Resin casting Questions

[Pete L.]

Folks,

 I'm like to resin cast some small parts for my vintage slot cars, specifically wheel inserts. They're basically like the hubcaps included in model car kits. My question is what product would the members of this board recommend for this beginner's project ?

Thank you,

Pete L.

[Len Woodruff]

I prefer Smooth On products. I get them from Reynolds Materials. I buy their sample kit. It is enough to do many many small items. 

Edited February 5, 2017 by Len Woodruff

[Greg Wann]

http://smcbofphx.proboards.com/board/45/resin-casting

http://www.platingsales.com/index.html

Hi Pete,

  Here is a link to some of my casting projects.  I have been posting here for several years.  This should be helpful in your quest.  In order for you to successfully learn to do casting work, proper equipment is important.  Most silicone manufacturers will state that no vacuum may be needed to make good bubble free molds but not real parameters are given.  Like how deep is the mold going to be?  For me a body mold can be 3 inches or more deep.  I use Smooth On Mold Star 30 for mold making.  I buy gallon kits.  They sell a product called SLO JO.  This is a thinner that will cause the silicone to take longer to cure.  You also do not want to work in a room over 78 degrees.  The silicone will start gelling very quickly.  You do have the option of refrigerating the silicone for a few minutes before mixing and pouring.  Vacuuming will become important for your resin also.  It will accumulate moisture quickly.  If you are making parts and they look like foamy BLAH_BLAH_BLAH_BLAH it is loaded with moisture.  Resin gets very hot when curing so the added moisture will cause a lot of problems.  Vacuuming the resin bottles is the first thing I do when I begin for the day.  I am in process of moving to a 2 acre property with a 800 SF shop on it.  I found a company sells chrome plating equipment.  I am interested in doing this too.  A lot of old names in resin parts is closing due to age and or passing away.  Rocky and I will attempt to fill a void that is now needed.

Edited February 5, 2017 by Greg Wann

[Pete L.]

Folks,

 Thanks for all of the info, I'll get out sometime this week and pick up some materials and go from there.

 

Pete L.