#how to epoxy resin

[spinch-san]

Here are two Chao figures I made from resin!

[psychic-waffles]

Recently seen another wave of people getting into resin casting hobbies and it stresses me the hell out so this is going to be a PSA

IF YOU ARE USING RESIN YOU NEED PROPER PPE

Resin is nasty stuff and just because it's sold in hobby kits now doesn't mean it's safe. Unfortunately a lot of resins marketed to casting craft hobbies will be marked as "non-toxic/low VOC/safe to use at home" however this can mean anything from 'fairly harmless' to 'slightly less toxic than some other resins'. Don't let anyone tell you you don't need PPE while using resin.

So lets talk about resin allergies

The components in resin and it's hardeners and dilutants are all powerful irritants and sensitisers. This means obviously they can irritate your skin and airways if you come into contact with them or breathe in the fumes, but this also means that you can build up a sensitivity over time. Because of this you can develop a severe reaction over time, you might have your first reaction to resin on the first day you use it, or you might develop an allergy after several years of using it. The more you use resin the more likely you are to develop an allergy.

The reaction is most often a form of dermatitis which could present as redness, ichiness, irritation, swelling, or even skin blisters. Fumes can also cause breathing difficulties and other complications, and with some resins these may be present in significant quantities up to a week after the resin has cured.

In the absolute worst case if you develop a severe epoxy allergy (or allergy to other related compounds) you may be restricted from using a significant percentage of glues and paints, you will need to tell your dentist before you have any work done, you may even be unable to use things like vinyl or plastic handbags. And that's not even the half of it.

So what can you do about it?

The best way to protect yourself from a resin allergy is the proper PPE. Always read any safety materials that come with the resin (these should be inclued with the resin, but you may have to check the manufactureres or sellers website).

Only use resin in a well ventilated space, preferably outdoors, DO NOT DO THIS IN YOUR BEDROOM or any other room you are spending a lot of time in, just because you cannot smell fumes doesn't mean they're not there. If you don't have a suitable space you will need to build a fumes tent: instructions here.

Use NITRILE gloves (latex gloves won't cut it)

USE A RESPIRATOR! You will need either a half face respirator and safety glasses or a full face respirator, and it will need to be able to filter organic gasses and vapors. Make sure your mask fits correctly and air isn't getting in through the sides, and check how often you need to change your filters. (note - you should also have one of these for things like spray painting)

Make sure you're wearing long sleeves/as much skin is covered as possible. If you get resin on your clothing it will ruin them so having dedicated old clothing for working with resin is a good idea.

keep your workspace clean and have materials to mop us spillages on hand so you can minimise the risk of cross contamination.

If you do get resin on your skin wash it off with soap and water immedaitely (you can also get special soaps that are more effective for washing it off of skin)

Finally just do your own research, this sounds silly but it's your own health (and possibly the health of anyone else or any pets living with you) that's at risk here, so make sure you understand the safety implication of the materials you're using.

Please don't take this post as the be all and end all, I've almost definitely forgotten something and this is just intended to be a starting point

[ratwars]

Also the lamest part of shop class. Pour this shit now pour this other shit, okay come back next class. Pop this stupid shit out of the mold now that it is done with its little chemical reaction and buff it. Congrats, you have a piece of plastic. Now let's do it again.

[vileviale]

My addiction to sparkling water is the equivalent to a bear from a horror story trying human flesh for the first time and never being able to go back

[thecharcoalsalamander]

So I started making dice 👀👀👀👀👀

My work wife got me the COOLEST gift for my birthday, a resin starter kit and a dice mold, and now all I wanna do is make dice. If any resin artists/dice makers have any cool tips or advice I will gladly hear it. I've been attempting to learn more about what she does at our shop (she's a props maker/caster/fabricator/artificer) but I am still very new and neither of us have made dice before!

[valnitips]

Epoxy Resin for Beginners

Learn how to work with resin in 4 chapters

Click here to see all the things you will learn with this ebook :-)

[chalkeater]

have you ever wanted to eat the resin

hmmm ive never smelled resin before but i feel like i wouldnt want to?? BUT ive wanted to eat keychains and charms themselves

[dtico29t]

Today I will show you how to make a transparent snickers / mars

[artracrafts]

A very easy way of removing resin from the tumbler creation you're not really happy about.

Full How-To video on my YouTube channel.

[andrewpcannon]

Tips for DIY Epoxy Resin and DIY Epoxy Resin Coverage and Cost Calculator

Skip to Calculator I’ve worked with epoxy resins for years. I started working with epoxy knowing I would invest a lot of time and money learning different techniques to develop patterns, produce durability, prevent yellowing, limit cracking, and stop warping. As a result, I get to offer top-of-the-line epoxy products to my clients. There are some trade secrets I want to keep to myself, but I…

[amcsupplies]

Discovering Bio Casting Epoxy Resin: A Sustainable Choice for Art and Hobbyists

In the world of crafting, woodworking, and artistic creation, the materials used can greatly influence the outcome of the final product. One such revolutionary material making waves in the industry is Bio Casting Epoxy Resin. This solvent-free, water-clear resin system is designed specifically for casting, embedding, and creating stunning resin river tables. What sets it apart from traditional resins is its innovative use of plant-based formulas, harnessing renewable resources to reduce environmental impact while delivering exceptional clarity and performance.

