PRODUCT TIP: Using Resin

We are excited to offer you this tutorial featuring ICE Resin^TM. After trying and testing a variety of resins, we are particularly pleased with ease of use and the good results of this product.

To maximize your work-time, prepare several bezels at once. If you prepare 5-6 pieces, place them in a tray (like a shoe box lid) so they are easy to handle. You won't have to move them around separately and risk disturbing the curing process.
 
This resin is actually "self healing". If the resin is damaged before curing such as a finger print on the surface, if it doesn't quite cure or if the surface gets scratched after curing, the resin can be filed and new resin re-poured on top. It heals by attaching itself chemically to the layer below.

Two reasons for the resin not curing are not measuring carefully and not stirring enough.  Stirring should include scraping of the sides and bottom.  Gentle heat helps bring out the bubbles but scorching heat will turn it yellow and cause giant bubbles and ruin the resin. A task light over the piece after it is poured brings the bubbles out nicely. But do not put the pieces under a light after they have partially cured. Bubbles will form and be trapped in the resin.

SAFETY TIPS WHEN WORKING WITH THIS RESIN:

• Cover your work surface with a disposable cover like newspaper or something similar. This will prevent any spills or drips from contacting your worktable. (If using a shoebox lid, line it with a piece of foil. Save this "tray" for future use.)
• Do not leave a cup of mixed resin unattended. It could be easily knocked over by a child or pet.
• Use in a well-ventilated area. Although this is a very low-odor resin, it still does emanate a bit of a smell.
• Do not leave your resin piece unattended if you are using heat to speed the curing process. If leaving under a light or using a toaster oven do not let the heat rise above 95°.
• Discard all materials (mixing cup, stir sticks and work surface) after using them.
• Wash hands thoroughly after using this product.

Purchase the ICE RESIN^TM »
Purchase the Bezel Cups »

Choose Your Image Choose and print the photograph for the pendant. We chose "thumbnail" size from our picture printer. This round bezel measures approximately 3/4" across and the photo measures about 1x 1 1/2" so it allows plenty of room to center the pendant on the photo. We printed on plain, white printer paper. This paper does not smear when sealed with white glue. Trace the Image To trace the image we simply flipped the bezel over the picture and drew an outline with a pencil. Cut out the image on the inside of the pencil mark. Fit the Image Check the size of the photo. Make sure that it lays flat inside the bezel cup. Seal the Image This step is very important. If the photo is not sealed the image will run when the resin is poured. Do this step for any paper image that is embedded in resin. Place the photo on a plastic bag. The plastic will prevent the picture from sticking to the work surface once it is dried. Brush a single layer of Mod Podge brand sealer to seal the photo. Let dry completely and repeat on the back side. Let dry and seal the edges. Repeat 3-4 times. The Mod Podge will dry clear. If any dried Mod Podge remains around the edges of the photo cut it away using scissors. How Much Resin to Use? Take a look at the measuring cup. There are several different measurements along the sides. We chose the fluid ounce measurement. 1/4 fl. oz total resin is enough for 3-4 bezels depending on their size. It is very important to have exact measurements of both parts of resin. If the ratio is not correct, the resin will not cure properly. In order to maximize your working time prepare 3-4 bezels at once. This way you can use all of the resin that is mixed and reduce waste. Measuring the Resin Measure part A first (resin) and pour to the 1/8 fl. oz line.  Follow by pouring part B (hardener) to the 1/4 fl. oz line. Mixing the Resin As you can see, the resin does not mix after pouring. To mix, use the wooden stir stick that comes with the resin kit. Mix the resin together gently for 2 minutes. Do not whip the mixture as this will cause large bubbles to form in the resin. Mixed Resin The mixed batch will be usable for 30 minutes. After the resin has been mixed, you may see tiny bubbles in the mixture. Let the mixture sit for two minutes or so to let the bubbles rise to the surface. Pour the Resin Line up all of the pendants and carefully pour a small amount of resin into each  bezel cup. Let the resin settle for a minute or so and pour a drop or so more to fill the cups so that the resin domes in the cup. If there are bubbles in the resin, place the pendant under a lamp or use a hair dryer on low to slightly heat the resin and bring the bubbles to the surface. If using a hair dryer be very careful not to blow the resin out of the cup. This process should take just a few minutes. Curing the Resin Let the pendants set for about 10 minutes. Check the side view of the bezel cup. If the resin has settled further add a drop of resin to re-dome the top. Air drying is best, but to speed up the process you may place the pendants under a lamp or in a toaster oven. Do not heat the resin over 95°.  The pieces will cure in 12 hours at 95°. Wait 1 hour after pouring before curing the resin with heat. The Finished Pendant After curing, your pendant is ready to wear. We paired it with a stamped washer and heart charm. Check out our FREE Design Tips for a list of materials and directions.