Resin is a two-part material used to create objects. It is a liquid polymer that can be poured into molds, left to harden and then removed to produce solid objects.
These objects range from jewelry to artwork and even to furniture. Resin comes in numerous brands, each with its own set of instructions and ratios of resin part A and part B; however, one thing they all have in common is they will stick to virtually every surface you pour them on with the exception of glass, plastic and silicone molding material. Once dried on these surfaces the resin cannot be removed without damaging the surface underneath or breaking it apart if it has dried in large chunks.
How do you make resin not stick to the surface?
After deciding my project was going to be a paper lantern, I conducted some research. There are a lot of ways to make resin not stick, but most of them require the aid of a chemical process. Some methods use mild chemicals in order to prevent the resin from sticking (such as Vaseline and mineral oil), while others require more intensive methods like using wax or even spraying oils on the surface (like release wax). My initial plan was to try using mineral oil because it’s not particularly environmentally damaging, but I am disappointed to say that it didn’t work at all. It made the resin stretch far too much and leave an unwanted mark around the edges of my mold, which is where I had intended for my lantern’s rope tiered top to hang.
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What does not stick to epoxy resin?
Epoxy resin is one of the best materials for bonding things, and it’s perfect for use on a wide range of surfaces. From flooring to countertops to decorative items to wallpaper, epoxy resin can bond anything to almost anything. One variety of epoxy resin is the kind used in flooring projects. It adheres well and doesn’t leave residue behind.
But before you start using epoxy resin for your next surface project, you should know about some common materials that do not stick well to it: plastic, polystyrene and wax.
Why does my resin keep sticking to my mold?
- Are you using a mold release? Not only does a good mold release protect your mold from the resin, it also keeps the resin from sticking to the sides of your molds for easy removal.
- Have you used a mold sealer? Some of our customers have discovered that using a thin layer of silicone caulking on the inside walls of their molds will help keep their resin from adhering to wood and/or plastic molds.
- Using different types of molds instead:
If you’re currently using one or more wooden or plastic molds and your resin keeps sticking, try switching up to a silicone mold instead; there are many shapes and sizes available!
- You may want to consider using Crystal Clear® 200 epoxy for this project instead as it cures with less tack than other resins like EasyCast®. Crystal Clear will peel off more easily from most surfaces making it easier to remove from forms, plastics, etc.
Does Vaseline work as a mold release?
You are asking the wrong question. Vaseline is not a good mold release agent to use with resin.
Vaseline is an oily substance and when used as a mold release on resin, it may stick to the resin and prevent it from curing properly. Resin does not adhere well to oils so oils should be avoided for use as a mold release agent unless you want them stuck to your resin piece forever!
Does resin stick to foil?
When you use foil, the resin will not stick to it. This is because epoxy resin does not adhere to aluminum foil. It’s a good idea to wash your foil with a mild soap and water before using it for casting, as any grease or oil on the surface can prevent resin from adhering properly.
As long as you’ve cleaned the foil first, there are no other precautions you need to take when using it in resin casting.
Do you need mold release for resin?
There are several ways to prevent resin from sticking to your mold. The most obvious is by using a mold release agent. While this is a great way to ensure your resin will not stick, it also means you’ll have to plan ahead and buy the agent before you can get started on your project. This can be frustrating if you’re itching to make something RIGHT NOW but have no such product in your home. Not everyone has a mold release agent sitting in their kitchen pantry, after all.
If that’s the case for you, don’t worry! There are other things you can do instead of scrambling for the store or waiting for an Amazon delivery. Try:
- Applying a coat of wax (like a candle) onto the inside of your mold
- Using petroleum jelly as a barrier between the mold and resin
- Spraying cooking spray over the mold
Can you use resin without hardener?
Chemistry is a complex subject, and usually, it’s best to let a professional handle the details. But even at home, there are some facts that everyone needs to know about resin.
One of these facts is the purpose of catalyst.
The word catalyst comes from the Greek words kat’ autos, meaning “he sets himself in motion.”
Catalyst, then, means something that sets itself in motion—some substance that makes an activity take place more quickly and effectively than if it were not present. This can be simple (like adding oxygen to water) or complicated (like adding nitrous oxide to hot air). The catalyst does not need any particular chemical properties of its own; in fact, it doesn’t have any at all: just being able to mix with other substances will do. It’s only the presence of other substances that makes it effective.
How do you know when resin is cured?
First of all, let’s talk about what cured means. The resin has fully reacted and is no longer liquid in any way. It is a solid. When the resin is cured, you should:
- Be able to pick up the piece without it sticking to your hands
- No longer see any bubbling, even on the surface
- Not be able to scratch the surface
- Be unable to smell anything
- Be unable to feel heat coming from it (if you do have a small warm spot that doesn’t go away after an hour or two, that’s okay! You just didn’t mix enough)
Conclusion
If you’re working with resin and something goes wrong, it’s likely because you forgot that resin won’t stick to glass, metal, or plastic. With that in mind, here are some common molds (that don’t work):
- Glass jar
- Metal pringles can
- Plastic coffee canister
Here are some common materials (that do work):
- Paper coffee cup
- Cardboard box lid
- Fabric bag
- Wood tray
If you want to mold resin into a container that isn’t suitable for the material—say, a glass jar—you can line it out with wax paper first. Other options for lining include parchment paper and aluminum foil.
