Epoxy resin with your own hands and unique crafts from it. Epoxy Jewelry Home Business Fancy Epoxy Jewelry

Epoxy resin is very popular among jewelers. This material is great for making brooches and bracelets, pendants and pendants. Transparent plastic mass is ideal for handmade, and everyone can learn how to make jewelry. Jewelery resin in finished, solidified form imitates glass, crystals, precious stones, looks elegant and original.

Description of jewelry resin

Epoxy resin is a modern polymeric material that is actively used for construction, installation work, as well as for casting haberdashery, jewelry, and household products. Epoxy is very popular in needlework, it allows you to create real masterpieces with your own hands.

In appearance, jewelry epoxy resin is a transparent liquid with a rather thick consistency. This is a two-component product, it consists of the resin itself and a hardener. The latter is the most important component that triggers the polymerization (curing) reaction. Without a hardener, the resin remains fluid, only this substance gives it certain properties. Here are the main ones:

  • resistance to ultraviolet, moisture, household chemicals;
  • strength, lack of response to shock, vibration;
  • heat resistance.

Before the start of polymerization, various dry fillers can be added to the mass - for example, dyes, modifiers, plasticizers, wood chips or cork. They change the properties of the glaze in the right direction. The hardener is added strictly in a certain proportion with the resin. Usually the ratio is 10:1 or 8:1, but may vary depending on the particular brand.

You can buy transparent jewelry resin in any store of building materials, repair goods, creativity and needlework. It is quite budgetary in cost, easy to work with, and the end result is always pleasing. Domestic brands are cheaper, while they have excellent quality. Foreign jewelry resins are most often equipped with additional accessories - gloves, cups, kneading sticks. Sometimes molds are included - molds for pouring epoxy. It is better to purchase high-quality material, otherwise it may turn yellow and cloudy over time.

Precautionary measures

When working with resin, safety precautions must be strictly observed. You need to immediately buy personal protective equipment:

  • respirator;
  • gloves;
  • apron;
  • protective glasses.

Do not work in an unventilated area. If there is not sufficient ventilation in it, you will have to breathe fumes, which is harmful to the body. Vapors may cause an allergic reaction, irritate the respiratory tract. The strong chemical smell is unpleasant, although some expensive brands of epoxy don't smell that bad. After curing, the epoxy resin is completely safe, various rings and brooches can be given even to children.

If resin or hardener comes into contact with skin, wash immediately with soap and plenty of warm water. Do not use epoxy for products that come into contact with food. When polishing, you also need to wear a respirator - so the smallest particles of the substance will not enter the respiratory system.

Working with jewelry resin

Costume jewelry is the most popular use of epoxy among needlewomen. In order to make jewelry, you need to purchase the appropriate molds. This is the name of the casting molds, which are made of silicone or other materials. They are easy to use, the finished product is easily removed from them.

When working with resin, it is necessary to strictly observe the temperature regime. The polymerization reaction proceeds with the release of heat, while the epoxy is heated to +60 degrees. When overheated, it irrevocably deteriorates.

Workplace preparation

To work with jewelry resin, you need a flat place - a small table, a tray. The base coat should be glossy and not stick to the resin. The use of plastic bags is inconvenient, resin drops stick tightly to them. It is best to glue the tray with paper tape with a shiny surface. You can also put ceramic tiles, a sheet of cardboard on the table.

Before work, it is important to prepare all the necessary fixtures, fittings, decor. Of the basic materials, you will need resin and hardener (usually included). Also useful:

  • two syringes (needles are not needed);
  • dishes for mixing resin (you can take a disposable cup);
  • wooden stick for mixing the mass;
  • mini drill;
  • nozzles for a mini-drill for grinding, polishing, a nozzle-drill, a head for turning;
  • individual protection means;
  • sieve;
  • vegetable oil or vaseline;
  • tweezers.

Accessories are selected depending on the type of jewelry being made. These can be bases, connecting rings, fasteners, connectors, frames. You can’t save on accessories, otherwise the fasteners and fasteners will quickly deteriorate. Decor for products is chosen independently. These can be such items:

  • cones;
  • leaves;
  • flowers;
  • shells;
  • dried flower;
  • rhinestones;
  • beads;
  • glitters;
  • sequins.

Natural material - plants, flowers - is preliminarily dried between the pages of the book. It must be prepared in advance, because the drying process can take up to a month. The buds are put on a thread through the legs with a sewing needle. The resulting "garland" is hung in a dark closet, it dries for 3-4 weeks.

Resin preparation

Before you work, it is important to read the instructions for jewelry resin. It will indicate what temperature in the room must be maintained, what are the proportions of resin and hardener. Usually the manufacturer advises to work at +25…+30 degrees and low humidity - up to 55%.

Since small portions of resin are used to make jewelry, there will be no strong heating during polymerization. Therefore, it is recommended to warm up the resins of many brands a little - this is done by placing the tube in hot water (60 degrees). After 5-10 minutes, the resin is removed from the water and mixed with the hardener.

