How to make clear plastic cube with casting resin?
I am an art student and I want to create three different clear cubes that will have metal clockwork pieces embedded in them. I have not used resin before, although I have seen it demonstrated several times. Any and all advice is appreciated! The cube dimensions: 7 inches x 7 inches x 7 inches (343 cubic inches) Casting resins: By my calculations I would need 1.5 gallons of resin per cube, therefore a 5 gallon container will give me just enough for 3 cubes. I will also need to buy the catalyst. I have researched different types of casting resins and this brand of Epoxy seems to be the cheapest by volume: http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/product.do?part=261411&engine=adwords!6456&keyword=product_ad&type=pla. Question #1: For my project, should I use another type of resin other than Epoxy? Question #2: Are there any wholesale sites that might have 5+ gallons of resin for cheaper than the site above? Casting molds: So that the cube is free-standing, I need to cast in a cube-shaped mold. The only cube-shaped open object I can find that is the appropriate size is an acrylic display cube: http://www.bin-store.com/adc-m8 Question #3: Would casting into this acrylic display cube "mold" work? I am not familiar enough with the chemistry of resin to know if the acrylic would cause the resin to overheat, crack, not cast, or if the resin would stick to the acrylic cube. Question #4: Is there another cube-shaped object large enough that might be better for casting?
What is resin catalyst?
Resin casting is a method of plastic casting where a mold is filled with a liquid synthetic resin, which then hardens. It is primarily used for small-scale production like industrial prototypes and dentistry. It can be done by amateur hobbyists with little initial investment, and is used in the production of collectible toys, models and figures, as well as small-scale jewelry production.The synthetic resin for such processes is a monomer for making a plastic thermosetting polymer. During the setting process, the liquid monomer polymerizes into the polymer, thereby hardening into a solid.Epoxy is either any of the basic components or the cured end products of epoxy resins, as well as a colloquial name for the epoxide functional group.Epoxy resins, also known as polyepoxides, are a class of reactive prepolymers and polymers which contain epoxide groups. Epoxy resins may be reacted (cross-linked) either with themselves through catalytic homopolymerisation, or with a wide range of co-reactants including polyfunctional amines, acids (and acid anhydrides), phenols, alcohols and thiols. These co-reactants are often referred to as hardeners or curatives, and the cross-linking reaction is commonly referred to as curing. Reaction of polyepoxides with themselves or with polyfunctional hardeners forms a thermosetting polymer, often with high mechanical properties, temperature and chemical resistance. Epoxy has a wide range of applications, including metal coatings, use in electronics / electrical components/LED, high tension electrical insulators, paint brushes manufacturing, fiber-reinforced plastic materials and structural adhesives.Polyester resins are unsaturated synthetic resins formed by the reaction of dibasic organic acids and polyhydric alcohols. Maleic Anhydride is a commonly used raw material with diacid functionality. Polyester resins are used in sheet moulding compound, bulk moulding compound and the toner of laser printers. Wall panels fabricated from polyester resins reinforced with fiberglass—so-called fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP)—are typically used in restaurants, kitchens, restrooms and other areas that require washable low-maintenance walls. Departments of Transportation in the USA also specify them for use as overlays on roads and bridges. They are known as PCO Polyester Concrete Overlays. These are usually based on isophthalic acid and cut with styrene at high levels—usually up to 50%.
Clear casting resin, and catalyst?
There isn't a set amount of catalyst/hardener (Part B) to add to polyester resin (Part A). They should have suggested a *general* amount, but that amount would still be dependent on the temp and humidity, the thickness of the pour, and more. You can read more about the amount of catalyst to polyester resin here, and some of the factors: https://www.google.com/search?q=how+much... (...I'd stick with the links for using polyester resin for art or craft, not the links for using it with fiberglass for surfboards, helmets, cars, etc.) Btw, *epoxy* resin is much easier to use than polyester resin. It's always mixed one to one for example, and is much better for lungs and breathing, etc. There's even one tweaked epoxy resin that can be poured deeper than 1/4-1/2" at a time like regular epoxy resins (it's called Easy Cast). I don't know what 3D fish painting is for sure, but if it's painting on layers of cured or partly-cured resin to create 3D objects like goldfish, you could use regular epoxy resin instead (although either one will take a long time to use since resin takes hours to set up hard enough to paint or even partially embed items in). Here's much more info about the types of resin there are and their characteristics, some brand names, how to use them successfully, etc...look for my answers in these previous questions: epoxy & polyester resins: http://ca.answers.yahoo.com/question/ind... http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;... ...and Easy Cast info/instructions, much of which also applies to regular epoxy resins: http://www.sculpt.com/technotes/Tech_Sheets/TECH_SHEET_EasyCast.pdf using resins in permanent cells and containers, and also in temporary molds: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100521191232AACynOx releases for molds + places to buy: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100206091500AA7eXFv coloring resins: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20140118071238AAOocua ...and just for fun: http://diyfashion.about.com/od/diydivas/ig/Barbie-Resin-Jewelry .
Find a clear Casting resin?
