Cast embedments in Clear Resin

This video segment will show you how to cast embedments in clear polyester resin

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• how-to
• instructional
• diy
• tap
• plastics
• casting
• embedments
• clear
• polyester
• resin
• mold
• making
• molding

[odbhutto]

I need to make coasters.. and I have easy cast at home. should I use it or will the heat and pressure from a tea cup destroy the finish?

[tapplastics]

@odbhutto A warm tea cup will leave an indentation that will disappear after the cup is removed. It should not harm the Easy Cast.

[Medowin]

I am thinking about doing a project that involves casting several thin layers of resin side by side so that they adhere to each other. Will a 2nd resin pouring adhere to the side of a fully cured piece of resin? Or will it still "shrink away from the side" as the video says?

[tapplastics]

@Medowin If the surface of the first layer is exposed to air, it will not fully cure, even though it may feel cured. In that case, the two layers will bond permanently. If the surface of the first layer was sealed by the mold, it would be best to scuff the surface for a better bond. The second layer should not pull away from the first.

[MrJontidy]

I'm living in thailand and making some clear cast soap dishes with embedments in using clear polyester casting resin and RTV silicone molds. But when the casts cure and pull away from the sides of the mold, they leave a very thick rippled surface that needs to be sanded away before polishing. This is quite a lengthy proccess which doesnt make it commercially viable as a business as I might need to make 500+ a month.

Any ideas what I'm doing wrong? I've tried different catylist ratios, heat etc?

[tapplastics]

@MrJontidy This is a persistent issue with Silicone RTV (and most flexible rubber mold materials) and is the reason we recommend Platinum Silicone with Clear Lite Casting Resin. In the mean time, try warming the mold first and over catalyzing to get a better cure.

[tapplastics]

@kiloter101 Temperature is critical. The ideal working temperature for Easy Cast is at least 80 degrees F. This lowers the viscosity so that the bubbles release easily. Also, while thorough mixing is important, do not use a drill type mixer. It will create a froth that will not cure clear.

[kiloter101]

I have easy cast resin and am having trouble keeping air bubbles out, how do you do it?

[tapplastics]

If you are using polyester resin (Clear Lite Casting Resin), then polyethylene, glass, or metal can be used for a mold without a mold release. Also, virtually any non-porous material can be use if a proper mold release is applied.

[zeusvalentine]

is polypropelene the only plastic that can be used as a molde? Metal, wood, glass, other plastics are all out of the question?