Wednesday, 22 May 2013
As requested here is a quick tutorial on the basics of using Resin.
You can create all manner of fun things with resin.
To the left I have a few cute little Cabochons filled with goodies, a pendant that I coloured and a bracelet that I sealed, all with resin!
What you need:
- Resin - I'm using 2 part resin. Can be in a bottle or a syringe. (Mine is called Craft Smart and can be purchased in craft stores or online)
- Newspaper/paper/plastic to protect work surface. Do not use wax paper! It makes a BIG mess.
- Mixing container - plastic cups/etc are great. I use a tea light candle container in mine ;)
- Mixing tools - I use matchsticks I purchased from the craft store
- Mold - I'm using hand-made molds made with Sculpey Mold maker (available at craft stores or online)
- Optional: Acrylic paint or resin dyes/ seal-able objects i.e. gears/dried flowers/beads
Firstly, lay your newspaper/plastic down on your work surface to help prevent any spills ruining your desk.
Grab your mixing container, resin and mixing sticks and make sure your mold is on hand.
So using my own bottles as an example, the one to the left (with the red stripe) is the Resin. The other is the hardener. One cannot work without the other. When pouring these out, remember you need a 1:1 ratio.
If you don't pour them evenly, the mixture may end up sticky or not set at all.
My favourite way of confirming I have them even, is to set them next to each other as pictured and check that the levels are even.
Pour a small amount of resin into your container.
Note: You are using both bottles, so only pour half of the amount you want from each bottle. I messed this up the first time and ended up with WAY more than I needed.
Once the resin is poured, repeat with the hardener.
(Ignore the black in the bottom of my container. It's dried resin from my last batch)
Note: At this step, if you choose, you can add acrylic paint or resin dyes to colour your resin. If using paint, add small amounts and mix completely before determining if you need more. Be careful not to add too much paint, as it can throw off the resin.
If using resin dyes, follow the instructions on the bottle.
Take care with pouring as air bubbles may get trapped and ruin your work. Try to let the resin ooze in rather than filling the cavity straight away. This will help eliminate air bubbles.
Be careful not to overfill as the resin will drip and ruin the design.
Once your mold is filled, set is aside to dry! I try and sit mine on a lid/something sturdy so I can move it and not disrupt the drying process.
If you're wanting to use it to seal a piece instead, take the resin and use a small brush or spreader, and make sure to spread evenly over the piece. If you need to seal both sides, I would recommend doing one side at a time. Set aside to dry.
Most resins take at least 24 hours to dry (best left in a dry, dust free area). I've found mine take a little longer to fully harden.
Note: Weather/temperatures can affect the drying times. In winter, it make take a little longer to cure. This can be remedied by working in a warm room.
Once fully dry, carefully remove the piece from the mold.
Note: Please research your molds/resin types when buying. Some molds require a release agent (generally hard plastic molds). I've found silicone ones do not and are very easy to use (and make yourself!).
Now you can file/paint/glue/whatever your heart desires!
I then used paint again to "tint" the piece to look old before setting it in this pretty filigree base.
If you paint over your piece, you can go back and seal it again with a clear coat for extra protection.
Thank you for reading my tutorial. Please note, I am far from a professional. All advice given is only from personal experience and doing your own research is always advised.
If you would like me to cover a particular method/topic, please message me with your requests!
Much love, Hannah - Pandeimonium Accessories xoxo
