Clear epoxy resin for molds. Medium thickness for encased small objects

Clear epoxy resin for molds. Medium thickness for encased small objects

Crystal clear, Glass-like effect, Insert small objects, Can be coloured

 The application of the medium thickness clear resin (1 cm to 3 cm) produces an thicker glass-like effect for a beautiful visual effect.

Unlike the low thickness resin (1-2mm in thickness), the medium thickness resin creates a visual sensation of depth and gives surfaces a high gloss finish with a lens-effect reflections. When the surface is cured, the product features high durability, low yellowing, and good UV resistance over time

Surfaces coated with this resin are suitable for indoor use only.

The Cromas transparent resins can also be colored with specifically developed epoxy-based dyes. These dyes allow the resin to still be transparent but the colours are brilliant and intense.  These shades that can be modified to create hues that are bright or burnished.

The resins allow users to insert various small objects in to a mixture up to 2 cm in thickness. Even metallic materials can be encased because the low heat curing temperature of the resin in not high enough for the metallic objects to expand.

General and Technical Information

Once the resin is fully hardened it becomes a high gloss surface that looks like real crystal. A frame or silicone mold is needed to hold and shape the resin while pouring. The mix has a low viscosity so the air bubbles can evaporate for a perfect finish. The cured resin is then removed from the mold when dry.

After the medium thickness resin has fully hardened, it can be polished just like any common lacquered acrylic, polyurethane or polyester material. When polishing, it is important not to heat the resin surface too much with the polishing machine. An excessive amount of heat from polishing can lead to a temporary softening of the suface, and making it harder to polish. This problem can be solved through the application of clear acrylic after sanding with a 500/1000 grit sandpaper.

For applications with inserted objects such as untreated wood with open pores, it is necessary to seal or insulate the material first. As an alternative to common insulating products, apply several layers of the Cromas epoxy insulating resin or sealer to achieve excellent results. Best results are obtained by using a high-viscosity insulating product that is applied with a brush or spatula.

The medium thickness resins were designed for pouring on flat surfaces like standalone casting projects. These are self-leveling resins. When pouring this resin, it is important that the surface is level so the resin thickness is equal in all parts of the surface.

For projects with an application of higher thickness resin, the temperature rise during curing or Mass Effect must be kept under control as they determine the finish quality.

For encased materials that are porous and may contain water or humidity – if the material is not well sealed or insulated – the wood material can create air bubbles from the heat of the curing resin.

The medium thickness resin applications commonly have a cure time of 24-48 hours at a temperature of 20-25° C.

The resin with a thickness of 3 to 4 cm can be applied on a medium or small surface area, but the resin should have a total mass of 5 to 6 kg. When this resin is used on a larger surface the thickness should be lower and when applied on a small surface the thickness can be higher. This method will control the Mass Effect or the amount of heat from the curing reaction. If there is too much hear, defects can occur.

For applications larger surfaces with a high thickness, it is recommended to use our high thickness resin.

To help you be successful with your resin projects, we have provided more information. The process of our pouring resin to make a glass-like effect is a simple process, but the use of resin with encased objects needs to be tested. Materials such as wood and metal can cause some problems in the curing resin. For example, wood can move in the resin or cause air bubbles if not completely insulated and metals can slightly change in size due to temperature variations during curing.

 

The application process of the resins must be carried out in a warm work environment. The recommended temperature during the mixing, pouring, and hardening processes should be more than 20° C. At lower temperatures, the curing time increases and some imperfections may appear on the surface. The recommended temperature during mixing, pouring and curing time is 25°C.

It is also suggested that the surface material, the encased items, and the working environment not be humid. This is because too much moisture in the air or in the encased items can react with the mixture and cause defects. In order to assure the resin has good resistance to Carbonation, it is important that the  working environment and items to be encased are moisture free.

The Importance Of Pre-Production Testing

 The application process of casting, pouring the self-levelling resin, or encasing objects in epoxy resins is not difficult, but we reccomend to carry out testing of the resin with the materials to be used in the process. This is to develop a standardized application process and to understand the variables related to your working environment, the resin thickness, and the materials embedded in the resin. All of these factors can have an effect on the quality of the dried resin.

Cromas Paints goal is to give you the most useful information so your projects are successful. The provided information comes from our research and testing experience. Because there are many factors to consider, we always advise to proceed with product testing in a controlled working environment and using the same materials.

 

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You can also contact us here: info@cromaspaints.com | Tel: +39 0331 877427

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