What is Clear Casting Resin?
Resin casting is best described as pouring a liquid synthetic resin into a pre-constructed mold. Resin molds can be bought or purchased for any desired object you want to create or duplicate. The liquid then hardens during a specified timeframe, dependent on the type of casting resin being used. Once the mold hardens, you now have your desired object which you remove from the mold. Resin is comprised of liquid, which then undergoes a chemical reaction to form a hard plastic. It serves as a precursor to the solid forms. Resins casting kits usually come as a two-part system. There are two liquids in the kit, one is the resin and the other is the hardener that solidifies the plastic when mixed together.
Resin (in the liquid form) undergoes thermosetting, which strengthens (hardens) the liquid plastic when heated. However, they cannot be remolded or reheated after the initial heat forming. They transition from liquid to solid by way of polymer reactions called cross-linking forming molecular chains that become strong and rigid. The higher cross-linking results in a harder polymer. Resin kits or processes consist of two components, part A and B. The A portion is the resin while the B portion is the hardener. They are precisely weighed or measured by volume dependent on the specific resin's instructions and then thoroughly mixed before pouring and allowing to set.
Note: Casting resin and table top epoxy have very different uses. If you are unsure which type of resin will work best for your project, see our page on the Difference Between Casting Resin and Table Top Epoxy.
Resins come in various types that differ in composition, working periods, cure time, viscosity, smell, hardness, cost, and applicability, depending on your particular project. Casting molds also come in a wide variety such as silicone, polyethylene, Formica clad wood, or metal clad wood, PVC pipe, and HDPE/UHMW plastic cutting boards. Some resins will start to cure in under an hour (to a soft gel). Others take much longer. In most cases, it takes 12-72 hours for the casting resin to be completed cured (in a solid state). Again, this is all dependent on the specific resin you are using as they are NOT all created equal.
In gravity casting, material is transferred via pouring into a mold from the top, which then hardens over a period of time. Gravity causes the liquid to flow all the way to the bottom of the mold. As a result of gravity, liquid fills the mold starting from the bottom to the top. The material then hardens into a single hard piece.
Versatility Of Casting Resin Applications
What Is It Used For?
Resin is used to produce various items including replicas, dentistry items, toys, automotive restorations, crafts, artistic statues, small mechanical parts, industrial prototypes, props, medical instruments, small-scale jewelry production, artifact preservations, and architectural uses. There is a large variety of different uses of casting resin. In addition, there are many materials that are called resin for art and crafting applications. Resins are often the best options for casting small, delicate or highly detailed forms.
How To Use Casting Resin
Preparation is key to a perfect casting. Be sure to establish a clean working area and read the technical data sheet, safety data sheet, and the instructions prior to beginning work. Usually, poor results are a direct result of not mixing the 2 parts properly or thoroughly. Also, be sure to have all of your tools handy as the resin should be poured immediately upon mixing.
There are two ways to measure resin; one is by weight using a scale, the other is by volume using measuring cups. Deep pour resins then have a predetermined mix ratio (e.g., 1:1 mix ratio). You will also need mixing cups. Make sure to have a paper mixing cup that is not wax coated or, alternatively, use a plastic mixing cup that doesn’t have any ribs around the sides of the cup. You also don’t want to use any Styrofoam cups for mixing. Your cup will likely not be able to be reused, so be sure to use a mixing cup you won’t mind disposing of. We suggested a graduated mixing container like these for accurate measuring. Be sure that your cup is clean and dry before using.
Note: inaccurate measuring or incomplete mixing are the leading causes of uncured or tacky epoxy.
Once you have the appropriate cups, measure out the ratios (either by volume or weight per the instructions on your bottles), starting with the resin, and pour into your mixing cup. Next measure out the appropriate amount of the hardener and add it to the mixing cup.
