User Manual

Environmental Technology Inc. South Bay Depot Rd., Fields Landing, CA. 95537
Ph: [phone] Web Site: www.eti-usa.com Email: [e-mail]
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MOLDS
A variety of mold materials can be used for resin casting…
Oven-proof glass, such as Pyrex
TM
Latex, natural rubber
Flexible vinyl plastisol
Metal, aluminum, stainless steel
Silicone, R.T.V. rubber
Ceramic
Polypropylene and polyethylene
Polyurethane elastomers
(Note: Some mold types require the use of a mold release
to keep the casting from sticking to the mold.)
STEPS TO PERFECT RESIN CASTING WITH
'POLY' MOLDS PREPARATION
• Read all instructions before starting your project! These include
manufacturer's label cautions as well as project directions.
• Choose a well-ventilated area away from any food preparation,
where a room temperature of 65° to 75° F. can be maintained.
• Cover a level working surface with Mylar
TM
plastic sheeting,
several layers of wax paper secured over newspapers, or sheets of
plastic wrap taped to your work surface. (Mylar
TM
is available at
art and graphic supply stores and at plastic supply stores.)
• Gather all materials before starting your project.
• Keep acetone or rubbing alcohol handy for cleanup of liquid
casting resin.
MEASURE RESIN
• Determine the number of layers to be poured and the amount of
resin required for your first layer. If the mold you are using does
not state the number of ounces it contains, fill the mold with
water and then pour into a measuring cup to determine the total
amount of resin that will be needed.
• Allow plastic poly molds to air-dry to avoid scratches; non-
plastic molds may be dried with a lint-free cloth or paper towel.
• Use a wax-free disposable paper measuring/mixing cup with
ounce graduations for accurate measuring of resin.
• Do not use Styrofoam or clear plastic cups as they will melt
when contacted by catalyzed resin.
• Use a clean cup and stir stick for each batch of resin mixed.
• Pour the appropriate amount of casting resin into your
disposable measuring/mixing cup.
IMPORTANT! POLY MOLD CATALYST CHART
This chart is intended as an approximate guide only, and is
expressed in drops of catalyst per ounce of resin. It is based on a
room temperature of 70°-75°F. For warmer temperatures,
decrease catalyst by a drop per ounce of resin; for cooler
temperatures, increase the amount of catalyst by a drop per ounce
of resin. It may be necessary to experiment to determine the
correct amount of catalyst for your specific conditions.
*Note: When using poly molds 1 thru 5, use the higher numbers
of drops of catalyst recommended. When using their poly molds
6 thru 8, use the lower number of drops of catalyst recommended.
**Note: If pouring more than five layers, keep in mind that each
catalyzed layer adds to the build-up of the heat during the curing
process. You'll need to experiment to determine the number of
drops of catalyst for each layer that will allow a good, hard cure
without fracturing around embedment’s.
SINGLE-LAYER POUR
Layer Depth
Drops of Catalyst
Per Oz. of Resin
1/8"
1/4"
1/2"
3/4"
1"- 1-1/2"
12-15
8
6
5
4
MULTIPLE LAYER POUR*
Layer Depth
Drops of Catalyst
Per Oz. of Resin
1st Layer
2nd Layer
3rd Layer
4th Layer
**5th Layer
4-5
3-4
2-3
1-2
1
• Use disposable wooden stir sticks or tongue depressors for
mixing.
ADD COLORANT (optional)
• Add just a little dye or pigment at a time until the desired shade
is achieved. Generally, two or three drops of colorant per ounce
of resin will provide the intensity desired. Too much colorant
will inhibit the cure of the resin.
• Remember ... the color will look darker in the cup than in the
casting, due to the depth of the container. Stir well to blend.
ADD CATALYST
• The size of the mold, the depth of the pour and your room
temperature will determine the amount of catalyst used.
• Following the chart opposite or the resin manufacture's label
directions, add the appropriate amount of catalyst to the casting
resin. It is very important to be exacting in this step to assure
proper curing.
MIX THOROUGHLY
Using a stir stick or tongue depressor, mix resin and catalyst
thoroughly and vigorously for at least one minute. Scrape the
sides and bottom of cup with your stir stick to insure proper
mixing of resin and catalyst. Figure 1
POUR INTO MOLD
Make sure mold is clean,
dry and level before
pouring. Do not pick up
or move the mold once
you have poured the first
layer. (See Fig. #1)