Make Resin Jewelry In All Shapes And Colors
By Vicki Mimis
Resin is becoming increasingly popular for jewelry making. It can be colored with transparent and opaque pigments and dyes and used to encapsulate a variety of objects. Using pre-made molds a wide range of objects can be made. Resin is a liquid that when mixed with a catalyst becomes solid. Many varieties exist with slightly different characteristics, catalyst ratios and working times. Epoxy, polyurethane and polyester resins are the three basic types used for jewelry making. Once you become aware of the properties of these resins you can then decide which type suits your needs. Resin jewelry makers produce bracelets, brooches, earrings, and necklaces in all shapes and colors. Using commercially made or home produced molds home jewelry makers can produce colorful original items. Two-part silicone rubber is readily available which allows the artist to make individual casing molds.
Photos, paper, fabric, flowers, metal, plastic, glass, glitter, candy, flowers, and many other materials can be encased in resin. Resin can be combined with precious metal clay and other precious metals to produce lovely jewelry items. Resin, colored with pigment or other material such as shaved pastels, oil paint in some cases, even spices such as paprika, is used to produce original jewelry pieces. The introduction of epoxy paints, pastes, metallic, and pearl products that only require the addition of catalyst rather than a mix of epoxy, catalyst, and color pigment has simplified cold enameling. Gold, silver, precious metal clay as well as other metals can be enameled without needing to be kiln fired. Whatever resin material you use always read the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), these sheets should accompany the product you are using. If not with your product request one from the maker or it may be available on their web site. Resin is safe and easy to use providing you follow normal safety guidelines.
The major resin products for use in jewelry making are as follows:
Epoxy Resin
Widely available, this resin comes as adhesives, coatings, and as a casting resin.
Epoxy Adhesive
Available in hardware and craft stores. It is a two-part system that is usually packaged in a dual tube dispenser. Once dispensed it is thoroughly mixed, applied and left to cure as per the makers' instructions. Widely used by home jewelry makers to attach pin backs, pendant bails and to carry out small repairs.
Epoxy Coating
Sold in craft in hobby stores in larger containers than the adhesive. It is a pouring resin with a longer curing time than the adhesive. Being clear and with a glass like finish it is commonly used to coat tabletops. It is self-leveling and can be used on many jewelry items. It works very well in coating pictures or other items in small jewelry frames. It can be colored in a number of different ways.
Epoxy Casting Resin
This is specially formulated for casting in molds and makes rigid solid objects. It is a good resin for making jewelry items. Many brands on the market can be easily colored, tinted or have other compounds added. They should not be used for casting large objects; this is not usually a problem with small jewelry items. Air bubbles can sometimes appear and can be removed with a gentle application of heat from a heat gun. Blowing gently on the surface can also remove bubbles.
Polyurethane Casting Resin
Used for general purpose casting such as the making of figurines and miniatures polyurethane is generally easy to work with. It usually has a simple mix ratio and can cure very quickly. Sensitive to moisture, hardening can be retarded if moisture is present. With the right type of release agent they can be poured into practically any type of mold material. Polyurethane can also be colored or accept fillers.
Polyester Casting Resin
Polyester resin is a fast setting product that will produce rock hard, crystal clear thick or thin pieces. Unlike other resins adding a small amount of catalyst that is carefully measured by volume activates it. The wrong amount will result in a casting that cracks or remains tacky. Companion dyes and pigments can be purchased for adding to these products. Extra care must be taken when working with polyester casting chemicals as they are quite toxic and can be harmful to your health Epoxy and polyurethane resins are better suited to home jewelry making.
Vicki Mimis Has been making chain maille jewelry, fused art glass jewelry, beaded jewelry, and precious metal clay jewelry for a number of years. Visit her home jewelry making information site at http://www.jewelry-making-how-to.com
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