You will then need to slowly and continuously stir with the stick provided in your kit until the mixture looks homogeneous and for the time specified on your kit. Scrape the bottom and sides of your mixing cup to ensure thorough mixing. Once the resin and hardener are completely mixed, then you will need to grab your mold and slowly pour in the mixture. Wait until the mixture has hardened in the mold and then remove the object(s) from the mold (cure time is dependent on the specific casting resin you are using).
How Easy Is It To Use Casting Resin?
Amateur hobbyists can complete casting resin projects with little investment, however, should always practice with test projects first, especially if having never used casting resin. This is particularly important if casting sentimental pieces that are irreplaceable. There are minimal materials required. In addition, instructions and usage of the products are simplistic. Its beginner-friendly, but the process is fast paced (curing time is dependent on the type of resin you used) so preparation is extremely important. There are different types of casting resin so starting with an “easier” method is recommended for beginners.
Resin for DIYers and Professionals
Deep pour resin is an easy process with minimal steps. The biggest time investment is usually spent deciding which type of resin/mold to use and getting materials organized before beginning the project. In addition, be sure to dress and protect yourself properly against any health hazards associated with the resin before starting and take adequate precautions. The biggest thing that can go wrong is using too much of one part and not enough of the other, which can either lead to a casting that’s super brittle, or a cast that doesn’t fully set. Ensure you are accurate when measuring your ratios and mixing thoroughly will ensure a better end product.
Are you trying to decide which kind of resin to use? Head over to our reviews on the many brands of casting resins available to find out the best fit for your project.
Start by deciding what type of resin you want to use, and the mix ratio will be specified on the supply box (e.g., 1:1 ratio). Collect your supplies. You’ll need a mixing cup with volume measurements on the side, popsicle or paint sticks to mix with, your resin of choice, your mold, and whatever colorant you’re using (if applicable). Follow the mixing instructions of your resin. Thoroughly mix the two parts together and then pour your resin into the mold. Your resin instructions will specify how much time is needed to cure, at which point you can remove the newly cured item from the mold. This simple and quick process makes resin casting ideal for DIYers such as hobbyists and crafters.
Resin casting on a professional level is more commonly seen in industries such as dental and prototypes. Professionals can have specialties in custom castings, clear casting, sculptures, designing complex molds, large architectural castings, and more. Professionals can also produce a variety of plastic parts for testing, sales and marketing samples, and small-scale production. The various types of resin casting have increased a demand in professional sectors (e.g., aerospace, marine, and automotive).
Key Factors of a Good Deep Pour Epoxy
A good casting resin is completely dependent on what you are trying to produce. There are different types of resins and you must first evaluate the goal of the project and end product. Resins have varying costs, clarity, durability, UV resistance, density, surface quality, hardness, toxicity, and ability to hold fillers, and color ability. Polyester, epoxy and polyurethane are a few examples of casting resin you may be familiar with.
Polyester Casting
Polyester casting has a relatively fast working time of 15-30 minutes, a cure time of 24 hours, a thin viscosity, cures hard, and a toxic odor, which requires good ventilation. Polyester casting is good for embedding certain objects and making jewelry.
Epoxy Casting
Epoxy casting material composites are similar to polyester with some differences. In general, epoxies tend to be more resilient and physically durable than polyester but are not as clear. A drawback to using epoxy resin versus polyester casting will be cost, optical clarity, ease of use and UV stability. However, working with epoxy is less toxic and more user friendly.
Polyurethanes
Polyurethanes have superior hardness compared to polyester and epoxy casting. Benefits of polyurethane adhesive bonds are that they have good impact resistance, the resin cures rapidly and there is no smell. Polyurethanes offer outstanding clarity. You can expect them to have excellent thermal stability and high heat resistance. Additionally, they have ultra-low viscosity.
Where to Buy Clear Casting Resin?
Casting resin can be purchased from a number of big box retailers, such as Walmart, Lowes, and Home Depot as well as craft stores such as Joann's, Michaels and Hobby Lobby. The most popular choice, however, is the worlds biggest online retailer - Amazon. This is not only because prices are often more affordable and the convenience of free shipping, but there are many more options than you will find in your local retailer.