Safety Precautions When Working With Resins

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , , Tuesday, January 14, 2020 4:00 AM

Resin is a commonly used material for making different types of casts. It is fun to work with especially when making artistic jewelry and other casts. However, some safety measures are needed.

Resin is a viscous material that slowly hardens and sets solid in the form of a plastic. It comes in various types – like epoxy, polyester and polyurethanes. Resin casting is very popular among professional artists and novices alike.

The uses are varied ranging from artistic jewelry and faux metal casts to small parts in manufacturing industries to 3D printing to even gluing things together.

While resin lends itself well to many a use, the artist has to handle the material carefully and keep the following precautions in mind:
  • Some resins are considered volatile chemicals and should not be allowed to come into contact with the bare skin. Even the catalyst can prove to be risky. Always wear protective gloves when working with resin. Use a plastic apron to avoid ruining the clothes with spilled resin.
  • It is better to wear safety goggles and use a respirator when working with large quantities of resin. This will help shield against the noxious fumes.
  • The work area should be properly ventilated with open windows and an exhaust fan.
  • It is better to spread some wax paper on the work surface before using resin. As resin will not stick to the wax paper, it will be easy to clean. The dried resin can be simply peeled off from some materials; else it can be cleaned with rubbing alcohol.
  • But never use the alcohol or other solvent in case the resin comes in contact with the skin. Try to wipe it off immediately with baby wipes. Sticky resin can be scrubbed off with soap or a pumice stone.
  • Maintaining the ideal environment is crucial when working with resin. 70°F is considered the standard temperature as the resin fails to cure properly if the studio is hotter or cooler. Therefore, an air conditioner or heater may be required.
  • The resin and hardener should be measured accurately using measuring cups. Do not go by ballpark approximations as it can again affect the curing of the resin.
  • The materials should be mixed carefully and thoroughly using stir stix for a couple of minutes to ensure a uniform mix. However, overmixing can also introduce air bubbles into the casting material.
  • Some air is bound to get trapped into the resin and will show up on the surface of the cast. This can be popped with a needle or heat gun. Casting in a pressure pot is ideal for eliminating the air bubbles.
  • The resin is likely to attract dust or animal hair while it cures and will end up ruining the resin casting. Keep the studio clean and cover the cast with a clear dome while it cures.
  • Above all, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions to the T.

0 Comments

Eliminating Air Bubbles in Molds and Casts

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , , Friday, December 27, 2019 3:40 AM

There are different mold making and casting equipment that can be used to make bubble-free molds and casts. The suitability of a given equipment depends on the nature of the material and other factors.

One of the most taxing things when making a mold or cast is dealing with the air bubbles. Some air is bound to get trapped into the material no matter how carefully the artist mixes and pours the material. Once set, this shows up as unsightly warts on the surface of the mold/cast and makes it mostly unusable.

Fortunately, there are various tricks and even mechanical equipment for eliminating these pesky air bubbles. While pouring the material in a thin and steady stream from a corner and pricking the bubbles with a pin can help to some extent, it is always better to use an apparatus like vibrating table, pressure pot or a vacuum pump with vacuum chamber.

This brings us to the question – which of these equipment is the most effective in getting rid of the trapped air in the mold making or casting materials?

Well, there is no single-point solution as such.

A vibrating table uses the simple technique of pulsating the material to shake out the bubbles. This will reduce the bubbles but cannot deair the material completely. Careful pouring will reduce the propensity of bubbles for sure.

On the other hand, a pressure pot is best suitable for materials that will cure to a rigid form. Like resins for example. It is better to avoid pressure casting soft rubbers as the air bubbles are bound to return once the mold or cast is exposed to normal air pressure. A rubber mold or cast is even likely to collapse in the areas where air remains trapped under the surface.

A vacuum chamber with pump is best suited for removing air from the rubber materials. Artists usually leave the rubber mold or cast to cure in the vacuum inside the chamber and the air will not return later!

All mold making and casting materials and equipment can be easily sourced from the EnvironMolds website, https://www.artmolds.com.

1 Comment

Preparing for Making a Life Casting

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , , , Thursday, December 12, 2019 4:36 AM

There’s a lot that goes into making a life casting. The procedures and materials may vary, but the artist will always need to prepare his studio and pay particular attention to the model’s well-being.

There are many different ways of making a body mold for life casting – some artists use alginate, some prefer skin-safe silicone rubber, while some simply use plaster bandages to capture the shape and size of the abdomen or torso. Even the life cast can be made in plaster or even with resin for cold casting to replicate the look of stone or metal.


