Tutorials
How to Create Sculpted Resin with Organics Tutorial + Video!
This is a technique that I stumbled upon during a creative day of play. I was thrilled to learn that I could embed one of the Nunn Design Bezels directly into the silicone molding putty and pour colorized Nunn Design Resin directly into it the mold to create a casting directly inside of the bezel. The design option of what to create a mold with is endless, but for this tutorial and video, I focused on using organics to create the sculpted resin relief. Enjoy!
Supplies Needed:
Nunn Design Open Back Bezel
Easy Mold Silicone Putty
Organics
Nunn Design 2-Part Resin Kit
Castin’ Craft Opaque Pigments
PearlEx Mica Powder
Other:
Q-tip
Wetwipes
Toothpicks
Zip-locks (optional)
Make the Silicone Mold
Step 1:
To create a successful silicone mold that has a lot of detail, choose a piece of organics that has a high relief. Seedpods work great or an organic that has a lot of dimension.
Step 2:
Pinch off enough of Part A and Part B of the silicone molding putty to allow approximately 1/8” of putty around the outside edge of your bezel and for the silicone mold to be about ¼” thick.
Step 3:
The Easy Mold Silicone Putty has a 3-minute working time before it begins to harden and not take the impression. Quickly knead both part A and part B together until the putty is blended completely and has a uniform color. Once the putty is fully blended, roll the mixed putty into a round ball with the palms of your hands. To prevent the mold from sticking to your table, place the putty onto a glossy stock or a zip-lock bag. Press the round ball of mixed putty with the top of the Silicone Putty container to create a flat smooth patty surface.
Step 4:
Press the bezel into the silicone putty. Make sure the bezel is level and that all areas of the bezel are embedded into the silicone, otherwise resin will seep out of the sides of the mold once the liquid is poured in.
Step 5:
Press into the center of the bezel the organic that you selected from Step 1. Use a toothpick to embed the organics fully into the silicone putty. Let the bezel and organics sit until the silicone molding putty sets fully and is hard to the touch.
Step 6:
Once the mold is firm, remove the organics. If parts of the organics break off, remove the extra bits with a toothpick, making the mold nice and clean.
Mixing and Colorizing Nunn Design 2-Part Resin
Step 7:
Read the resin instructions for safety concerns regarding the Nunn Design Resin. When I work with resin, I always:
- Place a large plastic bag over my work surface and tape it down.
- I make sure I have ventilation in my workroom.
- I wear gloves.
- I wear glasses (readers because I can’t see anymore. Plus it protects my eyes!).
- I have a pile of wet wipes handy.
Step 8:
Place one of the mixing cups (included in the Nunn Design Resin Kit) onto your table. For curing purposes, it is very important that the resin be an exact 1 to 1 ratio of Part A and Part B. I suggest getting your eyes level with the resin so you can see the lines on the measuring cup. Pour Part A of your resin kit up to the ½ fluid ounce mark on your measuring cup. Pour Part B of your resin kit into the same cup until it is filled to the 1 fluid ounce mark. It is important to pour Part A first and then Part B. It is some chemical thing about the part B being heavier or something.
Step 9:
Set your timer for 2 minutes. Using the stir stick from your kit (a popsicle stick or coffee stir stick will work great too), slowly and carefully stir your resin scraping the sides as you stir. Stir for a minimum of 2 minutes. If your resin is still cloudy continue to mix until clear. After mixing is complete and your resin is clear, scrape both sides of your stir stick on the edge of your resin filled cup.
Step 10:
Pour a small amount of the mixed clear resin into another of the measuring cups. You can mix the full 1 fluid ounce of resin if you want, but I transfer the resin into smaller cups because it is easier to stir and less messy to move around when less full. To create the black color, add Castin’ Craft Opaque Pigment Black. Continue mixing the resin until you have the desired color.
Tip: Be sure that the colorant does not equal more than 10% of your resin as having more than 10% could cause issues with curing!
Step 11:
Once the silicone mold is set and the organics cleaned from it, use a Q-Tip to rub some mica powders into the crevices of the mold.
Step 12:
Using your stir stick, drizzle the colorized resin into the bezel until partially filled. Use a toothpick and gently move around the resin to see if there are any air bubbles trapped in your mold or along the edge of the bezel. If any air bubbles are within the resin, they will rise to the surface from the agitation. Move the bubbles to the edges to pop, or breathe on them. The hot air from your breath will make the air expand and the bubble will pop.
Step 13:
Let your resin cure for 24 hours. Once cured, slightly bend back the edges of the silicone mold to release the resin and bezel. If the bezel had a very tight fit into the mold, there will be no clean up.
Watch the Video!
Shop the Supplies!
- Nunn Design Open Back Bezel
- Easy Mold Silicone Putty
- Nunn Design 2-Part Resin Kit
- Castin’ Craft Opaque Pigments
- PearlEx Mica Powder
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