Operating procedure:

  • dial epoxy and hardener with different syringes without needles;
  • pour the required amount of resin into a disposable cup;
  • add the hardener in small portions in the indicated ratio, immediately mixing the mass thoroughly;
  • stir the product for 3 minutes, but not too intensively - this will cause the appearance of air bubbles.

Bubbles are the main difficulty faced by beginners. To maintain the transparency of the glaze, allow the mixed resin to stand for 10 minutes. Bubbles will come to the surface and can be pierced with a needle. The finished mass should have the consistency of thick honey.

If required, fillers are added to the product at this stage. Everything is done quickly, until the resin has entered the polymerization stage. Usually add wood shavings, sawdust, chips, cork. It should be noted that they immediately fall down, so they must be distributed carefully.

The total weight of the filler should not exceed 50%. The more foreign substances in jewelry epoxy, the more fragile the finished product will be. It is better to introduce a little plasticizer into it (a couple of drops of castor oil are suitable).

fill

To begin the process of pouring resin, you should prepare a fine strainer. This method is not suitable if there are fillers in the mass. Previously, the form is lubricated with petroleum jelly, parquet mastic. This is required only for homemade molds from improvised materials. Forms made of silicone, plexiglass do not need lubrication, the finished product is removed from them without difficulty.

Next, the epoxy resin is poured into the mold, its depth should not be more than 30 mm. In the first 60-120 minutes, the composition will remain liquid, but will gradually begin to thicken. If you need to enter the decor, this is done with tweezers. It is important not to pour too thick a layer, otherwise the glaze will not be able to harden completely. If the decor is large, then pour ½ of the mixture, lay the decoration, then add the remaining resin. The form must be covered so that dust does not sit on the surface. Drying time of the product is 24 hours.

Polishing

The resulting resin products need . To do this, use a mini-drill with an emery nozzle. Jewelry is turned in the right way, while the edges are held perpendicular to the drill. Next, the edges can be varnished or the resin can be diluted again and smeared with a brush. After polishing, holes are drilled to secure rings, fasteners. The drill diameter should not exceed 0.5 mm.

Master class on making jewelry from jewelry resin

How to make various jewelry, jewelry? There are a number of subtleties in the manufacture of rings, earrings, brooches, pendants, they will be described below.

Making rings

A master class on creating rings should begin with the preparation of forms and accessories. You need to purchase resin, hardener and a standard set of additional materials, including glitters and other decorative elements.

The work is done like this:

  • pour water into the container with a temperature of +60 degrees;
  • lower the sealed tube of epoxy (it is important that not a drop gets inside), leave for 10 minutes;
  • collect resin and hardener, mix with epoxy in the right proportion;
  • usually 3 ml of the finished mixture is enough for the ring;
  • to remove bubbles, a glass with a well-mixed mass is once again placed in a container with hot water;
  • again knead the mass directly in a container with water until all stains and bubbles disappear;
  • the remaining bubbles are blown out with a cocktail straw;
  • pour the resin into the mold, do it in 2-3 doses, in order to put the right amount of decor in each layer - powders, glitters, sparkles, dried flowers, needles;
  • layer-by-layer filling is done after 2-3 hours from the previous one, so each time a new portion of resin is added;
  • leave the ring to harden not far from the battery for a day;
  • the product is taken out of the mold by hitting it from the back;
  • sharp edges are polished, you can do it with a nail file.

The ring made of wood and epoxy resin looks original. To do this, you can take chopsticks for sushi or any scraps of wooden furniture, cut them. The pieces of wood are laid on the bottom of the mold, poured with finished resin. You can pre-paint the material with special pigments, they are introduced before applying the hardener.

DIY resin pendants

You can make artificial amber from resin, very beautiful pendants are obtained. You can also make other crafts with the addition of paint of any shade, sparkles or other decorative elements. For pendants, wire must be prepared. The usual darkens over time, so a material with a special coating is used. Suitable soft, but not thin aluminum wire 1.5 mm in diameter. To secure a chain or lace, you need to roll up the wire ring and cut off its tail close to the junction.

The ring itself is glued to a double-sided wide adhesive tape, which is glued to a flat surface (tile, cardboard) with the other side. After laying out the decor in the form, they fill it with ready-made epoxy resin with a hardener, the epoxy is preliminarily cured for 20 minutes. Pour one layer into the "lenses" to create a bottom and fix the pattern. Leave the product for 8 hours, then make another layer, then the third. In the latter, a ring rolled from wire is carefully immersed. Final drying lasts 24 hours. You can also drill a hole in the finished pendant and simply insert a wire ring there, the effect will be the same.

Making earrings

The technology for making earrings can be even simpler, even special molds are not required. It is only important to buy high-quality resin and good fastener hooks, as well as get dried flowers, twigs, any decor.