It goes without saying that every life cast is a beautiful work of art and it should be appropriately finished with a brass name plate. This name plate will announce the name of the artwork and the artist along with other details like date of creation.

When starting with the life casting, the artist needs to prepare the place and the model for what lies ahead. It is better to protect the floor with plastic sheets or other covering. Keep hand towels handy. All the required materials and supplies should be kept ready to avoid undue delay while making the body mold. The studio should not be too cold or too warm either. There should be bathing facilities so that the model can wash off the residue once the mold is removed.

In a similar vein, the artist should brief the model about what lies ahead. Discuss the pose and practice it beforehand to ensure proper comfort. Props and supports can be provided if needed. Emphasize the need to stay calm and stationary while the work is in progress. Explain the process so that the model is aware of what will happen.

Finally, the artist should work carefully and without taking too much time over the process.

Life casting artists can procure all the required materials, tools and supplies – like alginate, plaster of Paris bandages, mixers, spatulas, rasps and even name plates engraved – from the EnvironMolds website, Artmolds.com. They also provide instructional materials, workshops and personal guidance, as needed.

0 Comments

Polyurethane or Silicone – Which Mold Rubber to Use?

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , Monday, November 25, 2019 3:36 AM

Polyurethane and silicone rubbers are the most popular mold making materials because of their versatility and ease of use. So, which of the two options will actually suit a particular application?

There are a variety of mold making materials for capturing negative impressions of artworks and other models. The options range from the simple clay, wax and alginate to sophisticated materials like polyurethanes, latex rubber, silicone rubber, thermoset mold rubber and so on.

Each material comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The choice will depend on various considerations that includes the material of the model, the choice of casting material and even the personal preference of the mold maker, to name a few.

Yet, it emerges that polyurethane mold rubber and silicone mold rubber are usually preferred by mold makers owing to different factors like the versatility of the materials, the inherent ease of use and also the durability of the molds.

So, let’s take a look at how an artist would choose between polyurethane rubber and silicone rubber to understand how these factors play out in reality:
  • Polyurethane mold rubber is a popular option for casting wax, plaster and especially concrete. Concrete casts are usually made in polyurethane rubber molds only as silicone may cause efflorescence in the castings. Silicone rubber is preferred when the artist has to go on to cast polyester, epoxy and polyurethane resins. In other words, silicone rubber is usually used for making a resin casting.
  • Generally, both polyurethane and silicone rubbers can be used on any model of any material without causing any damage. However, if the artist is making a body mold from a live human being, they have to use special skin safe silicone rubber only.
  • While the mold rubber itself will not damage an inanimate model, the release agent can definitely have an adverse effect on the surface. Therefore, in case the artist cannot or does not want to use a release agent, silicone rubber will be the material of choice since it does not stick to anything except itself. However, it follows that silicone rubber molds cannot be used for making silicone rubber casts!
  • Polyurethane rubbers are more economical than the highly expensive silicone mold rubbers. It is obvious that an artist will prefer the polyurethane variant whenever it is suitable.
  • The final choice will also be influenced by the dexterity of the artist. Many artists prefer to use a particular mold making material just because of the familiarity and comfort level with the same.

It is possible to play around with these factors depending on the circumstances too. For instance, polyurethane rubber molds can be used for making hundreds of plaster, wax and concrete molds while silicone molds are suitable for large quantity of resin castings without any distortions or damage. However, in case the artist requires only 10 to 20 resin cast parts, they may opt for polyurethane rubber molds since it is easier on the pocket. But using a release agent will become mandatory!

0 Comments

Handy Kits Available at EnvironMolds

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , , Wednesday, November 6, 2019 11:23 PM

A variety of mold making and life casting kits are featured on the EnvironMolds website. This serves as a quick and easy introduction to these specialized arts. The options are varied and interesting.

EnvironMolds offers an extensive range of mold making, casting and lifecasting kits that are especially handy for beginners. The kits contain all the required materials, supplies and tools for a one-time project.

For instance, the Latex EZ Casting kit has everything needed to create molds of a Trilobite fossil and a life-sized snail followed by a casting. Accordingly, it contains Kreemtex Liquid Premium Mold Making Rubber, CastRite Art Stone, Chavaunt clay, fossils, mixing cups, mixing sticks, brushes, cotton swab and fine cheesecloth. The materials are of studio quality; the quantity and size are suitable for the project on hand. It also comes with an illustrated instruction guide that demonstrates each and every step with full clarity and detail. The directions are easy to follow and the process becomes interesting and enjoyable.

