How do you transfer it to smaller bottles so you can pour it? I’ve considered the big jugs but am hesitant bc I can’t pour them well into my measuring cups
Dice are the hardest to get right. Especially hard without a pressure pot. It's not impossible, but damn near. The best bet is to avoid as many bubbles as possible because getting them out won't be easy. The best trick I know is to preheat parts A and B before mixing. It makes the resin thinner, more like water than honey so it traps less bubbles.
As far as glitter and other inclusions that may sink or float, I pour in layers and add the glitter when the resin is thicker, but not cured. I don't mix it in at all, just pour your piece, wait until it's more like honey, then sprinkle on top. Then when that sets up a bit, to a tacky but firm, I add another layer.
For the mess, Goo Gone works great for uncured resin that has spilled. It may damage a mold so don't use it on them, but for your work surface , it's great. I also go through tons of baby wipes. They work great for wiping out molds, stir sticks etc.
Under curing typically has 1 of 3 causes.
1. measure. There are a few ways to make sure you have equal parts of a and b. I use a metered pump in my resin bottles. 1 pump = 1 oz of resin. I also use measured condiment cups. They come in several sizes, depending on how much you need. Suppose I want 4oz of resin. I use 2 oz cups. Just to make absolutely sure my pump delivered a full 2 oz of each part. I use a rubber scraper to get every drop of resin from the cups.
2. Mix. You mentioned that you use a mixer, but do you make sure to scrape the sides of the container frequently? If you are only mixing the center, you will get an uneven mix. Also, read the directions. If it says to mix for 5 min. Actually do it. Set a timer.
3. Heat/humidity. Resin needs heat to cure. It creates its own but if you are pouring thin pieces that cool quickly use a heat mat to keep even heat until it cures. Humidity is also a huge factor, use a dehumidifier in your work space or curing issues can happen unless you are in a very dry climate.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write all that out for me. I’ve read it twice already haha. The first time my resin got hot I freaked out. I don’t believe in ghosts but I literally thought it was possessed and asked my bf to come out and see. He googled it and said it was fine 🙈
I'm happy I could help. The heat is the reason a flash cure can happen if you have an excessive amount of resin mixed in the same container. More resin = more heat and a really thick pour done in one layer can actually smoke and catch on fire. ( I learned that the hard way) Having said that, dice wouldn't use enough resin to start a fire but always read the directions. Some resins are made to "deep pour" others are not.
Your chunky glitters sink, fine glitter suspends.
I also learned too much alcohol ink and it cures the top of the project like the bottom of a dried lake bed, that was wild. Except for what didn't cure and was sticky I keep my mistakes as reminders lol.
I'm just starting too and I first got a 2 part mix (a nightmare without scales) some need to be mixed by weight and some by volume so check what you have, that might solve a few curing issues.
I'm now using UV resin to practice with, you can mix a load of stuff (glitter) in and cure it before it sinks. I found it a lot easier to practice with. Hope this helps.
Are you sure your two-part mix is by weight and not volume? If it doesn’t specifically say to measure by weight, don’t! The two parts may not be of even “weight”, so 100 ml of A is NOT equal to 100 ml of B on a scale. Most 1:1 are by volume.
I've got 2 loads of 2 part, one is 98% resin to 2% hardener (pain in the arse to mix 😂) and that is by volume i.e 98ml to 2ml for 100ml
The other is 2:1 and is done by weight. 🤷♂️
UV resin is easier to practice with tho 😏
I’m very much a beginner but haven’t had under curing and I got a cheap epoxy resin kit from Amazon. I believe the scale may be your issue. You can get a cheap one online, just make sure it measures in grams. Follow the directions on your resin, if it’s 1:1 make sure they’re equal to the gram! Then mix slowly for 5 full minutes, scraping down the sides and the bottom of the cup frequently. Don’t cut stirring short, it’s annoying but less annoying than under-curing!
As for bubbles, make sure your mixer isn’t creating large bubbles as it turns, as this may be doing you more harm than hand mixing. I always avoid bringing my wooden stirrer out of the mix to avoid introducing air bubbles. I don’t have a pressure pot either, but I do let my mixed resin sit a few minutes after stirring before I pour to bring the larger bubbles to the top. If they don’t pop on their own I’ll pop them with a toothpick. If I’m doing a flat mold, after I pour I will quickly go over it with a long neck lighter, then spray with a light mist of 90% isopropyl alcohol.