The work is as follows:

  • prepare epoxy resin, knead it, leave for 2 hours to gain viscosity;
  • draw oval, round or other stencils on paper;
  • cover the working area with oilcloth or rinse and wipe dry, lay out stencils, cover them with stationery multifors on top;
  • start pouring the thickened resin directly onto the multifora, carefully distributing it over the stencil with a toothpick;
  • the height of the workpiece should be no more than 1 cm;
  • from above, cover the blanks with domes from dust, leave for a day;
  • after hardening, give the earrings the desired shape with a nail file;
  • knead another portion of the resin, stand for 2 hours;
  • put decor on the blanks, drip a little resin, let it dry a little;
  • then perform several more layers with a brush, each should dry for 2 hours;
  • at the end of the work, let the earrings dry for a day, then sand and drill holes for the hooks.

Resin brooches

To create brooches, you may additionally need acrylic dyes. After the resin and hardener are combined, the mass is allowed to brew for 2-3 hours, then poured into special molds for brooches. Previously, the edges of the forms can be coated with a mixture of PVA and dyes, then the products will take on an original look. Inside the brooches, a composition of dried flowers looks beautiful. So that they do not float to the surface, they perform the first layer of filling, let it dry for 2 hours, and then glue the decor with PVA. Finally, the products are dried for at least a day.

Cabochons at home

Cabochons are understood as a way of processing stones, in which they acquire a smooth convex surface without facets. The cabochons are flat on one side and look like a lens on the other. The easiest way is to pour them into special forms, diluting the epoxy according to the instructions. She smears the walls of the mold with a thin layer, and after solidification, the workpiece is removed. Now you can put any decor into it, then it is filled to the ground. After drying, the medallion is polished to perfect smoothness.

If there is no time to wait for a long drying of jewelry, the process can be accelerated. To do this, the product is heated in the oven at a temperature of up to + 50 ... + 60 degrees. Many craftsmen, if a drill is not available, insert a cord into the product while the decoration is still soft. This will help avoid drilling.

When pouring, be sure to ensure that the form is absolutely smooth. In this case, you do not have to grind jewelry for a long time. Do not wipe the finished product with alcohol, this will spoil the glossy surface. Careful handling will allow you to wear rings, earrings or pendants for a long time without complaints.

  • Conclusion

Original jewelry attracts attention, enjoys well-deserved popularity, combining beauty, elegance and individuality. Fashion for such products can be used for your own purposes. One of the options, which, with proper implementation, can bring a good income to the master, is the manufacture of jewelry from epoxy resin.

If you are a creative person and have free time, desire and opportunities, then opening a business for creating jewelry from an unusual but fashionable material will not cause difficulties. The article below will help you understand where to start, what tools will be needed, how much money will be needed, and also what income can be achieved.

How to turn a hobby into a successful epoxy jewelry business?

About, , getting real income, there is plenty of information on the Internet. However, not all data will really help to open a business, achieve success and prosperity. Our article on how to createand promote them among the target audience, will make your dream of owning your own business a reality. It is enough to read the material carefully and follow the instructions.

What is jewelry epoxy resin?

A fashionable and easy-to-use material called epoxy resin is a transparent or colored liquid of artificial origin. This is a combination of two components - resin and hardener. The epoxy resin used to make jewelry was created in the middle of the last century. The material has several important advantages:

  • beauty, uniqueness, ease of use;
  • lack of response to shock, vibration, exposure to ultraviolet radiation;
  • high strength, resistance to external influences;
  • long service life.

The composition of the epoxy resin does not contain toxic components that have a negative impact on human health. Such material is easy to process. When using it, you must follow simple safety rules, which will be discussed later. In the process of application, it is necessary to ensure the ventilation of the room.

What jewelry is more profitable to make for sale?

Modern epoxy resin jewelryare in deserved demand not only among the fair sex. Men also do not remain indifferent to such jewelry. Having studied the demand for products, we can conclude that rings, earrings, brooches, bracelets, pendants received recognition. It makes sense to manufacture and offer all these products to customers who value originality, uniqueness, originality and tenderness.

What materials are needed to create epoxy jewelry?

To be successful in the design and manufacture of epoxy jewelry, patience and free time alone will not be enough. To create original jewelry, you will need special materials and tools. In order for the process to proceed quickly and without unplanned delays, you will need:

  • high-quality epoxy resin with the necessary level of transparency and plasticity;
  • materials for decoration (the choice depends on the preferences of the master and the demand of customers);
  • gloves for work, silicone molds (molds), a respirator, canes for mixing or toothpicks;
  • to protect the table, you will need napkins for cleaning, you can use plastic wrap.

Of all the marked positions, materials for decoration are of the greatest interest. These can be plants, leaves, flowers (dried herbarium), buds, inflorescences, wood blanks. In addition to these materials, you can use decorative sand, pebbles, shells. All products that will be used in the work must be clean and dry.

It is worth noting the fittings, which are an important element in the creation of jewelry. These are components without which it is difficult to make brooches, earrings, pendants and other jewelry. The quality of the fittings must be high. If there is no independent experience in the manufacture of such products, then it is better to order them in a specialized store or via the Internet.

