How to Cast Resin Jewelry
Jewelry making is a craft that has many techniques. One popular and very artistic technique is resin casting. Resin casted jewelry features a basic jewelry design, with an image or object preserved under a thick layer of resin. The result is a magnified, protected and showcased piece of art that you can wear. To begin making jewelry with a resin casting technique, you will need to know how to properly work with resin.
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Things You'll Need
- Silver plate rings
- Pewter pendants (blank)
- Silk flowers or printed images and photos
- White glue
- Wax paper
- Baking pan
- Modeling clay
- Disposable measuring cup
- Latex gloves
- 2 wooden stir sticks
- 2 disposable plastic cups
- Timer
- Clear condiment bottle (squeeze type)
- Toothpick
Instructions
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Choose an image or object that you want to cast in your resin jewelry. Choose a printed image or an object that will fit onto the pewter pendant or silver plate ring that you are using. Small silk flowers work well with resin casted rings or pendants, and small circular images can be cut from greeting cards or even photos.
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Mix equal parts of white glue and water in a small mixing bowl. Use a paintbrush to apply the mixture to a printed image and allow it to dry. This will prevent ink from leaking into the resin. (Skip this step if you are using an object instead.)
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3
Glue your object or image onto your pendant or ring with white glue. Allow it to dry, and test the bond by trying to move it gently. If the bond is weak, reapply the glue.
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Cover a flat work area with wax paper to protect it from the resin. Cover the inside of a baking pan with wax paper as well.
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Place your pendant or ring inside the baking pan. Use a lump of modeling clay to hold a ring steady, as it will not be able to stand straight on its own. Press the rind into the modeling clay to that it is leveled.
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Create a mixture of 1 part hardener to 1 part epoxy using your measuring cup , or follow the instructions set by the manufacturer of your epoxy and hardener. Mixtures will vary from brand to brand. Wear your latex gloves while mixing the resin.
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Set your timer for two minuets and pour the mixture into a disposable plastic cup.
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Stir it thoroughly with a wooden stir stick until your timer goes off.
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Pour the mixture into a second disposable plastic cup, set your timer and stir it with a new wooden stick for two more minutes.
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Pour the resin into a clear squeezable condiment bottle.
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Squeeze the resin onto the ring or pendant gently to reduce air bubbles. Squeeze out only enough resin to cover your object or image. The first application should not be too thick, or the resin will appear yellowish rather than clear.
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Allow the ring or pendant to sit for 8 to 9 hours and harden.
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Create the same mixture using the same process to create enough resin for a second coat of resin, which will create a dome shaped finish. This step is not necessary, but ideal if you want a thicker coat of resin that will magnify an image.
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Tips & Warnings
Resin is a highly toxic mixture that can create dangerous and unpleasant fumes. Use a well ventilated room, or create your jewelry outdoors.
Do not throw away any resin that has not completely hardened and cooled. Allow resin to cure and set overnight to avoid danger from the heat that it gives off.
Always wear a painter's mask when working with resin, as the fumes can be harmful.
