| Resin Casting |
From "DIY Kids"
episode DIK-311 |
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Note: In this project, the DIY kids and Michael made two resin casts -- one that contained personal keepsakes and another to seal the mold. Working with resin is tricky. Make sure to have an adult around! Materials: Liquid acrylic casting material and catalyst (sold separately)
Mold
Cooking spray
Plastic disposable cups
Water
Measuring cups (DON'T get mom's from the kitchen)
Ink pen
Craft sticks
Gloves
Newspaper or plastic bags (for work surface)
Goggles
Memorable items (coins, shells, etc.)
Optional -- a little printed saying
1 adult - Using water -- measure how much liquid your mold will hold. Pour 1/8 cup of water into 3 disposable plastic cups. Mark the water line with a pen (figure A). Our mold will hold about 1/2 cup so we will repeat the mixing process several times.
- Spray mold with cooking spray.
- Wearing safety gear and working in a well-ventilated area, preferably outside -- measure out 1/8 cup of resin and add 6 drops of the hardening catalyst. Mix with a craft stick thoroughly according to manufacturer directions.
- Pour into the mold and let it harden to a jelly stage, about 25 minutes. Throw the cup and craft stick away in a trash can outside.
- Now, lay your item to be sealed on the jelly hardened resin. Repeat the process. Measure another 1/8 cup of resin, but his time only add 4 drops of the catalyst. Mix and pour into the mold (figure B). Let it set another 25 minutes. This is when you can add a written saying. Be patient, mixing resin so that it sets right can be tricky so start with an easy object to encase.
- Repeat the same measurements one more time. DON'T OVERFILL the mold. In all, our mold took 3 layers of resin to complete.
- Let mold cure for 24 hours. Top of the mold should "click" hard and not be "tacky" to the touch. If you have trouble getting the mold to release, run it under hot water and carefully push it out. Let it stand in the open air for an hour or two. If you touch it immediately, it may pick up your fingerprints and become cloudy.
Tips: - It is VERY IMPORTANT to have an adult supervise this project!
- Read ALL the manufacturers directions and precautions before using resin.
- Wear protective gear when using resin including goggles, gloves, and a facemask or respirator.
- DON'T pour unused resin down the drain or toilet. It may clog plumbing.
- Work in a well-ventilated area -- preferably outside!
- We found that disposable, plastic food storage containers, from the grocery store, made great molds and released VERY EASILY!
Products: All products available at craft, art and all-purpose stores nationwide.
RESOURCES :
The Complete Surfaces and Finishes Directory: Paint, Plaster and More!
Model: 0823050300
Author: Emma Scattergood
(2001)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Watson-Guptill Publications
Website: www.watsonguptill.com
Castin' Craft Clear Liquid Plastic Casting Resin and Catalyst
Environmental Technology Inc. (ETI)
Website: www.eti-usa.com
Resin Transfer Moulding
Model: 0412725703
Author: Kevin Potter
(January, 1997)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Chapman & Hall
3-D Wizardry: Design in Paper Mache, Plaster and Foam
Model: 0871922940
Author: George Wolfe
(1995)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Davis Publications
GUESTS :
Susan Perry
2730 Randolph Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28207
Phone: 704-337-2000
Website: www.mintmuseum.org
Adult Programs Coordinator
Mint Museum
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