What tools do you need to make epoxy resin jewelry?

In addition to the materials listed just above, the jewelry maker needs to stock up on special equipment and tools. We are talking about jewelry scales, mini-drills with different attachments, sanding paper and several medium-sized syringes. They will be needed for a set of resins and hardener.

What is a silicone mold and how to work with it?

To make volumetric products, you need a silicone mold. This is a special form that can last for a long time, subject to the rules of use that are specified by the manufacturer. Depending on the needs and preferences of the creator of jewelry, molds are selected that are optimal in size and pattern.

Financial plan for a home workshop for the manufacture of epoxy jewelry

Thinking about it or other persons who have free time, it is necessary to resolve the issue related to the financial component. Everyone will agree that one of the most important factors for a novice businessman is to make a profit. Each entrepreneur seeks to earn, recoup the initial costs, enjoy the maximum possible income. Will these resultscan be found by considering all costs and potential profit.

How much money do you need to start your business?

At the stage of starting your business, you need to spend money on the purchase of materials, components, consumables. The main expenses will be associated with the purchase of epoxy resin. It's not worth saving here. High quality material will quickly pay for itself.

Experts calculated that at the initial stage, an amount of 5,000 rubles would be required. Of course, this is an average. It can be less or more depending on what materials, additional components and consumables the master who decides to do such a business will acquire.

How much can you earn selling resin jewelry?

The answer to this question lies in how the jewelry maker will relate to his work. With a competent organization of the production process, you can make good money. Firstly, the Russian market lacks epoxy jewelry.

Little competition allows new members to quickly find their audience. You can promote such products using social networks, forums, your website on the World Wide Web. The price of products will depend on the cost of materials and the surcharge, which is set by the creator himself. Original jewelry will definitely be in demand.

The technology of creating jewelry from epoxy do-it-yourself

When all the materials are purchased and prepared for work, you can begin the creative and interesting process of creating real masterpieces. The basic rule is strict observance of the proportions of the hardener and resin. Usually manufacturers of substances indicate such data on the packaging. The standard option is the ratio of hardener and resin 1:10.

  • carefully mix the resin and hardener (it is necessary to achieve uniformity and uniformity, the absence of air bubbles);
  • lay out the prepared decorative material in mold;
  • with a thin stream, fill the decorative elements with resin to the top;
  • leave to dry completely (on average for a day);
  • we take it out of the mold and grind the resulting products using a mini-drill or a manicure device;
  • enjoy the result!

If for the first time inaccuracies were made, then do not be upset. Experience comes with practice. Finished jewelry that turned out great can be safely put up for sale.

If it became clear that the production of jewelry made of epoxy resin is an unbearable task, then here's anothera few other ideas for . Everyone will be able to find an interesting and profitable occupation for themselves, which does not require significant financial resources at the initial stage.

How to work with jewelry resin: safety measures

When performing any work, safety precautions must be observed. Using epoxy, you should also not neglect the generally accepted rules. So, the main recommendations are as follows:

  • use of a respirator, goggles and clothing;
  • the resin should be stored in a closed container;
  • work in rooms equipped with ventilation;
  • if resin or hardener gets on the skin, rinse with water, treat with a disinfectant;
  • avoid contact with eyes (dangerous for eyesight).

Epoxy resin is a chemical. Therefore, when working with it, you must be careful and attentive.

A simple algorithm for making a designer bracelet

The bracelet is one of the most popular pieces of jewelry. To make this type of jewelry from epoxy resin, you do not need to develop a complex design solution. It is enough to think over the drawing and act as follows:

  • preparing a mold for a bracelet;
  • preparing the resin
  • we prepare a decorative filler (its composition and pattern can be any);
  • after the resin has settled, pour it into the mold;
  • we lay decorative elements (you can fix them using a regular toothpick);
  • let the mold harden and remove the product from the mold;
  • sharp edges are removed with sandpaper;
  • the finished bracelet can be coated with a transparent varnish.

A beautiful product will delight a fashionista who loves individuality. Such a bracelet will emphasize the non-standard taste of the owner. The process of producing a stylish and elegant accessory is simple. It's worth a try!

5 secrets from craftswomen on how to master the art of creating epoxy jewelry

  1. Careful attention to the choice of casting molds and epoxy resin. The high quality of these components will guarantee excellent results.
  2. Don't skimp on accessories. The framing of epoxy resin products is the most important stage, on which the demand for finished products also depends.
  3. Removal of air bubbles. Here you can advise one trick - after pouring the resin, you need to let the mixture settle. After that, it should be warmed up. Thanks to this operation, the bubbles will float to the surface, where they can be carefully removed.
  4. Particular attention to the consistency of the mixture. It all depends on the initial components - resin and hardener. Their most rational ratio will allow you to get the composition that is ideal in terms of its characteristics. Tip - carefully read the information that is placed on the packages, listen to the advice of experienced craftsmen.
  5. Proper organization of the workplace. The creator of epoxy resin jewelry should be comfortable and convenient to manufacture products. All necessary materials and components should be at hand. Order on the desktop is the key to productive creativity.