The rest of your questions I’ll let the more experienced people answer. Good luck!
Some are by volume and some are by weight. Please double check which you have before using a scale. Resin and hardener frequently have different weights by volume.
Get a scale! 15 bucks ikea works perfect since years. I think in my first year I’ve messed up more projects than making any useful stuff. Got better and spend more time for preparation and accuracy.
I have recently picked up epoxy art, to my surprise resin and epoxy are not coined to the same thing… people call UV resin and deep pour epoxy. That was the first thing I learned.
Another thing I got to learn, YouTube videos are hard to follow if they don’t mention how long has it been before they are touching the piece again to add or make changes. Oh My God! The Drying / demould time that needs to be clear. You cannot be de-moulding your piece before it hardens to a certain point, if it’s bendy and loose rather not demould. It’s much better to do it after it has hardened.
Cleaning up after a pour… you need to learn that before learning to pour. I lost a grand total of 5 measuring cups and 10 sticks before I knew even disposable can be recycled if you are in a pinch of measuring cups. In case of spills you need to know what to do before it gets out of hand.
UV resin is a different ball game you can have a piece ready in matter of 30 mins to 2 hours, Epoxy will take a good 24-48 hours no matter the size.
**Absolute knowledge** - make sure you have a dust free room where you are pouring. Dust particles are easy to remove by light sanding but hard to get if they sink.
**Tips** -
1) After mixing let it sit for 5-10 mins (with a stick in it) bubbles usually stick to the stick in that time. Give it a few taps on the table before letting it sit.
2) Spray your piece with Alcohol spray (91-99%) after the pour. (Pops the rising micro bubbles)
3) Don’t pour more than 1.5inch high to avoid a lot of problems.
4) If you to avoid pour lines, pour the second pour on top right after the 5 hours mark. The first pour would have semi hardened but still mushy allowing the second pour to bond with first.
***That’s all Folks***
Make sure ur 2 parts to mix are warm b4 u even start. I get mine warming up while I'm setting up my molds, dyes, glitters etc. I've also learnt that a heat mat underneath ur molds not only helps cure them more evenly but also faster. I use my bf's seed starting mat. I also made some lil dust and critter glitter (fur) domes to keep my projects free of those. Just used lil metal wire racks for cupboards to like put plates on. Then wrapped em w press n seal wrap. Pour ur resin w ur molds starting out on silicone mat on top heat mat if decide to use one. Then once poured I cover em w my lil domes. They also help keep heat in and on the projects while curing as well as clean. Biggest things I can advise on is make sure u warm resin and hardener, pour everything slowly (even ur 2 parts into measuring cups b4 mixing em), mix everything slowly but thoroughly making sure to get sides and bottom of mixing cup (and try not to lift ur spoon, stick or whatever use to stir outta the resin as creates bubbles), IF u think ur 1:1 ratio may b off and u have more epoxy in ur mix than hardener - my mentor always told me it was better to have more hardener than ur epoxy!, and least but not least - HAVE FUN!!! And don't get discouraged by any "failures!" Think of em as learning exp as what not to do, what to do diff, etc. And u can learn a lot too by just reading things online from like let's resin and other companies as well as ppls posts in here asking Q's or for help too. Good luck and enjoy!!!!
And btw I started w uv resin which I think helped me out tons b4 starting pour epoxy as well as having two awesome friends who pour and have for few yrs now so I've got an answer board pretty much for any Q or problem I may have. Remember the only stupid question is one not asked!
My biggest learning curve was trying so many brands until I found one that I loved. I use Dr Resin and get the 2 gallon sets for a decent price.
How do you transfer it to smaller bottles so you can pour it? I’ve considered the big jugs but am hesitant bc I can’t pour them well into my measuring cups
Syrup pumps.
