Capture the moment

In this How To we show you step-by-step how to turn your holiday memories into works of art. Using the natural bio-based Flowcast Resin from EcoPoxy we’ll show you how to make some beautiful souvenirs that are as unique as your life experiences.

0189

Step 1 – Preparation

For this project, the simplest of objects are the most effective. We’ve chosen some small flower buds, a shell and some seaweed. Whatever you collect*, make sure that it is clean and dry before you start. Any organic matter that is not fully dry will continue to decompose within the resin and may not hold its form or colour.

Mixing containers must be clean and your measuring device accurate. Any variance can cause the resin to stay soft and not fully cure.

Your working area must be clean, dry and free of dust. Settling dust can cause blemishes on the glossy surface. The chemical reaction of curing epoxy releases heat so drying resin must be left in a clear and ventilated area.

Step 2 – Mixing the resin

In a clean, dry container follow the instructions carefully. If using EcoPoxy combine (by volume) one part resin with two part hardener and mix thoroughly for five minutes. Make sure you mix slowly and carefully to avoid creating excess bubbles in the mixture. Bubbles will rise and be released during curing but sometimes, when the resin is partly cured, they can pop when they reach the surface and this causes dimples (we explain how to get rid of these in Step 5).

Step 3 – Pouring the resin

Arrange your keepsake in the mould and very slowly pour over the resin, it's important to pour slowly so that you do not disturb the object or trap any air. A popular method of helping to clear air bubbles is to use a heat gun, but due to the material and coverage of the moulds we’ve used, we couldn’t do this. Instead, we gently tapped the filled moulds on the workbench, this must be done carefully so that the object inside is not disturbed.

Step 4 – Finishing

Make sure the resin is completely dry and then peel off your moulds. To help the spheres sit nicely we have flattened the base with the Axminster Workshop Belt & Disc sander but this can be done by hand.

Step 5 - Troubleshooting

If the surface of your resin has dimples or the mould has left a ridge along the joint, you will need to sand the surface down. Start by sticking the bottom of the globes onto wooden blocks, this allows the globes to be attached to a lathe for sanding and avoids a resin skirt to form around the base. Either by hand or on a lathe, sand down the surface. We have used the Micro-Mesh soft touch abrasives pads, working our way through the grits. Wet sanding is always recommended as the heat from dry sanding can damage the resin. Using EcoPoxy UVPoxy pour a thin layer of resin over the top and then use a heat gun to help release any bubbles. Wait for at least 24 hours for it to cure. Now detach it from the wooden base and sand the bottom again to remove any leftover wood and/or glue.

There you have your finished piece of art. We hope all you adventurers have enjoyed learning how to create some unique souvenirs.

*Objects collected from Nature are a wonderful way to remember the places you visit but please make sure that they’re not prohibited or that their removal does not damage the habitat.
resin-sphere-final


Show us your creations!

If you’ve made your own, we would love to see it! Comment below or send us a photograph. Alternatively, get in touch via our social media platforms. Find us on Facebook, send us a tweet or connect with us on Instagram. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #ecopoxy and tag @AxminsterTools.