Posted by Alumilite on Jul 11th 2024
Mold Dusting and Casting
Learn how to add stunning color effects to your resin projects with mold dusting and casting techniques. By dusting mica powder directly into your mold, you can create intricate and vibrant designs. Follow this guide to master these methods and elevate the appearance of your resin creations.
📚 Learn Different ways to color your resin 🎨
This guide will show you two different methods for adding color to your projects.
🖌 Dusting & Casting Your Mold
What you'll need:
✅ Amazing Clear Cast Starter Kit
✅ Silcone Coaster Mold
✅ 8 oz+ Mixing Cup
✅ Gloves
✅ Paint Brush
✅ Recommended Safetly Equipment
🪄 Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Work Area and Your Epoxy – For the best results, epoxy should be mixed and poured at an ambient temperature of 70–75°F. Be sure your work area is clean and clear and any important items around your pour area are out of reach of your epoxy. Use a silicone mat or wax paper to catch any epoxy drips. Once your area is prepped and the needed supplies are prepared and in reach, you are ready to get mixing!
PRO TIP: The 1 oz cups included in the kit can be used as measuring cups. Mark one cup as “Side A” and the other mixing cup as “Side B.” These can be reused throughout the length of your project. Do not pour Side A epoxy in a Side B cup, or vice versa.
2. Measure and Mix Your Resin – Most coaster molds online or at your local craft store will hold 2–3 oz of resin. Measure 1.5 oz of resin of Side A and 1.5 oz Side B for a total of 3 oz. Slowly mix your epoxy for 2–3 minutes, scraping off the walls and floor of the cup as well as your stir stick during the process. Continue mixing until the resin has no striations and is clear. Be sure to mix your epoxy thoroughly, or it will not cure correctly.
PRO TIP: To more precisely calculate how much resin you will need to fill a mold, simply take uncooked rice and fill the mold as you would with epoxy. Pour rice from mold into a graduated measuring cup. Take measurement from cup, this is you total epoxy need. Divide total in half to determine amount needed for each side.
3. Painting Your Mold – Dip your paintbrush into the pigment powder of your choice and paint it into your dry silicone mold. The pigment powder will cling to the walls of your mold. Be sure to adequately paint all crevices for even and proper coverage. Excess dust inside of the mold can be shaken out onto paper and placed back into the powder jar.
PRO TIP: Adding pigment to your epoxy before pouring can help hide any gaps in the painted-on pigment powder.
4. Pour and Finish Your Coaster – Choose one corner or edge of your coaster mold and begin pouring the epoxy, slowly. If applicable, begin pouring at the lowest point in the mold. Continue pouring in the same area until the mold is full.
PRO TIP: Pour your epoxy slowly and in a small, long stream. With thin and long streams, any air bubbles trapped in the epoxy will be encouraged to pop under tension before entering your mold.
5. Add Finishing Touches – Allow your resin time to self-level once you finish pouring. Every 5–10 minutes for the first 30–40 minutes, you may pop bubbles on the surface of the resin with a straw or hairdryer. After removing all air bubbles, cover your piece and allow it time to cure!
CAUTION: Amazing Clear Cast has a working time of approximately 30-minutes, but cures quicker when left in the cup. To help prevent this, divide into smaller batches after mixing. Add color powders promptly and pour once all colors have been mixed.