[Katherine Swift]

I haven’t tried tree sap as coloring, so I don’t know how well it would work.

If you want a hard curing resin for sculpture, polyurethanes are what I would use.

[Katherine Swift]

First, let me say I don’t have any experience with paper clay. Based upon your description however, I am concerned moisture in the clay may keep the resin from curing. (Resin hates moisture.)

I also wouldn’t consider resin a ‘strengthening’ additive. The ones that cure super hard act more like glass – hard but fragile.

[Katherine Swift]

Unfortunately, this is the nature of polyester resin. The surface exposed to air during curing will remain tacky, even after a full cure. When this happens to me, I finish it with a couple of light coats of resin gloss sealer spray. You can find it in our store here: https://shop.resinobsession.com/collections/tools-and-supplies/products/castin-craft-gloss-resin-sealer-spray

[Jade]

I’ve had a similar problem with clear molds turning cloudy/milky, and actually I’ve had some colored silicone molds develop a similar milky appearance. The one difference in my situation is that the affected cavities began as very shiny surfaces, but are becoming somewhat dull with continued use. I’ve never received a good explanation of what is causing it or why, but based on my experience I’d say that if you have the means to replace the mold, you should plan on doing so. Personally I’ve taken to making my own molds with either Castin’ Craft pink silicone or the reusable Composimold gel. Now whenever I get a new mold, the first thing I do is fill it with the quick-curing white resin and keep that casting “on file” so that later if the mold becomes used up or damaged, I can simply make a new one.

[Katherine Swift]

Hi Gail,

For casting into molds, the Resin Obsession super clear resin works well. It is designed for molds and cures crystal clear. You can buy it in several sizes here: https://shop.resinobsession.com/collections/resin/resin-obsession-super-clear-resin

I’m not familiar with Daler Rowney ink so I don’t know if they will work. Acrylic paint can work provided you use as little as possible. Paints attract moisture which can keep the resin from fully curing. Otherwise, we have colorants designed specifically for resin here: https://shop.resinobsession.com/collections/colorants

I do understand you not wanting to have lines in your casting. Unfortunately, we don’t have a large sphere mold at this time, but it’s something we are working on. 😉

[Katherine Swift]

Hi Ann,

I’m sorry to hear you are having problems. This articles covers several reasons why your resin isn’t curing: https://resinobsession.com/resin-frequently-asked-questions/resin-troubleshooting-tips/

[Katherine Swift]

I don’t have any experience, so I don’t know how well acrylic paints will do on a tabletop. Pouring resin over them isn’t a problem.

You can try acrylic paints to color resin, but a word of caution. They have more moisture in them as compared to colors specifically designed for resin. This moisture can keep the resin from curing. If you are going to try, use as little as possible.

[Katherine Swift]

I will also add the quick curing polyurethane resins don’t work well with meltable molding materials because they get too hot and melt the mold. Epoxies tend to do fine. I haven’t worked much with UV resins so I don’t know if that will be a problem or not.

[Katherine Swift]

Hi Alyssa,

We don’t sell the Alumilite product, but this is the information I got from Composimold:

“We’ve experimented with the UV resin and if you have a UV light to cure the resin it works great. However, you can’t stick the ComposiMold in the hot sun to cure the resin because it will melt the ComposiMold. I tried that and that didn’t work so well.

We’ve also tried curing the UV resin through the ComposiMold, but ComposiMold appears to filter the light too much.”

[Katherine Swift]

Hi Pat,

I have done a little of this, so I’m happy to share my experiences.

I would not use polyester resin in this case. How you mix polyester resin (with hardener) depends on the depth of the casting. I’m afraid it would be rather tedious to get the amount of catalyst just right to allow your resin to cure. Your logic makes sense though, since polyester resin does well on a buffing and polishing wheel.

In this case, I think a hard curing epoxy resin, like the Resin Obsession super clear resin would work well. You can buy it in several sizes in our store here: https://shop.resinobsession.com/collections/resin/resin-obsession-super-clear-resin I have used it in cases like this and did well on a polishing wheel. The resin probably works best once the stone has been polished. That will mean there is less total heat/friction applied to the stone.

[Katherine Swift]

Hi Anna,

Unfortunately fresh leaves or leaves preserved in glycerin aren’t going to work. Resin hates moisture so the excess water in the leaves may keep the resin from curing. The other problem is that while the leaves may look good right away, they will eventually rot in the resin. Have you considered using ‘silk’ leaves?

As for the resin, the Alumilite Amazing Clear Cast epoxy is what I recommend. It’s considered food safe once properly cured. You can find it in our shop here: https://shop.resinobsession.com/collections/resin/alumilite

[Katherine Swift]

As long as the first layer has partially cured, you can pour the next layer. This will minimize the lines between layers. If you are worried your resin may not be curing properly, keep a little bit in your cup to check on it without bothering the resin in your mold.

When using EasyCast resin, you can make the layers as thick as necessary, but mix no more than 16 ounces of resin and hardener (total) at once.

[Katherine Swift]

If they are getting sticky with your fingerprints, it sounds like the resin didn’t fully cure. It’s normal for the surface exposed to air during curing to remain tacky. You will need to sand that side down or seal it with something like our resin gloss sealer spray. https://shop.resinobsession.com/collections/tools-and-supplies/products/castin-craft-gloss-resin-sealer-spray?variant=965319185

As for shipping, I always used tissue paper, but I have seen other artists use glassine paper as well.

[Katherine Swift]

Are you leaving fingerprints and lint on the surface exposed to air during curing or on a different surface?

[Di Lawson]

Hi Katherine
Thanks for your reply and love you’re creations!
Yes I think they’re curing, I’ve been leaving them about a week before sanding, but then I’m getting finger marks on where my fingers have been. Also, what would I pack my pieces in to take them anywhere, as when I’ve tried, I wrapped them in a towel and the towel left imprints on the resin. I also tried bubble wrap which did the same. I know it sounds like they’re not curing…..?????