Conclusion

The release of epoxy resin products is a great option that allows you to open . Having learned all the features and secrets of creating such products, you can declare yourself as a talented and fashionable master. Good luck in developing a new, interesting and profitable business!

Both epoxy and jewelry wire, in the sense of jewelry, are special. Regular wire is uncoated and will darken over time. This can of course be used as an advantage, but it is not a fact that oxides will not spoil the product in the process. More or less suitable aluminum wire can be found in flower shops. But again, most likely without coverage.


We take the wire soft enough, but not too thin. I have aluminum 1.5 mm coated. We turn the ring. It is advisable to use some obviously even shape.


Cut the long end of the wire with side cutters. Keep in mind that in this case one tip (here it will be on the right) will be sharp, and the second will be perpendicular to the wire, which is what we need.


In the same way, we cut the tail very, very close (or better, even with a meager margin) to the first cut.


We connect the ends of the ring. The closer they are to each other, the better.


And now we stick our ring on a wide adhesive tape, which is desirable to first fix on a flat surface (I have ceramic tiles or glass) with the sticky side up.


Since it is better to dilute the epoxy with at least 10 ml, then several blanks should be made at once, unless of course you want to throw away the excess diluted epoxy. It is very important to check the tightness of the ring to the surface.


Next, I fill the frames with artistic debris - inlays. In fact, it is advised to first pour the bottom layer, and then pour in the garbage, but since the time from kneading to solidifying the epoxy is limited, I do it in a different order.


So, the blanks are laid out, the tightness is checked, you can breed.


I use Ice Resin (odorless, liquid and almost no bubbles - the last point is important). I measure the same amount of resin and hardener...

It is very important to measure the exact amount of liquids. Epoxy is an insidious thing: a little more hardener and it will start to "goat" (that is, reach for the tool with such horns) too quickly; a little less - and you will wait until the lenses harden forever. :)

Once again: special epoxy, jewelry Ice Resin or Crystal Resin. It differs from the industrial one by the absence of smell, greater transparency and less bubbling. I ordered it here: http://vkontakte.ru/club13872192 - here it is:



Once upon a time I tried to make fillings with epoxy glue - the quality is much worse, it is more difficult to work with it and in general it is not intended for jewelry purposes.

I knead. At first, the resin becomes cloudy, opalescent stains appear in it - this is normal. We continue to stir for another minute and a half ... Until the mixture becomes transparent. Large bubbles will come out on their own, small ones gradually too. However, in the product they will need to be helped to "hatch". From the beginning of the kneading to the beginning of the "rising" of the epoxy, we have somewhere around 30-40 minutes.


Filling lenses. I use a rubber glass for oil (it will be further in the frame), I also expel bubbles with it.

Primary filling, as seen in the photo, does not completely cover the "garbage". This is fine. At this stage, we only need to create a "bottom" and fix the drawing. You can even pour even less - I overdid it in the frames in the lower right corner. :) For everything about everything, we have half an hour: pour, expel bubbles with a needle or a stack, make sure that the lenses are filled more or less evenly.
Now we exhale for 8-10 hours and hide our plates with fills on the far, dust-free shelf and cover with a lid, leaving a small gap for air between it and the shelf.


Stage two. After 8-10 hours the lenses are ready for refilling. Knead the epoxy again and carefully apply the second layer. It should cover all protruding parts.


Epoxy does not contain solvents, so it does not shrink when cured. In addition, it is viscous, so if you pour it "with a slide", then it will leak to the edge and stop there. But here it is important not to overdo it.


After another 8-10 hours, we open our lenses from adhesive tape. On the
At this stage, they look terrible. Now we take the solvent and wash off the remnants of adhesive tape. Alcohol, gasoline, white-spirit, acetone or nail polish remover will do.


Pour the third layer from the inside and dry for another 8-10 hours. Voila. :) You can drill, insert into a frame, braid with wire and everything else that your heart desires.

More epoxy work




My favorite heather. :)


Heather bracelet


The poppies are plastic, but the lemon balm petals and blades of grass are natural (and the herbarium came in handy).

Bracelet "Fresh water". River pearls, mother-of-pearl and other rubbish. :)

Jasper chips, aventurine glass, fluorite sand and mother-of-pearl chips in jewelry epoxy and gilded wire. Pendant "tie"


Lapis lazuli, mother-of-pearl, dried heather, fluorite sand in epoxy and gilded wire. A bracelet.


Bracelet and medallion.

Epoxy resin is synthetic, it is used in various industries. From this material, you can independently make a variety of products.

How to make resin for crafting?

To make an epoxy composition yourself, you need to prepare the resin and hardener. If a large amount of resin is made, then significant heat will emanate from it, which is created as a result of polymerization. Some resins may cure instantly when a hardener is added. If special rules are not observed, the composition may boil, during which smoke is released, and the resin deteriorates, sometimes it can even catch fire. In such cases, it will not be possible to produce a product of high quality.

