For most of my resin projects I use ultra-clear epoxy art resin. This resin has many benefits:
Low viscosity, Non Toxic, VOC Free, UV Resistant (Does not yellow), Heat Resistant to 100C, Holds 4% Pigment
The epoxy has a 2A:1B mix ratio by weight...
Which means you need to weigh twice as much of part A as part B
These precision scales will very accurately weight up to 100g
Most epoxy resins will allow a cure tolerance of just 2%
So try to weigh as accurately as possible
I don't recommend using these flat lolly sticks - they just whip air bubbles into the resin
Thin mixing sticks are MUCH better
Keep the mixing stick in contact with the base of the mixing cup, and stir SLOWLY
This video footage is actual speed, but most of my videos are speeded up by as much as 400%
You need to stir like this for two whole minutes, which is boring to watch so I usually just jump cut like this:
Two minutes later
The resin is mostly free of bubbles, but the tiny ones remain
So I'm going to stand the resin in hot water from the hot tap at about 60C for 4-5 minutes
Just be aware this will reduce the pot life (working time) considerably...
And some resins that are designed to cure very slowly may cure instantly in the mixing cup
If in doubt try a test pot first
Give the resin one last stir and be ready to pour as soon as possible
To make the soap stand I'm using a simple silicone coaster mould
Pour just enough resin to cover the bottom
Sprinkle a thin layer of pre-washed gravel over the resin
Use a flame to pop any surface bubbles
Select some pebbles of the same height and arrange them in the mould
Test the pebbles are level with something flat, like a piece of foam core board
Fill the mould to the top with resin, ensuring all the large pebbles are fully coated
I'm using a pipette to coat them evenly
Use a flame to pop any surface bubbles, then allow to cure for at least 24 hours
24 hours later
Stick four rubber bumpers to the base
Snowberry soap optional :)
Thanks for watching!