Make a Resin Paperweight
A plastic resin base, a bit of wire, and a touch of whimsy make this a fun project for teens and adults.
Steps
- Prepare the mold by making sure it is clean and dry. Coat it with a thin coat of petroleum jelly or cooking oil. Towel or pat out any excess and to smooth out the petroleum jelly.
- Mix up approximately 6 to 8 ounces of resin with its catalyst agent or hardener. If you want to, add a smidge of glitter or Pearl-Ex powder to the resin or add the appropriate number of drops of resin coloring to the mixing container.
- Mix thoroughly as instructed for about two minutes.
- Pour the resin immediately into the prepared mold. Extra resin may be placed in a second mold as the resin may be layered.
- Allow it to cure. Once cured, it will shrink slightly and it will make sun-molding a bit easier.
- Mark the center of the piece (which is the top).
- Drill at least two inches into the resin.
- Form the wire into a shape like a paperclip.
- Epoxy into the drilled hole with epoxy, E-6000, or other plastic or metal glue.
- Allow it to cure for a second time, up to 2 weeks.
Tips
- The larger/heavier the glitter, the more it will land on the bottom. The smaller/finer/lighter the glitter, the more it will remain suspended in the resin during the curing process.
- A fan will not burst the bubbles. It is CO2 that causes this bursting process.
- It is a great look for dorm rooms, avant-garde desks, and teen rooms. This also holds photos, post cards, business cards, and much more.
- The Pearl-Ex powder is very fine, and a little goes a long way in resin. Use the tip of a spoon, and add minuscule amounts at a time, stirring it in each time until you find the color you appreciate.
- To eliminate the bubbles in the mold and curing process, exhale over the mold a few times every few minutes for the first 15 minutes or so. This allows the bubbles to escape the surface tension.
- More than one wire can be added to the resin base for a "bouquet" look.
- Glitter tends to sink to the bottom of the mold (top of the paperweight once un-molded), which can be a good thing, if that is what you like.
- To avoid glitter or other embellishments from sinking to the bottom, pour the resin in layers, with a clear layer allowed to dry first before adding glitter or embellishments.
- Resin cures best in warm and dry climate. If you live somewhere humid, a room with a de-humidifier may be needed.
- Craft stores can be expensive, you can find many different mold designs for a better price on Ebay, Amazon, Etsy, and online based craft stores.
- To fix small imperfections after the resin has dried, use Castin' Craft Resin Spray in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors.
Warnings
- Do not reuse any containers for any other purpose!
- Make sure you have adequate ventilation.
- Children should not make without constant adult supervision.
- The Resin, Catalyst, Dye, and Pearl-Ex all have health warnings. PLEASE heed them for your health!
- Sometimes the curing process can give off fumes that cause headaches even when the base no longer smells. ALLOW 1-2 weeks for full curing!
Things You'll Need
- Casting Resin (any brand) with appropriate reacting catalyst agent or hardener
- Resin coloring agent(optional)- do not use for food dye!
- Jacquard Products "Pearl Ex" 1 or 2 colors (optional)
- Glitter, high quality fine or ultra fine or heavy (see tips below)(optional)
- 16 gauge wire - 18" or more (optional)
- 2 disposable measuring cups
- wooden stirring stick
- disposable container for mixing(not wax coated)
- Mold (6-8 oz. cereal bowls work great!)
- Mold release agent (petroleum jelly or cooking oil)
- paper towels
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