When purchasing a resin, it is necessary to study all its technical properties, and what it is intended for. After the reaction, a transparent product in solid form is obtained from the composition.

Making the resin at home is done by heating it before adding the hardener. Thus, it is possible to produce products of volumetric dimensions, while the viscosity of the composition decreases. Heating is performed in a water bath, then the resin is immersed in a prepared container with water, and cooled to 50 degrees.

This method of heating helps to prolong the curing time of the resin. During boiling, foam forms on the surface of the composition, the color of which gradually becomes cloudy. Such a resin cannot be used for the manufacture of products; first, it is necessary to reduce the viscosity by adding a solvent. But with the addition of such materials, the quality of the composition decreases, the products become less durable.

In the manufacture of the composition, there should be no water in the resin itself and the hardener. Otherwise, the composition will be cloudy and of poor quality. A plasticizer is added to the resin while the mixture is gradually heated. For thorough mixing of the components, use a construction-type mixer or a drill with a special nozzle. The plasticizer is added to the resin in an amount of 5 to 10 percent.

After the plasticizer has been added, the hardener begins to be introduced, at this time the resin should have a temperature of 30 degrees, that is, the composition should not boil. In order for the resin to solidify qualitatively, it is well stirred, hardener is added up to 10 percent. In order for the composition to be homogeneous, the hardener must be added slowly and gradually. If the amount of hardener exceeds the norm, the resin will boil and become unsuitable for the manufacture of products. To prepare a significant amount of resin, the components are mixed with a drill. After adding the hardener to the composition, the resin gradually solidifies completely and becomes solid.

How to make epoxy resin products yourself?

In order to pour a large resin product, it is necessary to adhere to a certain technology, the object must have transparency, without the formation of bubbles in the inside. The resin should cure evenly, in the inner and outer parts. If the product has a thickness of more than 2 millimeters, then the resin is applied in layers. Each subsequent layer is applied on top of the already frozen previous one.

The resin can be poured into special molds, which are first lubricated with petroleum jelly so that the finished products can be easily removed.

To give the product the desired color, use a special powder dye. After the molds are filled, it is necessary to maintain a certain temperature for about three hours for complete polymerization. Full polymerization takes about a week, in order for this process to be faster, the product is placed in a special oven.

After hardening, the product is taken out of the mold, cut, ground and polished. For the manufacture of resin products, it is necessary to select a composition with high polymerization, otherwise it will harden unevenly.

Features of Epoxy Acrylic

Epoxy resin is a synthetic material, it is used in various industries. But in order for the resin to become solid, the addition of a hardener is necessary. In the manufacture of products, other materials can also be combined with resin, such as wood or applications for jewelry. Epoxy resin has the following advantages:

  1. The material is resistant to acid environment, chemicals, alkalis;
  2. Epoxy resin is also highly resistant to moisture and UV;
  3. After hardening, the resin shrinks slightly, no harmful substances are released;
  4. Epoxy resin products are highly resistant to wear and abrasion.

The epoxy composition is mixed with a hardener, the number of components is indicated on the packages. After that, a polymerization reaction occurs, and then the mixture hardens, and can be hard or soft, in the form of rubber. Phenols are used as hardeners, these substances lead the composition to polymerization. After hardening, epoxy resin cannot be brought into a liquid state.

If the wrong amount of hardener is added to the resin, the resulting product will be of poor quality, will not harden, or drops of the substance will be released on its surface in the future, it may stick. To determine the amount of hardener, you must follow the instructions for the epoxy resin.

If you add a lot of hardener in order to speed up the process, you can spoil the product, since it will take some time to harden. In order for the polymerization reaction to proceed faster, it is necessary to increase the temperature by heating to the required temperature. When the temperature is raised by 10 units, the reaction occurs up to three times faster. Some types of resin can harden when cold, but the process is faster as the temperature rises.

Epoxy resin products have high strength, low moisture absorption, good resistance to wear and mechanical damage.

Features of the use of epoxy resin for pouring products

In order for the epoxy to harden, the material can be worked at temperatures up to 180 degrees, in proportion to the hardener. Resins can be cold or hot cured. The material of the first type is used at home or when there is no possibility of increasing the temperature. In order for products to have high strength, good resistance to temperature changes, and chemical substances, it is necessary to work with hot-set resin.

Epoxy resin can be used in various fields:

  1. Epoxy resin is used to impregnate glass fabrics or threads, which are used in various industries.
  2. The material can perform the function of waterproofing, they are treated with basement rooms, pools, floor and wall surfaces.
  3. With the help of epoxy type resin, coatings can be made that will be resistant to chemicals. Epoxy resin can be included in paints and varnishes that are used for interior and exterior decoration. Also, epoxy material can be part of the materials that are used to process wood, concrete, and metal.
  4. Epoxy resin is used for the manufacture of large products that are used in the interior and household.
  5. From this material, you can make various types of jewelry, which are highly durable, souvenirs, and other products.
  6. Epoxy resin is capable of acting as an adhesive composition. With its help, you can glue materials with different surfaces.

