COLORANT

Use only dyes and pigments designed for use with polyester casting resin. Dyes are generally transparent, allowing you to ‘see through’ the cast piece. Pigments are generally opaque, providing a solid color.

Colorants may be used to color an entire casting or can be used in the final layer to create a background. Keep in mind that colored resin in your mixing container will look much darker than when poured into a thinner area. As a general rule 2 to 3 drops of colorant per ounce of resin will produce the desired intensity of color.

MOLDS

• Oven-proof glass, such as Pyrex
• Latex, natural rubber
• Flexible vinyl Plastisol
• Metal, aluminum, stainless steel
• Silicone, R.T.V. rubber
• Ceramic
• Polypropylene and polyethylene
• Polyurethane Elastomers

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 65º to 75º F. can be maintained.
• Cover a level working surface with Mylar™ plastic sheeting, several layers of wax paper secured over newspapers, or sheets of plastic wrap taped to your work surface. (Mylar™ 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.
• Use disposable wooden stir sticks or tongue depressors for mixing.

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 70º-75º 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 through 5, use the higher numbers of drops of catalyst recommended. When using their poly molds 6 through 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

MULTIPLE LAYER POUR*

Layer

Drops of Catalyst Per Oz. of Resin