The life casting kits are a complete delight as well. In fact, the company website http://www.artmolds.com features the largest collection of life casting kits available anywhere. There are various kit options for casting a baby's hand and foot, adult hands, faces, torso and even the full body. They are helpfully marked as beginner, experienced and advanced levels.

For instance, the Pro Hand EZ Cast Kit is perfectly suitable for serious life casters who want to turn this artistic hobby into a part-time business. This bestseller has actually been tested and approved by 60 members of the reputed Home Arts Magazine Club. Yet, even novices can use the kit to create museum-quality sculptures. It is also used by professionals to create hand castings for profit at various venues.

The beauty of the kits is that the user does not have to assemble all the nitty-gritty materials for making a mold, cast or life cast. The quantities are appropriate, thus eliminating guesswork while purchasing individual projects. Moreover, the user will also get an idea about what and how much to buy when working on similar projects in the future.

0 Comments

Getting To Know Your Alginate

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , , Saturday, October 26, 2019 3:36 AM

Alginate is the material of choice for making body molds for life casts. It is easy to use, easy to mix, skin safe and eco-friendly too. You will surely find something suitable given the broad range of options.

Alginate is the most commonly used material for making body molds. It is a natural substance derived from seaweed and is safe for the skin. It is easy to use as well.

Mixing is a straightforward process – take alginate and water in the specified proportions and they will mix easily to form a gel-like substance. A rapid mixing for 15 to 20 seconds will yield a smooth and creamy consistency that is ready to use. Small quantities can be mixed with hand but larger batches require a turbo mixer or speed drill.

The mix ratio is usually 1 part alginate to 3 parts water. However, the ratio changes depending on the formulation and some brands allow a much greater coverage with a mix ratio of 1 part alginate to 7 parts water.

However, care is required over the type of water used in the mix. Always use soft water (opt for distilled water if unsure) for mixing alginate as hard water will make the mix lumpy and ineffectual.

Once applied on the body, alginate will capture excellent forensic detail. The fine body hair, lines, wrinkles and even fingerprints are accurately copied in the mold and can be reproduced in the life cast.

What’s more, alginates are eco-friendly as well. Some of the formulas actually enrich the soil. Therefore, used alginate molds can be easily discarded without worrying about the effect on the environment.

That’s not all either. Alginate comes in a wide variety with silica free formulations available as well. The type of set can vary from regular to soft (for babies) and options of set time are also available ranging from 2 to 3 minutes, 4 to 5 minutes and even 5 to 7 minutes. There is fiber-infused alginate as well that offers improved tear strength and delayed shrinkage.

Life casting artists can easily source the various types of alginates from the EnvironMolds website, https://www.artmolds.com.

0 Comments

Varied Types of Clay at EnvironMolds

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , , , Tuesday, October 15, 2019 3:40 AM

EnvironMolds opens the doors to a wide range of plasticine and ceramic clays to suit varied uses. The options range from Roma Plastilina and Del Milano to pottery clay and include ballistic clay too.

Clay is an important art material that is used by mold makers, sculptors, potters and other artists in many ways. Plasticine clay is especially popular for its non-drying and reusable properties. It displays good flexibility and adhesive properties and is regularly used for mold making, mask making, sculpting, special effects and clay animation.

The EnvironMolds website (www.artmolds.com) offers a complete range of molding clay to suit varied uses and budgets. The premium grade Roma Plastilina clay is available in varying degrees of hardness – soft, medium and hard - to suit different applications. Del Milano is a budget option, yet on par with Roma Plastilina in terms of quality. This is a non-sulfurated variant that comes in handy for silicone and urethane rubber mold makers as it will not inhibit the setting of these materials.

The industrial grade Chavant clay is also sulfur-free and is available in brown and gray-green colors. The unique feature of this clay is that it can even be melted and poured like other casting materials! Once it returns to room temperature, it will set by regaining the initial firmness.


In addition to this, regular pottery clay – from Dresden and Artware – is available too. These are suitable for ceramic works and prove to be quite adaptable. These clays set to a smooth, brilliant white finish while Stoneware clay is a moist option that turns bone hard when allowed to dry.

Apart from this, there is another variant of molding clay called ballistic clay. Surprisingly, this clay is considered to be of similar density and elasticity as live animal muscle tissue. Therefore, it is used by government agencies to test body armor and even in forensics. In fact, the Roma Plastilina No. 1 ballistic clay is specified by government agencies for ballistics testing.

Therefore, all kinds of clay modeling options can easily be sourced from EnvironMolds, that too at the best prices.

0 Comments
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)