Some types of hardeners that have cold polymerization are not difficult to work with, since special proportions are not necessary. On the basis of epoxy-type resin, special glue can be made, which is reliable and durable, it is used in various industries.

To prepare a transparent product, a hardener must be added to the resin and mixed thoroughly. And then proceed to pouring the prepared and lubricated forms, after complete solidification, the product is ready.

How to prepare a colored epoxy composition for the manufacture of products?

To prepare a colored epoxy composition, special dyes are added, which must be evenly distributed throughout the material. Otherwise, the products will be painted in places, the dyes must be of high quality in order to prevent clouding of the composition.

To color the resin, various types of dyes are used: oil, typographic, acrylic and stained glass. The dye should not be more than 5 percent, it is added gradually, one drop at a time, noticing the result. If the dye is an oily type, then it can be preliminarily put on paper so that it absorbs excess oil. With the help of stained glass materials, a transparent look is obtained. But also for epoxy, special dyes can be used. Such coloring components are added to the composition before the hardener.

Moisture must not be allowed to enter the epoxy, so water-based dyes are not used. Water can be used if haze or streaks are required, thus mimicking amber. At the same time, only two drops of water are added to the composition.

Epoxy resin can be mixed with a polyester compound, but these two components are not used without hardeners.

Before pouring the composition, the molds are lubricated with technical fat so that the product can be removed well in the future. During hardening, the viscosity of the resin gradually changes, at first it is liquid, at this time the material is poured into special forms of a simple and complex type. Then the resin begins to thicken, and you can make a slight bulge of a rounded or oblong appearance. According to this composition, manually or using a template, you can make a drawing. Gradually, the resin becomes thicker, and the execution of sophisticated patterns on the surface becomes impossible, but the composition in this form can be used as an adhesive.

After that, the resin becomes like rubber, there is no stickiness, but the product can be bent into the desired shape. In this case, the product can be given an original look by deforming the shape, in the future it will harden and be solid. At the final stage, the resin is completely solid, and the product is considered finished.

After complete solidification, all defects and edges are sanded with sandpaper, while the gloss of the product will be lost. To renew it, a final coating with epoxy resin is performed on top, and final drying.

In the manufacture of jewelry, holes are made using a thin drill. Also, when pouring the material into molds, silicone sticks are inserted into the composition, which do not stick to the epoxy resin, as a result, after solidification, finished holes are obtained.

Epoxy resin can be used to make various beads, pendants, earrings, rings, souvenirs, as well as large items.

Epoxy Resin Safety Rules

Epoxy resin in liquid form has an increased toxicity, therefore, in the manufacture of products, it is necessary to follow all the rules for safe work:

  1. For the composition, you can not use a container that is later used in food.
  2. If the composition gets on the skin, you can get burns, so it is recommended to work in protective clothing, gloves, goggles. It is also necessary to wear a respirator so that the vapors do not enter the respiratory system.
  3. If the composition gets on the skin, then it must be urgently washed off with soapy water.
  4. If the room for work is of a closed type, then it is necessary to ensure high-quality ventilation. When grinding products, all dust is collected with a vacuum cleaner. Resin can be stored for only a year, after which it is not suitable for use.

Epoxy can be used to make various items, it is actively used in industry and construction. Unusual decorations are made from such material, they are poured into prepared forms, and after a day the material hardens due to the hardener.

Advantages of Epoxy

Epoxy products have a number of advantages, first of all, they are distinguished by good resistance to acidic environments and chemical compositions. After curing, the workpiece does not emit toxic substances, and also does not shrink. Items are durable, and low moisture absorption. The resin has a long service life, that is, increased wear resistance.
Hardening takes time, adding a larger portion of the hardener does not speed up the process. In order for the resin to quickly harden, the material is heated, increasing the temperature by 10 degrees of the prescribed indicator.
Some material may solidify without heating. The curing speed is affected by temperature, and the type of material with which you have to work.

Using epoxy to pour various objects?

In order for the composition to freeze, it is necessary to perform work at a certain temperature of -5, +190 degrees. That is, resins can be of two types, cold and hot curing. When doing do-it-yourself work, cold hardening material is usually used, this makes it possible to manufacture products if it is not possible to perform heating for some reason.
In order for the manufactured items to be resistant to aggressive substances, it is necessary to perform work by heating.
Epoxy resin is used in different directions, it is impregnated with fiberglass, which is used in mechanical engineering or radio electrics. The material can serve as an excellent waterproofing, so the resin can provide reliable protection for basements, pools or flooring. Resin is used to make various decorations for rooms to give originality to the interior.

