You can make a variety of craft items using polyester resin, including jewelry, embedments and ornaments. Polyester resin hardens to a plastic-like finish and can be dyed or impregnated with objects. Learning pour the polyester resin is the first step in making unique craft items. Polyester resin can also be used to create resin countertops or tables.
Instructions
1. Determine the volume of the mold you are pouring, most molds indicate the volume on the packaging. If you want to place embellishments, such as coins or beads, and if you want different color layers in your finished resin, you will need to pour the resin in different steps. Divide the volume of the mold by the number of layers you want in your finished product. For example, if you wanted items to float in the resin piece, pour two layers of resin; the first layer will fill half of the mold, while the second layer will contain the items and the final layer.
2. Pour the amount of resin needed for the first pour into the graduated measuring cup. Add the amount of catalyst required to harden the resin, as indicated by the resin manufacturer. Stir the mixture until thoroughly combined. Clear resin will turn slightly yellow to indicate the chemical reaction. The yellowing will go away when the resin is cured. Add any dye to the resin, use as little dye as possible to achieve the color you desire.
3. Allow the resin to gel, this can take anywhere from 15 minutes to one hour, depending on the volume. Check the mold frequently to determine if it has gelled. When the resin has gelled, it will be the consistency of set gelatin.
4. Mix the second pour of your resin following the same measurements of the first pour. If you are adding items to the resin, pour half of the mixture into the mold. Use the remaining half of the resin to coat the items, before placing them into the resin; this will prevent bubbles. Pour any remaining resin into the mold. If you are pouring more layers, allow the resin to gel before moving to the next layer. Continue pouring layers, until your mold is full.
5. Set the mold aside, until the resin has hardened completely. Resin is fully cured when it is no longer tacky to the touch and releases from the mold easily. To speed up curing time, set the mold in a sunny area.
