The random RESIN question thread!

[RoxNGemz]

I justed used Envirotex Lite Pour On epoxy resin for the first time.

Is it... normal... for it to be tacky after 24 hours? I thought it should be soft cured by then.

Also, what does soft cured really mean?

I also just tried the Envirotex Lite Pour on Epoxy last night, and I left it on the fireplace mantle to cure, and after 12 hours it's soft cured (meaning you can't totally bend it but you can make a fingernail mark in it)  By chance did you try to add a dye to it?  That might have changed it's curing time.

I just took pics of my molds. http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2392/1498619305_3f4518c254.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2244/1498611695_ff025c35e1.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2209/1499467632_7f0483cf18.jpg

Still only half full!  Working on completing them today!!!

[miserylovesme]

I also just tried the Envirotex Lite Pour on Epoxy last night, and I left it on the fireplace mantle to cure, and after 12 hours it's soft cured (meaning you can't totally bend it but you can make a fingernail mark in it)  By chance did you try to add a dye to it?  That might have changed it's curing time.

Thanks! It's reached soft cure now, but I'm skeptical on whether or not it will fully cure. I can leave fingernail/toothpick impressions in it.

Could a humidity of 65% keep it from curing?

Also, one more question, is it true with Castin' Craft that it takes longer for thinner casts to dry than thicker casts? I always use a plastic cup to mix it in and then I keep the cup to see if the leftover in the bottom has dried before I mess with my pieces. Lately I've been coating instead of casting. The resin in the cup is, uh, rock hard, while the thin layer on my pieces is only soft cured. It's been about 60 hours.

[DIY ho]

I've only ever used the Castin' Craft brand so far, and I've only had problems with it curing when it was humid. I live in the south too, so I know humid!   If you're still using the AC where you are, try putting your molds near (not on top of) a vent for a night and see if the dryer air helps. If not, I say pop 'em out and spray the suckers with clear varnish/enamel.

About the thinner casts taking longer, I've got no advice on that, other than I've not noticed that being the case with my stuff.


PS--A question of my own... I've bought a 3 color pack of dyes, so I don't need a ghetto coloring method, however(!) I was thinking of trying food coloring. Anyone tried that already? I just thought, they're cheap, multi-hued, and easy to find! They're also designed to take a fair amount of heat... right?? Eh, if no one's tried, I'll give it a go and report back!

And... because of this very thread, I spent over $30 tonight on nothing but resin molds.    At least I'll have a lot of resiny goodness to share, yeah? Oh, and get this--one of the molds is a light switch plate!!!

[RoxNGemz]

My resin is completely set now... have a look at my pendants (well, soon to be pendants!):


Remember this is only my first attempt at this.. but I think they are turning out pretty good! 

Now I just need to sand these, and add a loop.  I'm thinking of getting those loops that you can screw in.  Advice?

[NameThatCandy]

They are beautiful, esp the the one with all the silver rings.

[RoxNGemz]

They are beautiful, esp the the one with all the silver rings.

Thanks so much!  Those are just jumprings   It will make a very trendy pendant!


A question for the vetran resin experts... how long after you take your resin out of the molds can you start sanding them?  How hard does the resin have to be?

[darkdaughter]

I keep reading tips on how to reduce air bubbles... what if I want tons of air bubbles? How do I go about getting air bubbles? They always seem to settle out.

[RoxNGemz]

I keep reading tips on how to reduce air bubbles... what if I want tons of air bubbles? How do I go about getting air bubbles? They always seem to settle out.

Good question!
I get lots of air bubbles in the resin when I whip the resin/hardner together.

But I prefer the air bubbles to disappear (I find they distort the image I'm embedding).  But, if I do want the bubble effect, I use round beads that look like bubbles

[owl be there]

I know you can buy like a spray sealer off the internet but would I be able to seal my resin with mod podge??

Also, does anyone know how to get rid of fingerprints? I thought mine was dry and so I started poking it and now theres fingerprints all over it 

[LuxieLou]

u can sand the fingerprints off once the piece is completely cured.