Those that have done resin casting; what is your favorite casting resin?

[GMP440]

Wanted to get opinions from people that have cast resin; what is your favorite casting resin for larger parts and bodies?

Thank you.

George

[my66s55]

Hands down, Smooth On. Used it for years. Tried others, not the same. Also, there's a distributor in Orlando.

[Greg Wann]

SMOOTH - ON TASK 8 It will withstand a lot of heat.

[DrewCfromSC]

any information for a newbie to try a smoothon kit? Interested in trying to replicate 1/24 bodies.

[shucky]

IMO there isn't one "perfect" resin for everything. For small parts I use Alumilite white. It gives me extremely consistent results with nearly zero failed/bad parts and it cures on time every time with no odd or funny results. I can pour parts for 5-6 hours straight and not have a single bad part using Alumilite white. Smooth On for me has been hit or miss. I've tried 300 and 300Q. Both yield fine white parts but with more inconsistent results. Cure time varies even when my mold temps are spot on and measurements are perfect. The 300 cures too slowly for me (for small parts) and the 300Q cures too quickly and again inconsistently. To use up my batches of 300 and 300Q I've been doing more larger 2 piece molds where I can pour in my mixed resin and set it aside and forget about it. I do this because of the inconsistent and wildly varying cure times.

To jump straight into casting bodies is going to be quite the task if your totally new at this. I'd suggest some on line tutorials or the DVD from Alumilite to get some tips.

For me, Alumilite white is hands down my favorite go to resin, yet I can see some use for the Smooth On versions that I've tried but not enough to recommend it.

Smooth On Onyx is another strange bird. Cure times all over the place. Good luck!

[Greg Wann]

George, I sent you a PM. I found out the silicone I was using shrinks some so I started using SMOOTH - ON Mold Star 30. It is a platinum silicone. It will not shrink. It mixes 1:1. It has a long library life. As I mentioned in my PM, BEWARE the words "DOES NOT NEED TO BE VACUUMED" or de aired. This might be true for molds that are say 3/4" deep. As soon as the silicone is mixed it will start curing. As those little bubbles you stirred in while mixing the two parts might not get to escape before the mixture gels up and cures. Getting an air bubble next to a part will really suck too. I have been down a long road for a learning curve. I want you to be successful. It will take time and patience. It is not all fun and games. I have a 90 Fox Mustang body that is just kicking my butt. I am working up the nerve to start the fourth body mold. I am just not able to make a body that is worthy of purchase. I am starting to get some recognition for my efforts and I am not going to blow it by getting bad press from simply being greedy. My name is on the line and Mike Schnurs name is too. Sorry for delays.

Greg

[goodguyinar416]

I have been casting for over 12 years now ABC Specialties and have used the same resin products from Glenmarc Industries in Chicago. They are fast at getting your items to you and have all the resin types you need. The prices are not that bad, but the service is awesome and I think so are the products.....

I get my rubber from Silicones Inc. in NC and again have used them for several years.

http://public.fotki.com/Goodguyinar416/

Both places usually get my order to me within 4 or 5 days...most of the time sooner!

http://www.glenmarc.com/

http://silicones-inc.com/

Edited April 11, 2014 by goodguyinar416

[GMP440]

I have casted parts and bodies in the past. I have used casting resin from Vagabond and the GI-1000 silicone rubber from Silicones INC. Those products worked well.

I did try the Alumilite resin 10010. That works pretty good too. Also, I used the silicone rubber from MPK. It's the 2125 and works well.

Just want to find out about the other resins and results people are getting.

Edited April 11, 2014 by GMP440

[goodguyinar416]

Good luck!

[OutaFocus]

I used Vagabond with great results. FYI, most "Pro" casters use, or used, Vagabond too. One great thing about them is you can custom order, different gel times and durometer (hardness). Pigments are available too.

Edited April 17, 2014 by OutaFocus

[ChrisBcritter]

What resin do the the big outfits (like Modelhaus) use?

[Ayatollah]

There is only one resin.

Plenty of "wanna - be's" though.

If you're going to bother making a decent master, use good materials.

[Greg Wann]

There is only one resin.

Plenty of "wanna - be's" though.

If you're going to bother making a decent master, use good materials.

I do not understand the statement there is only one resin. There is resin that sets slow, there is resin that sets fast, there is resin that will take a lot of heat, there is resin that is fireproof. You should look at the specification sheets that are online with products that SMOOTH - ON and other companies sell. Back when I first got into casting there was a company that was selling a silicone that would eventually turn back into a liquid. I don't think I dreamed that.

[GerN]

I only cast parts for myself, in one-part molds usually, so I'm a low-volume user.  I want a resin with very low VOC, or offensive odors, and one that is easy to carve, but reasonably strong for bodies.  Also, one which does not spoil before I can use it.  I've tried Alumalite, Smooth-On and MicroMark.  I prefer MicroMark 300CR, as it satisfies my requirements.  I've read that Smooth-On and Micromark come from the same source, but my experience is that S-O goes bad much quicker.

[Greg Wann]

I can assure you that SO makes there own products.  I like their TASK 8.