Proper preparation of the composition

For the manufacture of resin products, it is necessary to prepare materials, that is, epoxy resin and hardener. When working, it must be taken into account that when a lot of resin is heated, a large amount of heat can be generated.
There are several types of resin that can cure instantly or after mixing with a hardener. When working with such material, it is necessary to follow the correct technology, otherwise the resin may boil and deteriorate. Therefore, when choosing a material, you need to consult with the seller about the method of preparing the resin. After hardening, a transparent uniform workpiece should be obtained.
To make large or bulky items, a plasticizer is added to the composition, and the temperature is increased by heating the material, the viscosity of the epoxy becomes lower. The resin is heated in a water bath, then the material is lowered into a bowl of water, and cooled to 50 degrees. This method of heating can increase the solidification of the resin. If the composition boils, foam will appear on top, and the liquid becomes cloudy. Such a mixture is not used, it is necessary to reduce the viscosity of the material, for this a solvent is added, but this will affect the quality of the product.

Water must not get into the resin or hardener, otherwise the composition will begin to become cloudy. A plasticizer is added to the resin, gradually heating the material. To thoroughly mix all the ingredients, use a special electric mixer or a drill with a nozzle. The plasticizer is added in an amount of up to 10 percent.
Then the hardener is poured, the resin is pre-cooled to 30 degrees. In this case, the ratio of substance and resin is 1 to 10. All components must be well mixed in order to obtain a high quality product. The hardener is poured in gradually to avoid boiling of the resin.

Self-pouring items

When performing work, it is necessary to act consistently, adhering to a certain technology. The manufactured object must be of high quality and be transparent, it must not contain air bubbles. It is necessary to achieve uniform solidification of the resin from the inside and outside.
The resin is poured into prepared molds, which are lubricated with petroleum jelly so that the workpiece can be easily removed. To give the workpiece a certain color, various dyes are used in powder form. Three hours after pouring the mold, the resin begins to harden. Full solidification of the product occurs within a week.
Then proceed to trimming and polishing the product. When using dyes, the powder in the composition must be thoroughly mixed so that the coloring is uniform. Coloring elements must be of high quality, otherwise the resin may become cloudy.

Resin Safety Rules

When working, it must be remembered that the resin releases toxic substances during heating, so all protective equipment should be used.

  1. When performing work, do not use food utensils, which will later be used for food. Such containers are considered unsuitable for food purposes.
  2. Hands must be protected with long gloves so that there are no burns or an allergic reaction. Goggles are worn to protect the eyes, and a respirator will ensure respiratory safety.
  3. The resin is stored for about a year, and then it is considered unsuitable for the manufacture of products, so the material must be used within this period.
  4. If the resin gets on the skin, it is abundantly washed off with soapy water. This must be done immediately so as not to get burned.
  5. If the composition is prepared indoors, then it should be well ventilated.
  6. All components must be at hand in order to quickly complete the necessary work. Forms can be made independently or purchased in stores.

How to make resin jewelry?

To make earrings, you need resin and dried flowers of forest grass. First, the epoxy composition is prepared, using the instructions, all the ingredients are mixed, after which the material is left to make the necessary viscosity appear, this takes about 2 hours. After this time, air bubbles will disappear from the mixture.

  1. Stencils of any arbitrary shape are drawn on paper, they can be round, oval or unusual.
  2. Then it is necessary to prepare the surface, it is covered with oilcloth. There should be no grains or dust particles on the surface. And its structure should be smooth without differences, and flaws.
  3. Stencils are laid on the film, ordinary files are placed on top. Resin is poured onto the file, and distributed over the entire stencil, the edges are formed with a toothpick. The filling is made up to 3 centimeters high, and covered with an oilcloth dome on top to prevent dust from entering the surface of the product.
  4. Then the molds are left for a day to harden. After that, the blanks are removed from the film, and they are shaped with a nail file or sandpaper. Thus, the processing of the edges of the product is performed.
  5. Now you need to prepare a new portion of the composition, and decompose the dried flowers. To do this, a little resin is applied to the product and dry blades of grass are glued to it, left to dry, and again covered with epoxy. Give the product its final shape with sandpaper.
  6. At the tip of the product, a hole is drilled into which the ear is threaded. After that, the product is considered ready.

To make a resin bracelet, you need to use a special mold, mold. At the same time, the filling is performed slowly, the more accurately the work is done, the less grinding needs to be done. Sprigs are laid in a circle, and the leaves of dried flowers are straightened with a toothpick. To remove air from the product, the mold is placed in the oven for 15 minutes, while the temperature should not exceed 80 degrees. Then the form is taken out, and the product is left to solidify.

When the bracelet is completely frozen, it is removed from the mold, all uneven areas are polished with sandpaper. To add shine to the surface of the product, it is coated with acrylic-based varnish. Also, countertops are made from epoxy resin, for this it is necessary to prepare the old surface, build formwork along the edges, and evenly pour the composition. Dried flowers, coins or other decorative elements can be placed inside the resin. With the help of resin, they make an original floor in the bathroom with shells, starfish or other unusual decorations. For a beautiful picture, prints are used. You can also make unusual decorative decorations for the room, which will emphasize the interior.