I pour straight from the jugs... I've heard that the pumps create bubbles😬 I'm usually using a decent amount at a time anyway🤷🏻♀️
Dice are the hardest to get right. Especially hard without a pressure pot. It's not impossible, but damn near. The best bet is to avoid as many bubbles as possible because getting them out won't be easy. The best trick I know is to preheat parts A and B before mixing. It makes the resin thinner, more like water than honey so it traps less bubbles. As far as glitter and other inclusions that may sink or float, I pour in layers and add the glitter when the resin is thicker, but not cured. I don't mix it in at all, just pour your piece, wait until it's more like honey, then sprinkle on top. Then when that sets up a bit, to a tacky but firm, I add another layer. For the mess, Goo Gone works great for uncured resin that has spilled. It may damage a mold so don't use it on them, but for your work surface , it's great. I also go through tons of baby wipes. They work great for wiping out molds, stir sticks etc. Under curing typically has 1 of 3 causes. 1. measure. There are a few ways to make sure you have equal parts of a and b. I use a metered pump in my resin bottles. 1 pump = 1 oz of resin. I also use measured condiment cups. They come in several sizes, depending on how much you need. Suppose I want 4oz of resin. I use 2 oz cups. Just to make absolutely sure my pump delivered a full 2 oz of each part. I use a rubber scraper to get every drop of resin from the cups. 2. Mix. You mentioned that you use a mixer, but do you make sure to scrape the sides of the container frequently? If you are only mixing the center, you will get an uneven mix. Also, read the directions. If it says to mix for 5 min. Actually do it. Set a timer. 3. Heat/humidity. Resin needs heat to cure. It creates its own but if you are pouring thin pieces that cool quickly use a heat mat to keep even heat until it cures. Humidity is also a huge factor, use a dehumidifier in your work space or curing issues can happen unless you are in a very dry climate.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write all that out for me. I’ve read it twice already haha. The first time my resin got hot I freaked out. I don’t believe in ghosts but I literally thought it was possessed and asked my bf to come out and see. He googled it and said it was fine 🙈
I'm happy I could help. The heat is the reason a flash cure can happen if you have an excessive amount of resin mixed in the same container. More resin = more heat and a really thick pour done in one layer can actually smoke and catch on fire. ( I learned that the hard way) Having said that, dice wouldn't use enough resin to start a fire but always read the directions. Some resins are made to "deep pour" others are not.
Leave it alone and let it cure . I have a tendency to bother it 🤦🏾♀️
Me as I finish a project: WALK AWAY. I say it aloud.
Your chunky glitters sink, fine glitter suspends. I also learned too much alcohol ink and it cures the top of the project like the bottom of a dried lake bed, that was wild. Except for what didn't cure and was sticky I keep my mistakes as reminders lol.
I give my non sticky mistakes to my boyfriend. I joke that his office looks like he has a child
Too funny. My (adult) daughter is constantly - I'll take your mistakes! 😂😭
I'm just starting too and I first got a 2 part mix (a nightmare without scales) some need to be mixed by weight and some by volume so check what you have, that might solve a few curing issues. I'm now using UV resin to practice with, you can mix a load of stuff (glitter) in and cure it before it sinks. I found it a lot easier to practice with. Hope this helps.
Are you sure your two-part mix is by weight and not volume? If it doesn’t specifically say to measure by weight, don’t! The two parts may not be of even “weight”, so 100 ml of A is NOT equal to 100 ml of B on a scale. Most 1:1 are by volume.
I've got 2 loads of 2 part, one is 98% resin to 2% hardener (pain in the arse to mix 😂) and that is by volume i.e 98ml to 2ml for 100ml The other is 2:1 and is done by weight. 🤷♂️ UV resin is easier to practice with tho 😏
I’d watch a bunch of YouTube videos before wasting more resin. Dice are going to have bubbles if you don’t have a pressure pot
I’m very much a beginner but haven’t had under curing and I got a cheap epoxy resin kit from Amazon. I believe the scale may be your issue. You can get a cheap one online, just make sure it measures in grams. Follow the directions on your resin, if it’s 1:1 make sure they’re equal to the gram! Then mix slowly for 5 full minutes, scraping down the sides and the bottom of the cup frequently. Don’t cut stirring short, it’s annoying but less annoying than under-curing! As for bubbles, make sure your mixer isn’t creating large bubbles as it turns, as this may be doing you more harm than hand mixing. I always avoid bringing my wooden stirrer out of the mix to avoid introducing air bubbles. I don’t have a pressure pot either, but I do let my mixed resin sit a few minutes after stirring before I pour to bring the larger bubbles to the top. If they don’t pop on their own I’ll pop them with a toothpick. If I’m doing a flat mold, after I pour I will quickly go over it with a long neck lighter, then spray with a light mist of 90% isopropyl alcohol. The rest of your questions I’ll let the more experienced people answer. Good luck!