Understanding Bio Casting Epoxy Resin

Bio Casting Epoxy Resin is engineered to meet the diverse needs of hobbyists and artists alike. Its formulation not only ensures crystal-clear transparency but also prioritizes air release during curing, eliminating unsightly bubbles and imperfections that can mar the final piece. This makes it ideal for applications where visual appeal is paramount, such as jewelry making, art installations, and furniture design, particularly the popular resin river tables.

Sustainability at Its Core

What truly distinguishes Bio Casting Epoxy Resin is its eco-friendly profile. By utilizing plant-based ingredients, it minimizes the use of petrochemicals and significantly reduces volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released into the atmosphere compared to conventional epoxy resins. This not only benefits the environment but also enhances the safety and comfort of users working with the resin in enclosed spaces.

Key Features and Benefits

Solvent-Free and Low Viscosity: Ensures ease of use and minimal odor.

UV Stable: Provides resistance to yellowing and degradation over time, maintaining clarity.

Optimized Clarity: Delivers a water-clear finish that enhances the visual appeal of embedded objects.

Air Release Properties: Facilitates bubble-free curing, crucial for achieving flawless results.

Mixing Bio Casting Epoxy Resin and Hardener

Achieving optimal results with Bio Casting Epoxy Resin requires careful attention to the mixing process. Here’s a simple guide to ensure a successful mix:

Prepare Your Workspace: Work in a clean, well-ventilated area and gather all necessary tools and safety equipment.

Ratio: Follow the recommended mixing ratio of resin to hardener precisely. Typically, this information is provided by the manufacturer and can vary depending on the specific product. For Bio Casting Epoxy Resin, the mixing ratio is crucial to ensure proper curing and strength.

Mixing: Pour the measured amount of resin into a clean mixing container. Add the hardener according to the specified ratio. Use a stir stick or paddle to thoroughly mix the components together. Ensure you scrape the sides and bottom of the container to incorporate all the resin and hardener evenly.

Degassing (Optional): If working on large projects or to ensure absolute clarity, consider using a vacuum chamber to remove any remaining bubbles after mixing. This step is particularly beneficial for intricate or large-scale resin casting projects.

Pouring and Curing: Once thoroughly mixed, pour the resin into your mold or onto your work surface. Follow the curing guidelines provided by the manufacturer, taking into account factors such as temperature and humidity, which can affect curing times and results.

Conclusion

Bio Casting Epoxy Resin represents a significant advancement in resin technology, offering not only superior clarity and performance but also a sustainable alternative to traditional epoxy resins. Its plant-based formulation and reduced environmental impact make it a preferred choice among conscientious crafters and artists seeking to create stunning, environmentally responsible works of art. Whether you're creating intricate jewelry pieces or large-scale resin installations, Bio Casting Epoxy Resin ensures that your artistic vision shines through with unparalleled clarity and quality.

[royalarmyofoz]

re: my clay creations, i made a bunch of fruit and a bowl to put them all in. all of them cracked (because i was trying to use foil for the base) but im still gonna finish them because why not. i decided to paint the bowl like a halved cantaloupe and it's so ugly and i love it!😍 i finished a pomegranate and a strawberry and now im painting a banana

[corrodedbisexual]

I just realized this jacket is so underrated for Steddie.

Because Eddie would be an absolute menace about that shoulder pocket. He'd keep trying to sneak things into it just to see how much he can get away with.

He gets away with it all the time.

Eddie is so damn proud of himself. He is the reverse Artful Dodger. Absolute sleight of hand god. Natural 20 every damn time.

Meanwhile, Steve just patiently waits and deliberately keeps looking away until he's sure his gremlin boyfriend's fingers are no longer wriggling into his pocket. The biggest challenge is not laughing at Eddie's fake innocent expression when Steve looks at him right after another mischief. He finds it absolutely hilarious that Eddie genuinely seems to think he's being super sneaky, so he keeps humoring him.

Occasionally Steve realizes his shoulder is getting considerably heavy, or something starts digging into his flesh, and he sighs and empties it all into a designated drawer in his bedroom. It's already full of little rocks of all shapes and colors, acorns, dry flowers, kids' marbles, bubble gum wrappers, bird feathers, beer caps and old movie tickets.

It's absolute trash, technically. A trash dragon hoard. But he doesn't have the heart to throw it all away. And he's glad he didn't, by the time their one year anniversary arrives, because Robin (who's in on the joke, obviously) gives him the coolest gift idea.

Steve arranges all the items inside a frame and covers them in epoxy resin. When he presents his gift to his boyfriend, Eddie's a total mess of simultaneously laughing, crying and trying to devour Steve's face. He proudly hangs this masterpiece up above his bed.