Clear Casting Resin - Select Size

I can smell the Resin through the box – has it leaked??

Almost certainly not, we double wrap the resin but the smell will still permeate through this and the box. The resin has a very powerful & pungent smell common to all polyester resins.

How much area will the resin cover??

We suggest using an online volume calculator ( google search volume calculator and use the sensor one website )

For example 100cm x 100cm, thickness of 1mm requires a volume of 1000ml. We suggest looking at various depth options as this can significantly change the amount of resin required.

Note resin is heavier than water so 1kg of resin gives approx 900ml ( weight x 0.9)

Does the mix have to be accurate?

Yes it does, we provide a syringe for accuracy. If you are unsure of your maths we suggest sticking to the figures provided on the table and instructions. You can ruin a mix by either putting too much or not enough hardener in.

How long does the resin take to harden?

Tricky this – Depends on thickness of pour, hardener added and ambient tempertures. The resin self generates heat ( exotherm ) and this then speeds up the curing process. For thin sections the heat is lost which means it takes longer. Cures in winter will take longer than in summer. In our tests – we mixed 100ml of resin, used half to coat some plywood and left the rest in the pot. The resin in the pot gelled in 30mins and cured hard overnight. The same resin on the plywood took 3 days to cure ( winter- ambient temperature – 6 deg C.)

Do I have to stick to the 2% mix.

For straightforward casts and mouldings we suggest you stick to 2%. For larger moulds or multi pour layers then you can reduce this to 1% ( not less than 1%). The 1% can also be used when an increased working time is required. For coatings we suggest you use 3% mix, as explained in previous question , There is not enough heat for thin coatings.

Can I use this resin for Wood Turning?

We suggest the clear epoxy resin is a better option. This polyester resin can be brittle in comparison.

Does the resin Shrink?

The resin will shrink by approx 6%. This can leave a rippled surface and gaps. Once fully cured any ripples can be sanded out . Gaps can solved doing multiple pours. This is best done when the resin has partially cured to where it is no longer producing any heat but it i still sticky ( 3-6 hours after 1st pour )

Can I use the resin for Art coverings?

This polyester resin will react to moisture so it’s not suitable to coat artwork. We sell specific art resin suitable for this.

Can I do thick castings?

Yes but multi pours will likely be required. The max suggested thickness in 1 pour is 15-20mm , advisable to take mix ratio to 1%. For any subsequent pours stick with the 1% mix and wait til first pour has stopped producing heat but is still sticky ( partially cured approx 3-6 hours )

Can I use the resin for work tops and projects such as penny tables?

Yes you can, but the wood surface needs to be dry as possible, it is likely 2 coats will be required. Coat 1 will cause a slight bubbled surface where the resin has reacted to the moisture in the wood. Once cured this can be sanded down smooth before applying further coats. Thinner coats can take significantly longer to cure, the exotherm heat required to cure is lost.

Can I use the resin for deep river tables ?

Many resin users consider the ULTRA CLEAR EPOXY resin also sold by us. It will provide the sufficient strength required from such a project. It also suffers less shrinkage and is not as brittle . It is also easier to finish when sanding and polishing.

Is this Epoxy resin?

NO - There are many different types of resin – The two most popular types are POLYESTER and EPOXY resins. This water clear resin is a POLYSTER resin . The required hardener is mixed only in a small amount. The epoxy version tends to be a 2 part mix ( we sell epoxy resin at a 2 to 1 ratio ) . Popular USA you tube vids tend to call all resin “ epoxy “ !!

Do I need to sand castings ?

This is subjective, castings will only ever be as good as the mould they come from. The resin does shrink so can leave a rippled surface. I recommend sanding and polishing to remove this, You can achieve a very good finish. Start with a Medium grit paper and work through to wet and dry paper. Also worth considering a cutting compound to get an amazing finish.

Is the resin Heat resistant?

The resin is heat resistant to approx. 60 deg C, fine for hot mugs on coasters but nothing hotter.

Is the cured resin “ Food Safe “

We Do Not have any formal food safety certification. However we have had many customers use the cured resin in food environments with no issues. It is strongly advised to thoroughly test before using with a food product.

Can I use cured castings in a fish tank ?

Yes but we suggest giving the curing extra time to completely cure. The resin although appearing cured in 24 hours, continues to cure over 3 or 4 days.

TEST TEST TEST

Please test and experiment before taking on critical or a large costly project. We would much prefer to send you a smaller kit initially for this learning and familiarity to take place.