Which Materials are Suitable for Your Resin Projects

Despite having a wide range of uses, epoxy resin is very selective when it comes to materials. Even the best resin in UAE can produce poor results if subjected to an incompatible material or surface. Therefore, as an aspiring epoxy resin painter or jeweler, you must be aware of the best materials to work with.

Best Materials for Epoxy Resin

It is crucial to use materials that do not stick permanently to the resin. This will allow you to remove them easily, without tampering with the design of your jewelry or Art Resin. Depending on the activities you plan for your resin projects, these materials will help you mold, keep your project intact, and seal cracks to prevent leaks.

Best Materials for Molding

Silicone Molds

If you plan to cast jewelry, keepsakes, petri dishes, and other small objects, then silicone molds are the best choice. The best attribute of silicone molds is that they are flexible, and you will find no trouble peeling them back to release the resin castings. They pop back into shape when you release them, enabling you to use them for a long time.

There are also silicone sets that allow you to make complex and customized castings. And the best part is that the casting is likely to come out shiny with little damage. The main drawback of silicone molds is that they can be used to make small castings only.

Plastic Molds

Plastic molds are usually made of polyethylene and polypropylene plastic sheets. Therefore, they are very sturdy and durable, with very little maintenance requirements. Plastic molds are also relatively flexible, allowing you to remove a cast resin easily. The best feature of plastic molds is that they can mold large items.

The first con of plastic molds is that they are not heat resistant. You have to be very careful when heating the resin with a hot air gun to avoid damaging the mold. Secondly, plastic molds require a glossy spray coating. Otherwise, they are not likely to produce shiny surfaces.

Best Material for the Edges

Sheathing Tape

Sheathing tape is an excellent choice if you plan to cast objects with larger edges. Its versatility allows you to cut it into different shapes and sizes to produce a wide range of casts. It also has a glossy coating, which gives castings a beautiful shiny finish. Sheathing tapes are very cheap, which gives you the peace of mind to work on larger projects without a hassle.

Unfortunately, sheathing tapes produce seams and marks on the casting. Therefore, you should be prepared to smoothen the surface once the casting is fully cured. Also, it takes a lot of practice to master working with the tapes, especially on larger projects.

Parchment and Wax Papers

Parchment and wax papers are super-easy to use because resin does not stick to them. They are also smooth, meaning that they do not leave seams nor affect the resin’s shiny glaze. Additionally, they can be used to collect falling resin for easy cleaning. Parchment and wax papers are cheap and easily available.

The biggest drawback of parchment and wax papers is that they are not very firm, meaning that they easily dislodge out of position. This can affect the quality of your resin cast if it is not fully cured. Therefore, they are not the best choice for large projects. Also, the wax can sip into the resin, turning it foggy.

Best Material for Handling and Mixing Resin

Plastic containers are the most suitable for resin projects, as epoxy resins do not stick to them. They are light, durable, and very easy to clean. Also, plastic containers are very cheap and easily available. Ensure that the plastic containers are calibrated for correct measurements.

When it comes to mixing the resin, we prefer plastic and silicone sticks, as they are easier to clean and reuse. Wooden sticks are also great. However, epoxy resin bonds to wood, which can be hard to clean. Avoid them if you do not want the extra work, unless you plan on discarding them after use.

Best Material for Sealing Cracks

Hot glue is an excellent adhesive used mostly to seal cracks to prevent resin from sipping through working boards. The fact that it comes off easily when dry makes it an ideal choice for filling up spaces. It can also be used to make small molds.

Unfortunately, it does not dispense large amounts of glue. It is, therefore, not convenient for large projects. Also, the glue can only be dispensed by the heat gun, making it very inflexible. The heating chamber tends to cool when in use, and it has to regain heat before it can start dispensing.

This list does not include all the materials that you can use on your resin projects. It is just an overview to get you started. As you continue your journey to becoming a resin art pro, you will encounter other great products to create top-notch art.