradar]

okay, well, i went searching for the resin and catalyst at micheals, since the local joanns didnt have any, and i was confused about what brand to buy. there was craft and cast, and this stuff called envirotex or something.


i thought ill probably try using an ice cube tray...because i didnt see any mold or anything at the craft store...besides soap ones and stuff, which are way to big. also, should i invest in some mold release?

[glitterkick]

I use the Castin' Craft resin and catalyst. A small bottle of catalyst willl last forever since you only use 5 drops per ounce of resin. As far as the mold release, I have never used any and mine always pop out just fine - I use ice cube trays.

[dropoffradar]

 

thanks a lot for the advice.

[lusterbunny]

Just so you know.  Resin is very TOXIC!!!  You can use it safely, but please careful.  Wear rubber gloves when working with it so you do not get it on your skin, otherwise you can develop a sensitivity to it, which can result in rashes, dizziness, loss of smell and taste.  Also make sure that the room is well ventilated and that you wear a respirator that has an vapors cartridge.  You can get a decent one at Rio Grande for about $30.  Since the long term affects (such as cancer and neurological damage) are pretty horrible this seems like a small amount to spend in the long run.