How to Make Resin Sculptures

Resin can duplicate a small sculpture.

Resin is a durable, versatile medium that is highly suitable for sculptures. However, resin is a liquid when mixed, making it impossible to sculpt with until it has hardened. The best way to make a resin statue is to make a sculpture from another material, then use it to create a mold for the resin sculpture. With a mold, you can make a number of identical resin sculptures or parts for sculptures.

Things You'll Need

• Newspaper
• Small statue or other item to be sculpted
• Heavy cardboard
• Tape
• Scissors
• Non-hardening clay (sulfur-free)
• Rubber mold kit
• Rubber bands
• Casting resin
• Plastic cup
• Craft stick
• Craft knife

Instructions

1. Cover your workspace with newspaper or a dropcloth.

2. Tape the cardboard together to construct a box that is large enough to easily contain your statue.

3. Roll the clay in your hands to make it warm. Press it into the bottom of the box.

4. Press the sculpture halfway into the clay. Make some shallow indentations in the clay to help you align the mold later. Leave an opening for you to pour the resin into. You can press the base of the sculpture against a side of the box or remove a small amount of clay from the top or bottom to make the opening.

5. Mix the rubber according to the instructions on the container. Each brand mixes slightly differently. Choose rubber that has a slow curing time. Rubber molds normally need special equipment to remove bubbles, but if the rubber has a slow casting time, most of the bubbles will rise to the top.

6. Pour the rubber into the mold. Wait for it to set. This can take nearly a day.

7. Turn the mold over and remove the clay. Mix more rubber and pour it in the other side of the box. Wait for this rubber to set. You will have a two-part mold.

8. Remove the cardboard frame and peel the halves of your mold apart. Remove the sculpture.

9. Secure the two halves of the mold together with rubber bands. Spray the mold beforehand with mold release if you plan to use the mold repeatedly. This will help preserve the mold.

10. Mix the casting resin in the plastic cup with the craft stick according to the manufacturer's directions. Resin consists of two substances that are mixed together to start the chemical curing process. Be thorough, but try not to create bubbles in the mixture.

11. Pour the resin into the mold slowly. Try to not add any air bubbles. Tap the mold to try to release any trapped air.

12. Wait for the resin to cure. The time will vary depending upon the temperature, size of the part and type of resin. Some resins cure quickly; others take a day or two.

13. Remove the resin sculpture from the mold. It will likely show seams from resin spilling into the cracks of the mold. Trim these off carefully with a craft knife.

14. Finish the sculpture as desired with paint or other mediums.

Tips & Warnings

• You can make the box from many other mediums such as thin pieces of wood or Legos, which are appealing because they can be reused.

• Work in a well-ventilated area.

• Resin can become very hot as it cures.

References

• The Composites Store: Molding Parts in a Simple Rubber Mold
• B9 Today: Silicone Rubber Mold Making - How-to Guide
• Starship Modeler: Molding and Casting...For Beginners