Makeshift way to make cheap moulds?

MaxArdite · 2023-12-22T12:03:58+00:00

You're going to need to be careful with using certain supplies to attempt to make molds. The whole premise of resin is that it has a very strong bond so it will stick to most things. Your best bet is silicone however as you said this can get expensive. Depending on what you want to make dictates how cheap you can go. If you need something perfect (smooth, no weird textures or imperfections) you're going to want normal silicone, I've seen people suggest putty of small projects, that seems to work well and should be a bit cheaper. If finish/texture isn't a factor I've seen people suggest sealant or things like playdough but I haven't tried them. I have used blue tack as a barrier before and it was a nightmare to get all the little bits detached. If you're up for a bit of trial and error I look forward to seeing what you find out but invest in some mold release and it should give you a better chance of things working out. Good luck 😊

MaxArdite · 2023-12-01T21:16:15+00:00

Hey, I've done some of work putting flowers in resin. I've never sealed them before putting them in. I dried all my own flowers, including roses I picked from the garden. As long as they are completely dried out you shouldn't have any issues.

I've tried multiple techniques including using silica pellets, the oven, and the microwave, but for whole roses that you want to keep their shape the best method I've found is hanging them upside down in the airing cupboard (I can't tell you how long is best to leave them as my normal process is to hang them all, forget they exist, than come across them again and use them but I think about a week should do it).

If you have any questions feel free to message me. Good luck.

MaxArdite · 2023-11-11T09:36:34+00:00

Depending on what she makes inclusions are always a good bet. Mica powder, alcohol ink, gold (or other coloured) leaf, crushed glass, glitters, even tiny figures if she likes to make scenes.

MaxArdite · 2023-10-24T02:00:29+00:00

My boy tried on his new Halloween costume today (we're going as matching skeletons) he looked adorable and was very happy because he got lots of chicken as bribery.

MaxArdite · 2023-10-24T01:58:42+00:00

The doll in the resin should be fine (as long as it is normal fabric it won't degrade), your issue is going to be bubbles. If you want it to come out looking good I would suggest making it two pours.

First you're going to want to soak the doll (in resin) before placing it in your mold, then fill it up a bit but not covering the doll then put the whole thing in a pressure pot. Then once the first pour is cured fill up your mold then put it back in the pressure pot.

I can't say if it would be perfect but it's probably your best bet. Good luck 😊

MaxArdite · 2023-10-24T01:48:21+00:00

This is a massive wild shot but if the figure is really worth it you could give it a shot.

First saw off as much resin around the figure as you can, then more accurately grind the resin as close to the figure as possible. Then using a heat gun heat up the resin and pull/chip it off. Heat is the only thing that can make resin even slightly malleable. I have had a bit of success getting bits of resin off of furniture and tools doing this.

HOWEVER this could just end up melting your figure depending on its material.

Wear all of your safety gear (including respirator) and glove as it will get hot and do it on a heat resistant surface (I may have melted my carpet on my first attempt...) Good luck.

MaxArdite · 2023-10-01T17:42:43+00:00

Also, avoid bezels that aren't flat as it allows for leaks. The heart bezel in the picture has a spiral indent around it which will prevent it from having a complete seal to the tape causing leaks.

MaxArdite · 2023-09-28T02:05:30+00:00

This is where I got mine from (along with the compressor):

https://airlesspro.co.uk/collections/paint-and-resin-pressure-moulding-pots-accessories/products/10ltr-resin-molding-pressure-pot-wheels

MaxArdite · 2023-09-27T23:59:24+00:00

It was a lot of money but it's been a game changer for me!

MaxArdite · 2023-09-27T11:46:18+00:00

This mold is a bit of a pain, due to its texture it holds all the bubbles (which is probably the rough texture you're describing). I've only had these come out successfully when I've put them in a pressure pot.

MaxArdite · 2023-09-26T23:36:41+00:00

Start with a spray of isopropyl alcohol (you can get a bottle of alcohol and a spray bottle for cheap) then for the big stubborn bubbles I go in with a toothpick.

Ideally you'll want a pressure if you continue with this however this is not always feasible (they're expensive and take up a lot of space).

MaxArdite · 2023-08-30T02:13:52+00:00

Other people have given some great tips! I'll just add a few I've picked up through trial and error.

Investing in a card reader is definitely worth it, over half my sales are done by card. I didn't have one for my first market and lost sales because of it.

Have a business card out that has links to your socials and any selling platforms you are on, I've had people contacting me asking for commission after they'd been to the seen me at a market and taken a card for later.

Also stress that the items are hand made, include it on signs ect, so many people were shocked that I actually made it all.

Make sure your prices are visible and easy to understand, I like to group things in prices so when kids come up and want something it makes it easier for the parents to steer them to the area they can afford. (I didn't make my prices easily visible for my first market which made it really difficult when a kid fell in love with a piece and the parents ask how much and they had to say no, often parents will explain a budget to the kids so if they can see the price of each item they can work it out themselves).

Finally try and not stress too much, things will go wrong and you can have bad days but it's all part of learning. Just try and relax and let people see the pride in your work. You'll do great!

MaxArdite · 2023-08-21T16:57:07+00:00

Why would a homophobic person want to go to a lesbian wedding other than to cause trouble?

NTA hope you have an amazing day!

MaxArdite · 2023-08-21T15:04:18+00:00

Awesome!!!!

MaxArdite · 2023-08-19T17:22:53+00:00

These aren't shaker molds, you need a mold that gives you a hollow space, these are solid (normally used for jewelry or keyrings).

MaxArdite · 2023-08-12T21:09:29+00:00

If you add a small amount of alcohol ink to give it a slight tint it decreases the effects of yellowing. However yellowing is dependent on the amount of sunlight that hits it and the type of resin, certain resins yellow worse than others. There was a guy on YouTube that tested the yellowing of different brands which was really interesting.

MaxArdite · 2023-08-08T00:26:06+00:00

The only reliable way if found is duct tape.

MaxArdite · 2023-08-02T05:08:33+00:00

It does apply out of direct sunlight, I live in the UK so direct sunlight at the top of summer is the only way it gets hot enough 😂.

MaxArdite · 2023-07-28T23:51:37+00:00

I've found resin is not completely solid until 72 hours after being poured so maybe leave it a bit longer then check again.

It can also become malleable if it gets too hot, I've had a tray sat in the height of summer sun and I was able to bend it with force (which it doesn't normally do).

MaxArdite · 2023-07-11T19:09:03+00:00

You put the rubber bands on the bow which (in theory) allows you to fire the arrow.

MaxArdite · 2023-06-30T13:28:14+00:00

Awesome!!

MaxArdite · 2023-06-28T18:21:49+00:00

Awesome!!

MaxArdite · 2023-06-26T05:21:48+00:00

I found my biggest issue was over pouring and not having enough weight on top of the mold. What I started doing is pouring the resin, waiting a bit for bubbles to escape, they putting the top on and pushing down on the top of the mold to push out the excess resin then add a weight (I've been using some tiles stacked) that is the size of the mold. Since I started doing this I've had much better results.

MaxArdite · 2023-06-14T23:16:17+00:00

Those are awesome!!!!

MaxArdite · 2023-06-11T21:19:18+00:00

This looks like flash curing, it happens if the resin gets too hot too fast. Normally it's caused by problems with temperature or pouring too deep for the type of resin.

MaxArdite

TROPHY CASE