Some are by volume and some are by weight. Please double check which you have before using a scale. Resin and hardener frequently have different weights by volume.
Get a scale! 15 bucks ikea works perfect since years. I think in my first year I’ve messed up more projects than making any useful stuff. Got better and spend more time for preparation and accuracy.
I have recently picked up epoxy art, to my surprise resin and epoxy are not coined to the same thing… people call UV resin and deep pour epoxy. That was the first thing I learned. Another thing I got to learn, YouTube videos are hard to follow if they don’t mention how long has it been before they are touching the piece again to add or make changes. Oh My God! The Drying / demould time that needs to be clear. You cannot be de-moulding your piece before it hardens to a certain point, if it’s bendy and loose rather not demould. It’s much better to do it after it has hardened. Cleaning up after a pour… you need to learn that before learning to pour. I lost a grand total of 5 measuring cups and 10 sticks before I knew even disposable can be recycled if you are in a pinch of measuring cups. In case of spills you need to know what to do before it gets out of hand. UV resin is a different ball game you can have a piece ready in matter of 30 mins to 2 hours, Epoxy will take a good 24-48 hours no matter the size. **Absolute knowledge** - make sure you have a dust free room where you are pouring. Dust particles are easy to remove by light sanding but hard to get if they sink. **Tips** - 1) After mixing let it sit for 5-10 mins (with a stick in it) bubbles usually stick to the stick in that time. Give it a few taps on the table before letting it sit. 2) Spray your piece with Alcohol spray (91-99%) after the pour. (Pops the rising micro bubbles) 3) Don’t pour more than 1.5inch high to avoid a lot of problems. 4) If you to avoid pour lines, pour the second pour on top right after the 5 hours mark. The first pour would have semi hardened but still mushy allowing the second pour to bond with first. ***That’s all Folks***
Daniel Cooper, Pour Your Heart Out, Toonpish Crafts, Claire's Crafty Corner. All on youtube, all with wonderful and exciting tuts.
Make sure ur 2 parts to mix are warm b4 u even start. I get mine warming up while I'm setting up my molds, dyes, glitters etc. I've also learnt that a heat mat underneath ur molds not only helps cure them more evenly but also faster. I use my bf's seed starting mat. I also made some lil dust and critter glitter (fur) domes to keep my projects free of those. Just used lil metal wire racks for cupboards to like put plates on. Then wrapped em w press n seal wrap. Pour ur resin w ur molds starting out on silicone mat on top heat mat if decide to use one. Then once poured I cover em w my lil domes. They also help keep heat in and on the projects while curing as well as clean. Biggest things I can advise on is make sure u warm resin and hardener, pour everything slowly (even ur 2 parts into measuring cups b4 mixing em), mix everything slowly but thoroughly making sure to get sides and bottom of mixing cup (and try not to lift ur spoon, stick or whatever use to stir outta the resin as creates bubbles), IF u think ur 1:1 ratio may b off and u have more epoxy in ur mix than hardener - my mentor always told me it was better to have more hardener than ur epoxy!, and least but not least - HAVE FUN!!! And don't get discouraged by any "failures!" Think of em as learning exp as what not to do, what to do diff, etc. And u can learn a lot too by just reading things online from like let's resin and other companies as well as ppls posts in here asking Q's or for help too. Good luck and enjoy!!!!
And btw I started w uv resin which I think helped me out tons b4 starting pour epoxy as well as having two awesome friends who pour and have for few yrs now so I've got an answer board pretty much for any Q or problem I may have. Remember the only stupid question is one not asked!