How to Make a Resin Cast

Making resin casts is a creative and popular craft project that can be done at home. A resin cast is formed when resin and a chemical catalyst are combined to form a hard, plastic-like material. These casts can be customized by pouring resin into molds, adding colors and embedding tokens. Resin cast supplies can be found at local hobby and craft stores as well as through many online retailers.

Things You'll Need

• Resin Catalyst (hardener) Wooden mixing sticks Paper cups Molds Mold release spray Eye dropper

Instructions

1. 

   Place the molds you'll be casting on a flat, covered surface. Spray the inside of the molds with the mold release spray in the same manner that you would spray nonstick spray in a muffin tin. The mold release spray will allow the resin to be easily removed from the the mold once it's done curing.

2. 

   Mix the resin and catalyst together in a paper cup according to the manufacturer's instructions. An eye dropper may be needed for adding the catalyst. Follow the mixing ratios closely since the resin will not cure properly if the ratios are incorrect.

3. 

   Use a wooden stick to stir the resin thoroughly. Continue to stir the resin until it is a thick consistency. Stir the resin in a manner that eliminates as many air pockets as possible as these will be visible in the finished cast.

4. 

   Slowly pour the resin into the mold until it is full. To make a cast with more than one layer, fill the mold halfway and allow it to set until it is no longer sticky when touched with a wooden stick. Then mix another batch of resin and pour it on top until the mold is full.

5. 

   Allow the resin to cure in the mold for a minimum of 24 hours. Gently remove the completed cast from the mold.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase colored dyes and resin bases to customize the cast. Place objects and trinkets in between layers of the cast for a decorative effect.

• Resin is highly flammable. Keep it away from heat. Wear a respirator mask, gloves and safety glasses when using resin. Clean molds thoroughly to avoid imperfections in the casts.