You can use an art/craft type polyester resin (sometimes called "casting resin") unless the hemisphere is no thicker than about 1/4" or you want to make it in layers (in which case you could use a regular epoxy resin too). The most popular and easy-to-find version of that is Castin' Craft Clear Polyester Casting Resin (craft, hobby, art supply stores, as well as many hardware stores). ....You could also use "Easy Cast" (brand name) which is an epoxy resin but tweaked so it can be cast thicker (more deeply) than regular epoxy resins. (Epoxy resins are easier to use and better for lungs than polyester resins.) You'll need to use a hemisphere mold which you can buy or make. You can use a mold made from a material that doesn't need a release (silicone and HDPE plastic mostly, or maybe plasticine too), or you can use most any smooth-surface mold and use a release with it. As for clarity, various things can affect that: ...mold surfaces that aren't *totally* smooth ...not mixing the two parts of the resin in correct proportions ...not mixing the parts thoroughly ...introducing moisture in any way, including high-humidity situations and moisture in embedments ...using resin in too-hot or too-cold environments ...not getting rid of all the bubbles (most will pop naturally) ...having air trapped around any embedments ...using a non-art-type polyester resin (for cars, boats, etc) which often won't end up as clear (probably more that are slipping my mind) For lots of info on the kinds and brands of resin there are, where to buy them, how to use them, molds, and doing embedments, etc, check out some of my previous answers about resin: http://ca.answers.yahoo.com/question/ind... http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;... releases and molds especially... and places to buy: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?... making cabochons with resin, in cells, and also in molds, etc: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100521191232AACynOx plasticine?, etc: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100202070201AAaUw9q (P.S. Next time you might want to ask questions like this in Hobbies & Crafts rather than in Sculpture: http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/index?link=list&sid=396545183 ) .
What's the difference between Envirotex lite gloss and Easy Cast Clear resin?
Both of the resins you mentioned are "epoxy" resins (the other main type of resin used for art/craft is "polyester" resin). "Easy Cast" is a fairly new epoxy resin that's a bit different from most regular epoxy resins (like Envirotex Lite, Ultra Glo, etc.). Easy Cast has been formulated to be clearer when it's cast in molds deeper than 1/4" or so than regular epoxy resin would be, and it has little or no odor... however, Easy Cast also cures a bit soft on the surface, and it's somewhat flexible if it's not really thick (those qualities show up more if the piece is warmed later--next to the body, in a pocket, etc). So generally, if you want to "cast" resin in a mold (with a craft-type resin), you'll want to use a polyester resin. It will be clear everywhere it was NOT in contact with the air while curing which in a mold will usually be the back side of the cast piece. Polyester resins** are less "good" for one's lungs and skin though than epoxy resins. **brands of polyester resin include: Clear Polyester Casting Resin, with Catalyst (by Castin' Craft, ETI) Lam-A-Cast Crystal Clear Casting Resin, with catalyst (same manuf.?) Aristocrat's Casting Resin (not Aristocrat's Liquid Glass, which is an epoxy resin) Clear-Lite Casting Resin (from Tap Plastics) If you want to cast in a shallow mold however (probably with a release), or if you want to fill up a small "cell" permanently (e.g., in a tiny frame, over a picture, etc), or if you want to very-thickly coat something with a high gloss finish, then you'll want to use a regular epoxy resin. It will cure hard and clear on the surfaces exposed to the air, and maybe non-air surfaces too. (There would be no reason in those situations to have to accept the disadvantages of Easy Cast.) There's loads more info on both types of resin, how to mix and apply them, color them, embed things in them, links to video lessons, etc., on this page at my site if you want to check it out: http://glassattic.com/polymer/other_mate... And this thread at craftster.com is a good thing to read through (though very long) or to ask questions (the lastest post there happens to a response I wrote on this very subject): http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php... HTH, Diane B.
Does clear casting resin shrink?
Not significantly - I have seen some castings that were slightly curved in on the sides from the edges, but others perfectly square edged. It sets by a chemical reaction with the catalyst rather than loosing solvent which is what causes shrinkage.
I am interested in Epoxy block casting. Where can I buy crystal clear epoxy casting resin?
Go to your local home improvement center and purchase epoxy floor coating. I am not sure that it’ll work but it is worth a try since it is 1/4 the cost of casting epoxy.While you’re there you can also find casting stuff in the paint accessories aisle. It comes in 2 one pint bottles that you mix together. Very expensive.
Can I mold clear cast resin in a glass bottle?
First, resin as a material doesn't "dry" like many other materials that contain water. Instead it "cures" by chemical reaction (releasing heat) after the two parts are mixed together. So the fact that there may not be any air to allow evaporation of the water wouldn't matter to hardening (since there's no water in resin). There are various kinds of clear resin you could use permanently inside a container like a glass bottle, vase, etc. The most commonly-used resin though would be "floral setting resin" (one type of epoxy resin, not polyester resin**) which is sold in the artificial flower depts of craft stores, and at floral shops. It's used to hold the stems of artificial flowers in clear glass vases all the time. Or you might want to go with a tweaked version of regular epoxy resin like Easy Cast as a second choice. If you're just looking for a small amount of clear gel or hardenable material to use inside a small glass container though, there are other options that would be cheaper and easier than any resin. Check out my previous answers to these questions for more details about those: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?... http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?... ...and also this one about the basic differences between resins: http://ca.answers.yahoo.com/question/ind... P.S. The word "mold" especially when referring to resin, clays, various liquids/gels, etc, means a negative 3-D shape into which a material is "cast." The hardened cast resin/clay/etc is then removed and used alone. Otoh, the verb "to mold" something in general parlance can just mean to shape it, but in art/etc it usually means either making a mold or casting in a mold. **You could use that but has disadvantages. .
How do i make realistic looking fake drinks from plastic resin or polymers?
get a clear polyesther casting resin such as "castincraft", and follow mixing instructions. they usually have it at art supply stores, or casting specialty stores. you need: -resin -catalyst -mixing cups -color dye (for resin) if you want it -breathing mask, or VERY good ventilation (its very toxic) then, you just follow the mixing ratios, and temperature and humidity guidelines on the product packaging. basically, resin is a liquid that hardens into a solid clear plastic with the addition of the catalyst. once mixed, you just pour it into the glass.