Experimenting with Resin
Having used Resin in the past, this type of resin is a different colour. The same method is used, with a 50:50 ratio, when using 100g of Isocyanate, 100g of Polyol is also used to gain the hardness.
Above is what I first experimented with, within one of the measuring cups to see what the end result would look like. At first it is a very translucent liquid that has a slight yellow discolouration to the mixture, once mixed, the liquid starts becoming thicker and very cloudy in appearance. Once it starts curing, the material becomes hard, and when it is fully cured, the result is what is shown above, a very hard consistency and extremely white in appearance.
What did you use the Resin for?
Resin when dried, is a very lightweight material, and can be used to harden any outer surface, capturing great detail of moulds. I decided it would be a great idea to experiment using it with my hand cast that I created from Alginate. Whilst experimenting with other materials , I have never experienced using resin within a full mould before like a hand. The same method was used to create the final outcome for my resin hand. Although it may not be of any use to me, it was a great way to know that it could actually work in the future for any other moulds I may use to create sculpts on. Resin appeared such a great material to work with, and I really enjoyed the outcome, and would love to use it again in future projects.
Here, I used a 1600ml cup to measure the resin in, measured a 50/50 ratio of the resin, approximately 30g of Isocyanate and 30g of Polyol. The mixture of both parts was then mixed with a mixing stick, and then poured into the alginate mould, shown below.
A close up shot of the resin once fully cured. It is very hard in texture, and white in appearance. A very well recommended material to use within the future, or any other projects when making moulds to sculpt on.
The Stages....
An alginate cast was taken ( for experimenting purposes) of my models hand.
Step one ( first attempt ) - a measuring cup of alginate, enough to cover the hand was mixed thoroughly and applied directly to the hand using my hands and a mixing stick, I only realised after I had done it that I accidently poured warm water into the mixture which made it cure quicker once applied to the skin, again the heat off of the model made it cure twice as fast, and half the alginate on the models hand was already curing quicker than I had hoped, so I had to attempt it a second time, but this time with colder water.
Second Attempt
Again, the alginate powder was carefully poured into a measuring cup along with cold water, and mixed thoroughly.
Once the mixture became a gloopy consistency, I got the model to dunk her hand into the mixture and slosh her hand around in the alginate until it started getting thicker, this allowed me to start piling the mixture on top of the thinner layer she had already applied.
Once the mixture had dried, I got her to slowly wiggle her fingers, and try and release her hand from the mould. It took only a few minutes before the mould appeared like a glove, and the outcome looked like this ( photo on the left )
A 50:50 ratio of the two-part resin was then mixed, and carefully poured into the alginate mould. I have never experienced using these two materials together before, so it was a new experience to me.
Using various materials helps me to identify what can work and won't doesn't work for future reference. It was also a great way to explore whether new methods could work better than others.
Surprisingly, the outcome turned out extremely well. At first I was worried I would of ruined the alginate mould and would struggle to clean it out to reuse it. But after rotating the resin around in the mould, it began to thicken, which was more of a relief for me, because it made me aware that it was curing like it should be
The revealing of the outcome was turning out pretty great when I started peeling away at the alginate. A pure white, hardened, resin mould was released from the alginate, and captured all the fine detail of the mould, which was fantastic.
Despite not doing the entire hand/arm, I wish I had done my entire mould from resin. Now that I have experienced using the material, I would say I'd definitely use it again in the future for sculpting purposes. A very hard wearing material that would last a bit longer than plaster, which would be more beneficial for finer detail.
Fine detail shown in the image.
This was the picture taken after I had cleaned off all of the alginate and the resin had time to fully dry. I was extremely impressed with the detail the resin had picked up, and insted of creating a hollow mould, I made a full mould of the fingers, just for experimenting purposes.
The outcome was very firm, and would be a great source for sculpting onto. Fine detail is captured from the mould, so its a very clear indicator of where the nails, and joints are. I would also presume the mould is extremely easy to clean from clay ( which can also be experimented) .
An even closer picture of the finished outcome, a clear view of the models nail and skin textures that have been picked up well.
It's amazing how such a great outcome can be created from just the simple usage of two different materials. It can also be reused again and again, which is a great benefit if stuck to a tight budget.
What did you like or dislike?
I thoroughly enjoyed using resin. I have only ever used resin twice ( this being my second time) , and I found it extremely easy and fun to experiment with the material. A very easy method that anyone can have fun with.
Alginate on the other hand is quite a tricky substance to work with, it appears like a sloppy porridge consistency, and you have to work extremely fast with it before it cures. Once it is cured, you cannot work with it anymore, and it becomes a hard rubbery substance that stays moist and even shrinks if not used efficently.
How could you improve?
My next experience with resin will be a lot more confident as it is a lot less complex that I thought it was going to be. Resin is a horrid substance to get on your skin, but is a great substance when used to create moulds and outer shells.
Despite using only fingers out of resin, next time I will use an entire resin hand to experiment on and try to explore other methods.
Using alginate is a cheap option, and can be used if on a tight budget and only if the mould is only ever needed once and can be thrown out.
Alginate is also used for dental purposes for creating moulds of teeth.
For the purpose I had, I believe a stronger material such as lifecasting silicone could of been used for a cleaner look, and the use of silicone could of meant a re-usable mould.