All about various types of casting resins

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How to Use Casting Resin
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• Available for a wide variety of projects, casting
  resin comes in a variety of types that serve
  different purposes, and mixing and working with
  these resins requires different ingredients and
  methods. Crafts, jewelry, pottery, and a large
  variety of other items come from resin molds. For
  example, you might consider making a gift for a
  friend using an image created from casting resin,
  while ornaments make another great gift option,
  especially around the holidays. You can make
  these types of crafts with a mold made from
  casting resin by following just a few easy steps.

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Supplies You Need When Working With Casting Resin

• Before starting on your project, you should
  consider the supplies you need first. To begin,
  you should gather resin, measuring devices, a
  disposable mixing bowl, disposable tools, a mold,
  cooking spray, drinking straws, and items for
  embedding. You also want to secure a stable work
  environment that you do not mind getting messy,
  while also making sure that you set up shop in a
  well-ventilated area since resin fumes tend to be
  highly toxic.

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Various Types of Casting Resins

• Casting resins come in an array of types used for
  a variety of projects, so you need to make sure
  to choose the appropriate resin for your craft to
  ensure that you get the results you
  want. Unsaturated polyester resins comes in
  liquid plastic form and hardens when a few drops
  of the catalyst ingredient mixes with it due to a
  chemical reaction, though only experienced
  crafters and those working in industrial settings
  should work with polyester casting resin, as it
  is extremely toxic. You should also always work
  in a well-ventilated area when using this
  material.
• Epoxy resins make crafting and hobby projects a
  breeze due to their low toxicity, meaning that
  this type of resin does not require the use of
  protective equipment. In fact, you can use epoxy
  resins in well-ventilated craft rooms or hobby
  shops as opposed to needing to go outside like
  with polyester resin.

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• There are two parts to epoxy resin resin and
  hardener. To use this type of resin, you must mix
  the two ingredients in a precise ratio, and the
  manufacturer typically specifies this ratio.
  Measuring the ingredients incorrectly, even by a
  hair, can prevent the epoxy resin from curing.
  Crafters often enjoy epoxy resin because of its
  self-leveling capabilities, which means that
  projects take on a glass-like appearance without
  much of a hassle.
• Although not a form of resin, pigments and dyes
  can complement your materials and help to bring
  your crafts to life. Dyes often come in either
  liquid, powder, or paste form, and you should
  always choose a dye or pigment that compliments
  your brand of resin.

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Different Types of Molds for Working With Casting
Resin

• The mold that you choose depends largely on the
  type of project in production, as the mold is
  what holds your resin cast and creates its shape.
  When you want a 3D shape, you can opt for a
  dimensional mold, which creates things like
  pendants, bangles, and coasters. Alternatively,
  latex and plastic molds offer flexibility that
  allows you to easily push your resin cast out
  when ready.
• As you work with molds, utilize a mold release
  agent such as cooking spray to help resin casts
  easily pop out of dimensional and home molds. To
  do so, simply spray the mold with the cooking
  spray before filling it, though you dont need to
  spray latex or plastic molds due to their
  flexible characteristics.

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How to Mix Casting Resin

• Depending on the type of resin you purchase, the
  material typically comes with instructions, so
  make sure to follow them carefully to avoid any
  accidents or mishaps. Per the instructions,
  measure and mix the two parts (epoxy and resin)
  together, and then slowly pour the mixture into a
  mold. Use baking spoons to mix and measure your
  ingredients for accurate measurements, making
  sure to wipe your measuring tools clean after
  each use. You should note that the resin and
  hardener do need their own measuring tools.
• Casting resin creates beautiful handcrafted
  projects when used properly, and armed with some
  background knowledge, the only limit to what you
  can do with it is your own creativity.

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